See 1UP if you're confused.

One of my first thoughts way back when the Wiimote was unveiled was about Soul Calibur. Although the general consensus among hardcore gamers was that fighting games were impossible with the new control scheme, I wasn't so sure. After all, they're hardcore gamers, what do they know? But anywho, fighting games always had some rather complex control schemes, what with quarter circles and tapping and all sorts of ridiculously long combos. Considering fighting game nuts have an entirely different language to speak about their moves than us lay people, it seemed to me that it would be an ideal genre for innovation. And since Soul Calibur was at least halfway there, relying more on timing and defense than massive combos and being a series that wimpy little newbies like myself could enjoy without being "good", it seemed an ideal testing ground for the new control scheme.

And now it seems that my hypothesis shall be tested, sort of. And now that it's announced, I can't really argue with the idea of an action/adventure game. That way, some of the more complex controls can be dumbed down while still maintaining the essence of at least intermediate level Soul Calibur fighting. The emphasis on timing and the like can still be present, combos and multiple moves can still be present, but one doesn't have to memorize 1000 different moves and stances and so forth. Assuming this is, in fact, how they will present it, it will be the perfect test on how a flick of the wrist will translate to fighting game moves. Since I've been expecting this for over a year now, I'm optimistic.

On the other hand, I don't exactly get along with 3D games very well. I pray the camera is very workable. Otherwise I may be screwed. One of these days I ought to play Prince of Persia or something just to get practice...

The announcement seems to suggest, but doesn't outright say it, that the Soul Calibur team themselves is behind this. Definitely a reason to be optimistic here. This would prevent a situation like that PS2 Tekken spinoff or Virtua Fighter Quest. It also means it'd be a team that A) has talent graphics-wise for all those visual-obsessed folks, B) can create complex AI and fighting moves, and C) should remain true to the styles of the fighters. Perhaps the closest parallel so far is Ninja Gaiden (although not a ripoff of DOA, both are made by the same team and I believe use the same engine). Since NG has quite a bit of respect, I'm hoping for a similar situation here. And since SC is 10000 times better than DOA, that should bode well for SC Legends, right?

For those worried that it might be "kiddified", no worries. IUP has some artwork, and it's definitely in the vein of the regular series. Again, a good sign.

1UP also says the story will focus on Siegfried but has multiple characters to play as. I'm a bit worried about this, to be honest. I have no desire to play as Siegfried at all. I'm hoping then that there aren't required characters at various points (or if there are, that it's a fairly small portion of the game), and that we have a wide variety of people to choose from. Personally, if I can play most of the game as Raphael, Xianghua, or Seung Mina, I'll be happy.

Another reason to be optimistic: it's exclusive and a spinoff of a popular GC game. In other words, it has the potential to be a popular new franchise for Namco, which means it would behoove them to pay attention to it and insure that it is of the finest quality. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part. Still, one would imagine this game has a decent budget behind it, which is never a bad thing.

And for those who would rather have SC4, I say bah. I know I'm probably the only one who thinks this way, but I have SC2. Why would I need another one? Getting the same quality of play of Soul Calibur in a new setting and new situation though, that's something worth getting excited about. And I am. I honestly think this is my most hyped for Wii game at the moment. I can't wait to hear more about it.