Assassin's Creed enters the world of SOULCALIBUR

Leading video game publishers and developers NAMCO BANDAI Games Europe and Ubisoft® today announced that Ezio Auditore from the critically acclaimed Assassin's Creed® series will be a playable guest character in SOULCALIBUR™ V for PlayStation®3.

This monumental collaboration will let players control Ezio and his wide range of assassination tools including a Roman Longsword, Stiletto, Crossbow, Hidden gun and his trademark Hidden blade.

SOULCALIBUR V delivers exhilarating 3D fighting mechanics, breathtaking visuals, and new characters alongside expanded online and character creation modes. In addition, Dampierre from SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny will be available as an exclusive pre-order bonus playable character, and a feature-packed Collector's Edition will be hitting retailers. SOULCALIBUR V is poised to become the preeminent fighting game experience on its release in Australia and New Zealand on 22nd February 2012.

"The entrance of Assassin's Creed into the Soulcalibur universe is an historic meeting of two of the most revered and influential game series," said Olivier Comte, Senior Vice President at NAMCO BANDAI Partners. "Ezio has captured the imaginations of millions of fans around the world, and it will be very exciting to see how his lightning fast moves stand up to the mighty swordplay of Soulcalibur's finest."

"We are thrilled to see Ezio enter the world of Soulcalibur, as we believe the values of both brands fit together" said Geoffroy Sardin, EMEA Chief Marketing and Sales Officer at Ubisoft. "We think that this partnership will bring a great new gameplay experience to both Soulcalibur and Assassin's Creed fans".

Packed in a specially designed 'book' box, the Collector's Edition of SOULCALIBUR V will include a high quality art book, original soundtrack CD, the making-of DVD, a DLC card for the Black Knight and Paladin armor sets, plus original artwork and letter on reproduction parchment paper signed by the team at Project Soul. Fans who pre-order SOULCALIBUR V at participating retailers will exclusively receive Dampierre from SOULCALIBUR: Broken Destiny as a playable character on day one.

Developed by the legendary Project Soul team, 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 intertwines with the Soul swords. With the series' revolutionary 8-way run, allowing for true 3D movement during matches, refined battle systems, and stunning graphics, SOULCALIBUR V will be the top game of 2012 for anyone looking for a knock-down, drag-out fight.

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