Soul Calibur returns at last, bringing with it cameos from some Star Wars favourites.
How could we make Aaron any happier?
As a rule, I can give or take one-on-one beat em ups these days.
This is seriously good stuff.
Fans ofSoul Caliburwill know exactly what to expect here, andSC4covers all the combat basics perfectly.
There are several game modes on offer inSC4.
This is one of the most interesting modes, and replaces the quest-jot down modes from previous games.
Your energy doesnt return between battles on a given floor, so tactics and sharp skills are a must.
Fulfilling special conditions also unlocks secret bonus items.
In fact, this is one of the key modes for unlocking extra content.
Each character can be equipped with various skills, as long as their stats allow.
Example skills include health boosts, increased damage, invulnerability to ring K.O.
Changes to the battles include the Soul Gauge, which changes colour as damage is received while blocking.
Once the orb of your opponent flashes red, theyre open to your powerful single-hit finishing move.
This makes those annoying block-happy players a thing of the past, and greatly encourages fast paced play.
The single most important improvement for most fighting fans will be the online mode.
Thats not to say the combat is shallow though.
There are some issues though, especially with some character balancing.
The most commonly quoted problem people have found is with theStar Warscast, in particular, Yoda.
In all honesty though, I found Yoda to be fairly well implemented.
Hes also pretty slow too.
My major gripe is with the Apprentice.
He certainly stands a good chance to win Cheapest character in a beat-em-up 2008.
When you fight against an A.I.
These minor gripes aside, Id highly recommendSC4, whether youre partial to beat en ups or not.
Its got masses of longevity and some of the best online scrapping around.
And you cant beat waling on your mates with everyones favourite Kermit-voiced Jedi.
Rating:
4 out of 5
