Soul Calibur IV still burns! (Page 2 of 3)

Win Some, Lose Some

Other additions don't fare as well, particularly Soul Calibur IV's disappointing new online play. You'll find a smattering of online versus modes, but the interface and features are miles behind even Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection Online, a mere downloadable game. It's a surprisingly barebones implementation, but I'm hopeful that Namco Bandai will enhance this no-frills matchmaking with future game updates.

Visually, the game is just spectacular. From the fluid fighting styles to the kaleidoscopic arenas, Soul Calibur IV is one of the most lavish-looking games on either the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation 3. Speaking of which, there aren't many differences between the two versions, though the PS3 version looks a bit crisper and benefits from the DualShock 3's superior directional pad.

Identity Crisis?

While writing this article, I looked back on my Soul Calibur III review and was alarmed by the similarities in both write-ups. This line grabbed me: "Namco can't continue to pile on more moves, game modes, and graphical enhancements; at some point, something's gotta give."

I'm sorry to report that Soul Calibur IV is inching dangerously close to that point of "something's gotta give." It's fundamentally the same game as Soul Calibur III, only with more fighters, an online mode, and more create-a-character customizations. It's remarkably well produced and visually sumptuous, but its appeal remains limited to hardcore fighting veterans and casual button-mashers. This is a good game, but not a great one. I hope that the next Soul Calibur truly reinvigorates the look, feel, and energy of this majestic series.

PROS:
-Truly splendid visuals with plenty of color
-Fast-paced fighting with tight controls
CONS:
-The same game you've been playing for years
-Lackluster online play and boring Story modes

Comments [70]

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pixelsword

lol... farst

...The perfect blend of "fart" and "first"... a guys perfect word for smell and thread dominance.

greyscale

I went ahead and highlighted the PS3 version in place of the 360 version, so we didn't have two pics of Algol on the front page :)

gregdnr

Visually, the game is just spectacular. From the fluid fighting styles to the kaleidoscopic arenas, Soul Calibur IV is one of the most lavish-looking games on either the Xbox 360 or the PlayStation 3. Speaking of which, there aren't many differences between the two versions, though the PS3 version looks a bit crisper and benefits from the DualShock 3's superior directional pad.

greensabre

I rented it for 360, but wasn't terribly impressed. Although I'm not a fan of fighting games in the first place.

denveraic

I'm sad with this review. We waited a week after everybody else's review for this? This is by far the best Soul Calibur to date. Why didn't you speak about the new features this game offers? The destructible gear is awesome, if you block to much, you are penalized, the new special systems, and points is awesome. Everything is upgradeable. Every article you put on your body has a consequence. You aren't just customizing a character, you are upping their attributes. This game is much better than 3. As far as graphics, they are awesome, of course though, leave it to Lamepro, and their week late review to insult the 360, this is the fourth review I have read, and everyone said the graphics were equal, except yours, surprise Lamepro at it again. The one advantage the PS3 does have, is the optional install, no load times. Though there will be the update to allow you to do the same on the 360, so consider that a wash in a few month, but for now, no loads only from Sony. Good game either way.

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