Soul Calibur IV (PS3) Review

Posted by Gregory McDougal on 08.13.2008

Does the soul still burn, or is it just a flicker?



Publisher: Namco/Bandai
Developer: Namco/Bandai
Genre: Fighting
Players 1-2 (Offline and Online)



When it comes to 3-D fighting games, the Soul Calibur series are some of the best. Ever since its introduction as Soul Edge (or Blade) on the Playstation 1 in 1997, it has earned the title as the “premiere weapons based fighter.” Many, including myself, consider it Tekken with weapons. Coincidentally, Namco made both. There have been a few weapons-based fighters released to give the game some competition, however, none came close to matching the game’s depth or speed. Before Soul Edge, I loved the Tekken series, but once it was released, those games played second fiddle.

While Soul Blade put the series on the map for Sony’s first system, it wasn’t until 1999 with the launch of the Sega Dreamcast that its sequel Soul Calibur truly brought the series to new heights. It took everything its predecessor had and amplified it by ten. The graphics were amazing (even to this day they still look good), the gameplay was deep and the replay value was remarkable. To this day it is still considered one of the best fighting games of all time. That game (along with Resident Evil: Code Veronica) was the deciding factor for purchasing Sega’s short-lived system. Four years later, with the Playstation 2, XBOX and Gamecube already released came Soul Calibur 2. It was available on all three systems with each version receiving an exclusive character. PS2 owners received Tekken alum Heihachi, XBOX got Spawn, while Gamecube owners got the chance to play as Link from The Legend of Zelda series. While it was for all intents and purposes a better game than the original, it didn’t quite have the same impact.

Then there was Soul Calibur 3. In my eyes it was the weak installment in the series. It wasn’t a bad game by any means because it introduced the much needed “character creation mode.” However, at this point it seemed the blade was beginning to dull. Now here we are with Soul Calibur 4 for the Playstation 3. Now that Namco has entered the stage of history on next-gen, has it regained its luster? Yes it has.

Gameplay

The core of Soul Calibur 4 has remained the same; fighting various opponents to reach the final boss in a number of modes, and this game has a variety of them. There are three modes for single play. First, there is the story mode, which chronicles each characters quest in search of either the mighty sword “Soul Calibur” or the devastating “Soul Edge.” The story mode is a bit on the lame side, especially when compared to how Namco handled it on the Dreamcast version. The endings are nice to watch though. Then there is the standard Arcade mode. However, the solo mode that you will be playing the most is the new “Tower of Souls.” This mode has you ascending 40+ floors fighting various opponents, while performing certain task to earn treasure for your created character (more on that in a bit). The tower also has you descending once you ascend at least 20 floors, and those challenges can be a bit tougher. Another addition to the series is the ability to destroy a character’s armor. There are three mini bars on the screen next to the character’s health. Each time a character continuously blocks, a bar will disappear along with a piece of clothing. Once that person looses all three bars, he or she will be susceptible to that person’s ultimate attack, which means instant K.O. This is a hit and miss feature. While I like the feature of characters clothing being removed (just the female characters), the fact that you have to deplete all three bars to do a finisher makes it frustrating. For the record, I have only been able to pull off one finisher.


Talim is ready for some fightin'.


As stated earlier, there is a create-a-character mode similar to part three, but more detailed. It seemed Namco put more thought into the level of customization the player could put forth for his or her character. From the type of skills you want to clothing to even your fighting style, the developers got it covered. Also, new is the addition of leveling up your character depending on whose character style you chose for that person. For example, say you chose Taki for your character’s style and you use her a lot. The more you play as either Taki or your character, the more extras you unlock such as new weapons, outfits and new skills. It’s a great concept that amps the replay value a few notches.

Speaking of replay value, now its time to mention what many fans of the series have been waiting for…ONLINE PLAY!!! That’s right, for the first time in the Soul Calibur series; you can see how you fare against players from around the world in the comfort of your own home. Not only can you take the original characters online, but your own creations as well. While there aren’t many online options, what’s there is good enough. I was playing into the wee hours of the morning just online. I think that’s all there is to mention about Soul Calibur…. Oh, how could I forget about another addition…STAR WARS. Yes people, the empire has invaded the “stage of history” with the inclusion of three characters. Since Yoda is exclusive to the XBOX 360, I will only discuss Darth Vader and his apprentice from the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. While Vader is a bit slow compared to other characters, he is fun to use and just as balanced as the main roster. He is not someone I would take online for constant use, but fun nonetheless. The Apprentice on the other hand, while a great character to use, is cheap when fighting against him. Not only does he use projectiles, he uses them while floating in the air throwing his light saber.



And so is he.


Graphics

Visually this game is great. Even though the max output for the Playstation 3 version is 720p, its still one of the best looking fighters around. From the environments to the character models, this is a visual treat. I can only imagine what Namco will do for Tekken 6 once it hits consoles.

Sound

What you see is about as equally good as what you hear. The weapon clashes are great as well as the sound when bodies hit the ground. I will even go as far to say I didn’t even have a problem with English voice-overs, as cheesy as they can be (the option to change it to Japanese is still present). However, there is something that’s got to go or should I say someone…that damn voice announcer. For a decade he has been in every installment saying the lamest statements such as “The Gods have granted you a sword to cut your own path,” or “she rides the winds of the east to make her way to destiny.” Namco, get rid of it for the next game, please.



The force is strong with this one


The 411

With online play, character customization and that balance of gameplay for casual button mashers and hardcore players, it’s hard for me not to recommend this game. Although the amount of unlockables have tremendously been cut down, especially since its Dreamcast iteration, the soul still burns brightly with this one and players will be having fun with this game for months and years to come.

Graphics	9.0	Great visuals put this one ahead of the fighting competition. Soul Calibur in next-gen. Enough said.
Gameplay	8.8	It does not re-invent the wheel, but nevertheless it is the best Soul Calibur since the original for the Dreamcast.
Sound	8.9	Great sound, lousy voice announcer.
Lasting Appeal	9.6	Character customization and online play will keep players busy long after the single player modes are through.
Fun Factor	9.3	If you have friends this is the game for you.
Overall	9.1   [  Amazing ]

Screenshots
All 58 Soul Calibur IV Screenshots