What's next in fighting? How about a game that melds 3D movement, polygon characters, razor sharp graphics, awe-inspiring moves and a one-of-a-kind combat system? Or, in short, Soul Blade - arguably the most innovative fighting game on the planet. It's the 15th century and ten warriors from around the world, each wielding their weapon of choice, are in bloody pursuit of Soul Edge- the ultimate weapon. Sure, only one will find it. But it looks the critics already have found it.

Discussion
OUTSTANDING 3D fighting game for the system, and one of the truly rare games to earn a 'benchmark' status in terms of the PlayStation's history. It's one of the only 3D fighters I play, and LOVE. Either you own it or you need to. The game looks amazing in HDMI, even to this day. I'll take it over MK vs. DC any day!

• Variant, see below.
   
• Soul Blade's original name in Japan was Soul Edge - however, a copyright issue caused the name to be changed. Namco got around this by naming the next game Soul Calibur, after the other sword.
   
• Besides referencing Tekken 2 on the back, Tekken's Yoshimitsu character made a cameo in future releases.
   
• Soul Blade features interactive endings for some characters.
   
• The beloved Edge Master mode made its first appearance here. Essentially a 'weapon collecting' story, you could then use the new found weapons in the other modes.
   
• Sophitia's appearance in the banner above is actually a tribute to Game-Rave's original printed fanzine days. That image was used for our Anniversary issue's cover, commemorating the release of Soul Calibur.