SCEE inform us of what to expect from the PlayStation2 exclusive...

Following on from the first murmurings, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today confirmed an exclusive Playstation2 release for Soul Calibur III, with similar announcements expected in both America and Japan shortly.

Once again the story revolves around the Soul Calibur, a sword that has been created to oppose the Soul Edge, which as fans will know is an evil sword crafted to corrupt the human soul. The power of the Soul Edge drove many warriors and adventurers to seek it, but every time the evil blade rises, the Soul Calibur will appear to fight the brutality.

The countless severe battles between the blades have become legendary throughout the decades, with Soul Calibur III taking place towards the end of the 16th Century and witnessing the latest epic battle between good and evil.

As we revealed yesterday (by way of GamePro) the game features three new characters, we now know the names of those 3 characters and brief details about their weapons of choice. Zasalamel is described as a mysterious man who drags those who witness the sharp light from his giant scythe to the abyss of death (nice); Tira is an angel of darkness who possesses bird-like grace and uses twin Ring Blades to defeat her opponents; while Setsuka provides the eye-candy, a wandering beauty on a lonely journey – she lives for revenge with her sword hidden in an umbrella!

As widely expected the major innovation comes for the ability to create your own character, while a variety of other modes feature:

• Story Mode allows players go through the story of the game at a depth and is unique to each character.
• Lost Chronicle allows players to use a combination combat strategy simulation and fighting game elements.
• Soul Arena allows players to battle in special situations; World Competition lets players battle through virtual tough opponents to get to the top.
• Standard Mode is a simple 2-player fighting mode that offers a quick battle.
• Special Mode is another 2-players fighting mode that offers rich variations of battle features and special situations.
• Competition Mode lets either single or multiple players to fight through a tournament knockout or a league competition.
• Practice lets you practice your skills before going into battle.
• Museum Mode that allows players to check items obtained in the game and view the history of the Soul Calibur series.

Although it’s has yet to be officially confirmed online play isn’t mentioned and looks extremely unlikely at this stage; we’ll have more information soon.