SoulCalibur IV for Xbox 360 Reviews by Gamers

Long review short, this is one of those games you're kind of excited to play, you hear bad things, you get the game, and realize every bad thing was true. Next day, the mailer the game came in goes right into the mailbox.

I'm sure hardcore fighting gamers will like this game (I've seen tons of 10's in this review list...something that is obviously biased). This game is definitely not without MAJOR flaws.

I suggest: renting the game and deciding for yourself. The story mode takes approximately 15 minutes to beat and there's a bit of depth to fighting in this game but unlike some fighting games combos don't seem to come naturally or are just THAT repetitive. I'm hoping for the sake of this game it's not the latter.

Not a bad game, pretty smooth but a bunch of WHAT WERE THEY THINKING moments. To sum this game in one word: 'meh'.

Ok, I've been playing this series since it was Soul Edge. I was there for the Dreamcast release and I was there for the midnight release for SC2. I didn't play much of 3 but, seriously, who did?

Soul Calibur IV is a step in the right direction. For the first time ever, there is online play. This series has been aching for an online mode since...well since the advent of xbox live. It is a little hard to get a match now and then but stick with it, the experience is new because you can face off with characters created by other players. You think you're unstoppable? Hop online, find out how good you are!

The Soul Crush is a new feature that alleviates some of the frustrating 'turtling' (when someone guards incessantly) that was used without any penalties in previous installments. Each player now has a Soul Gauge that increases or decreases depending on if attacks are landed or guarded against. Consistent heavy attacks on a guarding opponent will deplete a Soul Gauge and once their guard is crushed you can end the round with a critical finish.

The graphics are easily the best in the series, colors are vibrant, and the particle effects (i.e. sparks, flashes, flame, etc.) are done well. There are some minor hit detection issues, where a sword will pass through someone without scoring a hit but again, these are minor. The create a character mode is robust and completely customizable making for a heavy replay value.

For one of the first times, gamerpoints are linked to actual achievements in-game. The more achievements unlocked, the more equipment opens in create a character mode. Also, accessories can be unlocked in the Tower of Lost Souls which acts as the quest mode in this installment. Each floor has a rule, that once adhered to, grants a piece of equipment.

All in all, a solid game, loads of fun and if you're a fan of the series this one is definitely worth a look. Yoda is cool...but can't wait till Darth is downloadable ;)