Did I say Namco Bandai taking the high road with Soul Calibur V? I meant the other thing. Twitter user BenHarvey1985 uncovered this Japanese press ad proving once and for all that Soul Calibur V is a mature game and is not resorting to cheap titillation. No wait, the opposite.
The translation across her chest (yes chest, I’m sticking with that) says “This spring, your chest swells with anticipation”. Well, can’t deny that it’s eye catching but it’ll do little to help the perception of the title. Ken levine recently has spoken out in defence of Bioshock: Infinite, a title where the female protagonist has been the centre of some conversation due to what some see as too much emphasis on her breasts. But unlike Bioshock: Infinite, Soul Calibur V will have difficulty explaining their aesthetic choices. Assuming they want to at all.
What do you think? Does this offend, encourage or simply have no impact on you? Do you think females in games are over sexualised? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
**Update**
Courtesy of GamesRadar.com it appears there’s a male version showing… well I’ll just say it. Voldo’s crotch. Translation of the text across his stomach reads “Curious?” No Namco Bandai I am not. Lowest common denominator targeted again.
In case you actually are curious, here’s the ads side by side.
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