It’s been quite some time since a new SoulCalibur game has been released and, with E3 2017 just around the corner, we are really hoping that Bandai Namco surprises us with news about a new game. With so many great fighting games being released, such as Injustice 2 and Tekken 7 one can’t help but think that the time is right for a new SoulCalibur game to be released too.
While SoulCalibur has been known for its innovative weapon-based combat system, it is the guest fighters that have always grabbed player’s attention. In the past, we’ve had renowned Jedi Master Yoda, heavy-breathing Darth Vader, and even Link from the Zelda series making and appearance. This got me thinking, what other famous weapon-wielding characters would I like to see as guest fighters in the next SoulCalibur game?
He-Man – I have the power!
Now, I know this is a long shot but, come on, who wouldn’t want to see Eternia’s most powerful warrior entering the battlefield atop Battle Cat? Maybe it’s just the 80’s kid in me but seeing He-Man facing off against Cervantes would make me the happiest guy on earth. He could even start a match as Prince Adam and, by attacking, build up a charge meter, similar to Injustice, which would allow him to transform into He-Man. With the rumoured He-Man movie being worked on, this would be the perfect time to include him in a well respected and loved gaming franchise. His sister She-Ra and Arch Nemesis Skeletor could even be added as DLC at a later stage.
Deadpool – Breaking that 4th wall.
Although Deadpool hasn’t had much success in the gaming industry, a stint as a guest fighter in a new SoulCalibur game could be just what the Merc With A Mouth needs to revive his somewhat failed gaming career. Not only is Deadpool a formidable wielder of swords, but he would also bring some much-needed comedy to an otherwise overly serious franchise. Having Deadpool shout at you to ‘GET GUD’ if you find yourself losing a match would be priceless. Of course, there’s nothing stopping him from sneaking a few shots in between swinging his sword around and winking at the ladies. Those of you who want to see Deadpool guest star in a SoulCalibur game please lift up your hands. You, yes you, I don’t see your hand.
Snake Eyes – Blind but deadly.
He’ll fight for freedom whenever there’s trouble, GI Joe is there! Man, I loved the 80’s, an era filled to the brim with so many bright colours and radical stuff including, you guessed it, ninjas. And although the recent GI Joe movies didn’t really do it for me, there was at least one redeeming factor and that is Snake Eyes. As a master of hand to hand combat, who wouldn’t want to play as the ultimate bad-ass blind ninja? As probably one of the most famous GI Joes, Snake Eyes would make for a formidable foe, swinging his katana, throwing his shrunken and basically being an all-around deadly opponent.
Kylo Ren – Unleash the force
No Soul Calibur game would be complete without the inclusion of a Jedi or Sith. As both Yoda and Darth Vader have had their chances to star, and while they were both welcome additions, I think it’s time for Vader’s nephew to step into the limelight. Love him or hate him, there is no doubt that Kylo Ren would make an intimidating addition to the SoulCalibur franchise (as long as he keeps his mask on), especially with the next film in the franchise being released at the end of the year. Kylo Ren would obviously have access to a slew of Jedi/Sith abilities such as force push, pull and even force choke. Combining these with his lightsaber skills could make Kylo Ren a worthy addition to the roster.
The Prince Of Persia – Time is on my side.
Before Ubisoft had an Assassin’s Creed franchise, there was another franchise with a wall running hero that they decided to shelf, The Prince of Persia. The franchise starred the titular Prince as he used all of his wall-running, sword fighting and even magic abilities to save his kingdom/ the princess. It was basically Assassin’s Creed before Assassin’s Creed. What would make the Prince an interesting addition is his use of the mystical weapon called The Dagger of Time, which allows him mastery over time. Being able to freeze your opponent, or even rewind time, could prove valuable when facing off against a particularly deadly foe. Adding this to the game’s fighting mechanics could be difficult but, if done correctly, would ensure a move set like no other. Oh, and did I mention that he is also quite good at wielding a scimitar? Basically, he would be a dual-wielding, time-manipulating Prince of ass-kicking.
Pit – You have my bow.
Any good SoulCalibur fighter would need at least one Nintendo character. While Link filled that role perfectly, it is time for him to step aside. So, which Nintendo character would make a great addition to the franchise you ask? Well, having already appeared in another fighting game (Smash Bros.), I think that Pit from the Kid Icarus games would be a great fit. Using Palutena’s bow, he can attack enemies from a distance or smash them when they come to close. This, along with his ability to fly, will ensure that he has an interesting if somewhat unconventional move set.
Geralt of Rivia – Unleash the White Wolf
How can Geralt not be included on the list? He’s mean, he’s tough and he’s a master swordsman. On top of that, he is genetically manipulated to be quicker, stronger and more resilient than any normal old squishy human. This, along with his ability to cast magic signs and fashion deadly bombs, would make The White Wolf more than capable of taking on even the strongest of opponents. Incorporating the different magic signs into his moves set would be brilliant and could allow for some interesting fighting mechanics. And don’t forget about his deadly crossbow skills. Basically, Geralt has it all. It’s amazing to think that he hasn’t made an appearance in SoulCalibur game yet.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Cowabunga!
It’s clear by now that I loved the 80’s and what is more 80’s than the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? And I’m not talking about those monstrosities that Micheal Bay created, I’m talking about the original cartoon Turtles, you know before they became all dark and gritty. The only problem I can see with this is that it would be tough deciding which Turtle to add (as everybody has their own favourite one). The easy answer for me would be all four. Unfortunately, the chance of that happening would be slim. If I was held hostage by the Foot Clan and forced to choose, it would have to be Raphael. His Sai’s would make for a deadly medium-range weapon and allow for a more close-range move set. Obviously, he would also be able to use his shell in creative ways both defensively and offensively. Turtle Power!
Sub-Zero – Ice to meet you.
With NetherRealm successfully reviving the Mortal Kombat franchise, it would make sense to have a character from the series appear in a new SoulCalibur game. Especially, since Mortal Kombat Annihilation already introduced weapons to the lore. And what wouldn’t be better than seeing everybody’s favourite ice wizard-ninja Sub-Zero beating the crap out of Siegfried with his Kori blade? Sub-Zero’s freezing abilities would definitely mix up the traditionally close-range combat, although finding a balance between his close range and long-range attacks could prove tricky. Having said this, nothing would make me happier than freezing my opponent in place and shattering them using my blade. Hey, maybe they could even sneak in a fatality as an Easter egg.
Cloud Strife – My sword is bigger than yours.
There are a surprising amount of tutorials online about how to create Cloud in the SoulCalibur character creator. This can mean only one thing: lots of people really want Cloud to be in a SoulCalibur game. So why not give the people what they want? With the Final Fantasy 7 remake in production, now would be as good a time as any to include the pointy-haired hero in the game. His overly sized Buster sword (really Cloud, are you over-compensating for something?) would make for one deadly weapon and his use of Magic Materia means that he would be able to cast spells in order to attack foes from a distance.
