I consider myself rather scholarly when it comes to everything Soul Calibur. I myself haven't participated in any organised tournaments but that's only because the last one anywhere near my area was held when I was still rather n00b (we're talking pre-Tekken 5 in the arcades time, people)... Not that I'm saying I am very good now. I haven't been playing much lately because of the aforementioned rival 3D fighter.

Anywho, I'd just like to add my two cents and say how much of a let down it was for me to hear that Soul Calibur III would not exist in the arcades. It's as if Namco just let Tekken take over this area, and though I have the utmost respect for Tekken, its fighting style of forcing CH and working away on juggles isn't my flavour. I much prefer the emphasis on timing and movement that SC brings. Unfortunately now, I am unable to show off my prowess in an arcade environment. Sure, I can still play with friends and such but because I've played "professionally", I mop the floor with most of them. Do you have any idea how disheartening it is to pull off a seemless buffer for Calamity Symphony and have no one understand the effort you went to? Or to 4B+K with Taki and follow straight up with Seal of the Fire Dragon and have no pat you on the back in a silent symbol of respect? Without the arcades, Soul Calibur 3, and indeed any fighter that has reverted completely to console, looses all it's credibility as a serious game. That's just my opinion.

I'm still going to buy the game of course. Would I may miss out on a game with Cassandra in it!? Hell, no. This kind of leads into my next rant. The nerfs. I've only played the demo so far (it only has a few characters) so maybe I'm not in a position to judge but I think Kilik's been nerfed to infinity. The guy has lost his 214 (Tribute) and also the games simplest juggle has been removed from his movelist (22_88B, A+B). Also Phoenix Thrust can't be charged freely (that is, without Soul Charge). I never liked Kilik too much in the first place, even though he was my first character but this just leads to me to wonder whether my favourites have been similarly nerfed. Cassandra's godly 236B definitely needs to be brought down in RO power and horizontal breakage but deep down in my heart, I really hope it survives the cut.

Um...I'm done.