I'm like you, I don't understand how the fans could actually be pleased...
I mean the characters 3D asset are the same from the previous Soul Calibur 4 which is almost 10 years old, and really look dated during some close up, specialy their "polygoned" arms.
The animation are exactly the same from SC4 then SC5, frame by frame, they don't have différent stance when moving backward or when they dash on sides, they still have that stick in their ass since 2002.
The stage are blurred and empty, also c'mon its the 6 game... Can we have something new about those arena instead of that boring out of the ring...?
The game focus on flashy cheap effect, sparkle and rainbows, instead of focusing on some stylish movement.
Should I talk about all the character unexpressive face and their doll empty gaze?
You may think I'm a hater, but no I posess all the Soul Calibur until the 4, but the serie don't evolve in the right direction for me.
I'm all for the game to be more accessible, (even if it was already the case) but can we have some real art design, and in depth gameplay, please?
I'm a fan since the first game and I'm pleased.
I see these complaints often mentioned regarding this game but I feel some of you are taking the tech behind the game for granted. The first game was such a leap forward that it took a while for the rest of 3d fighters to play catch up and even now, in terms of animation and fluidity I feel it's above VF, Doa or Tekken, which to me were always jerky in motion.
I think some gamers expected too big a leap for a franchise that was in a coma for a good 5 years. I also think this doesn't have the budget some of you think it has so for what it does, it looks great imo.
The animation is on purpose. It looks good but it must play great, it must prioritise frames because at the end of the day it's not ballet, it's a competitive fighting game.
The arenas are the big minus of the game, I'll give you that, but not because they're empty or whatnot, but because they are 11, the lowest count so far. As for gimmicks, ring out is a staple of the game, why would they remove it? It also shows you didn't play past 4 since 4 had those extendable arenas, 5 had those multi-tier arenas and this one has arenas with different times of day settings or dynamics.
You might be in the minority regarding the faces of the characters. I really don't care since I've said it before, it's a competitive fighting game and the gameplay should be ace before everything else, which this game seems to have.
From what you're saying it seems to me you want something else because, the previews and video material so far indicates this to be the most in-depth entry gameplay wise: every character is expanded upon and has different unique attributes. For example Yoshimitsu in every game can sacrifice chunks of his life but can also meditate and gain life back which is ok as a mechanic, but in sc vi, he sacrifices life but meditation gives him meter which is a better meta. In-depth unique aspects like these are available for every character, Zas can stop time, etc..
What they are making accessible is triggering super moves, which is not a bad thing. You're making it sound like the game will be scrub central but in all honesty I feel it will have long legs in the fgc scene. There have already been a couple of small tournaments for it so there's also that.
Here's one: