Game Review: Soul Calibur IV
Jessica Severs - Knight Ridder/Tribune
Aug 08, 2008
The explanation for how "Star Wars" characters get mixed up in the "Soulcalibur" universe is sketchy at best -- let's face it, mysterious waves emanating from a space portal is sci-fi's deus ex machina. But what really matters is, Yoda is awesome.
Pit the pint-size Jedi master against the wiliest of bosomy ninjas or the burliest of supernatural, sword-wielding demons, and Yoda flips and twirls like an acrobatic maelstrom of mayhem.
Exclusive to the Xbox 360 version of "Soulcalibur IV," Yoda is just one of three guest characters from the galaxy far, far away. The PS3 gets Darth Vader -- a disappointingly underwhelming performance -- and both versions share the Apprentice wielding the standard Sith-red lightsaber. The vacant slot next to Vader and Yoda suggests future download possibilities -- although, likely, for a price, of course.
"Soulcalibur IV" certainly exceeds in beauty, but the controls won't mash your brain. Instead of memorizing a string of tricky combos, the straightforward fighting moves are simple enough for novices but provide a solid repertoire of mix-and-match possibilities to give beatdowns flair. The most difficult aspect of the mechanics -- you knew there had to be a catch -- is timing. Without crucial split-second accuracy, that grappling move or block turns into open season for defeat.
The CPU opponents are laughably weak for the most part, especially in the repetitive, puddle-deep story mode, which is more text than cutscene. At least it's a great way to earn some gold for equipment customization.
The Tower of Lost Souls offers the best solo grind, with 60 levels each posing unique challenges to unlock rewards. But besides the standard arcade and versus modes, the really exciting feature is online matches, ranked or unranked. Fighting games aren't much fun without another real-live human being to battle, and now you'll never have to go it alone. Although, sadly, it's just one-on-one -- no team fights.
The Soul Gauge makes a return, letting you activate special skills or finish off an opponent with a critical finish. Unfortunately, the opportunity to launch a critical finish is rare, because it's an option only against someone who does nothing but continuously block.
As always, the dozens of characters -- some of which you unlock -- look great, and, to toss in an interesting twist, their armor is destructible. But there's nothing quite like creating your own character, from facial features and body type to attribute-enhancing equipment and skill sets.
Fresher than "Mortal Kombat" and more accessible to new players than "Tekken," "Soulcalibur IV" sets the standard for new-gen fighters with its flexibility and online matches.
Play it, you must.
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Copyright 2008 by Knight Ridder/Tribune
