This Underrated and Mishandled Fighting Game Series Has Been Abandoned for Nearly a Decade

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Fighting games build incredibly loyal communities. It’s not just about impressive moves and difficult controls; it’s the feeling of personal responsibility for every win and loss, and the way the battles flow like a dance. That’s what draws me to the genre. I love the satisfaction of winning a tough match in games like *Super Smash Bros.* and *Street Fighter*. However, I have particularly strong memories of one fighting game that hasn’t received much attention lately and seems to be largely forgotten now.

Fighting games are experiencing a resurgence, and many fans are hoping to see a new installment in the *Soul Calibur* series. It’s been seven years since *Soul Calibur VI* came out, and Bandai Namco hasn’t shared any news about the future of the franchise. There haven’t been any updates or even a hint of a new game, which is frustrating for dedicated fans who believe *Soul Calibur* deserves to be among the top fighting games.

While Other Fighters Rise, Soul Calibur Sits Silent

Fighting games have become popular again recently. *Street Fighter 6* helped open them up to a wider audience with its easy-to-learn controls, and other games have followed suit. Titles like *Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls*, *Tekken 8*, *Mortal Kombat 1*, and *Guilty Gear Strive* have all gained a lot of attention. However, one series I really enjoy, *Soul Calibur*, hasn’t been part of this comeback, which is surprising.

There haven’t been any recent updates, celebrations, or remakes for this iconic fighting series. The only acknowledgement of its existence was a limited addition to the PS Plus service, which didn’t make much of an impact. This is particularly surprising given the series’ strong history. In the early 2000s, *Soul Calibur II* and *Soul Calibur III* truly raised the bar for fighting games. Each character blended historical accuracy with fantasy elements, the weapon-based combat felt unique, and the impressive 3D graphics made every fight feel like an epic movie scene.

I still remember being completely blown away by *Soul Calibur II*. The fact that they got Link from *The Legend of Zelda* to appear in the GameCube version felt huge – Nintendo rarely let their characters cross over like that! What I loved about it wasn’t just mindless button-mashing; it was a game where timing and strategy really mattered. *Soul Calibur* had such a distinct feel, and it’s a shame to see it isn’t as popular as it once was.

Soul Calibur Deserves More Than Tekken’s Shadow

The *Soul Calibur* series is made by Bandai Namco, who currently seem very focused on *Tekken 8*. That makes sense – *Tekken* is a well-known, popular game, and a major player in esports. However, it’s still disappointing for *Soul Calibur* fans like me, who’ve loved the series for years and always hoped both franchises would receive equal attention, to see so much time pass without any new developments.

Both *Tekken* and *Soul Calibur* significantly advanced 3D fighting games, building on the success of *Virtua Fighter*, but they did so in distinct ways. *Tekken* focused on realistic, close-quarters combat that demanded precise timing, while *Soul Calibur* emphasized fluid movement, creative combos, and skillful weapon use. *Soul Calibur* particularly stood out for its strategic depth in character matchups – a rare feat in fighting games. The diverse roster made experimenting with different characters a joy; while I usually played as Kilik and Mitsurgugi, I often found myself trying out others.

Even though *Soul Calibur* once stood out, it ended up being overshadowed by *Tekken*. *Soul Calibur VI* showed a lot of potential and felt like a fresh start for the series, but Bandai Namco didn’t fully support it after release. Updates and new characters came out very slowly, and the game was eventually left behind. This is in stark contrast to *Tekken 7*, which received much more attention and support from Bandai Namco.

A New Era Could Reignite Soul Calibur’s Forgotten Legend

Despite recent challenges, the fighting game scene is thriving, and this could be exactly what *Soul Calibur* needs to make a comeback. New trends like easier-to-learn gameplay, reliable online connections, and the ability to play with others on different platforms create a perfect opportunity to revitalize the series and bring *Soul Calibur* back into the spotlight. A new *Soul Calibur VII* designed for today’s consoles could be incredible.

The fighting feels incredibly polished, with both familiar and new characters to choose from. I especially love how detailed the character customization options are. Combined with a story inspired by real historical events, this game has the potential to be a major draw for players. Plus, smooth online play and official tournaments backed by Bandai Namco could really establish it as a top-tier esports title, appealing to everyone from competitive pros to casual gamers.

While many hoped for more excitement around Miary Zo in *Tekken 8*, the response has been disappointing. This suggests the fighting game community might be ready for something new, and a return of *Soul Calibur VII* could be perfect. *Soul Calibur* offers a unique fighting experience, which is why fans miss it so much. I think a new *Soul Calibur* game, or even updated versions of *Soul Calibur II* and *III*, could reignite the series and bring something fresh to the fighting game scene – something that’s been missing for almost a decade.

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2025-10-19 22:10