What could be better than a fighting game with great controls, awesome graphics, and an innovative combat system? How about one with gigantic swords! In this case, Soul Calibur 4 delivers on all fronts. The long-running franchise on the current generation of consoles will please veterans and newcomers alike.

Soul Calibur 4 has very solid fighting mechanics. It has a deep combat system with large and varied move lists for each character. Players can spend a lot of time perfecting their skills, and it definitely pays off in combat. But unlike last year’s Virtua Fighter 5, who’s fighting system was unforgiving at times, Soul Calibur 4 won’t frustrate newcomers. Starting at the easy difficulty lets players ease into the game, but veterans will still be challenged at the harder levels.

The combat system has several new and interesting features, the most notable being the Soul Gauge. It’s an orb that sits on the end of each player’s health meter. As you successfully block an opponent’s attack, it gradually shifts from green to red. Eventually it will start flashing red, and when this happens, any further blocking will leave your character stunned and open to attack. The gauge can be recharged by successfully landing attacks. It’s a great addition: it penalizes players who block too much, and does a great job of keeping the action going. It also adds a strategy element to fighting; I’d love to see some version of this in other fighting games.

Along with the Soul Gauge comes Soul Crush. If you stun an opponent by wearing down their Soul Gauge, they become vulnerable to a Soul Crush. This is a powerful move that finishes the fight in one strike. It’s analogous to Mortal Kombat’s Fatalities, offers players an even greater incentive to stay on the offensive.

Each character has their own unique Soul Crush. In fact, the characters are diverse in nearly every way. Each has very different weapons, style, and speed, and all the characters’ strengths and weaknesses are balanced well. For example, the fast and agile Taki has to fight with a pair of very short swords; players have to utilize her speed to get in close. Everyone should be able to find a character that fits their play style.

Speaking of characters, Soul Calibur 4 features some special guests. As I’m sure you’ve heard, several Star Wars mainstays make an appearance. You’ll find Darth Vader in the PS3 version and Yoda on the Xbox 360, and the Apprentice, the main character from Star Wars: the Force Unleashed, can be unlocked in both versions. Some of you may have thought it a little lame to include Star Wars characters; it’s hard to think of a more out-of-place setting for them. But they actually fit in very well.

Darth Vader is featured prominently in the PS3 version, playable right from the get go. Besides looking fantastic in his flowing black cape, he fights very well. In fact, Star Wars fans will recognize some of his moves as straight out of the movies, and yes, you can use the Force. Force choking a medieval knight is surprisingly fun. Though you’ll have to use it sparingly, as a Force Gauge keeps you from overusing the power, it’s just nice to see that Namco-Bandai didn’t just slap him into the game at the last minute.