10/10I think it's an AWESOME game indeed!! This sequel is the best in the series. First of all I own all Soul calibur games and I tell you this is the best yet. I was hooked on the other ones but this is ridiculus in a good way. I have always played fighting games, it's my favorite genre. So I know what makes a fighting game a good fighting game. I have played many fighting games both 2D and 3D but they never really caught too much of my attention. This game however really did blow my mind away. Starting the review:Gameplay 10/10:I was highly addicted to so much things this game has to offer. The main storyline is taken place in TALES OF SOULS(TOS), where you choose your character and you go through a story, based on whom you picked. Once you pick a character a brief story will show, then going to a World map. You are able to Choose the path you wish to take, choose carefully you may stumble upon hidden features.They brought back almost the whole entire character roster from both soul calibur 1& 2. Also, they have introduced three new characters to the series Tira, Zasalamel, and, Setsuka. There is also Chronicles of the sword (COTS) which is very addictive. I literally spent almost two hours playing this mode, which also provides a very good challenge. SOUL ARENA is a mode that allows you to play certain missions with certain conditions. Here you can also play a QUICK RUN which is similar to arcade mode in SCI and SCII. There is also a CHARACTER CREATION in which you can make and play with in COTS or other modes. PRACTICE is also present in order to master the techniques you wish to achieve. Familiarize yourself with the moves from both standard and created characters. I myself Have found new moves that can help me win in battle. Just because your a veteran doesn't mean you can't find something new or just practice to get better. I tell you this becuase the CPU really makes you feel like a fresh meat to the series.Sound 10/10:Great music!! This game featured soundtracks from SCI and SCII. The music fits in perfect with the stages and setting. They don't all sound too similar but they still sound phenominal. The clashing of weapons are very well done and good timed. Even the stages superb looking backround can sound amazing. The music will sometimes get into your head and you will start hearing it everywhere you go. Choosing also from English to Japanese can change the feel of the battle. Most fighting games have the same rythem or beats to the songs but this game offers quite a different variety of soundtracks. For veterans who have played the 1st soul calibur it will almost feel like your actually playing it because of the returning soundtracks that are updated and done very well.Graphics 9/10:The graphics are amazing!! The scenery, characters, and, weapons look incredible in the opening movie. The stages and thier enviroment look spectacular, they will actually distract you from the battle at times. The character models look very detailed and magnificent. There is not much bad I can say except the CHARACTER-CREATION. The models can sometimes look mediocore when compared to the standard character, but this is not that a big deal. Other than this very minor and not really that noticable problem, the graphics are superb. The lighting in this game is also done very good along with good detail. Stages that are colored in a way will resemble what the character shade will be and it feels like they really are in the stage.Control 10/10:Controls are very easy to get used to. I myself have gotten very used to the gamecube controls since I have SCII for that console, but its very similar to it, so both gamecube veterans and newbies can learn quick. You can always go into practice if you feel you need to learn a bit more. Overall the PS2 controller shouldn't be any hassle since it's set up pretty symmetrical.Replay Value 10/10:WARNING!!!You may get addicted and attached to this title. You will want to play for hours and hours and forget your other games. Trying to beat TOS with every character, or try to conquer all of cots, or try to beat the missions in soul arena, and thats only the surface. There are tons of things to unlock, buy all weapons and Items, collect illustrations and then their is CHARACTERCREATION. Making your own fighters choosing thier discipline,giving them weapons, name, armor, cloths,etc...Trust me you WILL have fun with this one!!Overall 10/10This title is literally the best fighting game that I have ever played. To tell you something this is my first review and I never thought I would actually write one, but this game is well worth it. I normally don't get so crazy about a game but DAMN, I can't help it. Trust me, you will start feeling something like this once you start playing.To those who don't know whether to buy it or not? BUY IT you won't have any regrets once you have obtained this addictive, spectacular game!!! Forget renting it, it's a waste of money knowing you will buy this afterwards.
