SoulCalibur II

"Rock solid game. Period."

I must say that at first I wasn't very much interested in this title. I played the original SC on Dreamcast and I was completely satisfied with it, even if it wasn't a masterpiece. Same thing here. The game is rock solid, delivers everything you ask from it but nothing more. It's the thing Namco has been doing for the past few year: nothing revolutionary, just small improvements to the winning formula. Let's start with the in-depth review.

Controls: 7/10

The first thing I look into a fighting game. Here Namco has not taken any chances and stuck with the old SC button configuration, which was quite good. The problems arise when you put SC2 against more sophisticated, latest generation fighting games, like DoA3. SC2 characters feel a little ''stiff'' when pitted against the competition. It's all the same as the old Tekken: scoop, combo, guard, and that's all. It was good five years ago but now starts to show its age. In short, you don't feel in full control.

Gameplay: 8/10

With literally tons of features (Arcade, Survival, etc.) and their Extra counterparts, you got yourself lots of way to bash your enemies. The main feature of SC2 is the Weapon Master mode, where you can unlock Extra modes, alternative weapon skins and new suits for your characters. It's pretty well made and can help you hone your skills or learn the game quickly. Everything you want from a fighting game. The only downside are the cloned characters. What's the point in having two different characters with exactly the same skills and almost the same moves? It's been done for centuries, isn't time to change a little?

Graphics: 7/10

An immense improvement over the old SC, but bears the mark of being a multiplatform game. Meaning the programmers can't fully exploit the X-Box graphic capabilities. They can only beef up some features, but have to leave the rest alone. The stages are really well made, and they really feel 3D. The characters, on the other way, still look a little out-dated. The Spawn and Astaroth look great, but the human characters are nowhere near the modern standard (especially Raphael).

Replay value: 7/10

Like the old Soul Calibur. You can have some fun by yourself and with your friends, but it's not a game that will keep you hooked forever, considering the fact that's so easy and quick to master.

Value for money: 6/10

Unless you are a huge SC fan I strongly advise against importing this game. It will cost a fortune and won't be fully worth it. Wait for the domestic version to be released. Even in that case, consider this game a stop-gap measure until better fighting games are out for the X-Box.
If you have the fortune (like myself) to come upon a used copy of this game, get it instantly!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/12/03, Updated 05/12/03