Soul Calibur


Developer: 

 Namco

Publisher: 

 Namco / Sega

Players: 

 1-2

TV System: 

 NTSC

Accessories: 

 N/A

Style: 

 Fighting





Rewind back to last October when Namco shocked the gaming world by announcing its full support for Sega's next generation console Dreamcast. At the time it was unclear what kind of games would be appearing from the powerhouse developer. Many people assumed it would be some sort of incarnation of the Tekken series. The cat was let out of the bag a few days before the Tokyo Game Show Spring 1999 when Namco announced its first Dreamcast offering would be an arcade port to the sequel of the popular Playstation title Soul Edge, Soul Calibur. When the doors opened at TGS last March, showgoers were mesmerised by the then only 30% complete Soul Calibur. It's bright visuals and ultra-fast gameplay kept players lined up all day to have a try. Two months later at E3 it was the same story. Attendees were lined up for hours playing Dreamcast demos side by side with the arcade counterpart. The comparison blew away everyone. For the first time in gaming history, the home version outshined the arcade version. Fast forward to August 5th when Soul Calibur arrived in Japan. Did its earlier hype live up to expectations? Yes and then some.

Namco has once again lived up to its reputation as being one of the premier publishing houses in the industry. Soul Calibur just screams goodness over and over. The 3D weapons fighter has made a simple but yet fantastic port to the Dreamcast. The game plays the same as the arcade counterpart but also has some distinct features exclusive to the Dreamcast version. Players can choose between arcade mode or Dreamcast mode. The Dreamcast mode provides an extra set of moves not found in the arcade version. There are a total of 19 playable characters, each with their own unique set of attributes and weapons. Each character within itself provides hours of enjoyment while players learn to master the intricate combo system. While the game is quite easy to pick up and play, it is the expert players who will find most gratification in mastering each character and then facing off against friends. Simple combos are easily performed however the more sophisticated combos are performed by linking series of smaller combos. In some ways this is similar to the combo system first established by the Killer Instinct series.

While the arcade port itself is simply enough to buy the game, it is the extras that Namco is renowned for that makes the purchase of Soul Calibur even more enticing. There are 10 modes to be uncovered including: arcade, vs., team battle, time attack, survival, extra survival, practice, mission battle, museum mode and the Japan only internet mode. Those familiar with Soul Edge's Edge Master mode will be happy to find a similar concept in the mission mode. The mission mode found in Soul Calibur pits players against various opponents involving specific tasks. Once your opponent is defeated you are awarded points. These points are then used to unlock some of the 338 pieces of art found in the museum. Unlocking various pieces of art reveals a number of hidden items including hidden stages, characters, costumes, backgrounds, and weapons.

You have undoubtedly heard and/or seen the raves surrounding the visuals found in Soul Calibur. Well yes it is true, if you want to impress Dreamcast naysayers, then Soul Calibur is an early offering to put them to rest. Namco has utilised the Dreamcast's ability to intelligently light source many facets of the game. The backgrounds are fully 3D. They are deep and a visual treat and alternative to the usual 2D uninteractive backgrounds which plague so many fighting games. The game runs smoothly at a constant 60 FPS. Namco has left no detail untouched. Most noticeable is how the characters' clothes move in conjunction with real-time movements. Add to this the detailed facial expressions and lightning speed movements of the characters and there is nothing to complain about in terms of visuals. The music and multitude of sound effects are standard Namco brilliance. The only complaint is the famous Namco FMV is missing from Soul Calibur. As minor as it is, it would have been the icing on the cake to provide unique FMV to each of the characters' endings.

Final Word

Click here for Information about our Ratings System What else do you need to know? Nothing! The only other fighting game that looks to challenge Soul Calibur anytime soon is Dead Or Alive 2, which at this point in time is not even out in the Japanese arcades. If you enjoy fighting games, Soul Calibur is the definitive Dreamcast fighting game to have at launch and beyond. Its intoxicating mix of visuals and depth of play will keep players coming back for more and more in months to come.

Review By: Micheal Weatherup



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