Strengths: Character customization, online play, tight controls
Weakness: console-specific character = money grab
Simply put, Soul Calibur IV is a fantastic fighting game. If you were ever a fan of the previous entries in the series (or fighting games in general), then this game does not disappoint. The controls are tight, the graphics are excellent, and even the online multiplayer seemed to work quite well, which is no easy task considering the fast-paced nature of a fighting game. Character customization is a deep and well-implemented feature. Overall, I highly recommend Soul Calibur IV to all fighting game fans. This is the best entry in the franchise.
The one small thing I didn't like is that each console has an exclusive character. Both are from the Star Wars universe, which makes about as much sense as.... well, the rest of the game's "story" makes. Yoda on 360 and Vader on PS3 (Vader "secret apprentice" appears in both). Granted, SC II had a unique character on each of the three platforms it was released on, but this seems like a flat-out money grab. Now, a couple months after release, owners can shell out $5 to download the missing Star Wars character that was previously only on the opposite console. Just screams money-grab to me. Oh well, still a great game!
Strengths: Awesome graphics; addition of online play
Weakness: online lag; no playable Yoda on PS3 (yet?)
I've been a fan of the Soul Calibur series for years. Continuing the style of the series, this sequel is still easy to pick up, but takes a long time to master.
Single-player modes are not the main attraction here, but it's enough to keep you busy for a while. The story mode's story is pretty lame; Tower of Lost souls really tests your skills; the character creation can be real time sink. The graphic details in Character Creation in SC4 is much better than SC3, but the play styles are limited to the main roster of existing characters.
The best part of the soul calibur games has always been the versus mode. Playing against a equally skilled friend is a real blast. This time around, Soul Calibur 4 introduces online play where you can hone your skills against people around the world. You would be surprised at how good or bad you really are. However, the lag of online play sometimes can really ruin the fun.
As of this writing (Sept '08), Yoda is still not a playable character on the PS3 version of SC4. PS3 has Darth Vader, Xbox 360 has Yoda. Rumor has it that Yoda may be a downloadable content in the future on PS3.
Strengths: very fast paced, good visuals, lots of characters, customization
Weakness: steep learning curve, button masher for inexperienced
I’ve always enjoyed the soul caliber series, but was never a loyal fan. I was never able to get used to the fighting gameplay. Gamers in my situation might feel like this game is merely a button masher. The game has a lot of depth and technique to it. The problem is learning it. I’ve spent a lot of time in practice mode and feel very different about the game after learning combos and how the game works. The customizable characters as well as selectable characters are astounding.
SoulCalibur IV is the fourth installment of the SoulCalibur fighting series but this time on the next-gen platform in high definition glory. The graphics looks amazing and jawdroppingly detailed. In addition to the familiar Story, Arcade, Training and Museum modes from the previous installments, new is Tower of Lost Souls mode which allows players to fight special battles for rewards. Also new to SoulCalibur IV is the option to fight against other players online.
What's cool in the PS3 version is the exclusive Darth Vader character (the XBox 360 version gets Yoda). It is a new weird experience to wield a lightsaber against other fighters with traditional weapons. The lightsaber wouldn't cut through their metal weapons. Go figure.
Soul Calibur IV is the best Soul Calibur game to date. The graphics is gorgeous and believably real. The fighting is amazing. I have played Tekken, Virtua Fighter and Dragonball Z, and I found myself more entertained and satisfied in the game.
The addition of the famous character, Darth Vader, in the PS3 version of the game is a welcome surprise. The CG model looks very realistic and the voice acting is accurate. The Apprentice character is the other light saber wielding character that I could use for a little Star Wars fight. Unfortunately, Yoda is only available for the Xbox 360 version and Vader cannot cross path with Yoda in this game. Besides these characters, there are a big roster of characters both new and old from the previous games.
Overall, I'm glad that I picked up Soul Calibur IV. It certainly lives up to its hype. I would heartily recommend this if you enjoy fighting games in general.
Bestcovery experts have rated the Namco Bandai Soulcalibur IV (PS3) as a best pick for the Best PS3 Fighting Game. Bestcovery's experts recommend the best products and services for a particular need based on extensive research and evaluations. Click below to see Bestcovery's full review of this product.
Testseek.com has collected 36 expert reviews for Soul Calibur 4 and the average expert rating is 85 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.
SoulCalibur IV has a few problems, but what the game does right, it does fantastically. The action is the same fast and furious SoulCalibur gameplay that we’ve all come to love, and the addition of online play is necessary and solidly implemented.
An excellent fighting game
Strengths: Character customization, online play, tight controls
Weakness: console-specific character = money grab
Simply put, Soul Calibur IV is a fantastic fighting game. If you were ever a fan of the previous entries in the series (or fighting games in general), then this game does not disappoint. The controls are tight, the graphics are excellent, and even the online multiplayer seemed to work quite well, which is no easy task considering the fast-paced nature of a fighting game. Character customization is a deep and well-implemented feature. Overall, I highly recommend Soul Calibur IV to all fighting game fans. This is the best entry in the franchise.
The one small thing I didn't like is that each console has an exclusive character. Both are from the Star Wars universe, which makes about as much sense as.... well, the rest of the game's "story" makes. Yoda on 360 and Vader on PS3 (Vader "secret apprentice" appears in both). Granted, SC II had a unique character on each of the three platforms it was released on, but this seems like a flat-out money grab. Now, a couple months after release, owners can shell out $5 to download the missing Star Wars character that was previously only on the opposite console. Just screams money-grab to me. Oh well, still a great game!
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