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SOULCALIBUR II (PS2)
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Publisher: Namco.
Developer: Project Soul. Released: September 2003 (Europe). Genre: 3D Fighter. Other versions: XBOX; GC. Posted 15th August 2019. By Shane Battams © 2019 |
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After a four year wait and the demise of the Dreamcast, Soulcalibur II would face the unenviable task of following arguably the greatest fighting game made. The weapons-based combat had seen significant improvements between Soul Blade and SoulCalibur, yet this follow-up is more of a refinement than a revolution. SCII remains a great, engrossing fighter that has content to spare, but Namco missed a few tricks, preventing this sequel from reaching the same highs that its monumental predecessor scaled.
The good news is that SoulCalibur II benefits immensely from more powerful hardware. Character detail enjoys a clear buffing, with expressive models and less blocky textures. Animation is crisp and flows beautifully, arenas look colourful and detailed without taking away from the furiously fast action. The game never sacrifices smooth performance during gameplay. It’s a huge step up visually with Namco even letting you taunt your opponent during loading screens to show off the upgraded character models. The sound remains as bombastic as its forbearer, with a cacophony of orchestral tracks fusing brilliantly with the hard hitting weapon slashes. The addition of English voice acting is uneven, but can thankfully be changed back to the more natural-sounding Japanese.
Supreme character models and dynamic, detailed stages make SoulCalibur II one of the finest-looking PS2 brawlers
The fighting remains sharp, thanks to some tweaks which refine the combat. Players can perform multiple strikes and guards, along with special Soul Charge moves and guard impacts which allow you a brief window to attack. When you factor in the 8-way movement system, causing ring outs with hard strikes and charged attacks that can break guards, there’s a ton of techniques to master. And you will need to master these, with smarter A.I. that reacts to spammed offence with a slew of combos. It does mean SCII isn’t quite as accessible, but for those looking to sharpen their swords on a tougher experience, it will be worth the extra effort.
The roster consists of 25 characters, with a mix of classic fighters and new additions. These are a mixed bag in terms of quality, as while Raphael and Talim bear unique fighting styles, Cassandra and Yun-Seong are little more than reskins of Sophitia and Hwang respectively. Heihachi also makes a guest appearance but feels completely out of place. The roster just doesn’t feel quite as balanced this time around, with a lot of overpowered characters alongside weaker fighters that you can bulldoze. This is a shame considering even Soul Blade achieved a greater sense of balance. A practice mode does allow you to learn the intricacies of each character, but even after taking time to learn the ropes, you can still feel cheated by a flurry of powerful attacks from certain characters.
The roster consists of 25 characters, with a mix of classic fighters and new additions. These are a mixed bag in terms of quality, as while Raphael and Talim bear unique fighting styles, Cassandra and Yun-Seong are little more than reskins of Sophitia and Hwang respectively. Heihachi also makes a guest appearance but feels completely out of place. The roster just doesn’t feel quite as balanced this time around, with a lot of overpowered characters alongside weaker fighters that you can bulldoze. This is a shame considering even Soul Blade achieved a greater sense of balance. A practice mode does allow you to learn the intricacies of each character, but even after taking time to learn the ropes, you can still feel cheated by a flurry of powerful attacks from certain characters.
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SoulCalibur II also boasts a good set of modes. Along with traditional Arcade, Survival and Versus modes, the main meat of the experience comes from Weapon Master mode. Here, after choosing a fighter, you progress through several regions which each contain a handful of challenges. These add modifiers to regular fights such as draining health, damage only dealt while opponents are in the air and less time before the round ends. Some of the challenges are painfully difficult, and while the prospect of collecting dozens of weapons for each fighter may be a tantalizing prospect for some, less skilled players may find the journey too much to bear. Still, those who can stick with it will find it a lengthy mode which reaps fruitful rewards.
Shane "Platinum Edgemaster" Battams is our writer's full name, but he's usually too modest to use the middle ones
The most interesting aspect of Weapon Master Mode is the sheer number of extra armaments you can unlock. Different locations allow you to use Gold earned from missions to buy an endless supply of swords, axes and any other sharps wielded by characters. But aside from cosmetic changes, each weapon also bears unique stats and traits. Some will deplete your health with each strike but improve damage dealt, others will have longer reach and some even will increase your chance of breaking through guards. It is wiser to start Weapon Master before investing in the rest of the game, as unlocking “Extra” versions of each mode allows you to then wield these weapons outside of this solo mode including in Versus.
Of course, you could wield 10 swords or a million, but how does SoulCalibur II feel to play? Ultimately, Namco follows up their brilliant fighter with more of the same. Some aspects of the experience are better, such as the outstanding presentation and the ludicrous number of weapons you can wield. Other aspects feel like a backwards step, such as the lack of balance around the roster and weak character additions. But it still packs a serious punch, and bores plenty of modes to keep you going for upwards of 25 hours. While definitely not the genre-defining experience achieved by its predecessor, this tale of swords and destiny is still one worth embarking on.
Of course, you could wield 10 swords or a million, but how does SoulCalibur II feel to play? Ultimately, Namco follows up their brilliant fighter with more of the same. Some aspects of the experience are better, such as the outstanding presentation and the ludicrous number of weapons you can wield. Other aspects feel like a backwards step, such as the lack of balance around the roster and weak character additions. But it still packs a serious punch, and bores plenty of modes to keep you going for upwards of 25 hours. While definitely not the genre-defining experience achieved by its predecessor, this tale of swords and destiny is still one worth embarking on.
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VERDICT
"SoulCalibur II isn't quite the genre-defining experience of its hallowed predecessor, but it still packs a serious punch. Outstanding presentation and a ludicrous number of unlockable weapons means it's one fans will enjoy" OVERALL: 8/10 |