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Categories: Review
Tags: fighting, soulcalibur, star wars, xbox 360
Soulcalibur IV
Developer: Project Soul
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Platform: Xbox 360
Released: July 29, 2008One of my frustrations with fighting games is pulling off special moves. That makes me a fan of Soulcalibur IV because every button I hit does something cool. Yes, I’m an unabashed button-masher even though it brings me endless shame online.
The difference between Soulcalibur and other fighting games is its emphasis on weapons-based combat. It makes sense then that it’s easier to unleash an awesome nunchaku combo by stumbling across the correct buttons than summoning whatever power you need to perform a Fatality in Mortal Kombat.
With its roster of over 30 characters — each with their own weapons and fighting styles — Soulcalibur IV has a deep fighting system. Most of the characters are well-balanced with obvious benefits and disadvantages. Rock is slow, but his mace packs a whallop. Taki, the ninja, is fast and deadly, but you don’t want her to get cornered. Adding player-created characters, the game takes on a new dimension.
While on the surface, player-created characters are just reskins of existing characters, the variety of faces, equipment, and color options creates a real sense of originality. When you start outfitting them with the special weapons and armor you’ve unlocked — and add offensive and defensive abilities — you wind up with a new character with their own identity. Then it’s all about trial by combat.
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- Yoda on the attack
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- Dodo-style
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- Vader would have been underdressed.
Soulcalibur IV has three single-player modes: story, arcade, and Tower of Lost Souls. Story and arcade are standard modes, although some story stages will throw multiple enemies against you. Tower of Lost Souls is the standout mode. You can either ascend to the top of the Tower, a punishing 60 floors of increasingly challenging enemies and restrictive conditions, or descend and face a survival mode. For multiplayer fans, where the real challenge lies, Soulcalibur IV is the first online-ready entry and there’s the reliable offline vs mode.
From lush landscapes to bleak dungeons, Soulcalibur IV offers a diverse selection of stunning levels. Character models have never looked better and combat animations are marvelous. There’s nothing like connecting with an enemy and watching their armor shatter. Soulcalibur IV is rounded out with the expected pre- and post-battle posturing and sweeping musical themes — including those of John Williams.
Yes, Star Wars has invaded Soulcalibur. Microsoft got Yoda, Sony got Vader and everyone got The Apprentice (The Force Unleashed). This sounded like unrepentant fanfic until Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe was announced. Now, it almost makes sense.
A fanboy since I first saw Empire back in 1980, I have to admit that adding Star Wars to the series piqued my interest. I’m also amused that those who are the most annoyed probably geeked out when Link appeared in Soulcalibur II. However, you don’t walk away from Empire wanting to be Yoda (I’m still hoping for Vader as DLC). The Star Wars characters, Yoda and The Apprentice, are more fun to play as then to play against. Yoda can’t be thrown and high attacks pass over his head. The Apprentice has devastating Force attacks and lightsaber combos. As characters, they’re entertaining, as opponents they’re frustrating.
However, there’s one move that acts as the ultimate counter. It’s not the Critical Finish, it’s not the crafty Ring Out, it’s the humble throw. Throws are far too easy to execute — even for me. Throws aren’t a game breaker, but they are a game changer — a minor weakness in an otherwise solid game.
Silvercube:
As a Soul Calibur fan, this game bored me actually.
I just picked it up again yesterday, and I’m contemplating selling it because I just don’t like it very much.
The graphics are nice, but I don’t feel any personality coming from the game.. I can’t quite put my finger on why I find it so soporific, maybe it’s that I’m just tired of fighters.
I did not really enjoy Super Smash Bros Melee very much either.
It seems the only fighting game series I still like is Dead or Alive…
P.S. – I’ve been so busy with college, I’m kinda neglecting my blog, lol. :)
6 classes I’m taking.. Spanish is proving difficult, but I’m up for the challenge :)
Terry:
Once again, I’m glad school is long behind me.
Silvercube:
Haha, well school educates me for the future.. ^_^
Adios, amigo!