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Soulcalibur VI is a fighting game in the Soulcalibur series developed and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Produced by "Project Soul", an internal production studio within Bandai Namco that manages the series, the game was released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows in 2018. The sixth installment in the Soul Series, it kept many of the familiar gameplay elements including a full 3D plane, “8-Way Run”, "Guard Impacts", character creation and a strong focus on weapon-based combat. Soulcalibur VI, however, adds to the traditional formula by introducing new mechanics such as Reversal Edge and the newly revamped Soul Charge. Soulcalibur VI received mostly positive reviews, with praise being directed at its accessible gameplay, fast-pace and faithfulness to series highlights. Criticism was mostly directed at its DLC practices, online and the lack of returning characters.

Gameplay
Following the tradition of prior installments, Soulcalibur VI gameplay involves two weapon-wielding combatants battling against one another on a 3D plane. Soulcalibur VI focuses on a rock-paper-scissors style of gameplay, with verticals beating horizontals, horizontals beating kicks and kicks beating verticals. This style is shown in more detail with the new mechanic, “Reversal Edge”. The game introduces a new mechanic known as the "Reversal Edge", which allows players to defend against an oncoming attack and quickly strike back, alongside a slow-motion effect, enabling more options in player defense. Additionally, Soulcalibur VI featured a updated version of the Soul Charge mechanic from previous entries. However, in Soulcalibur VI, Soul Charge allows players to enter powerful state, with numerous moves being altered and improved from their regular versions. It also allows the player to create space by knocking back the opponent when it is activated. Another returning mechanic is the “Guard Impact”, a mechanic that allows the player to parry an incoming attack with no damage if inputted with a specific timing. Other mechanics include Lethal Hits and Critical Edge. Lethal Attacks are based on character-specific requirements which, when completed, do enhanced damage and destroy the opponent’s armor. Critical Edge is mechanic that uses a bar of meter to release a powerful desperation attack, similar to supers in other fighting games. Soulcalibur VI also features a number of unique gameplay modes, including character creation and two story modes, Libra of Soul and Soul Chronicle. Libra of Soul is a full story mode with a RPG-focused progression. In comparison, Soul Chronicle is a more traditional arcade mode focused on specific characters.

Plot
In the main story mode, Soul Chronicle, it focuses on the events of the first Soulcalibur, with the main protagonist Kilik being a victim of the corrupting influence of the demonic sword Soul Edge. Following the events, that led him to killing everyone in his temple, he seeks out allies to help him defeat Nightmare and destroy Soul Edge once and for all. He ends up meeting with the warrior Xianghua and the pirate Maxi, who help him along his journey. Ultimately, Xianghua and Kilik shatter the sword, ending Nightmare's reign of terror. Ignoring this main story, there are a number of unique stories for each character in their specific Soul Chronicles. Furthermore, there is a larger story in Libra of Soul which involves a player-created character contesting with the world-dominating whims of the maniacal Azwel.

Music
Soulcalibur VI features the return of series veteran Junichi Nakatsuru, who has been the composer for all previous entries in the series. Nakatsuru took great influence from early entries in the series for his compositions, especially the first Soulcalibur. He first started his work on Soulcalibur 6 with a rendition of "Wings of Faith", a stage theme from the first game. He started his process early in development, using basic concepts and elements from the script to influence the theme and tone of his compositions. However, for the theme used from the Witcher series, they chose a song that would fit with the high-intensity battles that are common in the gameplay. The soundtrack was officially released as an add-on with the Collector's Edition for the final game.