Status:
Complete and Play Tested
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SoulCalibur VI (Xbox One) Review
Bandai Namcos weapons-based fighter returned in 2018 after a six-year hiatus, and SoulCalibur VI feels both like a home-coming and a soft reboot. Built on Unreal Engine 4, it re-examines the series 16th-century lore, restores beloved mechanics, and wraps it all in one of the most generous single-player packages the franchise has offered.
Gameplay & Mechanics
| System | How It Works | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Eight-Way Run 2.0 | Free 3-D movement with smoother start-up and less tracking horizontals. | Sidesteps once again beat verticals, restoring the classic RPS footsies. |
| Reversal Edge | Hold RB to parry / slow-mo clash leading to rock-paper-scissors follow-ups. | Stylish entry point for newcomers; pros use it for guard-pressure mind-games. |
| Lethal Hit | Contextual counters (e.g., whiff-punish, side-hit) trigger slow-mo, big stun, extra damage. | Rewards matchup knowledge and precision. |
| Soul Charge | Spend one Critical Gauge bar to power-up, unlock new strings, chip damage. | Comeback engine that keeps meter meaningful even if your Critical Edge is blocked. |
| Guard Impact | Returns to universal parry at the cost of 0.5 bar, no high/low splitting. | Makes defense proactive without being free. |
Gameplay strikes a satisfying balance: SC VI is pick-up-and-play flashy, yet frame-data deep for tournament grinders. Netcode (delay-based, not rollback) is solid on good pings but shows hiccups across continents.
Roster & DLC
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Base 21 fighters: Series staples (Mitsurugi, Sophitia, Taki) plus newcomers GrØh and guest Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher.
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DLC Seasons added Cassandra, Haohmaru (Samurai Shodown), Hwang, Setsuka, and create-a-soul partsworth it if you live online.
Every weapon style feels distinct; Geralts Signs and meter-less chaining fit seamlessly.
Single-Player Content
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Libra of Soul Custom character RPG spanning a world map with loot, side quests, stat foods, and morality choices. ~15-20 hours.
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Soul Chronicle Story mode retelling SC I/II era through illustrated panels and bespoke battles for each character.
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Arcade, Versus, Training Robust, with frame display and combo recording.
Creation Suite returns with layering, stickers, scaling, and meme potentialonline lobbies quickly fill with Shrek knights and Gundam samurai.
Graphics & Audio
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1080p/60 fps on Xbox One (dynamic 4 K on Series X via FPS Boost).
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Particle-heavy Reversal Edge flashes light up stages like Astral Chaos without frame drops.
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Character models finely detailedcloth physics, metal reflectionsbut background crowds are static.
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Score blends orchestral swells and ethnic instruments; Geralt brings Witcher 3 themes. English and Japanese VO both strong.
Pros & Cons
Pros
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Tight, accessible combat with high skill ceiling
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Two lengthy story modes and limitless creation tools
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Reversal Edge and Soul Charge add fresh layers without alienating veterans
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Guest character Geralt fits naturally and feels powerful yet fair
Cons
Netcode acceptable but not rollback-grade
Visuals crisp but stage variety limited (many night marshes / ruins)
Some Season-Pass characters feel sorely missed from base roster
Final Verdict
SoulCalibur VI is a triumphant revival: mechanically faithful, content-rich, and newcomer-friendly without diluting its competitive core. Whether youre here to lab frame traps, craft abominations in the character creator, or slice friends in couch versus, SC VI delivers.
Score: 9 / 10 A steel-clashing return to form that carves out a spot among the best fighters of the generation.
