Patch Notes

Scheduled for release tomorrow on PS4, and later in the week for Xbox One and PC/Steam, the first post-release patch for SOULCALIBUR VI has been revealed. These patch notes are being taken from the Japanese Soul Archive; so bear with us for the translation:

• Voldo and Tira Soul Gauge bugs have been fixed. They will no longer be able to use Soul Gauge techniques before they actually have the required amount of meter.
• Adjusted the tracking of Geralt's and Tira's unblockables. Not quite sure what this one means, but it is assumed to be an adjustment to their ability to tech trap.

In addition to the above changes, there is also a fix to the rankings display for the PC/Steam version of the game. Again, we don't really know what this means.

So by now we all know that the HD remake of SC2 was created using the European version of the game; which happened to be the final edition of the game when it came out back in the previous generation of consoles. Unfortunately, it also happened to be the worst version of the game; so bad that even at some European tournaments, they used the North American version!

Well this week, Bandai-Namco (formerly Namco-Bandai), released a patch that addresses some of the bugs introduced with the European version; as well as some of the bugs introduced in the HD-porting process. No word on whether or not this patch adjusts many of the issues with frames in the game, including the changes to clash windows... However, this is pretty good since I don't think any of us were expecting a patch in the first place.

The last patch, was just under a month ago and it already looks like we're getting another one this week! From talking with Namco Bandai, I was under the impression that the 1.02 patch added a few "network bugs" into the mix, and since Project Soul spent so much time bringing us the best online netcode ever, they were naturally upset about this.

Well it seems, in addition to fixing the new network issues, Namco has also included a list of various other fixes and balance changes. Be warned though, the patch notes I have been supplied with were completely in Japanese; so I'm doing my best to translate them.

With the release of version 1.02 only coming two weeks ago, Namco Bandai announced that they would continue to support us with patches. But nobody could have foreseen the changes for the new patch being released this early! Namco Bandai's community manager, Filthierich, has given us details on the upcoming patch!

Once again, the exact frame changes are not listed in the patch notes. However, many of the changes in the patch have a larger impact than just safety. Currently, there is no release date planned.

I came across Namco’s official patch notes while sorting through the “incoming” pile here at the Hate Speech News Desk, so this week I’m setting aside my regularly scheduled diatribe in favor of the hot-button issue. Of course, this may also be my last column ever, too. Like many of you, I took one look at the information in the patch notes and realized that life is no longer worth living.

My perfect, beautiful, wonderful game—one about which I’ve never complained, ever—is now irreparably ruined and soiled. As such, my plan for the day is simple: post this article, make arrangements for bequeathing my cherished collections of celebrity bobbleheads and Yu-Gi-Oh cards, and then driving my car off of the Golden Gate Bridge so I can go out like a boss.

Actually, wait a second, everybody! THIS JUST IN: as it turns out, losing your mind over this patch actually isn’t the brilliant plan it seems to be. I guess it’s just all in how you choose to read it . . .

Well we got hints a while back of an upcoming balance patch for Soulcalibur V coming this Tuesday. And of course, when it comes to any sort of significant changes to a fighting game, we all get a bit worried. Would our favorite characters get nerfed? If so, how hard will they get nerfed? How will this affect tournaments?

Thankfully, for the first time ever, Namco-Bandai has supplied us with an extensive list of changes! While it may be "extensive", its not exactly "comprehensive"; there is very little mention of the actual frames of changes. But none the less, this gives us all a point of focus for our research!

We asked and Namco Bandai has delivered. They released information about an upcoming patch to be released next week March 21st. This is going to revamp the ranked matchmaking and most importantly address issues that we the consumers have voiced about gameplay as well as character balance!

Their facebook page also says they will be releasing a list of changes, which is a huge relief to people who test game mechanics.