Soul Calibur IV goes online

Online multiplayer will be introduced to the Soul Calibur series for the first time when the fourth instalment launches on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 next year.

"What's changed this time round is that the next-gen platforms have network infrastructure already in place," director Katsutoshi Sasaki told Electronic Gaming Monthly in an issue yet to be published.

It's been among the chief demands from existing players, Sasaki added, and developer Project Soul also aims for you to use custom characters online, although it's currently uncertain about whether you will be able to swap your creations with friends.

Official confirmation of publishers and release dates for the European version of SC4 is expected soon.

All of which is not to be confused with Soul Calibur Legends, which is due out on Nintendo Wii, and has yet to have any online play confirmed.