Trial Review: Soul Calibur 2

[rocklobster]

Quick info
Name: Soul Calibur 2
ESRB Rating: T
Content descriptor: Violence, suggestive themes
Platform(s): Gamecube, PS2, X-Box
System Requirements: 1-2 players, dual shock 2 controller (or equivalent), 138 KB needed for PS2 memory card
Reviewers System Stats: PS2 version
Publisher: Namco
Producer: Namco
Genre: Fighting
Reviewer: Rocklobster


The Game structure
Presentation: It has been four years since the events in the first Soul Calibur. Now the fragments of the fabled sword have scattered across the globe, and warriors have arisen to battle for them.
The game is best described as "Tekken with weapons". Like its predecessor, this game has fighters using weapons. Each character has specific weaponry. Depending on the version you get, you'll also get a console exclusive character. (Link from the Zelda games for the Gamecube, Heihachi Mishima from the Tekken series for PS2, and Spawn from the comic book for X-Box) Like most fighting games, you get team battles, survival, time attack, and a great practice mode that actually shows how each move is performed. There's also a "Weapon Master" mode in which you participate in an RPG-style game to claim the Soul Edge. This mode gives you experience and money every time you do a mission, regardless of the outcome (you do get more if you succeed). The money can be used to buy weapons that can be used in both Weapon Master and "extra" modes. Each match in the Weapon Master mode has different stipulations: fighting on an ice arena, fighting in quicksand, defeating the opponent with a ring out only, etc.
Graphics and Frame-rate: Great work here. Each blow looks like it really hurts.
Game-play: Solid. The game can be picked up very easily, thanks to the practice mode. Both veterans and newcomers will benefit.
Sound: Well done. The VAs (both Japanese and English) do very well, with Cervantes and Talim being the best.
Music: Very atmospheric and fitting.
Content:
Violence: Just weapons clashing.
Blood/Gore: None. Although many of the moves do look painful
Language: A few curse words here and there.
Nudity/ Sexual Themes: Ivy's outfits look VERY sexist.
Negative Religious Themes: Talim is a wind priestess. Sophitia prays to Greek gods, appropriate since the game is set in the Middle Ages.
Overall: This game is perfect for those who love fighting games and those who are not that skilled at them. You'll have lots of fun with it, especially the Weapon Master mode. My one complaint: why are there text endings instead of movies? It would've been nicer if we got those.

[Ashley]

While I appreciate your hard work, Rocklobster, I'm going to ask that everyone wait for the official review database before submitting any more. Without the database, we have no way of checking what is said BEFORE it goes public, which is absolutely essential. Thread closed.