SoulCalibur II review

Game: SoulCalibur II
Platform: GameCube
Genre: Fighting Action (Versus)
Developer: Namco
AKA: Soul Calibur II (EU), Soul Calibur II (JP)

Reader review by heroofthewinds

September 05, 2004

Do you like big swords? How about oversized muscle men in suspenders? If you answered yes to either questions, you’ll love Namco’s latest double edged serving of Soul Calibur II. Yum…giant steak knives…

All right, for all ten of you out there who owned a Sega Dreamcast, the name “Soul Calibur” should sound familiar. It first appeared as Soul Edge, then Soul Calibur for the Dreamcast. Probably one of the system’s best games, only the proud few that owned a Dreamcast could experience the bliss of whacking someone with an oversized sword. Now, with the introduction of Soul Calibur II, everyone can learn what the fuss was about.

The story, obviously, is based around a sword. The Soul Edge, an evil demon sword, has reappeared. Once thought destroyed, it possessed all who wielded it and forced them to commit murder in order to strengthen it. The Soul Calibur is a sword opposite of the Soul Edge created to fight it. Fearing the destruction the Soul Edge might cause, warriors from around the world have assembled again in order to stop it. While each character has his or her unique story, the core idea is the same.

The long line of characters are both interesting and disturbing. The selection resembles someone’s disturbing erotic fantasy gone horribly wrong. Ranging from an oversized axe-wielding monstrosity to a tightly leather wrapped woman with a whip, SC2’s characters are among the strangest around. Add the Taki breast physics and you’ve got some good clean fun for the whole family. On a serious note, however, each version has it’s own unique add on character; Link for Gamecube, Spawn for the Xbox, and Heihache for PS2. Each fighter has it’s own unique weapons and moves. As you continue through the game, you are given currency for successfully completing missions in single player mode. Your options for purchase include new weapons, costumes, art galleries, and special features.

The graphics and sound are among the best. And, once again, someone at Namco has a very dirty mind. The comments and death cries from each character are both amusing and annoying. The female characters seem enjoy dying, because they moan louder than a hooker having an orgasm. The graphics are extremely realistic to the point that you could count the individual hairs on a character’s head if you wanted too. The large selection of characters are eye candy, and the imported characters are done extremely well.

Graphics and sound are nice, but everyone knows that controls are the most crucial part of a fighting game, and once again SC2 delivers. Introducing some of the most user-friendly controls to grace a fighting game, just about anyone can pick up and play this title. A lot of thought has gone into this game; there are no moves that can be abused, and there is no “God” character that is the best. How well you do is based on your reflexes and discretion. The moves are easy to use, and don’t require much memorization.

If I ever had to stress about buying a good game, this would have to be it. This is arguably the best fighting game to grace the consoles yet. If you have ANY of the three gaming systems, then this is an absolute must buy. 10/10.

Rating: 10/10

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