SoulCalibur

"One of the coolest fighting games out"

Soul Calibur, sequel to Soul Edge/Blade, is a fighting game much like Tekken. characters are given total freedom to move around, and moves and combos are done ala Tekken, tapping in button sequences. Soul Calibur proves an excellent game for any Dreamcast owner looking for a new game.

Gameplay: 9
the game play is easy to get into for beginners, but still leave techniques for masters to learn. Total freedom of movement removes and "cheap" corner traps etc. Turtlers are gone due to weapon guard meter, actin as a blocking guage. however, combos are a bit easy to do, and 10 hit combos can be learnt in no time. Overall, good game mechanics with a large variety of characters.

Control: 9
the controls are simple. kick, slash, or guard, and movement or jump/duck according to joystick movement gives the useage of the analog controller found on the Dreamcast controller. Controls are responsive, and the use of the analog pad helps the remedy of the poor Dreamcast control in fighting games, due to poor digital d-pads.

Sound/video: 10
The sound is very clear and crisp, from the grunts of Mitsurugi to the announcer, voices are clear and as isd the music, designed to each character's theme. the graphics are also increidble. Colorful, large and smooth sprites fill the screen, and equally good backgrounds as well.

Replay value: 9
Many characters are availble to master, and the fun factor of the game allows long lasting play durability. the edge master mode also boasts longer game play as well.

Rent or Buy:
A definate buy for any Dreamcast owner looking for a new game, and worth every dollar.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 06/08/03