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Good Game

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: September 13, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This is a good game but i dont think its as good as the original. There is someting anooying about this game, they didnt make the stages as beautiful as in the original for Dreamcast. The graphics are really good, and the game play is very challenging. I was addicted to this game, but I reccommend you rent this before you buy it.

They do it again

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: September 16, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I was one of those guys who bought a Dreamcast just for soul calibur and was happy I did. Then I got a PS2 and waited with the rest while the news of a release for SC2 kept on changing.
It was worth it. The WeaponsMaster mode is reminescient of Soul Edge on the PS one for the fact that new weapons and costumes can be bought as well as unlocking new characters. The graphics are great and the fighting controls are very smooth and responsive. I have read some reviews that some of the characters are just too powerful and some too weak, I have not found this to be a problem yet. With blocking and side-stepping, anyone can be beat. If you have never played Soul Edge/Soul Blade or Soul Calibur before then you might not know what to expect, let me tell you though the Soul series is the best fighting game out there.

The Soul still burns

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: September 26, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Intro:
Four Years ago, Soul Calibur for the Sega Dreamcast came upon us. Soul Calibur showed us wonders, it was technologically ahead of its time, luscious smooth graphics, beautiful sounds and over all of that, a perfect gameplay. Perfection, is there really such a thing? If there is how could you improve on it? Critically acclaimed, the sequel is finally here, but is it really what it's hyped up to be?

Graphics:
SCII's graphics are beautiful to say the least. The stages are done remarkably well, with beautiful settings and buildings. Special effects are at its best, from fire trails to lightning it's all gorgeous. Though it's by far a great looking game, it doesn't have the same impact it had when we saw SC1 four years ago. SC1 completely pushed the Dreamcast's capabilities and still out looks some of today's PS2 titles. Perhaps it's a multi-platform problem because the PS2 isn't nearly as powerful as the GC and Xbox. Nevertheless, it still stands up there as above average graphics, it should be better knowing that Namco can push a console's performance to the limits, but you can't complain if it still looks good.

Sound:
Music is still at it's best with catchy tunes that get stuck in your head. It's reminiscent of SC1's music, which is good, medieval tunes match well with its surroundings and never gets repetitive. With English and Japanese as two whole different voice tracks to choose from, you'll never get old hearing the characters. The Japanese voices are clearly better, but different voice actors make it kind of awkward when characters say a line that was in the first game. Nevertheless, the refreshing music adds to great presentation.

Gameplay:
Alright, this is what matters the most in every game. The new characters alone is good enough reason for veterans to buy this game. The greatness of Soul Calibur II is that each character is equally balanced. There is no best or worst character, only good and bad players. Of course the real challenge in the game is mastering every character. Soul Calibur II is a masterpiece of fighting engines, newcomers can jump in and learn quickly, but there is nothing that can explain the level of depth that you can master the game. There is a move for every situation, the flow of executing the moves is smooth and it's as if your instinct just tells you what to do after each move. The strategy of the gameplay is not memorizing a combo that will KO someone in the least moves, instead it is in timing. Timing is everything in Soul Calibur, button mashers don't realize that and get beaten to a pulp, the basic is that you need to know when to block, when to attack, and when to counter. Then it gets deeper when you learn repel and parry Guard Impacts, the 3lvls of Soul Charge, and to an extent, offense that dodges the opponent's attack at the same time.

I can safely say that Soul Calibur II lives up to the perfection that the first one had, but maybe it is a little bit too much like the first one. The only significant changes besides new moves are Guard Breaks and Wall Combos. Guard Breaks stagger a guarding opponent so they let their guard down and you can come in for a nice combo, a very nice alternative to unblockables. Though it's hard to connect the opponent with the wall, wall combos do massive damage and should be used whenever the chance comes. There are other small changes such as walking or running while Soul Charging so that you're not vulnerable when doing so. Also, the depletion of upper and lower Guard Impact is neither good nor bad; it encourages newcomers to use it because it's easier, but for veterans this could lead to minute-long moments where each just counters the Guard Impact until someone messes up.

Weapon Master Mode, the main 1P mode, has been done quite nicely, presentation wise it gives players a good impression that you really are a warrior in the 16th century searching to destroy Soul Edge. Veterans might not find much challenge in the missions except touching up their skills, but it's nice going through a new set of missions. The missions range from a variety of conditions to fight in, from poison to earthquakes to timed ringouts, to a series of battles in a dungeon. The main aim in Weapon Master Mode is collecting all the different weapons for each character. With over 200 weapons, each weapon affects the character's stats such as offense, speed and health to suit how you play. The weapons can be used in other modes, which is a nice addition for a bit of variety in your matches.

Of course the beauty of a fighting game comes out when you play against a friend. When you and your friend are equally skilled in mastering SCII, versus mode becomes a blast to see who can beat the other more times. The CPU though has been greatly improved and can be as tough as diamond if you want a challenge.

To some veterans SCII might feel like a complete rehash, but it actually packs in quite a lot of new features. The reason that SCII feels like a slightly updated SC1 is that, as much as I hate to admit it, not many people owned a Dreamcast and has experienced SC1, so Namco is giving the rest of the world a taste of SC1 but improved for the benefit of veterans.

Conclusion:
While it doesn't have the same jaw dropping impression that the first one had, Soul Calibur II is an awesome game, definitely a worthy sequel of the first. It offers a great fighting engine that's fun to play alone and even more with a friend, while it's depth is simply amazing. Soul Calibur II is definitely a must-have.

Graphics: 9.3
Sound: 9.7
Gameplay: 9.9
Overall (not the average): 9.8

Great But Not As Great As Its Predecessor

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: March 05, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Soul Calibur is a beautiful and excellent game. Compared to the Dreamcast version this version boost in areas such as graphics and sound. Namco made some geat improvements in SC2. The reason I gave the game a 3 star rating is for several reasons. First of all, that weapon master mode was just plan stupid and it didn't yield as many extras as SC1. I noticed that the computer actually cheats. I don't get how the computer gets to play by a different set of rules than we do. Certain moves shouldn't be counterable at all. I'm a Taki player and there a move I used that she punches the ground near the enemy's foot, is sends them flying on into the air. I understand if you crouch and the move doesn't work, but how can you counter and move that wasn't even directly aimed towards the enemy. Also I find it ridiculous the computer can counter your grab attempts just as if you were trying to slash or kick it. But then you can't do that at all. I don't mind the computer being challenging, but one thing that anyone would agree is the game should be playing by the same rules I have to play by. Rules are suppose to be even. Don't get me wrong I still think it's a get game and I'm still holding on to my copy, but there are obvious problems with the fighting engine that's really making Soul Calibur 2 not live up to the legacy left by it predecessor.

Good Game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: May 04, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This is an awesome game, totally worth the purchase, it has its difference from Tekken, as you DO use weapons. Combos and style of play are different BUT, nevertheless, being a tekken freak, I personally recommended. I got it today and by the looks of its just awesome. Some friends came in the afternoon and we just finished playing, 6 hours straight. It has lots of extras like the Weapon master mode(which unlocks a ton of stuff) and of course, the 200+ weapons you can own. Bottome lines is GET IT, you won't regret it. Tekken fans will surely like it and chances are newcomers or just casuals will too!

One of the things i really like are the effect of weapons, some are long range,like swords and big axes, some are short, like knives and daggers, each character is entitled to around 10 weapons, each with abilities or disabilites, some cooler than other, each weapon has a different style and background, which really adds to the game.

A Master piece of art.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 4
Date: July 03, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I bought this game in Japan a couple of months ago, and today I'm still playing it every night with my girlfriend (and she used to dislike fighting games). I've passed complete weekends gathered with friends. The characters have plenty of movements, so far I haven't bring under control all of them, and believe me I've practice. Changing weapons make the things even more interesting, there are weapons that give you health and some others that may damage you, you have to find which is the best weapon to the character you are using. Graphics awesome, speed movement -> amazing. Plus you'll have surprises which I'll not comment of course, finally the "Weapon Master" mode, currently I'm level 78 of 99. The Story is just amazing, but I could keep myself writing forever so, in summary, you MUST BUY this one. Oh yeah! Finally I'll have it in English. (Though I'm used to the Japanese version).

THE BEST FIGHTING GAME EVER!!!!!!!!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 4
Date: September 20, 2003
Author: Amazon User

this game is probably the best fighting game out there today

heres a list of pros and cons.

pros.

-great graphics
-cool story
-realistic fights

cons

-over too quickly
-some charactors are too hard to unlock

BUY IT NOW

Despite flaws, probably the best fighting game out now

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 4
Date: December 12, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I am not a fighting game fan, but this definitely keeps my interest. The weapon system is ok, not really that useful though since its more fun to play regular arcade or vs mode than it is with special weapons. The control is really what makes this stand out though.

Soul Calibur II lacks the stiff, crappy, movement and sidestepping that is so common in most fighting games like Mortal Combat Deadly Alliance, Tekken and Virtua Fighter; the graceful fluid movement of the characters and chaining of combos cant even be put into words.

I could go on and on about the graphics , but thats pretty much expected of games these days, so its really not worth taking the time to write. (really, whens the last time you played a game with bad graphics for PS2 XBox or GC?)

The additional characters are wonderful, although Raphael is a bit cheap, and I really wish I could use Hwang (Assasin) in more modes of the game. I was also a little disappointed that they didnt bring back the weapon break system, although the parry system still remains the best addition to fighting games I've ever seen.

The computer sucks and is super predictable, so if you have a friend or friends who will play it with you endlessly this game is a great buy. If you plan on a lot of single player you will get bored after just a few days, so I strongly suggest you pickup a good strategy game instead...

SECOND best fighting game of all time

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 4
Date: April 08, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Over the last 3 years, there have been a bevy of fighters abound. Currently, however the main contenders are the Virtua Fighter and the Soul Calibur Series with Mortal Kombat and Tekken's dissapointing showings putting them just out of the bubble, though that could change with a good future release. Anyway, I have played both Virtua Fighter 4 and VF4 Evolution as well as Soul Calibur 2, and while Soul Calibur 2 is the best weapons fighterin its class(though to be fair there arent very many weapons fighters), Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution takes the cake. Now for the features of Soul Calibur:
Characters: 9/10(simply because I have no need for Heihachi in a weapons fighter, 10/10 for Xbox and GC)VF4:10/10
Controls: 9/10(Clunky as you get used to them but easilly adapted when you get the hang of it) VF4 9/10(same reason)
Moves: 10/10(Perfect combinations of easy and difficult moves with a simple yet complex system) VF4: 10/10
Special Mode(overall): 10/10 (Slightly edges out VF4's quest mode because the weapons you acquire effect you in combat) VF4:9/10
Special Mode system: 8/10 (while some of the fights are fun and innovative, like one in a windy area where you have to knock your opponent off a windmill, it can be a pain going through the dungeons, fighting drone after drone, while gaining back minimal hitpoints to sustain you from some of the massive attacks, unrewarding ranking system with no real base) VF4:9/10(easier to sustain, many fighting modes, relatively easy to unlock things, good ranking system, can always take a break but still be able to fight new people, very long)
Replay Value: I decided not to count the replay value, because in fighting games that is hard to judge but I would mark them about even.
Graphics: 10/10 (superb, easy to move around in, great environments) VF4: 10/10 (similarly flawless)

The winner: Virtua Fighter 4/VF4 Evolution! Both franchises will hopefully be making admirable fighting games down the road and both games are worth getting but VF4 slightly edges out SC2 to take the prize. Though this did not effect my decision in any way, as a bonus, Virtua Fighter 4 and Virua Fighter 4 Evolution both are only $19.99 while SC2 is $37.95. Simply put, if you are strapped for cash and can only afford one, get Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution, but if you can spend a little money, then get both of these masterfully rendered fighting games. Click my name and find my Virtua Fighter 4 and Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution reviews as well.

This is the review that you been looking for!!!! READ IT!!!!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 14
Date: September 22, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This game is awesome, I think is the best sword fighting game since it's prequel Soulblade, compare this game with Way of the samurai, Kengo and Bushido Blade then you will see why Soul Excalibur is the best swordfighting game.

Here are the good things and bad things:

GODD THINGS:
. This HARDCORE game could bring a new generation to the serie, for example: Final Fantasy vr. Soul Excalibur (ONLY FOR PLAYSTATION 2 HA,HA,HA!!!!!!)
. Awesome graphics (at least better than Soulblade).
. Filled with tons of extras including RPG, battle watch and KATAS (Weapon demonstration).
. The new Necrid character is very cool (only with the mask).
. Optional English and Japanese voices.
. Sorround sound.
. AWESOME music.
. Tons of optional new weapons for each character.
. Cool intro.
. Many alternative costumes for each character.
. The game have a NAMCO DEMO disc of many new games.

BAD THINGS:
. Heihachi as extra character for the Playstation 2 is not a good idea (they could put Kazuya, Pac-man, Ryu Hayabusa or MAYBE Sephiroth or Cloud from Final Fantasy.)
. The weapon mode is kind of annoying when you loose.
. NO CINEMATICS AT THE ENDING!!!!!!!
. You have to read a lot to understand the story and reading suck's (at least for me).

That all Folks.
Sayonara, Adios, Goodbye.

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