Review: Soul Calibur II - daytrum

Publisher: Namco

Ages: teen

Parental Advisory:
Violence

When gamers want to rumble, Namco's Soul Calibur II delivers the action goods. The title is an excellent one that's fun to play, maintains everything that was great about the first game and serves phenomenal graphics. And while the game is violent, it doesn't wash the screen with blood the way titles such as Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance do.

Soul Calibur II offers 10 game modes, a host of unlockable costumes and arenas, and some 200 weapons and items. For Soul Calibur fans, there are 15 characters from the original game that include such notables as Cervantes, Taki, Maxi, and Mitsurugi. And two new characters. Interestingly, each video game system also boasts its own unique guest fighter: The GameCube version features the elfin Link with his boomerang, bow and moves-a welcome addition.

The game maintains the conventions, moves and combo attacks of the original game so Soul Calibur fans can quickly jump in and play. The proven fight system that relies on horizontal slashes, vertical slashes, kicks, and guarding work superbly once again. The system is intuitive and easy to learn and lets players execute an amazing number of moves.

The game's artificial intelligence is challenging and fairly adept. But, of course, the best action comes in head-to-head competitions with other (live) players. Surprisingly, there is no online play-something that would have made the game truly outstanding.

The graphics are tremendous and offer well animated and fluid fighters, as well as detailed backgrounds with trees, buildings, water and more. And while the fighting is fast and fierce, there's no blood or dismemberment.

Soul Calibur II features amazing graphics and is fun to play. If your kids are demanding a fight game, Soul Calibur II is less bloody than other fight titles and arguably the best 3D fight title for the GameCube.

10/1/03 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff

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