#48 Soul Calibur II

Game Info

Publisher: Namco

Developer: Namco

Platform:  PS2

Genre(s): Fighting, Action

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: August 26, 2003

Intro: 

The dynamic intro to this game gets is visually stunning.  From the multiple player characters to the scenery, weapons and sound, everything about this intro made me want to dig into this game and play.  It doesn't give a backstory, it simply teases the player into action.

Getting Going:

The menu screen gives immediate gratification with several characters to choose from.  None of the characters are rated, no statistics given.  It is merely visual.  Each character starts with 2 costume choices and their favorite weapon.  I chose a character and moved into Arcade mode, where I was able to fight against other characters I'd been considering.  This gave me an excellent opportunity to play with my chosen character, but also to see what the other ones were about.  It was an instant win-win.  I had also used the options menu to opt for character changes at continues which was a nice option because it gave me the opportunity to switch player characters during the tournament while keeping my status in the game.  I would later go on to Weapons Master Mode, which is the story mode of Soul Calibur II, but more on that later.

Fun:

YES!  Immediately fun.  The characters are unique.  They have several barks.  They have stories.  They have amazing animations.  The texturing and art in this game are first-rate.  It is simply a gorgeous game to play.  When Necrid, the character I was playing, came up against Talim, I was blown away.  Talim just kicks ass!  You can't help but be impressed by that.

Visuals:

As I've already stated, incredible.  Simply beautiful.  There is just so much to look at in this game.  Every fight seemed to have a different arena.  Each character has a multitude of moves accompanied by incredible animations.  The movement on-screen is alive with light and color.  I love this game.

Sound:

As each battle loads, a musical score is titled on-screen.  Each player has multiple barks in an extensive use of voice-acting.  The battle sounds are also distinct and dynamic.  AND, it had a surround sound option that hooked me on the game immediately!

Intelligence:

Each character has their own abilities.  There are also moves that can be used to counter specific moves, such as a defensive parry.  I felt that I was challenged and played well against.  Nothing was predictable or repetitive about the challenges in this game.

Immersion: 

It's easy to become immersed in a game like Soul Calibur II.  It offers some of the qualities I look for in immersion such as surround sound, story, stunning visuals, a great play mechanic and ease of control.  I can easily see a day slipping away in this amazing game.

Cameras:

I had no control over the camera.  It was one less thing to worry about. 

Controls:

The learning curve for the controls is very low.  The controls work seamlessly and so easily that it almost seems like the character is of one mind with the player.  Meanwhile, the game itself is challenging enough that the player is still aware that they aren't playing without skill.  I never once felt as if I was simply mashing buttons to play.

Ideas:

I don't know if I really got any ideas from this game.  Surround sound + eye-candy=Win!  The concept isn't new, but this game quite simply combines all of the best things about every fighter I've ever played in one game. 

Memory:

I definitely can see why this one would make the top 100 over Tekken.  It's easier to play and it's even prettier.  The animations, weapons and movement through the game all make this game more fun.  Tekken takes skill.  That's actually what I like about it.  Soul Calibur II is easier to pick up and play.  I was immediately successful and I was blown away by the audio-visuals while I played.  It even takes advantage of the story quality of Tekken.  I still love Tekken, but, given the option, I'd choose Soul Calibur II over Tekken anyway.