It's said that we should try to solve our problems with words, not fists. But sometimes, conversation can't solve anything. Sometimes, you just need to pull out your sword...or sword/whip hybrid.

SoulCalibur V's weapon-based fighting style is all about just that: grabbing the nearest sharp object and going to town on the nearest enemy combatant. Are you a fan of comically huge swords? Take to the battlefield with Siegfried and his oversized monstrosity (which, for series fans, is a newer, bigger deathdealer than in previous games). Dig the two-bladed ninja stylings of the quick-hitting Taki from former SoulCalibur games? You'll be happy to know that newcomer Natsu is taking up her mantle and then some. What if you like a little help from a "friend?" Zwei is happy to make an appearance with his short sword and a Wolfman-like summon named Ein.

What is that? A summon? That's right. Eschewing the traditional hand-to-hand weapons-based combat that the SoulCalibur series is known for, Zwei has the ability to summon a spirit to help him pound on his enemies. A more skillful player will be able to time their summons appropriately, allowing huge combos in which Zwei and Ein alternate punches in order to crush their opponent. This pair of SoulCalibur neophytes makes for an offensive-oriented team, and you should expect to use them this way. With these guys, the more attacks, the better.

Speaking of combo-oriented newcomers, Taki's apprentice Natsu is also a major player in the new title. A bit faster than her mentor, her moves are based around the game's new focus on air juggling. A quick uppercut leads to several more hits before the opponent hits the ground, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to ring them out and win the round in signature SoulCalibur style. And the best way to pull this off is with her "Extra Attack" moves. Time a block perfectly, and she'll light up blue, signaling that it's time to unleash that big move. With dual swords and quick hands, it's no problem keeping your opponent up in the air for a long time, allowing for lots and lots of damage.

Of course, Extra Attacks aren't the only change to the way SoulCalibur works. Fill up the gauge next to your life bar through successful attacks and, once it's full, unleash your character-specific Critical Edge attack. Like Supers and Ultras in Street Fighter IV, these are huge, cinematic salvos that pull in the camera to dynamically show the beatdown you're laying on the other guy (or girl). For example, Ivy's attack whips her enemy into the air before slashing them dozens of times with her signature Whip Sword. Designed to be game changers, Critical Edge attacks can turn the tide of a match, allowing for huge comebacks. Hardcore fans may lament the addition, but they look damn cool when pulled off.

Big changes are coming to the world of SoulCalibur - and frankly, we welcome them. A much more modern approach to the classic fighting experience is exactly what the series needs.