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The game's arcade mode allows players to control any of the game's characters and face six opponents in time trial matches. Unlike previous installments, not every character is playable in Story Mode. In Story Mode, players take control of the game's protagonist Patroklos and various supporting characters, guiding him through a series of battles divided into 20 episodes.
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The game features a variety of gameplay modes. The game features a tweaked "Critical Edge" system, allowing players to fill up a meter and unleash powerful special attacks. Players use high and low vertical and horizontal attacks to damage opposing player characters and can block incoming attacks or parry enemies' moves to gain a tactical advantage. Like the previous games in the series, Soulcalibur V is a weapon-based fighting game.
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A screenshot from a fight between Algol and Mitsurugi
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