If the world was a fair place then the name of SoulCalibur--peculiar spelling mistake and all--would be the most famous in beat-'em-up history. Unfortunately, though, the original arcade game was only converted to the Dreamcast (despite the prequel, Soul Blade, being on the PSone), thus dooming it to relative obscurity.

SoulCalibur's brilliance is not due to any particularly innovative features--it could legitimately be described as simply Tekken with weapons. It's just that it does everything with more panache and imagination than the rest. Instead of awkward, staccato moves, SoulCalibur offers gloriously flowing, instinctive combos that often leaves you gasping at your own character's athleticism.

Of course beat-'em-ups aren't known for their innovation and SoulCalibur II doesn't really deviate too far from its original premise of 16th century men and women hitting each other with a variety of swords, sticks and other mele?? weapons. The whole tactical nature of the battles has been altered, though, to create a deeper game with blocks and counters now far more important and the glorious new animation system able to adapt each move depending on the direction and speed you're moving in.

One point of true innovation in the original game was its unusually complex and rewarding single-player mode and this has been expanded for the sequel as you compete under a variety of different conditions to earn money and buy new weapons, costumes and extras. --David Jenkins

at the time i bought this game it was the latest...and therefore the best but since the third has arrived this one now looks dated and feels slower
but that is only in comparison to the third one
for what it is its very good.....very slick graphics and a very fast fighting speed....but all of these things are now redundant as the superior sc3 is now upon us!!!!
overall better than most beat em ups but pipped by its own sequel to the top of the pile

This game is a complete Turkey, and I cannot understand how anyone likes this.

I bought this as a budget game, and it wasn't worth ??1.

A beat'em up where you cannot jump? I mean honestly...

OK there are loads of characters and yes they all have weapons and special moves, but why leaving out a flying kick....?

I'd rather play the original Street Fighter or any of the other 1000 beat'em ups over the years, than this pap.

I currently use the disc as a coaster...

Along with mortal kombat:dealdy alience this game has everything.
A big storyline that deals with all the characters giving you detailed info, good training, although they refer to buttons as K P and so on as in Tekkan.
Over all the picture is great, the fighting is great, the only bad thing about this game is the repetititiveness of it.
Did u know that when the game is loading and the characters heads are on the screen you can press X, O, [], and trinangle and a suprise will appear!!!

Soulcalibur 2 is by far the greatest beat 'em up to date. With it's beautiful graphics and flawless gameplay. Plus it's just so addictive. There are plenty of game-modes for players to explore including the massive 'Weapons Master Mode' where players can collect new weapons, characters, artwork and much more. Every character is unique, some you love and others you hate. I advise using Kilik if you're a beginner for easy wins ^^
Soulcalibur 2's biggest asset though, is of course the VS battles. Where you can play against your mates (assuming you have any) and gloat each time you kick butt. This is a must have game for any hardcore gamer. Hopefully the Soulcalibur series will continue it's legacy of perfection in the next installment!

It's a fantastic game, good graphics, great characters and levels. Weapon master is excellent, but NEVER play a VS Battle against one of your friends, you'll end up either smashing eachothers faces in or having no controllers left.