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Whether you like it or not, you can learn much from historically based video games such as Civilization IV or Medieval Total War. These games are great for getting a general education in historical events, cultures, and building types and ancient warriors. If you are looking to buy a suit of armor, then you may want to read this article to learn about how these games can help you do some preliminary research on your suit of armor.

Medieval II: Total War (which we will call MTWII for the rest of the article) is a great place to look at some historical armor. It is the latest game from the Creative Assembly so the graphics are top notch and you are able to see with pretty good detail what soldiers wore back in the medieval ages. For example, playing as the French faction in the game, you'll eventually get a whole host of knights are your disposal. Knights are the primary example where most of the suits of armors in castles and in today's homes are found. Why? Because they were often the most heavily armored to serve as shock troops and to bust through hard lined defenses. Once you get so far in the game, you can see about 5 different types of armor that the knights wore. They include a Gothic style armor and a Milanese type of armor. They also have the standard crusader and sugar loaf type of armor.

The surprising thing is that if you look around shopping for these, you'll see similar designs in today's retail stores.You can also get a good look at suits of armor by playing role-playing games. Why? These are from a third person perspective and you'll be able to see with great detail the armor that soldiers wore. Just pause the game and take a look at a suit of armor a character is wearing. You'll casually learn what designs seem to be popular in the medieval ages.

John Hilde is a historical weapons and armor collector and owns his own online store selling authentic armor and weapons. Please visit http://www.armorvenue.com to learn more.

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Soul Calibur IV is the latest addition to the ever popular weapons based fighting game and perhaps the biggest talking point of this release is the Star Wars crossover. The Xbox 360 and PS 3 versions will exclusively include Yoda and Darth Vader respectively as well as a Star Wars stage including full Imperial March background music. However, there are other points worth mentioning before the game's release on 1st August.

First, we'll cover the Star Wars angle because it is a biggy. As we mentioned, Xbox 360 owners will have the joy of fighting as Yoda and not only does he look incredible but it's widely reported that he's a genuinely solid addition to the Soul Calibur portfolio of fighters with some excellent and unpredictable moves as well, of course, as his lightsaber. Both versions will also be getting the Apprentice from Star Wars: The Force Unleashed as a guest character.

As you might imagine, the graphics, sound, and fighting mechanics have undergone a major overhaul and are nothing short of stunning. But maybe the biggest change in this area is the critical attack that will help you down the most defensive and obnoxious of players. By landing a series of attacks on a player you can weaken their defensive resolve until their health bar flashes red - when this happens you can send the player stumbling back by landing another powerful attack and while they're stumbling pressing all four of the face buttons will perform a critical attack (which is pretty much the finishing move for your character).

Online play is also a welcome addition to the series and one that is certain to appeal to many and also improve the replay factor of a game that most will pick up time and time again anyway. Ranked and unranked matches, leaderboards, and player skill matching will all be evident along with character customisation options.

2 days and counting.

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