SoulCalibur II (GameCube)

The Soul Calibur II GameCube game is so much better than any other fighting game I have played. Each of the characters are so different, and with patience and practice you can destroy an opponent in seconds.

Having played Tekken recently, it seemed slow and poor compared to the high tempo graphically active Soul Calibur.

You can get it cheap now!

The GC version of Soul Calibur II was awesome. It had the Legend of Zelda's Link in it, which almost makes it worth buying just for that reason. I don't like most fighting games that aren't out of the ordinary, and Soul Calibur II has something about it (even without Link) that makes it unique. The only problem I have with the game is that there isn't much emphasis on the actual story.

When I first bought this game I was doubting that it could rank highly amongst my collection of games but guess what? It does!

I've never been much of a fan when it comes to blood 'n' snots gaming (which I assumed SC2 would be) but that proved no problem at all!

This game has no blood (some sickos may complain) instead it uses the technique of flashing lights and explosions to simulate power.

The game, at first, would seem repetitive but it's hard not to fall in love with this lovingly crafted game.

As you progress through the game you collect a series of weapons by buying them using Gold and you can use these weapons in other modes as well.

Another feature in this game is the age old idea of 'leveling up'. I am unsure as to wether it affects your abilities but it helps record your skill in the game.

The makers obviously made this game with real gamers in mind as it involves deep, complex movesets for each of the 16 (+) characters that actually require (wait for it) SKILL to perform! Unlike some games that involve tapping the same few buttons over and over again. Mind you, that works too!

The reason I only (only?) give this game 9 stars is that only 2 players are catered for in multiplayer, like in the backwards versions on the other consoles. The makers should have taken advantage of Nintendos multiplayer superiority over other consoles by including a 4 player mode!

All in all, this game is sitting pretty in my top 10 games!