View source for Soul Edge

{{Short description|1996 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Soul Edge
| image = Soul Edge arcade flyer.png
| caption = Japanese arcade flyer
| developer = [[Project Soul]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://games.ign.com/objects/943/943662.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821010505/http://games.ign.com/objects/943/943662.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 21, 2007 |title=IGN: Project Soul |publisher=Games.ign.com |access-date=2012-02-11}}</ref>
| publisher = [[Namco]]<br>'''PlayStation'''{{vgrelease|NA|[[Namco Hometek]]|EU|[[Sony Computer Entertainment]]}}
| series = ''[[Soulcalibur]]''
| director = Teruaki Konishi
| producer = Masuya Oishi
| designer = Hiroaki Yotoriyama<br />Koh Onda<br />Takayasu Yanagihara
| artist = Hiroshi Kuwabara<br />[[Tarō Okamoto]]<br />Kouji Mitsunaga
| programmer = Shinobu Nimura
| composer = Takayuki Aihara<br />Takanori Otsuka<br />'''PlayStation'''<br />[[Masumi Itō]]<br />Benten Maru<br />[[Aki Hata]]<br />[[Taku Iwasaki]]
| platforms = [[Arcade video game|Arcade]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]
| released = '''Arcade'''<br /> February 20, 1996<ref name="nam">{{cite web|url=https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/corporate/press/namco/51/51-046refer.pdf|title=
「ソウルキャリバーⅢ」参考資料|author=Bandai Namco}}</ref>{{efn|Some magazines claimed a premature release date of December 1995<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Protos: Soul Edge |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=76|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=November 1995|page=217}}</ref>}}<br /> May 16, 1996 (''Ver. II'')<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-06-05 |title=News |url=http://www.next-generation.com/news/0696.html |access-date=2023-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970605151042/http://www.next-generation.com/news/0696.html |archive-date=1997-06-05 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-06-06 |title=Soul Edge 2 Hits Arcades |url=http://www.next-generation.com/news/061096h.html |access-date=2023-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970606055550/http://www.next-generation.com/news/061096h.html |archive-date=1997-06-06 }}</ref><br /> '''PlayStation'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps/action/soulblade/similar.html?mode=versions |title=Soul Blade Related Games |publisher=GameSpot.com |access-date=2012-02-11}}</ref><br /> {{vgrelease|JP|December 20, 1996|NA|January 15, 1997<ref>{{cite web | url=https://psxdatacenter.com/games/U/S/SLUS-00240.html | title=Soul Blade - (NTSC-U) }}</ref>|PAL|May 1, 1997<ref>{{cite web | url=https://psxdatacenter.com/games/P/S/SCES-00577.html | title=Soul Blade - (Pal) }}</ref>}}
| genre = [[Fighting game|Fighting]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
| arcade system = [[Namco System 11|System 11]]<ref>{{cite journal|title=Soul Edge|journal=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=12|publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=December 1995|page=123}}</ref>
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Soul Edge'''''|ソウルエッジ|''Sōru Ejji''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 1996 [[fighting game]] developed and published by [[Namco]] for [[Arcade video game|arcades]]. It is the first installment in the ''[[Soulcalibur]]'' series. Introduced at the [[Japan Amusement Machine and Marketing Association|JAMMA]] [[Japan Amusement Expo|trade show]] in November 1995,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/maximum-the-video-game-magazine-issue-2-november-1995-uk/page/112/mode/2up|title=1995 JAMMA Show Report |magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|publisher=EMAP|issue=2|date=November 1995|pages=114|accessdate=January 2, 2021}}</ref> the full [[arcade game]] was released on February 20, 1996 (''Soul Edge'') and May 16, 1996 (''Soul Edge Ver. II'') on [[Namco System 11|System 11]] hardware,<ref name="nam" /> the same board used by [[Tekken (video game)|''Tekken'']] and ''[[Tekken 2]]''. Later in December, an upgraded and expanded version of the game was ported to the [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]]; this version was renamed '''''Soul Blade''''' outside Japan and released in 1997.

''Soul Edge'' is a 3D fighting game and was the second such game to be based on weapons, following ''[[Battle Arena Toshinden]]''<ref>{{Cite web |title=SOUL BLADE - (NTSC-U) |url=https://psxdatacenter.com/games/U/S/SLUS-00240.html |access-date=2024-08-29 |website=psxdatacenter.com}}</ref> (itself preceded by the 2D ''[[Samurai Shodown]]'' series). The plot centers upon the eponymous sword, rumored to offer unlimited power to anyone who can find and wield it, leading to nine warriors attempting to pursue the tenth who is rumored to have the sword. The game was a commercial and critical success, with praise given to graphics, gameplay and characters. It was followed up with ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]]'' in July 1998.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Soul Edge gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|Gameplay screenshot of a fight between [[Taki (Soulcalibur)|Taki]] and [[Voldo]]]]

''Soul Edge'' was created prior to the introduction of the so-called 8-Way Run. The characters can sidestep to either side by double-tapping down to move to the foreground or tapping down then up to the background. The jump maneuver (which in ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]]'' is more like a hop) moves the player higher into the air, even allowing it to pass above the opponent (much like in ''[[Tekken (video game)|Tekken]]''). The game uses an active block system performed by pressing the block button, and a combat system based on the three attack buttons: horizontal attack, vertical attack, and kick.

Character moves retain a feel of Namco's ''Tekken'' series. Each character has one or two slow but unblockable attacks. Each character is also capable of performing one or two "Critical Edge" attacks, consisting of a long series of linked hits, usually ending in a strong high attack. These moves require the input of a special combination of two parts: they are activated by pressing all three attack buttons together, and if it connects, the player has the chance of extending the combo with a character-specific sequence, which must be input during the attack. This attack depletes one-third of the Weapon Gauge when used.

The Weapon Gauge is a life bar for the character's equipped weapon. Each time the player blocks an attack, the bar depletes. If the bar is totally emptied, the weapon is lost and the character is forced to fight unarmed.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Soul Blade: A Little Bit of Soul Will Do you Right|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=91|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=February 1997|pages=116–7}}</ref> The unarmed move-lists are the same for every character. Another feature that was removed from ''Soulcalibur''{{'}}s engine is a [[rock paper scissors]] situation when two characters strike at the same time, locking their weapons; those who press the correct button have the advantage.

''Soul Edge'' uses an optional offensive block maneuver called the "Guard Impact" that allows players to intercept incoming attacks and push them back, resulting in a momentary opportunity for a free counterattack. Opponents, however, are also able to return a Guard Impact after receiving a Guard Impact, allowing for stalemate clashes until one opponent missed the subsequent timing. This gameplay feature is expanded in future ''Soul'' series games.

The game uses the ring out system, which is a forcible maneuver that ejects the opponent from the arena and gains an automatic victory for the round. To achieve a ring out, a character must be knocked outside the ring by an enemy (the player cannot accidentally or deliberately get a ring out by hopping out of the ring). The only exception to this rule is [[Cervantes de Leon|Cervantes]] and Inferno (known in this game as SoulEdge), who can get a ring out by themselves upon performing a certain special attack, as long as they are near the edge of the arena.

==Plot and characters==
{{Further|List of Soulcalibur characters#Introduced in Soul Edge|l1=Characters of Soul Edge}}

''Soul Edge''{{'}}s events take place in the year 1583.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.soularchive.jp/tmr/souledge/ano.htm|title=SOUL EDGEキャラクター資料館 御剣アナザーストーリー|website=www.soularchive.jp|access-date=2019-12-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=SoulCalibur: New Legends of Project Soul|last=Namco Bandai Games|publisher=Udon Entertainment|year=2014|isbn=978-1-92677-895-2|pages=11}}</ref> The game tells the tale of warriors searching for the ultimate sword, "Soul Edge". It has been given many names throughout history, such as "The Sword of Salvation", "The Sword of Heroes", and "The Ultimate Sword", among others. Many strong warriors searched for years, but very few actually found it. The sword, currently in the form of a twin pair of long swords, appeared mysteriously in an auction. It was taken by the dreaded pirate [[Cervantes de Leon]] and nothing is known of his fate thereafter. Presently, nine warriors from around the world ([[Hwang (Soul Edge)|Hwang]], [[Li Long]], [[Heishiro Mitsurugi|Mitsurugi]], [[Rock (Soul Calibur)|Rock]], [[Seong Mi-na]], [[Siegfried Schtauffen|Siegfried]], [[Sophitia Alexandra|Sophitia]], [[Taki (Soulcalibur)|Taki]], and [[Voldo]]) search for the sword for different reasons. Some desire its power, others want revenge. Some, believing that it is a benevolent sword, crave its support. Others, knowing of its evil nature, seek its destruction. Nothing is known for certain about the sword, except for one thing: it brings misfortune to those seeking it. What many do not know is that the sword's power is evil, feeding upon the souls of not only its victims but its wielder as well.

==Development and release==
''Soul Edge'' was developed as an experiment by Namco to explore the possibilities of a weapon-based fighting game;<ref name="makingof">{{cite journal |journal=[[Retro Gamer]] |issue=55 |title=The Making of Soucalibur |pages=53–54 |date=August 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/894728/the_making_of_soul_calibur.html |title=The Making Of: Soul Calibur |publisher=NowGamer |access-date=2013-08-11}}</ref> [[Samurai Shodown (1993 video game)|''Samurai Shodown'']] was one of the first of this type, while ''[[Battle Arena Toshinden]]'' was the first in 3D.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best-selling weapon based fighting videogame series |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.es/world-records/110520-best-selling-fighting-videogame-series-%E2%80%93-weapon-based |website=[[Guinness World Records]]}}</ref> ''Soul Edge'' was the first [[motion capture]] based video game created by using passive optical system markers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.motioncapturesociety.com/resources/industry-history |title=History of Motion Capture |publisher=Motioncapturesociety.com |access-date=2013-08-10}}</ref>

''Soul Edge'' was initially released in [[video arcade|arcades]] in 1996. A ''Gamest Mook'' series guide book (GMC-30) was published by Shinseisha on April 30, 1996.<ref name=ag>{{cite web |url=http://www.arcade-gear.com/Games/Soul_Edge/Soul_Edge.htm |title=Soul Edge |publisher=Arcade Gear |access-date=2013-12-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140131105544/http://www.arcade-gear.com/Games/Soul_Edge/Soul_Edge.htm |archive-date=2014-01-31 }}</ref>

A couple of months later, Namco released a fixed version, labeled ''Soul Edge Ver. II.''<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Webb|first=Marcus |title=Up and Coming Coin-Ops |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=20|publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=August 1996|page=18}}</ref> Hwang (initially a [[palette swap]] of Mitsurugi for the Korean version of the game) was introduced to Japanese players with a new move list, Cervantes became playable, Guard Impacts and Air Combos were implemented, all the characters received upgraded move lists, and new stages were added.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://flyers.arcade-museum.com/?page=flyer&db=videodb&id=5625&image=1 |title=The Arcade Flyer Archive - Video Game Flyers: Soul Edge Ver. II, Namco / Namco Bandai Games |publisher=Flyers.arcade-museum.com |date=2007-07-31 |access-date=2015-11-29}}</ref> The overseas PlayStation version was renamed ''Soul Blade'' to avoid potential complications due to [[EDGE Games]]' earlier "EDGE" trademark.<ref name="edge">{{cite web|url=http://www.ipo.gov.uk/tm/t-decisionmaking/t-challenge/t-challenge-decision-results/t-challenge-decision-results-bl?BL_Number=O/337/02 |title=Trade mark decision |publisher=[[UK Intellectual Property Office]] |date=2002-08-14 |access-date=2009-06-01}}</ref>

===PlayStation===
On December 20, 1996, ''Soul Edge'' was ported to the Sony PlayStation for the Japanese market. A limited special edition came with the Namco Joystick controller. An official tribute book ''Soul Edge Official Fan Book'' (ソウルエッジ オフィシャルファンブック／年代記) was published in the ''Chronicle'' series by ''[[Famitsu]]'' on March 31, 1997.<ref name=ag />

The port kept the ''Soul Edge Ver. II'' roster of ten characters and added five unlockable characters, including [[Siegfried and Nightmare#Inferno|SoulEdge]], the final boss of the game. Other PlayStation-specific features include:
* A new costume for each character, chosen from various works sent by fans, giving each one a total of three different costumes, plus two color variations for the Player 1 and Player 2 costumes. It also includes{{Mdash}}besides the standard Arcade mode{{Em dash}}VS mode, Survival, Team Battle, Time Attack, and Training modes.
* A new RPG-styled mode called Edge Master mode, which works as a kind of story mode for the ten initial characters. The mode presents the selected character's story as a book, while the player moves in a map to various locations and fights in battles, sometimes with handicap rules. Generally, each chapter of the book rewards the player with a weapon.
* An opening CGI cinematic and individual endings done using the game's engine rather than still images as in its sequels ''[[Soulcalibur (video game)|Soulcalibur]]'' and ''[[Soulcalibur II]]''. Each of the ten normally selectable characters have two endings, usually one [[happy ending]] and another tragic ending. These endings are accessible by pressing a special button/button sequence during certain times, indicated by black bars moving away, while others involve a short minigame, such as Mitsurugi avoiding gunshots. [[Multiple endings|This type of ending]] was finally brought back in ''[[Soulcalibur III]]''.
* The inclusion of seven extra weapons per character, which have different designs and statistics, composed of Power (inflicts more damage), Defense (receives less damage), Strength (damage dealt with enemy's weapon gauge), Durability (resistance of player's weapon gauge), and Weight (changes character's speed). Certain weapons also have a special ability, such as the ability to damage through defense or restore/drain the player's health.
* The inclusion of three different in-game soundtracks to choose from: the original arcade soundtrack, a studio-recorded version of the arcade soundtrack called "Arrange Soundtrack" and the Khan Super Session, made expressly for the home version.
* In the English version, all non-Asian characters have their English voice as default. (The concept of speaking different languages was followed by ''[[Tekken 4]]'' since the character Julia Chang from ''[[Tekken 3]]'' speaks in her ending.)

Versions labeled ''Soul Blade'' came out in 1997. In the North American version, the opening cutscene where Sophitia would have been nude is censored.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ex.org/2.2/35-soul_edge.html |title=Soul Edge |publisher=Ex.org |access-date=2012-02-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001052052/http://www.ex.org/2.2/35-soul_edge.html |archive-date=2012-10-01 }}</ref> In the European version, Li Long's pair of [[nunchaku]] were changed to a three-section staff, since [[BBFC]] guidelines at the time banned any depiction of nunchaku.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Lee|last=Nutter|title=Rumble in the Bronx |magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]] |issue=23|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=September 1997|page=66 |url= https://archive.org/stream/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_023/Official_Sega_Saturn_Magazine_023_-_september_1997_UK#page/n66/mode/2up |access-date=November 4, 2019}}</ref><ref>European manual, page 20.</ref>

===Soundtracks===
{{Main|Discography of the Soulcalibur series}}

Two soundtrack CDs were released for the game: ''Soul Edge Original Soundtrack - Khan Super Session'' and ''Super Battle Sound Attack Soul Edge''.

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregators -->
| GR = 91% (PlayStation)<ref name="GR">{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ps/198704-soul-blade/index.html |title=Soul Blade for PlayStation |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2013-12-21}}</ref>
| MC = 89/100 (PlayStation)<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/soul-blade/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation |title=Soul Blade for PlayStation Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=2012-02-11}}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
| CVG = 3/5 (Arcade)<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Lomas |first1=Ed |title=Video Drome |magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]] |date=12 January 1996 |issue=171 (February 1996) |pages=74–7 |url=https://archive.org/details/Computer_and_Video_Games_Issue_171_1996-02_EMAP_Images_GB/page/n73/mode/2up}}</ref>
| Allgame = 4.5/5 (PlayStation)<ref>{{cite web |last=Sackenheim |first=Shawn|title=Soul Blade - Review |publisher=[[Allgame]] |access-date=November 11, 2013 |url=http://allgame.com/game.php?id=2291&tab=review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116011049/http://allgame.com/game.php?id=2291&tab=review |archive-date=November 16, 2014}}</ref>
| EGM = 8/10, 8/10, 8.5/10, 8.5/10 (PlayStation)<ref name=EGM92>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=92|date=March 1997|p=50|url=https://archive.gamehistory.org/item/29051fde-9b96-4ce9-8864-0647c2cd0d1e|via=[[Video Game History Foundation]]|accessdate=September 29, 2025|publisher=Ziff Davis|title=Review Crew|last1=Smith|first1=Shawn|last2=Tsu|first2=Dan|last3=Boyer|first3=Crispin|author4=Sushi-X|location=[[Chicago]]}}</ref>
| Fam = 8/10, 9/10, 8/10, 9/10 (PlayStation)<ref name="fam-rev">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Famitsu|Famicom Tsūshin]]|date=December 27, 1996|language=Japanese|publisher=[[ASCII Corporation]]|title=New Games Cross Review Part 2|first1=Sawadhi|last1=Noda
|first2=Goro|last2=Uchisawa|author3=Combatant Maruko|first4=Ranbu|last4=Yoshida
|location=Japan|issue=221|p=40}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=8752 |title=ソウルエッジ まとめ [PS&#93; / ファミ通.com |publisher=Famitsu.com |date=2014-11-27 |access-date=2015-11-29}}</ref>
| GameFan = 292/300 (PlayStation)<ref>''GameFan'', volume 5, issue 2 (February 1997), page 30</ref>
| GSpot = 8.3/10 (PlayStation)<ref>{{cite web |title=Soul Blade Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=February 12, 2018 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/soul-blade-review/1900-2549388/ |date=April 3, 1997}}</ref>
| Hyper = 90% (PlayStation)<ref>{{cite magazine |title=R.I.P. PlayStation: The best of 1995-2001 |magazine=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]] |date=28 February 2001 |issue=90 (April 2001) |pages=44–51 |url=https://archive.org/details/hyper-090/page/44/mode/2up}}</ref>
| IGN = 8.3/10 (PlayStation)<ref name=IGN/>
| NGen = 5/5 (Arcade)<ref name=ng/><br />4/5 (PlayStation)<ref name=NGen28>{{cite magazine|title=Cutting Edge|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=28 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=April 1997|page=122|url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_28/page/n123}}</ref>
| OPMUK = 8/10 (PlayStation)<ref>{{cite journal |title=Play Test: Soul Blade |journal=[[Official UK PlayStation Magazine]] |date=1999 |issue=Platinum Special |pages=86–9 |url=https://archive.org/details/Official_UK_Playstation_Magazine_1999_Future_Publishing_GB_platinum_special/page/n85/mode/2up}}</ref>
}}

===Arcade===
In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed ''Soul Edge'' as the second most successful arcade game of March 1996.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - TVゲーム機ーソフトウェア (Video Game Software)|magazine=Game Machine|issue=514|publisher=Amusement Press, Inc.|date=15 March 1996|page=25|lang=ja}}</ref> On the annual 1996 ''[[Gamest]]'' chart, ''Soul Edge'' was the 20th highest-grossing arcade game in Japan that year.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=第10回 ゲーメスト大賞 |trans-title=10th Gamest Awards |magazine=[[Gamest]] |date=December 27, 1996 |volume=188 (January-February 1997) |pages=46–63 |lang=ja}} [http://www.netlaputa.ne.jp/~dummy/gamest/magazine/gamest/v188.html alternate url]</ref> The arcade game was more successful in the United States, where it was one of the top five highest-grossing [[arcade conversion]] kits [[1996 in video games|of 1996]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Coin Machine: AMOA Announces JB Award Nominees |magazine=[[Cash Box]] |date=August 3, 1996 |page=26 |url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Cash-Box-IDX/90s/1996/CB-1996-08-03-OCR-Page-0026.pdf}}</ref> Despite this, it was not able to achieve the same level of arcade success as Namco's popular ''[[Tekken]]'' series. According to ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' magazine, ''Soul Edge'' "enjoyed less success than it deserved" in arcades.<ref name=NGen28/>

''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' reviewed the arcade version of ''Soul Edge Version II'', rating it four stars out of five, and stated that "there is still the slight control delay, but character movement is still fluid and seamless, and the trailing slashes of light in the wake of weapon movement is as gorgeous as ever."<ref name="NG">{{cite magazine|title=Finals|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=21|publisher=[[Future US|Imagine Media]]|date=September 1996|page=164}}</ref> The PlayStation conversion, ''Soul Blade'', was a bestseller in the UK.<ref>Gallup UK PlayStation sales chart, August 1997, published in [[Official UK PlayStation Magazine]] issue 22.</ref> Due to its popularity, the game has been re-released as part of the [[Greatest Hits (PlayStation range)|PlayStation Greatest Hits]], the [[Essentials (PlayStation range)|PlayStation Platinum]] range, and the [[The Best (PlayStation range)|PlayStation The Best]] series.

===PlayStation===
The PlayStation game received very positive reviews. It holds aggregated scores of 91% on [[GameRankings]]<ref name="GR"/> and 89/100 on [[Metacritic]],<ref name="MC" /> including high ratings by ''[[IGN]]'' ("extremely fun, and has just enough new elements to make it worth playing multiple times"),<ref name=IGN>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1997/03/04/soul-blade |title=Soul Blade - PSX - IGN |website=[[IGN]] |date=March 3, 1997 |access-date=2012-02-11}}</ref> and ''[[GameSpot]]'' ("a great fighting game with its share of flaws").<ref>{{cite web|last=Robertson |first=Ed |url=http://www.gamespot.com/soul-blade/reviews/soul-blade-review-2549388/ |title=Soul Blade Review |publisher=GameSpot.com |date=1997-04-03 |access-date=2012-02-11}}</ref> ''Next Generation'' praised it for "filling in all the blanks with great gameplay, superb characters, unique graphics, and combines them into one solid package."<ref name=ng>''Next Generation'' 14 (February 1996), page 177.</ref> They later commended the PlayStation port for retaining all the characters, levels, graphics, and gameplay from the arcade version.<ref name=NGen28/> ''[[GameFan]]'' called it "without a doubt the most stunning graphical fighting feast ever to grace any console."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamefan.com/reviews/playstation/soul_edge.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970215182625/http://www.gamefan.com/reviews/playstation/soul_edge.html |archive-date=1997-02-15 |title=Review: Soul Edge (Soul Blade) |access-date=2013-08-10 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The four reviewers of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' particularly applauded the [[full motion video]] intro and the new story mode.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Soul Blade |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=92|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=March 1997 |page=50}}</ref> They awarded it "Best Intro" in their ''1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Good the Bad and the Silly |magazine=1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=March 1998 |page=32}}</ref> A reviewer for ''[[GamePro]]'' stated: "Bow down to the new king of fighters, and the first gotta-play-it game of the year."<ref>''GamePro'' 102 (March 1997), pages 66-67.</ref>

In 1997, ''[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PSM]]'' named ''Soul Edge'' as the fourth [[List of video games considered the best|top game]] on the PlayStation,<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine]] |date=September 1997 |volume=1 |issue=1 |title=Top 25 PlayStation Games of All Time |author=Staff |page=34}}</ref> and ''Electronic Gaming Monthly'' listed the PlayStation version as a runner-up for "Fighting Game of the Year" (behind ''[[Street Fighter Collection]]'') and "Best Music" (behind ''[[PaRappa the Rapper]]'').<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Editors' Choice Awards |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |publisher=Ziff Davis |issue=104 |date=March 1998 |pages=88, 96}}</ref> ''PSU'' listed this game as the sixth "PSone classic" most deserving to be remade for the [[PlayStation 3]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.psu.com/a013801/10-PSOne-classics-we-want-remade-for-PS3--10-6 |title=10 PSOne classics we want remade for PS3: 10-6 - PlayStation Universe |date=3 December 2011 |publisher=Psu.com |access-date=2013-08-10}}</ref> That same year, ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' ranked ''Soul Edge'' as the 19th best fighting game of all time.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Rubin |first=Peter |url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/50-best-fighting-games/soul-blade |title=Fatality Day: Relive The 50 Best Fighting Games Of All Time |magazine=Complex |date=2011-04-19 |access-date=2015-11-29 |archive-date=2013-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627224443/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/03/50-best-fighting-games/soul-blade |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The PlayStation version's opening sequence won the [[SIGGRAPH]] '97 award for the best game video of 1996.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/gallery/wg/siggraph/soulblade.php|title=ナムコCGアートワールド｜バンダイナムコゲームス公式サイト|website=www.bandainamcoent.co.jp|language=ja|access-date=2018-11-16}}</ref> {{clear}}

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://bandainamcoent.co.jp/cs/list/souledge/ Official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312021141/http://bandainamcoent.co.jp/cs/list/souledge/ |date=March 12, 2016 }} {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://bandainamcoent.co.jp/am/vg/souledge/ Official website (Ver. II)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301235034/http://bandainamcoent.co.jp/am/vg/souledge/ |date=March 1, 2016 }} {{in lang|ja}}
* [http://www.mobygames.com/game/playstation/soul-blade ''Soul Blade''] at [[MobyGames]]

{{Soul series}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:1996 video games]]
[[Category:3D fighting games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:Soulcalibur video games]]
[[Category:Fighting games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games about pirates]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Aki Hata]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Taku Iwasaki]]
[[Category:Video games set in the 1580s]]
[[Category:Video games set in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games set in Italy]]
[[Category:Video games set in South Korea]]
[[Category:Video games set in China]]
[[Category:Video games set in Mongolia]]
[[Category:Video games set in Germany]]
[[Category:Video games set in Spain]]
[[Category:Video games set in Greece]]
[[Category:Video games set in the United States]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Namco arcade games]]
[[Category:Sony Interactive Entertainment games]]