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Review  Soul Calibur 2
- By Daniel Maraglio
[Senior Editor]
Back in 1999, Soul Calibur was released on the dreamcast system and was instantly considered as the best 3-D fighting game ever created. Four years later not much has changed and Soul Calibur's graphics, gameplay and depth dont just still hold up to newer games like virtua fighter 4, they match, or even surpass them in some fans eyes. Until now.
Gameplay:
Soul Calibur 2 has improved upon its predecessor in nearly every aspect. There are so many ways to play this game that you will spend as much time with SC2 that you do with some RPGs. The main single player mode is the weapon master mode. This improves upon the single player quest mode in SC and uses a formula more like the mode in Soul Blade on the playstation. This mode gives an in depth story for the player to follow as they travel around the world in search of the Soul Edge. Every challenge rewards the player with experience to increase thier level and gold used to buy everything from new weapons for the warriors, to new costumes, to art galleries and lots more. Most of the matches in quest mode are fun, but many of them seemed too easy and the dungeon type levels quickly went from cool to annoying, with some taking too long to defeat. Luckily the excitement of constantly unlocking new game modes and weapons keeps things fresh and fun. Besides the Weapons Master mode, there are plenty of other single and two player diversions, many unlockable. There are the basic time attack, survival, practice and team battle modes, but eventually you will open up variations of these modes that further lengthens the replay value. All this new stuff is really great. Best of all is the Gamecube's exclusive character Link from the legend of Zelda series. His attacks arent just limited to his sword and shield. Use of his familiar bombs and his bow and arrows are common. He also performs dash attacks and ground strikes like in previous zelda titles. Another bonus is for American players only. Three extra characters, not found in the import. Berzerker is a huge gladiator with an axe that would make even Astaroth jealous. He is based on Rock from the orignal Soul Blade. Next is Lizard man, who is pretty much a clone of Sophitia from Soul Calibur, and finally there Assasin who plays just like Hwang from the last game. The games new characters are all well designed and bring new fighting styles to the ring. Raphael is a fencing master with Rapiers while Talim fights using tonfas (kind of like using to police night sticks). Then theres Necrid who uses a strange power to create weapons when he attacks. The Variations and differences between all the characters weapons and styles is substantial and they are all fun to try out and see who is best for you. My personal favorites are Nightmare and Taki. Nightmare's long sword is great for playing keep away and it has great damaging attacks. Taki is a quick fighter, great for close up battles and her kicking attacks are just as good as her blades. While these two are my favorites, any character will do as all are easy to use right away so button mashers can enjoy this game, but with a few sessions in practice mode and reviewing the moves list, you can master a character and become a much more skilled player.
Aesthetics:
Graphically the game is very impressive. Huge detailed characters fight inside beautifully rendered arenas ranging from the top of a giant windmill to the main room of a large mansion to the bottom of a dark dungeon. I felt that the arenas from Soul Claibur should have also been returned since some of them were actually more impressive than the newer arenas like Voldo's money pit or the castle seige arena. The graphics, have been tweaked up a bit since Soul Calibur, everything looks alot sharper and more detailed. There is also a progressive scan option which will make things look a whole lot better on TVs capable of displaying it. I really dont have anything bad to say about the graphics besides the fact that seeing Voldo's rear end up close is a little too detailed. Seeing Taki or Ivy from behind is good though.
Sound:
Good stuff. The music takes a more classical approach and considering the games setting, it fits perfectly. All the sounds are appropriate for the weapons and the english voice overs are for the most part well done. The only thing that bothered me is that during quest mode, you will be winning many matches over and over again, especially in the dungeons. While playing this mode with Nightmare, about ever 20-30 seconds I hear him saying something like "I want the next soul."
"Give me the next soul." "Souls, give me strength.". It got pretty repetitive after a couple of hours, but thats only a small ding in an otherwise perfect audio performance.
Control:
The big question. Can the Gamecube controller be used effectively for playing SC2? Yes it can, but it will take some getting used to. After about 15 minutes of practice battles, everything was just as easy as using a sony or dreamcast controller. You can always adjust the control settings, making better use of the triggers as well. The game itself controls like a dream. Special attacks are easy to perform, making for some really impressive looking battles. This is one of the main reasons the series is held so highly.
Multiplayer:
Two people can sit there and play this game for hours. The only fighting games that have kept the attention of me and my freinds for so long are Virtua Fighter 4, Street Fighter games and Soul Calibur 1-2. Plenty of two player modes keeps things interesting and being able to select different weapons for each character can change the odds. Your friend seems too good at using Nightmare? Take away that Soul Edge and make him use an ore from a row boat. Each weapon has different effects and advantages or disadvantages. This is a great party game, even if it only is two player simultaneous.
OVERALL:
One of the most perfect games ever created. Its well balanced weapons fighting is second to none. Its graphics are superb. Its soundtrack is great. Its controls, flawless. I cant think of any reason why somone wouldnt want to own this game.
The Lowdown on  Soul Calibur 2
| Aesthetics: Awesome |
Control: Awesome |
| Gameplay: Awesome |
Multiplayer: Awesome |
| Sound: Very Good |
Innovation: 4/6 |
| Lasting Appeal: 5/6 |
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Overall: Awesome!
"Top of the Genre"
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This game is:
Awesome
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INFO |
Developer: Namco Hometek
Publisher: Namco
Number of Players: 1-2
Release Date:
08.26.2003
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IN A
NUTSHELL: |
| Voldo cant see you, but he knows your there. Buy this game. |
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