SoulCalibur Legends

"Another awesome SC game, but not for everyone."

A soul calibur game for the Wii? Awesome! This game takes place between soul calibur 1 and soul blade 1, and gives you some details that I for one did not know. Though I really enjoyed this game, it might not be for all people, but if you like the soul caliburs games and combat in general, then you should enjoy this game too.

~Controls~ (9/10) -motion controls not quite perfect-
The game shows the Wii's unique motion controls at its finest. Swing the Wiimote left, your fighter swings left. Swing up and you uppercut. But it can get much more complicated as you may swing the nunchuk as well to alter your attacks for devastating combos and unique attacks. You also can hold the nunchuks control stick in different directions to alter them as well, and you can get really fancy by swinging the wiimote, nunchuk, and moving the control stick to use special techniques that I can never remember. You seem to use lots of awesome techniques without knowing how. The games motion sensor works great, but the technology isn't quite perfect, and once in a while your character may not swing the direction you wanted, but most of the time its just the combos. You can activate special attacks by pressing C, and then using both the wiimote and the nunchuk together to unleash incredible attacks that are fun to discover. It's literally impossible to do the same 3 attacks in a row, unless you pause in-between. Each weapon has different special attacks and combos, and with so many combinations for your weapon swings you can really get into the fights.


~Game play~ (8/10) -only several level themes, repetitive monsters-
The game play is fast paced and fun, and sometimes difficult. With the 7 characters that you eventually unlock you can enjoy discovering their specials and combos, and unlocking and leveling up each characters 4 weapons. Each weapon also has different special attacks and combos as well. I found that sometimes it's better to stick with one or two characters throughout the game, because during hard battles its better to use characters your familiar fighting with. There are several areas, and many you return to multiple times. Each area has its own "theme", from snowy mountains to fancy mansions. Though you return to each area many times, the levels are always different (aside from levels you return to that are exactly the same, but harder. Those are mainly for bonus weapons and are optional, aside from 1 or 2). There's also only around 25-30 different monsters you fight, that just change color and get stronger as you go on with the story. Though the monsters are the same, they get a slew of new moves and a lot smarter as you progress through the story. I would be lying if I told you beginning of the game skeletons will dodge your attacks, counter, and play dead only to pounce on you. But endgame skeletons do. Traps are a new addition to this game, and are fairly annoying. But they do kind of break up the constant hacking and slashing of monsters. Getting hit is inevitable, but there is some health in-between groups of monsters. You can also find weapon upgrades that will make the weapon that your character is currently using a little stronger. You may also take 2 different characters into each level, in case one dies or as a strategy against certain monsters. You also fight several bosses over and over again, though they usually have some new attacks each time. There is only two minibosses - one technically, but I consider the other to be one - and they are overused. You literally fight 20+ dragons throughout the game, with very little difference in each.


~Story~ (9/10) - Not all that detailed, but it's a fighting game. What can you expect?-
The story tells a little of each characters past, and what their objectives are. It's mostly told by still pictures of characters that change a little with their expressions. However, I'm happy to say that pieces of the story are told in short 1 or 2 minuet sections between levels, and mixed in with the story are explanations of your goals for the next level - so you don't have to read them separate or for long periods of time, which would be boring. Some of the story is also told as characters talk to each-other during levels, so you get to fight and listen at the same time. Some of the story is a little unwelcome, especially when the new character "Iska”, whom you can't fight with, tells you about his past. He is supposed to be your "guide" to help you in resurrecting soul edge, and seems to know exactly where to send you and what to make you do.

~Multiplayer~ (9/10) -few levels-
Multiplayer is a blast. With the Wii's unique motion controls you can fight your friends in Vs mode using unique attacks and specials they haven't discovered, and the same goes for them. There are also a few Co-op levels where you and your friend can kill the enemies and bosses in style, like only soul calibur combat can. There are also competition levels where you compete against each other for kills and damage totals. You unlock more multiplayer levels for Co-op and competition, and more Vs arenas by going through the story mode.

~Graphics~ (6/10) -this is what really weighs the game down-
The graphics are basically equal to the PS2's, and aren't all that great. There is nothing really bad about them, but some Wii worthy graphics would be nice.

~Sound~ (8/10) -few different songs, no diversity in the same area-
The sound is good, and fits well with the stages, but it's not really diverse, and even in boss battles the sound is always the music that represents that area, which makes about 14 total. Some boss battle music would be nice, and a little diversity is always appreciated.

~Replay~(7/10) -levels always the same, same monsters, same traps-
The replay wouldn't be that great, but is saved by the fact that there are seven characters and a multiplayer mode. In the story mode, most levels allow you to choose your characters, aside from a few which must be completed with a certain person/s. If you are like me, and stick with using 2 specific characters at all times unless I must be certain people, then after you beat it, you can choose a different set of people to play as. That way, you get to figure out special techniques and combos for said people, and what's effective against certain monsters.

~Overall~(8/10)
The game is fun and makes good use of Wii's unique motion sensor technology. The game sounds good and looks okay, and has the excellent combat that soul calibur games are praised for. It also gives a little background for familiar soul calibur characters that you probably don't know. The game could use more multiplayer modes, and more areas, but is overall very fun and easy to get into. It amazes me how people who don't like the soul calibur combat system could play this game and then criticize it. If you haven't enjoyed soul calibur games in the past, then you won't like this one. If you fairly enjoy soul calibur games, then I recommend giving this one a try.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/01/08

Game Release: SoulCalibur Legends (US, 11/20/07)