SOUL CALIBUR 2: Not Impressed..yaaaawn!

[ThaMaskedGamer]

Picked up SC2 for XBOX yesterday and played it for about a quick 15 minutes. I have to say, if felt just like the old Dreamcast game. Sure it looks great, and I don't know why 720p doesn't support widescreen, but so what about the looks. I can't believe its been about 3 or 4 years since the DC version, and the game is basically the same as it was on DC. Am I supposed to be impressed by new costumes? They don't even have a tag-team mode! Anyway, I guess this type of game will be right up PS2 and GC users alley, eye-candy but minimal progression in gameplay, very minimal.
This will likely be my last fighter, even they take fighters online, the whole RockPaperScissors fighting scheme really needs to change. I would really like to see a new type of fighting game online, like perhaps a A BOXING GAME. With boxers you can create & train. Boxing matches that feature fatigue and boxers with different skill and ability. Online rankings, weight classes, and titles. Or maybe a SwordFighting game with real moves and strikes, one hit kills, decaps, limb loss. Anyway, good bye from me to all the SoulCaliburs, DOAs, VFs, Tekkens, just like StreetFighter and MortalCombat, your time is over. I'm sure the GF78's and Slades of the world think this is the greatest game ever, and really feel a sense of accomplishments playing this game, enjoy. I was hoping TaoFeung or the other XBOX fighter would come along and change the whole genre, wrong was I. Now there doesn't seem to be anything new on the radar no new blood, its a shame with all of this nextGen technology, but are still force to play pastGen types of games. This is the 2nd generation for XBOX games, and yet SC2 is just basically a polished Dreamcast port, I can understand the PS2 or GC crowd being satisfied, but XBOX people being giddy about this game...come on people expect more! If not this is all we will get.

[Fragmastar]

Exactly. Why waste your time and money on Xbox's version of SC2 when you could just play it on Sega DC?

A very similar thing happened with Retardento GameCrap and Sonic Adventures (originally built by Sega, 5 years ago)

Retardento decided to "re-enhance" it but it turned out to be EXACTLY the same. It only had a different name: "Sega Adventures DX: Director's Cut" It was just a sad attempt, like SC2 on Xbox.

PS2 has never commited this mistake and good ol' Sony never will!

Sony owns all!!!!!!

[Renzatic Gear]

Uhh...Resident Evil: Code Veronica was a direct port from the DC to the PS2, just like Sonic Adventures was for the GC. So you can't claim that one, Frag.

[Gaming Geezer 78]

Picked up SC2 for XBOX yesterday and played it for about a quick 15 minutes. I have to say, if felt just like the old Dreamcast game. Sure it looks great, and I don't know why 720p doesn't support widescreen, but so what about the looks. I can't believe its been about 3 or 4 years since the DC version, and the game is basically the same as it was on DC. Am I supposed to be impressed by new costumes? They don't even have a tag-team mode! Anyway, I guess this type of game will be right up PS2 and GC users alley, eye-candy but minimal progression in gameplay, very minimal.
This will likely be my last fighter, even they take fighters online, the whole RockPaperScissors fighting scheme really needs to change. I would really like to see a new type of fighting game online, like perhaps a A BOXING GAME. With boxers you can create & train. Boxing matches that feature fatigue and boxers with different skill and ability. Online rankings, weight classes, and titles. Or maybe a SwordFighting game with real moves and strikes, one hit kills, decaps, limb loss. Anyway, good bye from me to all the SoulCaliburs, DOAs, VFs, Tekkens, just like StreetFighter and MortalCombat, your time is over. I'm sure the GF78's and Slades of the world think this is the greatest game ever, and really feel a sense of accomplishments playing this game, enjoy. I was hoping TaoFeung or the other XBOX fighter would come along and change the whole genre, wrong was I. Now there doesn't seem to be anything new on the radar no new blood, its a shame with all of this nextGen technology, but are still force to play pastGen types of games. This is the 2nd generation for XBOX games, and yet SC2 is just basically a polished Dreamcast port, I can understand the PS2 or GC crowd being satisfied, but XBOX people being giddy about this game...come on people expect more! If not this is all we will get.

Since you pointed me out specifically, I will respond to your post. I don't think it is the greatest game ever, but the best fighter yet? You bet. There is quite a bit to differentiate SCII from the previous Dreamcast game.
1) The graphics have gotten a major overhaul. Anyone that can look at SC in motion on Dreamcast and then say that SCII doesn't look better is blind as hell. Characters sport many more polygons & details as well as smoother movement.

2) The "Weapon Master" mode that the DC version didn't include has been reinstated from the original PSX Soul Blade. In this mode, you train, fight highly advanced fighters and earn gold. The gold you earn allows you to buy new weapons, options, costumes and unlocks the hidden characters and new arenas whereas in SC on Dreamcast, simply beating the game with a character unlocked a new one.

3) Enhanced Arcade Mode allows you to play through the arcade version of the game with the weapons you buy in the Weapon Master game.

4) There are several new characters added to the game that weren't in SC on Dreamcast.

5) More modes like Team Battle, Survival Mode and Time Attack open up as you earn them!

SCII doesn't just hand you the goods from the get-go. You have to earn them! The graphics are a solid leap above the Dreamcast game and the sound is awesome. The exclusive characters are all great and add something to the game.

but MaskedGamer, a game with one-hit kills, injuries and real-world fighting techniques with weapons came out years ago. Actually, two of them. They are called Bushido Blade 1 & 2 on PSOne by Squaresoft.

[Fragmastar]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Uhh...Resident Evil: Code Veronica was a direct port from the DC to the PS2, just like Sonic Adventures was for the GC. So you can't claim that one, Frag.</div>

But the gameplay of Resident Evil: Code Veronica was atleast 10 times better than the gameplay of Sonic Adventures for GC

[slade]

The Weapon Master Mode in SC2 is longer then the Mission Master Mode in Soul Calibur and its story is a lot more extensive. I like the fact that they went back before the beginning of the Soul Edge saga and told us of earlier events and other people that wanted to possess the sword. Difficulty also seems higher then it was in Soul Calibur. I still need to experiment more with the different weapons to see how they hold up against Soul Edge's but so far, I'm impressed with the single player value.

[Gaming Geezer 78]

:cool:There is so much more to do in Soul Calibur II than in the original. Instead of basically handing extras & new characters to you in SCII, you have to work your rear off to get ahead!

And what do you think of the graphics? I think they are a pretty good overhaul of the Dreamcast graphics! The character models are so much more detailed and realistic looking with more polygons.

I love this game! Which version did you buy Slade? BTW...check out my post about the rules of the new System Wars Forum and take part in my poll. Maybe these guys will lighten up a bit and let the "trollers" and "flamers" come back. To me, that was the best part of the original board was arguing stupid stuff that veered completely off the main topic!

You could start out talking about Xbox Vs. PS2 graphics and down the line, you are talking about Massimodo's rectal-fetishes! How did it happen? HUH?! Did it matter-NO! The stuff was funny. And all the Reggie stuff...I really miss that. *sniff*

[slade]

I like the graphics. They made them more colorful then the DC version which is a plus in my book.

I've got the GC version for now. I'm debating on picking up the PS2 version. What types of unlockables are on the demo disc that comes with the game? Any extra stages for Tekken 4 or is it just costumes?

[Gaming Geezer 78]

I like the graphics. They made them more colorful then the DC version which is a plus in my book.

I've got the GC version for now. I'm debating on picking up the PS2 version. What types of unlockables are on the demo disc that comes with the game? Any extra stages for Tekken 4 or is it just costumes?

From what I have saw when I briefly ran the disc is that there are unlockable characters & costumes for Tekken Tag & 4 as well as playable demos of tons of Namco games and some videos of many more. It's just a nice bonus for PS2 owners.

[Gadfly2317]

<div class=\"smallfont\">
but MaskedGamer, a game with one-hit kills, injuries and real-world fighting techniques with weapons came out years ago. Actually, two of them. They are called Bushido Blade 1 & 2 on PSOne by Squaresoft.</div>

I probably have no business posting in this thread since I don't plan on even buying Soul Calibur II (I MIGHT rent it.) I've just lost interest in fighting games--they all seem so tired. Hadn't thought about Bushido Blade in awhile, though. That was the last fighting game I owned that I really loved.

(I do own SSBM but I've never considered it a fighting game; it's a party game and that's the way we play it.)

[slade]

From what I have saw when I briefly ran the disc is that there are unlockable characters & costumes for Tekken Tag & 4 as well as playable demos of tons of Namco games and some videos of many more. It's just a nice bonus for PS2 owners.
Cool, extra characters eh. I'll have to pick it up for the PS2 now.Anyways, I'd recommend K1 Grand Prix to Daman but aside from being a PS2 game, it's also developed by the Japanese. *boo hiss* A PC boy like Daman would hate the game simply because it isn't made by 'teh Americans.'

[dafunkdoc]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Picked up SC2 for XBOX yesterday and played it for about a quick 15 minutes. I have to say, if felt just like the old Dreamcast game. Sure it looks great, and I don't know why 720p doesn't support widescreen, but so what about the looks. I can't believe its been about 3 or 4 years since the DC version, and the game is basically the same as it was on DC. Am I supposed to be impressed by new costumes? They don't even have a tag-team mode! Anyway, I guess this type of game will be right up PS2 and GC users alley, eye-candy but minimal progression in gameplay, very minimal.
This will likely be my last fighter, even they take fighters online, the whole RockPaperScissors fighting scheme really needs to change. I would really like to see a new type of fighting game online, like perhaps a A BOXING GAME. With boxers you can create & train. Boxing matches that feature fatigue and boxers with different skill and ability. Online rankings, weight classes, and titles. Or maybe a SwordFighting game with real moves and strikes, one hit kills, decaps, limb loss. Anyway, good bye from me to all the SoulCaliburs, DOAs, VFs, Tekkens, just like StreetFighter and MortalCombat, your time is over. I'm sure the GF78's and Slades of the world think this is the greatest game ever, and really feel a sense of accomplishments playing this game, enjoy. I was hoping TaoFeung or the other XBOX fighter would come along and change the whole genre, wrong was I. Now there doesn't seem to be anything new on the radar no new blood, its a shame with all of this nextGen technology, but are still force to play pastGen types of games. This is the 2nd generation for XBOX games, and yet SC2 is just basically a polished Dreamcast port, I can understand the PS2 or GC crowd being satisfied, but XBOX people being giddy about this game...come on people expect more! If not this is all we will get.</div>

Thats great, you dont like SC2. Let me be the first to say nobody cares. You should have posted this in general discussion. I should post I dont like The Sims and Command and Conquer type games. Take your gaming taste else where.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

But the gameplay of Resident Evil: Code Veronica was atleast 10 times better than the gameplay of Sonic Adventures for GC</div>

Well, that's a matter of opinion. I played CV for the Dc and thought it sucked pretty bad. Oh and Frag... Retardendo? And you're complaining about the word "gay"! LOL :cool:

[Fragmastar]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Well, that's a matter of opinion. I played CV for the Dc and thought it sucked pretty bad. Oh and Frag... Retardendo? And you're complaining about the word "gay"! LOL :cool:</div>

Yup, it's a matter of opinion.....I liked Resident Evil: Code Veronica more since my favorite genre is FPS.

Hey Steve, your name is <b>Suicides</b>-by-Steve, right? Well my question is why haven't you commited suicide yet? ;)

[Gadfly2317]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Hey Steve, your name is <b>Suicides</b>-by-Steve, right? Well my question is why haven't you commited suicide yet? ;)</div>

My guess is that "Suicides by Steve" is like a company name, a specialty botique that provides assisted suicide. Kind of like "Flowers-by-Curtis" or "Interior Designs by Reggie and Blane." You know, for people who need help deciding whether to hang themselves with the yellow extension cord, or with the paisely neck-tie.

[Robert-The-Rambler]

Except it would be tough to get repeat customers!!!

[Whaxx]

I still think DOA3 is still the best fighter ever, the only thing that, that game doesn't have is weapons, but it has basically everything for a fighter.

[dafunkdoc]

<div class=\"smallfont\">I still think DOA3 is still the best fighter ever, the only thing that, that game doesn't have is weapons, but it has basically everything for a fighter.</div>


DOA3 best fighter ever! Thats a good joke. So is the DOA series.
Maybe the best looking figher, but so far away from being the best figher.

[Zangoose, Furious]

Yeah, DOA is good for looks and pick-up-and-play mechanics. It's more fun as casual fare, and I must say that I'm wholly disappointed with its lack of unlockables. Perhaps if the core gameplay could keep me hooked as much as Soul Calibur (2) can, then it'd be deemed better by me, but I have to honestly say that it's all looks and little heart.

And as for SC2 whiners, kiss my butt. Sure, I loved the first one to death, but this one is clearly better, even if it doesn't have all the thousands of improvements all the haters seemed to be expecting. You can't just go and completely re-vamp an existing character, especially when balance between fighters was so good in the original.

The fact that makes this sequel good is that it's more of the same, except better; if it ain't broken, why fix it?. The game is faster, more visceral, and ultimately, more fun. The sound is excellent (especially for those of us with surround-sound systems; stereophiles can stuff their ignorant opinions), and the graphics are a major improvement. As Geezer said, visual whiners have to be completely blind. The stages themselves look purely awesome over the original's, with actual 3-D backgrounds in most areas (versus the "painted-on" BGs of SC). If you're still too blind (or stupid) to think otherwise, go play it on GCN (or Xbox, if you prefer) and check out a character's profile--that'll let you get a good look at a stage up-close. Not to mention that you can see how excellent the character models are this time around. Perhaps graphical complaints come from PS2 players, as no matter what people say, the graphical inferiority of the PS2 version is blatant, especially when running side-by-side to the Xbox version.

Either way, I can care less about what the haters say; they're simply hurting themselves when they deny the experience of an excellent game.


'Goose, over n' out!

[Gaming Geezer 78]

Perhaps graphical complaints come from PS2 players, as no matter what people say, the graphical inferiority of the PS2 version is blatant, especially when running side-by-side to the Xbox version.

'Goose, over n' out!

Actually, I have all three versions and side-by-side comparisons, all three look practically the same! The character models, colors & sound in all three are equal. The only difference between the three versions is that the PS2 one has 2-second longer load times between bouts and just a itty-bitty-bit more aliasing in the backgrounds. On a standard television & surround system, you absolutely cannot differentiate between the three. Now HDTV would be a bit of a different story...

[Whaxx]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

DOA3 best fighter ever! Thats a good joke. So is the DOA series.
Maybe the best looking figher, but so far away from being the best figher.</div>

Ha! I'm not questioning that it's the best looking fighter, I already know it is. However when it came out, thier wasn't much complaints about its gameplay, if I recall, but Saul Calibur comes out and thier are loads of complaints about the allaround game. I'll admit, that it's gameplay isn't that good, but it does have it's strongpoints and it's got some replay value, and the story line is deep enough for a fighter, however SC2's story line is deeper. Plus there are a hell of a lot of moves and combos to pull of in DOA 3, and I've heard good and bad things about weapon based fighting, mostly good, although I do prefer weapons based, I also enjoy hand-to-hand (DOA3) so I guess I'm in a bit of a knot, I may pick up SC2 eventually, not before renting it though.

[Suicides-by-Steve]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

My guess is that "Suicides by Steve" is like a company name, a specialty botique that provides assisted suicide. Kind of like "Flowers-by-Curtis" or "Interior Designs by Reggie and Blane." You know, for people who need help deciding whether to hang themselves with the yellow extension cord, or with the paisely neck-tie.</div>

Close. The name comes from the time I played Team fortress Classic exclusively... I would always play as a Medic, and infect people with a disease... Most people instead of dying a slow death, would "kill" themselves, instead of crediting me with the kill or infect other team mates... so I changed the name of my guy to SbS, and it's stuck ever since 8).

[slade]

<div class=\"smallfont\"><div class=\"smallfont\"></div>

Ha! I'm not questioning that it's the best looking fighter, I already know it is. However when it came out, thier wasn't much complaints about its gameplay, if I recall, but Saul Calibur comes out and thier are loads of complaints about the allaround game.</div>

DOA3 had to deal with the same complaint SC2 has to deal with now. Mainly that the fighting engine is too similar to the previous games. The fact though is that the Soul series is a helluva lot more popular then the DOA series so you've got the same complaint voiced by many people.

Personally, I like this retrofitted fighting engine in SC2 more then the original games fighting engine.

[Zangoose, Furious]

<div class=\"smallfont\">Actually, I have all three versions and side-by-side comparisons, all three look practically the same! The character models, colors & sound in all three are equal. The only difference between the three versions is that the PS2 one has 2-second longer load times between bouts and just a itty-bitty-bit more aliasing in the backgrounds. On a standard television & surround system, you absolutely cannot differentiate between the three. Now HDTV would be a bit of a different story...</div>


Actually, I've seen both PS2 and Xbox running side-by-side, and I've seen the difference between the two. There is a substantial one, and if you disagree, I suggest you set up a side-by-side comparison if you haven't done so already, and if you have, then go get your eyes checked.

Personally, I'm not one to judge a game by its graphics, but I'm simply pointing out the facts in this instance.

'Goose, over n' out!