Soul Calibur IV
LumiScore?Our 0–100 score for how developmentally beneficial and low-risk this game is for children. Higher is better.
Growth
45/100
Growth Value
- Hand-Eye Coordination
- Fine Motor
- Reaction Time
Risk
LOW
Engagement Patterns
Minimal pressure to spend or play excessively.
Heads up
Parent Pro-Tip
Encourage playing Soul Calibur IV in moderation, perhaps with friends or family for local multiplayer fun. Discuss the competitive nature of the game and help children manage frustration from losses. Emphasize that it's a game of skill and practice, and that performance doesn't define self-worth. Be mindful of the stylized violence and some character designs.
Top Skills Developed
Development Areas
Representation?How diverse the game's characters are in gender and ethnicity. Higher = more authentic representation. Display only — does not affect time recommendation.
Bechdel Test?The Bechdel Test checks whether a game has at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. A simple measure of representation.— N/A — no named characters
Not applicable for a fighting game focused on combat; character interactions are primarily combat-related and not narrative-driven in a way that would typically apply to the Bechdel test criteria.
Parent Pro-Tip
Playing Soul Calibur IV can enhance a child's motor skills, strategic thinking, and ability to adapt quickly. It can also be a fun and engaging competitive activity when approached with a healthy mindset and balanced screen time.
What your child develops
Soul Calibur IV is a fighting game that significantly develops hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and reaction time. It also encourages strategic thinking, problem-solving, and adaptive learning as players master character movesets and counter diverse opponents. The competitive nature can foster resilience and skill improvement.
Regulatory Compliance
Tap a badge for details. Grey = not yet assessed.
About this game
Soulcalibur IV (ソウルキャリバーIV Sōrukyaribā Fō) is the fifth installment in Namco's Soulcalibur series of fighting games, released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2008. Soulcalibur IV included three characters from the Star Wars franchise as playable fighters.