Ever since I played the original SOUL CALIBUR (sequel to SOUL EDGE for arcades and PSX) on the highly under appreciated Sega Dreamcast I have been a huge fan. Starting with SOUL CALIBUR 2 Namco Bandai has been in the habit of adding special guest characters in each installment. My favorites being Link from THE LEGEND OF ZELDA series (SOUL CALIBUR 2 on Gamecube only) and the more recent Starkiller, Darth Vader, and Yoda from the STAR WARS franchise (SOUL CALIBUR IV on X-Box 360 and PS3). Very cool stuff. The latest game in the series, SOUL CALIBUR V, will continue this trend and the developers at Namco Bandai have announced that Ezio Auditore from the ASSASSIN’S CREED series will be joining the fight this time around! While nothing will ever beat Link as a bonus character, this is pretty damn cool!

It has also been announced that SOUL CALIBUR V will be released on X-Box 360 and PS3 on January 31 2012. Check out the announcement trailer below to see Ezio in action!