The Gaming Experience
Shaun InguanzoSoul Calibur 4 IV Review
August 25th 2008 03:51
SOUL Calibur 4 is an engaging, entertaining fighter, and will appeal equally to hardcore fans of the genre and happy-go-lucky button mashing maniacs.
In a rare gaming achievement, Soul Calibur 4 manages to advance the fighting genre and remain a highly entertaining pick up and play game.
And the inclusion of console-exclusive Star Wars characters to the playing roster, Yoda on Xbox 360 and Darth Vader on Playstation 3, add to the game's appeal.
Fighting enthusiasts will enjoy mastering the intricacies of attack, defence and movement, while weekend gamers can relish in the game's arcade-like accessibility.
Namco-Bandai has finally delivered an online mode, and this feature is SC4's most memorable.
Choose a character, log on and in seconds you'll be brawling with combatants from across the world. In 2008, a highly polished online arena is an essential component of any game and SC4 passes most tests.
The absence of an 'instant rematch' after an online bout is frustrating, as gamers are forced to return to the mode select screen and find another opponent.
An in-depth character-creation mode also bursts with customisation. Create a fighter and unlock countless weapons, armor and move modifiers as you go. Your new warrior will even feature in the game's cut scenes, allowing you to appreciate your work in high-definition CGI glory.
Single player modes include; Arcade, Story and The Tower of Lost Souls. The latter is the most interesting, and probably the only worth mastering.
Presentation is crisp, the playing stages are destructible and the sound of swishing swords is majestically recreated.
For those interested in renewing the already exhausted 'Xbox vs Playstation' debate, SC4 has a few console-specific ups and downs.
Yoda, the 360-only character, is infinitely more playable than the PS3's Darth Vader offering. Yoda is nimble and powerful while Darth Vader is heavy and slow.
But the PS3 gets the nod when it comes to loading times. Playstation owners have the option to install game data on the console's hard drive, saving many minutes during each gaming session.
To enjoy the SC4 experience even more, consider investing in an arcade fighting stick.
I used the limited edition Soul Calibur IV Hori Fighting Stick (around $80) and was impressed by its ability to make a fun game even more enjoyable.
In a rare gaming achievement, Soul Calibur 4 manages to advance the fighting genre and remain a highly entertaining pick up and play game.
And the inclusion of console-exclusive Star Wars characters to the playing roster, Yoda on Xbox 360 and Darth Vader on Playstation 3, add to the game's appeal.
Star Wars comes to Soul Calibur! PS3 gamers can play as Darth Vader, while the Xbox 360 version features Yoda.
Namco-Bandai has finally delivered an online mode, and this feature is SC4's most memorable.
Choose a character, log on and in seconds you'll be brawling with combatants from across the world. In 2008, a highly polished online arena is an essential component of any game and SC4 passes most tests.
The absence of an 'instant rematch' after an online bout is frustrating, as gamers are forced to return to the mode select screen and find another opponent.
An in-depth character-creation mode also bursts with customisation. Create a fighter and unlock countless weapons, armor and move modifiers as you go. Your new warrior will even feature in the game's cut scenes, allowing you to appreciate your work in high-definition CGI glory.
Single player modes include; Arcade, Story and The Tower of Lost Souls. The latter is the most interesting, and probably the only worth mastering.
Presentation is crisp, the playing stages are destructible and the sound of swishing swords is majestically recreated.
For those interested in renewing the already exhausted 'Xbox vs Playstation' debate, SC4 has a few console-specific ups and downs.
Yoda, the 360-only character, is infinitely more playable than the PS3's Darth Vader offering. Yoda is nimble and powerful while Darth Vader is heavy and slow.
But the PS3 gets the nod when it comes to loading times. Playstation owners have the option to install game data on the console's hard drive, saving many minutes during each gaming session.
Soul Calibur 4 is best played with a Hori fighting stick
To enjoy the SC4 experience even more, consider investing in an arcade fighting stick.
I used the limited edition Soul Calibur IV Hori Fighting Stick (around $80) and was impressed by its ability to make a fun game even more enjoyable.
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Comment by Shaun Inguanzo
Blogocratic Nightmare
But the most impressive part is the lineup of fighters - it's amazing how much choice one has.
Great fighting game to fill the gap before street fighter 4
Comment by Geoff Egan
Noise Fanatic
One annoying thing about online is that seeing timing is so important in SC4 a small amount of lag can ruin you. Although I've only had this once or twice.
Still this (and Halo 3) is pretty much the only game me and my mates play when hanging out on a couch with nothing to do.
Comment by Glen Atwell
Yoda is vertically challenged and that makes him hard to attack. The Apprentice is ridiculously overpowered and I hated having to beat him to unlock!
I haven't had any lag with my online connection, but agree, that a tiny bit of lag (like in most games) makes the whole experience useless!
Good to hear Halo 3 is holding your interest! I'm hooked on Battlefield: Bad Company.
Glen.
Comment by Criminal X
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