SoulCalibur

"Gaming Perfection"

9/9/99-Some of you remember what you were doing that day, others may not. Me? I was anticipating the release of the Dreamcast, and it came that day. Now while I did not get a DC at its launch, I was anxious because I knew my one friend was getting one very soon-and I would be able to play a game that intrigued me-Soul Calibur.

Well I had to wait three months before my friend got his DC for Christmas, and then gaming magic happened. My friend and I put over 100 hours into his copy-and then when I purchased a DC about two and half years ago I put almost 100 hours into my copy.

Fighting games have always been my favorite genre, and this game is fighting game perfection-and I am not exaggerating. From the combat system, to the graphics, to the story-this is what gaming is all about.

Gameplay
Have you ever had a feeling when you're playing a game and the controller almost becomes an extension of your hand? Soul Calibur did that for me, and no game since then has done the same, except for maybe Soul Calibur II. You have three main buttons: Horizontal attack, Vertical attack, and kick. There is also a button for guarding and a pseudo powerup known as a ''Soul Charge''
Obviously, depending on the combination of buttons you press, you will perform certain things-that is the basis of fighting games. What sets Soul Calibur apart is that everything just seems to flow unlike any other fighting game before it.
With the 8-Way Run feature (a feature in which you can move around the ring in 8 different directions) the fluidity is unmatched, as no game has been able to duplicate the smoothness of the 8-Way Run. The lack of mobility has always been a complaint of mine since I became a fighting game fan, but Soul Calibur changes all of that.
Once you've learned the control basics-it's time to get into the game modes. The mode you will spend the most time is most likely Mission Mode-in which you go along playing different missions earning points in order to buy Art. The art you purchase will lead to the unlocking of most of the games extras-and there are quite a few extras to unlock. Mission mode will take most gamers a few hours to complete, and while it gets difficult in some missions-it is not impossible to beat.
Of course, there are the normal modes as well. Arcade mode-this is the mode that simulates the arcade experience, and it is also the medium that you will use to unlock the extra characters. Survival, time attack, and team battle are also included.
Versus mode will keep you busy as well, especially if you have rivalries with friends. You can sit down and play 50 matches, and not even think twice about it-it is extremely fun to play.
Our good friends at Namco have also deemed to have a ''Museum'' section of the game. Now contained within this museum section is something never done in a fighting game before-and that is exhibition mode. Now exhibition mode allows you to watch each character do a demonstration with their weapon, and it is a sight to behold. Another unlockable feature is the ability to edit the opening movie of the game-and yes you can get some hilarious combinations.

Graphics
The graphics are flawless in this game. It plays smooth, and it looks smooth. I have encountered no slow down at all, and the load times are very good as well. Even after playing a PS2 for a while I went back to Soul Calibur and I did not really notice much of a difference. For being a launch title, Soul Calibur set the graphical bar extremely high.
Each arena is wonderfully detailed and each has a unique feel to them. The characters are just amazing. When performing moves, clipping is non-existent, and the wardrobes of the characters move with the environment. If it is windy, your character's hair will blow in the wind-it is that detailed.

Sound
The Soul Calibur series contains my favorite game music, and for good reason. Soul Calibur contains a very well orchestrated soundtrack-almost epic in magnitude, and it really makes you feel like you are at war with your opponent.
The sound effects are awesome as well. Each ding and clang of the weapons can be heard, and you can almost feel a hit when a certain move is performed and you hear that snap or crunch of the unlucky character getting broken.
The voices (in Japanese) are extremely amazing as well. Basically, this is how every fighting game should sound.

Replay Value
Let's see...I've logged in over 200 hours into this game and I am still not tired of it, I guess that speaks for itself. But in all actuality, this game will keep you busy for a very long time. It is very easy to pick up and learn the basics, but to get very good and to the point of mastery takes a very long time, and depending on the character or characters you chose to play as, it may take a very long time (i.e. Ivy, Cervantes). With all of the extras to unlock, the massive mission mode, and setting records on the other game modes-this is the epitome of replayability.

Overall
This game has revolutionized fighting games. No fighter is as smooth, intuitive, or as beautiful as Soul Calibur. If you are not a fan of fighting games, this game may just change your mind. With a well crafted story and characters-you will be so engrossed in this game you will end up losing a lot of time-trust me. With so much to unlock and see, this game will almost dominate your life for a while-I can only hope that future installments of this great series keep raising the bar, even though Soul Calibur has set an extremely high standard.

Gameplay-Perfect-10/10
Graphics-Beautiful, no flaws-10/10
Sound-Epic, makes you feel like you are truly fighting for the fate of the world-10/10
Replay Value-So much to do, it is insane-10/10
Overall-Perfection-10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/18/04