Namco Bandai's fighter sequel Soul Calibur 4 has sold a total of 2.2 million copies since its July 2008 release, according to the publisher.

The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 title was reported to have shipped over 2 million copies one week after its July 31 launch.

Namco also reported a profit of $99.7 million for its third quarter ending December 31. The company's 2008 sales were largely supported by Soul Calibur IV, with help from Dragon Ball Z Burst Limit's 730,000 sales.

Ending the tyranny of system exclusive characters, Star Wars icons Darth Vader and Yoda make the leap to the other versions of Soul Calibur IV today, with Yoda hitting PS3 and Vader arriving on Xbox 360 as a $5 downloadable add-on.

The two join an existing array of downloadable content for the 3D fighter, including new costumes, many of which are commemorated in this new trailer from publisher Namco.

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Confirming the oft-speculated plan, publisher Namco Bandai has announced a blast of downloadable content that will bring the once platform-exclusive Star Wars characters from Project Soul's fighter Soul Calibur IV to the other console.

In other words, PlayStation 3 owners will be able to fight as the green mini-Jedi Yoda, whereas Xbox 360 players will finally have access to the mean old Sith Darth Vader. The content should fill the vacant character slot that is present in both versions.

The downloads are slated to hit Japan on October 23, with no North American date yet known. Yoda's PlayStation Store download will carry the price of 600 yen (roughly $5.91), and Vader will sell in the Xbox Live Marketplace for 400 Microsoft Points, equivalent to about 600 yen, though the North American value of 400 MS Points is $5.

Update: Namco Bandai has confirmed that the Vader and Yoda downloads will hit North America on October 23, with each selling for $5 through their respective marketplaces. Screenshots of the two characters dueling were also provided.

Though the game has been out for a while, the Xbox Live Marketplace is now offering a demo for Soul Calibur IV (PS3, X360).

Available in all Xbox Live regions, the demo for the fighting game sequel is a 695MB download.

When I first popped Soul Calibur IV into my Xbox 360, I was a bit overwhelmed. In the first few moments I was assaulted with talk of destroying equipment and armor, word of activating character skills, some type of one-hit kill Critical Finish thing.

As someone that sunk countless hours into Soul Calibur II but never touched Soul Calibur III, this was confusing, disappointing, and slightly worrisome. It seemed the sequel had lost the simple pick up and play mentality that defined its predecessors.

The more I've put into the game, the more that feeling of disappointment has lessened, replaced the familiar sensation of wanting, no, needing, to play more. However, there's still a twinge of disappointment, a notion that the sequel isn't everything I'd hoped for.

The online play has been problematic and prone to match-destroying lag. Character creation and customization isn't explained well, leading to much confusion. And despite pouring over all provided documentation, I still don't know how to... Read more

Namco Bandai has delivered another Soul Calibur IV (PS3, 360) video detailing the various new features included in the upcoming one-on-one fighter sequel.

Sporting online play and a somewhat bizarre cameo roster, Soul Calibur IV is poised to hit retail shelves next week.

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Following the release of several screenshot sets skewed towards the male fanbase, Namco Bandai has passed in new Soul Calibur IV screenshots perhaps best described as "for the ladies."

Ostensibly the boss character of Soul Calibur IV, newcomer Algol wields the series' legendary blades Soul Edge and Soul Calibur simultaneously, and looks to be a fearsome challenge for new and veteran players alike.

Soul Calibur IV hits the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on July 29.

In the tradition of previous updates, the latest screenshots from Namco Bandai's Soul Calibur IV (PS3, 360) are a firm reminder of the gaming industry's target demographic.

The company also distributed a total of five gameplay videos featuring match footage from the upcoming tournament fighter, slated for release on July 29. Shackvideo users can use the HD Stream.

Don't forget to check out the other four gameplay videos at Shackvideo.

As Soul Calibur IV's July 29 release draws near, publisher Namco Bandai has delivered new screenshots meant to highlight the game's character customization, which apparently lets players give combatants a duster weapon and kawaii cat ears.

"It's a poly-blend duster," guessed Shacknews founder Steve Gibson. "It's definitely not all natural. Which is suiting, considering the girl holding it." Namco further specified that players will be able to adjust their character's height, build, and voice.

Sporting online play and various Star Wars characters, Soul Calibur IV will arrive on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Following up on yesterday's revelation that Soul Calibur IV will feature another Star Wars fighter, publisher Namco has issued new screenshots and footage.

Hailing from LucasArts' Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, the Secret Apprentice will be the only Star Wars character to appear in both the Xbox 360 and PS3 releases of SC4. Yoda is exclusive to the Xbox 360 version and Vader only appears in the PS3 edition.

"The Secret Apprentice is a great fit for Soul Calibur, a franchise known for its over-the-top characters and frenzied fighting action," noted LucasArts' Haden Blackman.

A new trailer, including Secret Apprentice gameplay, is viewable below... Read more

It seems that Yoda and Darth Vader won't be the only Star Wars characters featured in the latest entry of Project Soul's long-running fighting series Soul Calibur.

Publisher Namco Bandai today revealed that the two will be joined by the Force-wielding Secret Apprentice, the main character from LucasArts' upcoming action title Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.

According to GameSpot, the Secret Apprentice will be the only Star Wars character to appear in both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 releases of Soul Calibur IV. Yoda is exclusive to the Xbox 360 version and Vader only appears in the PS3 edition.

Sporting online multiplayer--a first for the series--Soul Calibur 4 hits PlayStation and Xbox 360 on July 29. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed follows on September 16, with PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS and PSP editions in tow.

Female fighters Ashlotte, Shura, and Setsuka are shown off in this new batch of screenshots for Namco's upcoming Soul Calibur IV.

Due out on July 29, the sequel is set to hit the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Series standards Talim, Rock and Yoshimitsu are back in Nacmo's fighter sequel Soul Calibur IV, and now the developer has given us some proof.

Check out the new screenshots below, and make ready for the July 29 launch on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Along with our Soul Calibur IV hands-on preview, we also have a new trailer of the game for you guys to check out tonight.

Then you might just want to have a look at the ton of Soul Calibur 4 screenshots that have been released. I spy some undertit!

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Two days ago, Soul Calibur IV (PS3, X360) was just another game coming out this summer. Now, after playing a build of it at the recent Namco Bandai press event, I very much want that final disc in my hands.

I was a big fan of Soul Calibur and its sequel, but for whatever reason chose not to partake in the third entry to Project Soul's series. When following these long-running franchises, which typically change very little between iterations, I find it is sometimes necessary to sit one out. Gorging yourself is always more fun when preceded by a period of fasting.

Well, I might be done fasting. The first "next-gen" version of the game, Soul Calibur IV is a finely crafted graphical treat. Call me shallow for saying so, but this thing looks fantastic in motion, and the graphical boost alone is enough reason to rekindle my still-burning soul.

Character detail is exceptional, but even more impressive are... Read more

Fresh from its 2008 Editor's Day, publisher Namco Bandai has issued a smattering of screenshots and artwork from many of its upcoming titles, including Warhammer: Battle March (PC, X360), Tales of Vesperia (X360), Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm (PS3) and more.

If available, more information can be found by clicking on a game's name. Be sure to scope out the full post for all the goods, as there is so much media we couldn't possibly put it all on our front page.

Soul Calibur IV (PS3, X360) - July 29, 2008

Warhammer: Battle March (PC, X360) - September 2008 ... Read more

Publisher Namco Bandai has announced that Soul Calibur IV (PS3, X360) will ship to North American retailers on July 29, according to a report from GameSpot.

Like many other highly anticipated titles these days, the latest entry in the Project Soul-developed 3D fighting series will arrive in both regular and limited editions.

While the standard $59.99 release will just contain the game, the $79.99 Premium Edition will arrive in metal packaging, complete with an art book, tournament kit, and unspecified "extra customization content."

Revealed last June, Soul Calibur IV is the first of the franchise to feature online multiplayer. Continuing the tradition of Soul Calibur II's console-specific characters, it includes Star Wars icon Darth Vader as an exclusive playable character for the PlayStation 3 version, with counterpart Yoda appearing only in the Xbox 360 edition.

Check back with Shacknews later this evening for our hands-on impressions from the latest build of Soul Calibur IV.

Namco Bandai has released a set of screenshots for its upcoming fighter Soul Calibur IV (PS3, X360), featuring returning characters Amy, Cervantes, and Zasalamel.

The company also unveiled two more pieces of concept art from Project Soul's upcoming fighter, due out this summer on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Unlike previously gratuitous galleries, the following Soul Calibur IV screenshots are completely safe for work. Mostly. Namco also released a few pieces of concept artwork for Project Soul's anticipated sequel, due out this summer on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

Namco Bandai has just delivered 19 new screenshots of Project Soul's one-on-one fighter Soul Calibur IV, which is slated to arrive on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 this summer.

According to the company, the new screens illustrate two new environments and reveal the return of veteran combatants Maxi, Mina and Yun-Seong as playable characters. Sadly, the media blast did not include any additional glimpses of Yoda and Darth Vader.