NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. today announced that SOULCALIBUR V has been released to manufacture for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, releasing in North America on January 31, 2012. Set 17 years after its predecessor, SOULCALIBUR V comes loaded with new game features and fan favorite guest character Ezio Auditore de Firenze from Ubisoft’s multi-million unit selling franchise, Assassin’s Creed.

Alongside the standard retail edition, a special Collector’s Edition of SOULCALIBUR V will also be available at launch which includes a music CD, making-of video content, hardcover art book and the Dark Knight and White Knight downloadable armor sets for Character Creation Mode. The Collector’s Edition comes packaged in a faux leather-bound book replica of the one featured prominently within SOULCALIBUR V.

“Fighting game fans have been itching to get their hands on SOULCALIBUR V to begin mastering classic characters and new heroes alike,” said Carlson Choi, Vice President of Marketing, NAMCO BANDAI Games America. “We are excited to see what top players and newcomers discover with the new Brave Edge and Critical Edge systems which are bound to create dynamic and exhilarating battles.”

Developed by the Project Soul team at NAMCO BANDAI Games Inc. in Japan, SOULCALIBUR V picks up 17 years after the events of SOULCALIBUR IV with new heroes and returning warriors clashing in an epic showdown between good and evil. The tale of Patroklos, son of Sophitia Alexandra, unfolds as his family’s destiny becomes entwined with the Soul swords. With improved character customization and new gameplay features including the Brave Edge and Critical Edge systems, plus the dangerous presence of master assassin Ezio Auditore de Firenze, SOULCALIBUR V will be the must-have fighting game of 2012.

NAMCO BANDAI Games America will also be working with selected retail partners for special pre-order items for both U.S. and Canadian residents.

GameStop and EB Games Canada

o Exclusively at GameStop and EB Games Canada, pre-order any version of SOULCALIBUR V now to receive a free Ivy Valentine Bobble Budd™ figure – while supplies last*.

Best Buy

o Exclusively at Best Buy U.S. and Canada locations, pre-order any copy of SOULCALIBUR V to receive a free exclusive character download code to play as Dampierre – while supplies last*.

Walmart

o Select 24 hour Walmart U.S. locations will hold a special “Fastest Way to Play” event and midnight launch for SOULCALIBUR V. Fans purchasing the game at any 24 hour Walmart U.S. location will also receive an exclusive limited edition laser art-cell while supplies last.

Future Shop

o Exclusively at Future Shop locations across Canada pre-order any version of SOULCALIBUR V now to receive an exclusive limited edition laser art-cell while supplies last.

SOULCALIBUR V will be available throughout North America on January 31, 2012. For more information about SOULCALIBUR V, please visit: http://www.namcobandaigames.com, http://www.soulcalibur.com, and http://www.facebook.com/soulcalibur.