End of a series

Soul Calibur V could be the end of the series. While previous games showed a slow sense of advancement with fighting mechanics and play modes, the game takes a huge, possibly franchise-killing step back.

The series has been known for strong single player components, but all we get here is a laughably bad one-hour story mode and three different ways of fighting computer opponents. While fighting games are about playing against other people, it’s disappointing to see the series lose so much.

The basic fighting is still solid, though it adds countless imbalances with the introduction of a super move system ripped straight from Street Fighter. The character roster also removes fan favorites such as Zasalamel in favor of characters such as scythe-wielding Pyrrha, a girl who whines the entire time she's fighting.

The only good thing about the game is the character creator, which has seen huge advancements. Making ungodly looking abominations, such as my deer-headed, horse-hooved man, is incredibly fun, but it doesn’t make up for all its problems.