Bandai Namco to Add 'Soulcalibur 3' to PS Plus Premium Service

Bandai Namco Entertainment said it plans to add "Soulcalibur 3" to Sony Group Corp.'s PlayStation Plus Premium catalog before the end of the year, marking the latest effort by the Japanese video-game publishers to capitalize on nostalgia for classic titles.

The 2005 PlayStation 2 fighting game will be accessible to subscribers of PlayStation Plus Premium, Sony's top-tier membership service, the company said in a post on social-media platform X. The game will also be sold separately through the PlayStation Store for users without subscriptions.

The re-release will include enhanced features such as up-rendering for improved graphics, a rewind function, quicksave capabilities and customizable video filters. The title will also support Sony's Trophy achievement system, adding new objectives for both returning players and those experiencing the game for the first time.

Classic Fighting Game Returns With Modern Enhancements

"Soulcalibur 3," which originally launched in October 2005, featured more than 40 playable characters engaging in the franchise's signature three-dimensional, weapon-based combat. The game introduced story-driven modes including "Tales of Souls" and "Chronicles of the Sword," which combined fighting mechanics with real-time strategy elements. It also debuted an expanded character-creation system that became a series staple.

The Soul series traces its origins to 1996's "Soul Edge." Its sequel, "Soulcalibur," achieved significant commercial success in arcades and on Sega Corp.'s Dreamcast console following its 1999 release.

Sony has been expanding its PlayStation Plus Premium offerings as part of a strategy to increase the value proposition of its highest subscription tier. The company previously added other fighting games such as "Tekken 3" to the service.

While Bandai Namco confirmed the 2025 release window, it didn't specify whether the game would arrive in November or December. A separate store listing indicates that "Tomb Raider: Anniversary" is scheduled to join the service Nov. 18.