Soul Calibur II Early Impressions

[AB Positive]

Professional Reviewers? BAH. I say we (those who have it) let all those who are thinking about buying it but are still unsure, what we think about it. Post your thoughts, and what you think about the console specific character.


I got the GCN version, thusly getting Link. Link is... well, unless i'm not using him right, he's rather crappy. However my fiancee did manage to beat the living shit out of my Ivy with him. Bombs and arrows... evil little elf indeed.

I'm having a blast with weapon master mode, unlocking all of Ivy's weapons first (natch) and then going from there. I'll have to unlock everything just to be satisfied.

The weapons in the game are neat, especially the Soul Edge versions and the 'non-lethal' versions. I can't WAIT to unlock Voldo's non-lethal, it's too funny for words.

If you don't have it yet, pick it up. It's one of the few games I'd say is worth $50 right now.

-AG

[Oobgarm]

I've had the opportunity to play all 3 versions.

I dunno, I'm just not that impressed by them. I mean, yeah, they have great graphics and some interesting characters, but find it hard to throw down $50 on it when Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution is out for less than $20.

I have a lot of folks I know that are just going nuts over it, but I'm just "meh" about it. I love fighting games as much as the next guy, but something about SCII doesn't grab my attention and demand playtime.

Not bashing, just throwing out my opinion. :)

[MarioAllStar2600]

Its good for a fighting game. I LOVE LINK! he has awsome weapons and his sword works cool to. I think graphics are good to. A fun and pretty long weapons mode. Definatly worth the 50 if your into fighting games.

[WiseSalesman]

I don't have the money to buy games new anymore. My friend picked up the PS2 version, though and I think it's great.

I freaking LOVE Heihachi in this game, which is interesting when you consider that I really can't stand the tekken games. Really, his reach isn't as poor as I expected, and he hold his own quite well against the other characters.

[BigBoogie]

Soul Calibur 1 is one of the best fighting games out there. SC2 destroys it.

nuff said.

[ubersaurus]

Soul Caliber 2 sucks.

Sure, it looks pretty. Sure, its got a neat story, and its a good single player game (despite the fact you can beat it by hitting one button). But when you play against other people, especially in a competition, you realize that this game is just a piece of crap. Ivy keepaway, endless reversaling, blah. I said it once and I'll say it again, namco's fighters took a turn for the crap after tekken tag.


VF4 Evo is a much better choice ;)

[Kid Fenris]

I decided on the GameCube version, and I'm loving it in spite of the controller. It may be more of an upgrade to Soul Calibur than an evolutionary sequel, but it's still an amazing fighting game. The visuals and soundtrack are gorgeous, the characters are varied, Link rocks with his bombs and boomerang, and the extra modes are quite fun. Including the versus mode. So there.

My only gripes involve some of the bonus features. Controlling the camera during a match replay isn't as fun as it was in Soul Blade and Calibur, since the controls have been altered. The endings don't seem quite as elaborate, either. We've gone from the in-game conclusions of Soul Blade to the pretty still images of Soul Calibur to Soul Calibur 2, where the endings involve only a few lines of text and a shot or two of the character in a standard pose. Boring.

I think I'll look into a joystick . . .

[WiseSalesman]

VF4 is what I call boring. I spent a bit of time thinking "Well, it's the 'technician's' figthing game, right? Maybe if I master a character I'll enjoy it.". Unfortunately, it's too damn repetitive. I had fun with it for a night, and then got bored. Sould Claibur 1, i ejoyed immensely, and SC2 looks okay so far. As far as I can see, even when using the techniques you've mentioned, there are no invincible strategies if you're skilled enough.

[YoshiM]

I picked up SC2 for the GameCube (it was a group contribution and the yays say the GC version controls better. Amateurs). Well, I wasn't blown away like I was with SC on the DC, y'see? It's a pretty game but it doesn't really "raise the bar" over its predecessor. But then again I've only been playing the Arcade mode and haven't gotten elsewhere in the game yet. I guess my expectations are a little high on a sequel to a 4 year old game.

My bro in law picked up F-Zero and watching that game blew my mind. A LOT of onscreen action going on and no hitch in framerate. Unbelievable.

[fcw3]

I have the XBox version. The control is fine. Using the "S" controller reminds me of the DC's controller.

A sequel to a great game (like Soul Caliber) creates expectations that may not be possible to achieve.

My expectations were high. While I've caught some graphical glitches (especially around the walls) that disappoint me, I am still impressed and I'm enjoying the game very much.

If you are playing games for the stories or the end-game payoffs, then a fighting game is probably not your best choice.

FRED

[Kid Fenris]

If you are playing games for the stories or the end-game payoffs, then a fighting game is probably not your best choice.

FRED

Flimshaw. If a fighter, or any other type of game, is going to involve a story or endings, they should at least be satisfying stories and endings. Otherwise, what's the point? If no one had ever bothered to put decent finales in video games, we'd still be stuck staring at nothing more than a "CONGRADURATIONS" screen after beating an end boss.

[petewhitley]

Soul Caliber 2 sucks.
Sure, it looks pretty. Sure, its got a neat story, and its a good single player game (despite the fact you can beat it by hitting one button). But when you play against other people, especially in a competition, you realize that this game is just a piece of crap. Ivy keepaway, endless reversaling, blah. I said it once and I'll say it again, namco's fighters took a turn for the crap after tekken tag.
VF4 Evo is a much better choice ;)

Gotta agree, particularly with the Namco comment. It's similar to Tekken 4 for me, where it just falls apart when you get a couple of serious players. Are you guys playing multiplayer? That's the test.

[Captain Wrong]

VF4 is what I call boring. I spent a bit of time thinking "Well, it's the 'technician's' figthing game, right? Maybe if I master a character I'll enjoy it.". Unfortunately, it's too damn repetitive. I had fun with it for a night, and then got bored.


*faints*

Actually, I can understand what you're saying. It's not a flashy game at all and it really is kind of a "thinking man's" fighter, IMHO. You really have to be dedicated to learn all the iins and outs and that involves a lot of repetition.

But you gotta admit, training your own AI character is a very cool idea.

Sorry, back to topic. :)

[hezeuschrist]

I love SC2. It's amazing in every aspect that the first one was.

Was playing it for a while last night multiplayer on the Cube with the SNES controllers... what a blast. Really fun pick up and play for 10 minutes type game, but also has a shitload of unlockable content for the hardcore.

It'll be a long long time before I learn all the intricacies and nuances, but that's what makes the game an amazing fighter. Stuff that only practice can teach you, but is still fun right off the bat too.

I'm moving tomorrow so I won't have a chance to pick it up until tomorrow night, but when I do (along with F-Zero GX... my christ), I'll have a busy busy weekend.

[ubersaurus]

Soul Caliber 2 sucks.
Sure, it looks pretty. Sure, its got a neat story, and its a good single player game (despite the fact you can beat it by hitting one button). But when you play against other people, especially in a competition, you realize that this game is just a piece of crap. Ivy keepaway, endless reversaling, blah. I said it once and I'll say it again, namco's fighters took a turn for the crap after tekken tag.
VF4 Evo is a much better choice ;)

Gotta agree, particularly with the Namco comment. It's similar to Tekken 4 for me, where it just falls apart when you get a couple of serious players. Are you guys playing multiplayer? That's the test.

Well, Ann Arbor, Saginaw, Flint, and Lansing all have relatively strong followings for SC2 (or did at one time). Detroit is more of an SNK town, but it's also strong on tekken (and tekken 4 is DEAD in detroit). Tekken Tag, wherever a machine is, still sees some good play, though. VF4 and VF4 Evo has only shown up in a few arcades around here, but they've gotten a hardcore following already.

[Reverend JagDiesel]

Tried this one yesterday on the GC and the Xbox. I gotta say, I am impressed with how close it was between the 2 systems. I will add that I am not a big fighter game fan but I enjoyed this one, hell, I might even go back and buy it. They're offering a free t shirt and poster, why not, right.

[buttasuperb]

They're offering a free t shirt and poster, why not, right.

Who is?

[Funk Buddy]

They're offering a free t shirt and poster, why not, right.

Who is?

I don't know about the poster part but either BB or CC had a t-shirt and a $10 gift card with a pre-order. I don't know about walking into the store now if you'd get it or not?!?

[ClubNinja]

My views on the game have already been mentioned, so I'll keep my opinion brief...

When I heard this game was on its way to release, I thought it might finally be time to pick up a system more recent than the Dreamcast. Well, after playing the arcade mode through yesterday at EB (XBox version, won with Kilik in only a handful of minutes), I realized that I'm just fine sticking with the original on the DC after all. It's a beautiful game, but nothing more than an update with some new characters to mow through. Now, that VF4:Evo... that may just warrant a new system purchase after all ;)

[Gamereviewgod]

Great game, but it doesn't do a whole lot more than the first one. And in all honesty, it doesn't look a whole lot better than the first..but that's probably because of the substantial lack of power differential between the consoles. Still, it's one of the best playing fighters of all time (as far as 3-D fighters are concerned). I'd link to my review here on the site of the import GC version, but the reviews are down for a bit.....

[devilman]

I guess it goes to show just how good the DC version is, if the three next-gen consoles don't offer much of an improvement.

I wish the DC hadn't died.... :(

[AB Positive]

I think we're seeing a split in the fighting fans much along the lines of those that chose Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat. I was always a SF2 guy, I couldn't stand the gameplay of MK nor could I understand the strategy. It seemed like there was no strategy.

This seems to be the case here. I don't get VF4, or in fact, Virtua Fighter at all. I've always hated the series with a passion much for the same reason I can't stand Tekken. it's all P+P+P+K+K or K+K+K+K+P or such nonsense. While looking fluid on screen, the gameplay is jerky to me, just trying to remember how many punches until I kick, or how many kicks until I do a throw. I know that VF4-Evo is a deep game, I keep hearing it from everyone. It just doesn't show it in the gameplay.

Soul Calibur 1 and 2 can both be accused of this, but it somehow seems more fluid on the controller. I know everyone immediatly pounces on Ivy for her beginner keepaway style, however there are stronger characters when you learn them. On the PS2, Heihachi apparently is the perfect anti-Ivy with his low rush ins, forcing Ivy to fight close.

I also like how the combo system is more of a branching tree than a linear line. Take Ivy for example, start off with <- + B, this sets you into horizontal whip stance. there's two ways to go with that, either B again or <- + A. B ends the combo, back-A goes into Vertical whip mode where you can then go three ways, two of which going into a fourth hit. You can act and react with your opponent, and change your combo mid way. I love that.

That's just my viewpoint. It's been a while since us gamers could fight over something, eh? Sorta brings back the bloody 16-bit wars, damn those nintendo-philes that stole my foot....

-AG

[YoshiM]

One definite positive point goes to the ability to switch dialog languages. It defaults to English but it just sounds plain wrong. Not only did the before and after match "taunts" sound silly, the words the fighters said were just pathetic. "Here I go!" "Take this!" and my personal dislike: Kilik's "Cats!" and "SEGA!" (or what sounds like those words) when he attacks. After hearing CATS!CATS!CATS!CATS!SEGA! often it got sickening. Switching the dialog to Japanese put everything the way it should be: unknown but authentic and powerful sounding.

[ubersaurus]

I think we're seeing a split in the fighting fans much along the lines of those that chose Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat. I was always a SF2 guy, I couldn't stand the gameplay of MK nor could I understand the strategy. It seemed like there was no strategy.

This seems to be the case here. I don't get VF4, or in fact, Virtua Fighter at all. I've always hated the series with a passion much for the same reason I can't stand Tekken. it's all P+P+P+K+K or K+K+K+K+P or such nonsense. While looking fluid on screen, the gameplay is jerky to me, just trying to remember how many punches until I kick, or how many kicks until I do a throw. I know that VF4-Evo is a deep game, I keep hearing it from everyone. It just doesn't show it in the gameplay.

Soul Calibur 1 and 2 can both be accused of this, but it somehow seems more fluid on the controller. I know everyone immediatly pounces on Ivy for her beginner keepaway style, however there are stronger characters when you learn them. On the PS2, Heihachi apparently is the perfect anti-Ivy with his low rush ins, forcing Ivy to fight close.

I also like how the combo system is more of a branching tree than a linear line. Take Ivy for example, start off with <- + B, this sets you into horizontal whip stance. there's two ways to go with that, either B again or <- + A. B ends the combo, back-A goes into Vertical whip mode where you can then go three ways, two of which going into a fourth hit. You can act and react with your opponent, and change your combo mid way. I love that.

That's just my viewpoint. It's been a while since us gamers could fight over something, eh? Sorta brings back the bloody 16-bit wars, damn those nintendo-philes that stole my foot....

-AG

VF4 isn't p-p-p-k sort of game...you only use those chains occaisionally. How the game is played is based more on your character, some are about setting your opponent up for a throw, others want to zone them with moves. Plus, every single one of those 2 dozen or so moves you have in VF are used, in at least one situation. Add that to the fact the tier's of the game are essentially nonexistant, you've got quality.

Mortal Kombat 2 had strategy. The following games were just chain combos, and the first was just a weaker version of the 2nd. If I recall, in MK you wanted to set up for the painful, painful, uppercuts. Not sure though...never played much MK.

[Captain Wrong]

I gotta agree with ubersarus. VF isn't a dial-a-combo type of game. I find it to be a lot more about knowing a character and strategy than just memorizing combos. That's the main thing I've liked about the VF series. The emphasis really isn't so much on combos, as it is about learning what to do when. And you can be quite good without the use of a lot of combos.

In fact, I think VF is about as far from Tekken as you can get. Tekken always struck me as a button masher with dial-a-combo added. When I could sit down for the first time with someone who had been playing Tekken day in and day out and still beat him about half the time, that says something. You step up to a VF master never having played before and you're gonna get schooled every time. You can learn combos, but you're still gonna have to learn the flow of the game to really master it.

And as much as I loved Soul Calibur 1, it's a button masher. Not as bad as Dead or Alive, and hella fun to play and all that, but it's still a button masher at heart. (Waits for the flames to roll in.)

Hay, it's all gravy, baby. VF isn't for everyone.

[AB Positive]

Yeah, however I think in any game we can say that someone can come up, press buttons at random and have some modicre of success.

Right now I'm trying to learn to master the evil evil Summon Suffering, something like ten different motions before the button press, where you can simply buffer the moves via using other moves that use the same directionals, as long as you do the direction chain correctly. This will take a while, but I get the feeling that it will make me a much more lethal fighter in the end. Look up the move even if you don't play, just to get a good feel of it's insanity. I was unaware of it in the first game.

-AG

[Daltone]

I was thinking of picking this one up when it comes out (if it's not out already, of course) , but I have just one question - is Seigfreid (or however you spell it) in the game? A vital question, that.

[AB Positive]

well, yes and no. Siegfried was/is Nightmare, and his style is similar to his SC1 days. Nightmare is available with a less armored form, showing his old torso from the Soul Edge days.

that's the best I can do.

-AG

[kainemaxwell]

I wish the DC hadn't died.... :(
Now that's a good point- what if SC2 was on the DC (if it lived long enough)?

[hezeuschrist]

It'd be near identical to the current 3 versions with Dr. Robotnik as the exclusive character. That would rule.