The Soul Calibur titles are fighting games which define themselves with weapons. The characters are mostly armed with various types of sword, although more exotic weaponry such as scythes, bo staffs and bladed rings are also used. Oh, and lightsabers.

Yes, the fourth Soul Calibur features Star Wars characters, with the X360 version hosting Yoda and the PS3 being home to Darth Vader. We know who got the better deal there, although rumour has it the missing Force-users will become available as downloadable content on both consoles eventually.

The next-generation graphics show off the game's weapons superbly. Those massive two-handed swords look fabulous when being whirled around, and the environmental damage effects add a realistic flavour to bouts. For example, when you're fighting on the deck of a galleon, a pounding blow to the floor will send splinters of wood showering all over the place.

Soul Calibur's visuals also boast some tasty armour shattering effects. There's nothing like whacking your plate-mail-wearing opponent in the head and shattering his helm, getting to see how ugly his face really is in the process. This isn't just for show, either, as if you attack a spot where the armour has been stripped, you'll do more damage.

Get the latest Dell Coupons and other computer coupons at CheapStingyBargains.com.

Aiming for weak points isn't the only consideration in combat. Far from it. This is a fighting engine which takes a hell of a lot of mastering. While the basic blocks and attacks are simple enough, the more complex moves require some very accurate timing and often the ability to recognise what swipe your opponent is lining up.

There are all manner of nuances to the blocking system as well, with counter-moves that can be activated, and something called the soul gauge. This ensures players don't get overly defensive, as it diminishes with every block made. Keep blocking for too long and it will be completely depleted, giving your opponent a window of opportunity to launch an automatic-win killing blow.

Soul Calibur IV contains the usual play modes you'd expect to see in a beat-'em-up, with stories to fight through for each of the many characters. The major innovations for this incarnation are the addition of online play via Xbox Live and the Tower of Lost Souls single player campaign.

The latter involves a series of matches against increasingly tough opposition, and these are often tag team affairs where you get to utilise several characters (all good fun). Achieving certain conditions when winning bouts (for example, blocking three attacks in a row) unlocks special pieces of equipment which can be used to customise your fighter.

In fact there's a great deal of possible customisation options, with new weapons that can be bought using the gold you earn from victories, plus the various powers the game's characters possess can also be tweaked or changed completely.

There's a massive depth to Soul Calibur IV, but at the same time it's really not for the faint hearted beat-'em-up player. Only those who are familiar with the series, or those prepared to really stick at learning the intricacies of the combat system, will be able to persevere and conquer the likes of the Tower of Lost Souls.

The fourth instalment of Soul Calibur isn't particularly beginner friendly, but both the graphics and depth of the combat system are very impressive. There's plenty to challenge even veterans here, particularly with the addition of online play via Xbox Live.