UPPER WEST SIDE — En garde, geeks!
Fans of the video game "SoulCalibur" will battle it out with Nerf swords at Central Park Saturday.
The faceoff, organized by the New York City Geek Adventure Group, will start with a group battle and then mirror the video game, which pits various warriors against each other until a final victor is determined.
Participants will meet at the Columbus Circle entrance to the park at 2 p.m. before the tournament begins.
Unlike the 2-D version of the game, in which both traditional ninja and medieval weapons can be selected, only soft foam swords and axes will be allowed in the park, organizers said.
To capture the full flavor of the game, costumes are highly encouraged.
In addition to dressing up like one of the game's more than two dozen characters, attendees are asked to wear a warrior costumes from any cartoon, movie or game, or draw inspiration from "ancient warriors like [a] knight, pirate, musketeer, ninja, samurai, etc.," organizers said.
While some potential attendees worried their fighting skills might not be up to snuff, David Martinez, who plans to join the tournament, reassured them on the group's message board.
"I don't even think most people here are in it for the prize," he said, referring to the main prize, the chance to take home the "SoulCalibur" sword. "they just want to smack one another with foam swords to attract attention."
To keep the fight fair and in control, no kicking, punching, pushing or face hits will be allowed, according to the meetup announcement.
Some on the message board shared their desire to let the games begin.
"I'm a bit shy," wrote a woman named Sevey, from Staten Island, "but have the inner aggression."
