I remember the Dreamcast version of the original Soul Calibur blowing my baby blue socks clean off when I first saw it. Then again, that was on a 4:3, standard definition TV. This update, on a 16:9 screen and in HD? With those Windows 3.1 desktop-lookin borders? I...look, it still looks great, and I maintain the first is the best game in the series, it's just going to take a while to get used to seeing it look so different, that's all.

The newest issue of Weekly Famitsu magazine reveals another soul in the Soulcalibur IV character roster. Like new ladies Angol Fear and Scheherazade, both designed by well known Japanese guest artists, the newest addition to the Soul universe comes courtesy of Gantz creator Hiroya Oku. As you can see, the fighter known as Shura sports four swords, two on each hip, plus ample and prominent cleavage, in front and back. They certainly have a "type."

We expect that much higher clarity in-game shots of Shura will become available, officially, at Famitsu.com in the coming days. Until then, squint to your hearts content.

Soulcalibur IV New Character [CNG4U]

Namco Bandai has released a list of upcoming 2008 titles. While the list includes stuff we already know (SoulCalibur IV), it does offer up new tidbits like RPG Tales of Vesperia being confirmed for Xbox 360 and the PS3. Namco Bandai has since corrected the list, stating that it's only an Xbox 360 title. But really, is this a surprise? Namco Bandai, like Capcom, seems to be making pretty much all its games multiplat. The list also includes some new titles like a *surprise* Gundam game for the PSP as well as a Naruto title for the PS3. There are also Namco Bandai's predictions regarding how well the games will do! Hit the jump for the full list:

Being a gigantic fan of the Japanese RPG and knowing the appetites of said fans, I am half tempted to just toss these new Famitsu scans out onto the site and then head for high ground to avoid the ensuing flood of drool, but I'll be nice.

Cross Edge is a new RPG due out in Japan for the PlayStation 3 this September that is a collaboration between some of the top names in the genre. Nippon Ichi, Gust, Namco Bandai, Idea Factory, and even Capcom have lent their properties to this superstar game, which features characters from Darkstalkers, Disgaea, Ar Tonelico, and many more. Hell, a game with Etna and Morrigan together alone is worth eleventy million dollars. The game features turn-based battles, a plot that involves rescuing souls, and...if you look to the bottom right corner of the scan...the ability to dress your characters up in a wide variety of outfits, from PE clothes to devil costumes.

Chances of this coming out in the states? Pretty damn unlikely. Chances of me importing this? Over nine thousand. Thanks to SupaPhly for the scans!

You may already be aware that three more souls have been confirmed to appear in Soulcalibur IV—Yoshimitsu, Talim and Rock—but have you seen these three in action at 720p yet? No? Then to the gallery with you, where you'll see even more shots of my personal go-to soul Yoshimitsu and plenty of beefy Rock pics. Yes, that is a rhinoceros head!

We have a winner! That's right, Coin Plane has been selected by Kotakuland as the best reader plane. So! Maker of Coin Plane, send us an email at kotakucontestATgmailDOTcom so we can get that Ace Combat 6 copy out to you. CONGRATS.

Oh, and I haven't forgotten about the cosplay contest. That will go up shortly.

I thought it was over, but you folks just keep on buying them. Namco Bandai is readying yet another batch of downloadable planes for Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation for release tomorrow via Xbox Live, including yet another gaudy, incredibly expensive (400 MS points) IDOLM@STER model and two planes that really do nothing but shoot colored missiles for show purposes. Along with those three, a cheapy Typhoon and a completely free PJ Emblem F-16C, they're also releasing a 400 point pack containing four aircraft from the Razgriz squadron of Ace Combat 5 fame. Hit the jump for more details on the release, or check out the gallery to see the pretty planes that keep fans coming back for more.