Perhaps the biggest point of contention was the roster. By jumping forward nearly two decades, Namco Bandai sidelined many fan favorites in favor of a "next generation" cast.

The Edge of a New Era: Looking Back at SoulCalibur V The tale of souls and swords, eternally retold—or at least, that was the promise when slashed its way onto consoles. Set 17 years after its predecessor, the fifth installment was a bold attempt to shake up the status quo, and more than a decade later, it remains one of the most polarizing entries in the series' history.

On the bright side, the inclusion of Ezio Auditore from Assassin's Creed was widely praised as one of the best-fitting guest characters in the series, blending seamlessly with the game's weapon-based aesthetic. Creation Mode: Still the King Soulcalibur 5 Custom Characters (part 4)