The U.S. versions of 3D fighter Soul Calibur II have been stunting productivity in our offices since June--pretty soon, you're gonna be just as screwed as we are. Because there are some games you play when you can find the time, and then there are games you rearrange your life around. Soul Calibur II is the latter. So clear your schedule; you've got a can't-miss appointment with an undead pirate, a busty ninja, and a weirdo dressed with lots of flair.When the original Soul Calibur came out on Sega Dreamcast, it was the best fighting game we'd ever played--and we're not qualifying that with an 'arguably,' because there was no argument (almost four years later, only Virtua Fighter 4 and MF4: Evo--see page 115--can compare). Calibur was a huge step forward from its predecessor, Soul Blade, and not just because it looked beautiful; it was amazingly deep, especially for a weapons-based fighting game. Unfortunately, Dreamcast's early demise (and the dying arcade scene) meant that most gamers never got to train with Soul Calibur.

But now, for the one guy out there who didn't already know, Soul Calibur II is coming to all three consoles (each version has minor differences and an exclusive character). Take the phone off the hook and put out the 'do not disturb' sign--the wait is finally over. Our souls, at least, still burn. Can't speak for yours.

Who else is interrested on a Soulcalibur 3 HD remaster? Soulcalibur 2 is the best Soulcalibur game i ever player next to Soulcalibur 3 i woud directly buy a HD remaster from Soulcalibur 3 includ trophy set.

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Screw it, I'll say the unspeakable: When this swordslinger stepped onto the scene, it eviscerated all comers, Virtua Fighter 4 included, and squatted to drop a deuce on their headstones. Soul Calibur II became my sensei overnight, and I've been abusing buttons ever since. With this sequel, Namco chose to refine its previous work rather than rethink the series' already superb design. SC2 is anything but a lamp-heated rehash of last generation's leftovers (and not only because many of you missed Cali's debut). This fighter's been training in secret for years and emerges from its sword school a leaner, faster, more lethal samurai, subtly improved in most every aspect. Anyone can appreciate SC2's unmatched visual polish. And the screenshots you've been staring at all summer only hint at this baby's breathtaking beauty. You've seen the flashes that follow blades as they arc through the air. You've studied the stills of elegant arenas where sunlight filters through stained glass, curves around columns of cold marble, and kisses Ivy's perfect breasts. But it's what you haven't seen that'll really blow you away. The animation is unbelievable. It's fast and fluid, making even over-the-top moves seem totally convincing. Watching a petite Talim deflect a blow from Astaroth's king-sized ax and stagger clear across the stage under a shower of sparks is all the proof you need.

Namco's strategy of refinement carries over to Soul Calibur II's roster of characters as well. Series fans will be thrilled to see their favorite duelists back in action (sultry dominatrix Ivy's chain-whip punishments never looked so sexy, and gimpy Voldo's undulations are more disturbing than ever). Most of the returning characters pack new moves, combos, and stances, and the whole group has been rebalanced to weed out any unfairness. If you're new to the Calibur club, you'll be immediately impressed--this series has always been about stylish guys and gals wielding impressive weapons, and it's a blast just to explore the intricacies of each available avatar. Sure, the fighting styles are fanciful, but these magically delicious maneuvers look so damn cool that you likely won't obsess over the lack of martial arts feasibility. If you're a series vet like me, however, you'll probably be a tinge disappointed by the lack of fresh faces. Although each console's version of SC2 offers a total of 23 characters (once you've unlocked all the secret ones), realistically only three of them are fundamentally new: prissy fencer Raphael, sprightly tonfa babe Talim, and each system's exclusive character (see above). Of those three bonus dudes, Link and Spawn fit in the best--each has a nifty blend of special moves that seem right at home in the Calibur realm. Tekkeris Heihachi, however, is a sad old man whose pathetic punches have no place in a weapon-based fighter. The other new dudes, Cassandra, Necrid, Yunsung, and Charade, are all loosely based on pre-existing characters and movesets from the older games. Still, the total number of characters is sufficiently massive and the variety wide, so I can't complain that much. Air Control, Guard Impacts, and all these other techniques in your holster, you can spend weeks training with just one character. I've played my share of fighting games, believe you me, and none of them has come close to the depth SC2 has. This versatility, however, is perhaps SC2's biggest weakness. Naturally, fighting games are meant to be played with friends, and if you don't have an opponent of your skill level, you won't enjoy the melees, no matter how good they look. Shawn and I, for example, have played so much that we're incorporating mind games into the mix: psych-outs, delayed moves, canceled attacks.. But if we pulled any of that business on a casual player, we'd be sending him home crying for his Mortal Kombat 1. You definitely gain an infinite amount of appreciation for this game if you and your opponent-friends grow into it at the same pace and experience levels.

So is Soul Calibur II for you solitary types? Well, its Weapon Master mode spices up solo play with a series of duels fought in special circumstances, and it rewards your troubles with a trove of unlockable treasures, including 10 additional weapons for each warrior. Equipping the latter not only makes you look sharp (check out Voldo's hedge clippers or Astaroth's ornate choppers), but it also enhances your attacks. None of it can replace flesh-and-blood sparring partners, but it's a nice bonus. On the other hand, I agree with Shoe; SC2 isn't meant to be played strictly solo anymore than chess is, but like that paragon of deep gaming, it's no less brilliant for the loss. And thankfully, this fighter differs a bit from other hardcore brawlers in that beginners can have a blast, too. Even if, off the bat, you're not the best samurai to draw a sword, you'll be determined to become one.

I'm not overly impressed by SC2's single-player game. Versus mode never gets old, but I don't always have dorks like Shoe and Shawn around to challenge. The Weapon Master stuff offers unlocking thrills for a few hours, but it's over way too quickly, and it's too simple to open up all the stuff with little effort. I sincerely wish that SC2 had taken a page from Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution's Quest mode--not only can you customize your characters with more than 1,500 unique accessories, but you can also fight insanely tough A.I. opponents based on Japan's best tournament players. Limitless challenge and discovery are sorely lacking in Calibur.

If there's a sharper-looking console game than SC2,1 haven't seen it. Although the new arenas lack the ambitious scale of, say, Dead or Alive 3, they're anything but flawed. Small stages keep tactical players sharp--a thorough grasp of evasive techniques can and will save you from ring-outs--and the larger levels give newbies a needed break. What's wrong with that?

Regardless, the gameplay is absolutely killer. It's so well balanced and finely tuned that you will definitely appreciate it more and more the longer you play. Each seemingly cheap move or combo has a perfectly accessible counter, so this game really lets you show off your skills. Astaroth's powerful throws got you down? Escape them. Taki's lightning-quick combos too fast? Interrupt them. Kilik's long staff keeping you at bay? Walk (or rather, eight-way run) around it. You get the idea.

Ultimately, this is a game that you should run out and buy, especially if you have someone around who's willing to go the distance with you in Versus mode. It'll undoubtedly keep you up till 3 a.m. crying 'uno mas' in bleary-eyed splendor for a few months after release. Will it be your favorite fighting game of all time? Maybe, maybe not. In any case, it's a keeper.

BECOME A WEAPON MASTER

Odds are that you won't always have a friend/loved one/random stranger to battle in Soul Calibur II's awesomely addictive Versus mode, so you'll likely be stuck clashing souls solo.Realistically, the Arcade mode will only hold your interest for so long-eight quick matches, a fight with boss Inferno, and it's over. Luckily, there's a whole other single-player experience that's incredibly rewarding: Weapon Master mode.Here, you make your way across a simple map fighting special events to win coffers of cash and fabulous prizes. Each match features a clever concept that mixes up the traditional swordplay; examples include fights where you're poisoned, battles among landmines, and tense melees where a gust of wind could toss you out of the ring. You'll also encounter 'dungeon' areas that are a bit of a drag--no exploration, no mystery, just a succession of normal matches accessed from a dungeon map.

Fighting through the various stages, but spending your prize money on fabulous unlockables makes it even more worthwhile. Alternate costumes, art galleries, special weapons, and a bevy of extra modes are yours for the taking. The weapons are especially cool, as many have unique properties, like increased attack power or the ability to heal you. Be sure to snag each character's snicker-worthy final special weapon--seeing Link swat fools with a butterfly net, Seung Mina bust out a broom, or Voldo shake a mean tambourine is pure comedy gold. Plus, you can use these zany weapons in the unlockable Extra Versus mode.

Overall, while the victory spoils definitely impress, Weapon Master mode is too easy to offer long-term challenge. Dedicated players will unlock everything in one hefty session, especially if they exploit challenges like Chapter Nine's second stage (where you win a whopping 30,000 Gold) by playing it over and over.

Overview

PlayStation Network

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• 19th Nov 2013 (USA), $19.99
• 20th Nov 2013 (UK/EU), £14.99

Reviews

• A tale of souls and swords, eternally re-bought Warzone 2100 cheats.

  When the original SoulCalibur II appeared on the PlayStation 2, it was universally praised for its fantastic 3D fighting engine, its diverse cast of characters, and its plethora of modes. Even today, Namco's brawler is remembered fondly by many as the series' greatest achievement. SoulCalibur II HD..

About The Game

The Legend will never die.

One of the best fighting games of all-time, SOULCALIBUR™II returns to consoles with crisp new high definition graphics and all-new online modes in celebration of its 10 year anniversary.