Parents' Guide to SoulCalibur VI

This long-running fighting series returns with fun gameplay, but its confusing storyline and outdated costumes for female characters may make this for hardcore fans only. Like other fighting games, Soulcalibur VI has you beating on other fighters that are human or computer controlled. What sets it apart from similar games is that it's not as gory as Mortal Kombat, not as reliant on complex button combos as Street Fighter, and not as overtly sexual as a Dead or Alive (though it's sometimes very sexual). More importantly, it uses all three dimensions, which allows you to change position based on your opponent. It also arms you with swords, spears, and other weapons, instead of just your fists and feet, all of which allow you to button mash your way to victory.

Along with the usual new characters and places for them to fight, this edition adds a defensive capability that lets you avoid a blow and then quickly counter-attack. This really comes in handy when you're badly hurt but your enemy isn't, giving you a chance to survive a bit longer. Unfortunately, this year's model still has some problems that made previous editions a bit irritating and/or tiresome at times. The story mode, "Soul Chronicle," is weighed down by an overwrought, convoluted narrative that's made even mushier by the game's overblown musical score. Also, some female characters' needlessly tiny outfits and augmented proportions seem even more dated and inappropriate now than they did when SoulCalibur V came out six years ago. But if you don't mind the terrible music, the silly story, and having to turn off your TV when your mom, girlfriend, or socially-conscious roommate walks in the room, then you might have some fun beating people up in SoulCalibur VI.