SoulCalibur

 Dreamcast
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Sep 8, 1999
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 443 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 360 out of 443
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 443
  3. Negative: 48 out of 443
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  1. NikkiH.
    Jul 8, 2003
    10
    The best fighting game I've ever played by far! It's got everything; eye-candy graphics, great characters & some of the most amazing moves I've seen in a long time. It even seems to have a plot (of sorts) which I really like; the characters have real depth & even a personal history. The thing I like about it most of all are all the hidden extras you uncover when you The best fighting game I've ever played by far! It's got everything; eye-candy graphics, great characters & some of the most amazing moves I've seen in a long time. It even seems to have a plot (of sorts) which I really like; the characters have real depth & even a personal history. The thing I like about it most of all are all the hidden extras you uncover when you complete the game. It gives you a real added incentive to carry on playing. I would personally recommend this game to anyone.… Expand
  2. Timic92
    Dec 23, 2011
    10
    It is one of my favorite fighting games of all time. Who doesn't love this game? It had incredible graphics back in 1999. you gotta love the fluidity moves and attacks of each character. the mission is battle is awesome that you can play various minigames like tournaments, fighting lizard men, training with edgemaster, poison modes, etc. the soundtrack makes this game more epic and hasIt is one of my favorite fighting games of all time. Who doesn't love this game? It had incredible graphics back in 1999. you gotta love the fluidity moves and attacks of each character. the mission is battle is awesome that you can play various minigames like tournaments, fighting lizard men, training with edgemaster, poison modes, etc. the soundtrack makes this game more epic and has great atmosphere. this game is never wounded and its soul never burns in my book.… Expand
  3. SillyClassyNerd
    Sep 29, 2014
    10
    SoulCalibur isn't only a pretty important mark for the gaming industry, but a masterpiece fighting game, with unbelievable physics for the time, nice and challenging combos and great weapons, as well as a superb story for a fighting game, SoulCalibur is an 11/10 game.
  4. CarlS.
    Mar 7, 2002
    9
    This is a great game with different rewards every time you beat it even on easy level such as bonus characters, and new stages. It has awesome graphics, and although it at least has a story and a mission stage it's actual fighting falls just a bit short of Dead or Alive 2. The fighting stages are better on DOA2 and the characters move a little more realistic... too bad they ruined it This is a great game with different rewards every time you beat it even on easy level such as bonus characters, and new stages. It has awesome graphics, and although it at least has a story and a mission stage it's actual fighting falls just a bit short of Dead or Alive 2. The fighting stages are better on DOA2 and the characters move a little more realistic... too bad they ruined it in the swap over from japan. The story is all hacked up and makes no sense whatsoever, for your money you'll get alot more playtime out of soul calibur.… Expand
  5. EpicLadySponge
    Apr 11, 2016
    10
    Without a doubt one of the best fighting games on the Sega Dreamcast. Don't miss this game if you still have your Dreamcast with you because this game is unmissable for everyone who has a Sega Dreamcast.
  6. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 23, 2011
    10
    The first real 3-D fighting game -- Soulcalibur is one of the most valuable titles on the DC. Pros: Beautiful graphics; great audio; variety of characters, weapons, and level designs; near-perfect controls. Cons: It's on the Dreamcast, one of the most forgotten video game consoles.
  7. ReiAyanami
    Nov 16, 2018
    10
    [Originally Written in 2017]
    After playing tons of games i have finally gotten around to playing the 2nd highest rated game of all time SoulCalibur, i thought to myself it couldn't possibly live up to the hype surrounding it, especially since it game out nearly 2 decades ago but i was wrong.
    Gameplay Have you ever had a feeling when you're playing a game and the controller almost    [Originally Written in 2017]
    After playing tons of games i have finally gotten around to playing the 2nd highest rated game of all time SoulCalibur, i thought to myself it couldn't possibly live up to the hype surrounding it, especially since it game out nearly 2 decades ago but i was wrong.

    Gameplay

    Have you ever had a feeling when you're playing a game and the controller almost becomes an extension of your hand? Soul Calibur did that for me. You have three main buttons: Horizontal attack, Vertical attack, and kick. There is also a button for guarding and a pseudo powerup known as a ''Soul Charge'' Obviously, depending on the combination of buttons you press, you will perform certain things-that is the basis of fighting games. What sets Soul Calibur apart is that everything just seems to flow unlike any other fighting game before it. With the 8-Way Run feature (a feature in which you can move around the ring in 8 different directions) the fluidity is unmatched, as no game has been able to duplicate the smoothness of the 8-Way Run. The lack of mobility has always been a complaint of mine since I became a fighting game fan, but Soul Calibur changes all of that. Once you've learned the control basics-it's time to get into the game modes. The mode you will spend the most time is most likely Mission Mode-in which you go along playing different missions earning points in order to buy Art. The art you purchase will lead to the unlocking of most of the games extras-and there are quite a few extras to unlock. Mission mode will take most gamers a few hours to complete, and while it gets difficult in some missions-it is not impossible to beat. Of course, there are the normal modes as well. Arcade mode-this is the mode that simulates the arcade experience, and it is also the medium that you will use to unlock the extra characters. Survival, time attack, and team battle are also included. Versus mode will keep you busy as well, especially if you have rivalries with friends. You can sit down and play 50 matches, and not even think twice about it-it is extremely fun to play. Our good friends at Namco have also deemed to have a ''Museum'' section of the game. Now contained within this museum section is something never done in a fighting game before-and that is exhibition mode. Now exhibition mode allows you to watch each character do a demonstration with their weapon, and it is a sight to behold. Another unlockable feature is the ability to edit the opening movie of the game-and yes you can get some hilarious combinations.

    Graphics

    The graphics are flawless in this game. It plays smooth, and it looks smooth. I have encountered no slow down at all, and the load times are very good as well. Even after playing Persona 5 on the PS4 for a while I went back to Soul Calibur and I did not really notice much of a difference. For being a launch title, Soul Calibur set the graphical bar extremely high. Each arena is wonderfully detailed and each has a unique feel to them. The characters are just amazing. When performing moves, clipping is non-existent, and the wardrobes of the characters move with the environment. If it is windy, your character's hair will blow in the wind-it is that detailed.

    Sound

    The Soul Calibur series contains some of my favorite game music, and for good reason. Soul Calibur contains a very well orchestrated soundtrack-almost epic in magnitude, and it really makes you feel like you are at war with your opponent. The sound effects are awesome as well. Each ding and clang of the weapons can be heard, and you can almost feel a hit when a certain move is performed and you hear that snap or crunch of the unlucky character getting broken. The voices (in Japanese) are extremely amazing as well. Basically, this is how every fighting game should sound.

    Replay Value

    Let's see...I've logged in over 40 hours into this game just this Week alone, and I am still not tired of it, I guess that speaks for itself. But in all actuality, this game will keep you busy for a very long time. It is very easy to pick up and learn the basics, but to get very good and to the point of mastery takes a very long time, and depending on the character or characters you chose to play as, it may take a very long time (i.e. Ivy, Cervantes). With all of the extras to unlock, the massive mission mode, and setting records on the other game modes-this is the epitome of replayability.

    This game is a 10/10 in every meaning of the word, simply perfection, i am now deeming this game the standard by which all other fighting games should be measured. I urge all of you play this **** masterpiece    … Expand
  8. Tony
    Jul 21, 2004
    4
    What is it with people drooling over this turd? Soul Calibur is an awful game, even if it looks great. I agree with the guy who says Project Justice is much better!
  9. AlS.
    Aug 17, 2003
    5
    This is an overrated piece of junk. Despite the gorgeous graphics, the actual fighting is too flat and uninteresting. If you want a real 3D fighting masterpiece for the Dreamcast, go play "Project Justice" - doesn't look this good, but plays far better!
  10. johnny34
    Jun 6, 2022
    0
    Aha. According to the Metacritic ranking, Soul Calibur is the best fighting game of all time.

    First of all, this should show the low degree to which lists created with spongy "indices" serve as a criterion for judging the quality of computers or video games. Secondly, Soul Calibur is of course not a bad game, but in single player terms - like almost all DC beat em ups - it is    Aha. According to the Metacritic ranking, Soul Calibur is the best fighting game of all time.

    First of all, this should show the low degree to which lists created with spongy "indices" serve as a criterion for judging the quality of computers or video games.
    Secondly, Soul Calibur is of course not a bad game, but in single player terms - like almost all DC beat em ups - it is completely irrelevant and boring after 2 hours.

    The sequels do a much better job of balancing the strengths and weaknesses of the characters.

    Don't be blinded by the ranking!    … Expand
  11. R.H.
    Mar 3, 2004
    10
    The best. 3d fighter. Ever. Smacks SC2 and Soul Edge around but only the soundtrack is slightly worse than Soul Edge's (best OST ever made) but still among the better soundtracks. The game itself is up there in the league of FF7, Ocarina, Panzer Saga and Super metroid; the 5 best games ever made imo.
  12. Lowman
    Jan 10, 2002
    10
    Never better console fighting game...till SC2 comes out.
  13. NedC.
    Oct 9, 2001
    10
    The best two-player fighting game ever. Graphics unmatched in smoothness and moves unmatched by imagination. Ties with the 4-player "Super Smash Bros." for pure fighting fun.
  14. KristinA.
    Jul 20, 2001
    10
    This game is so much fun. Frightenly addictive. I had all my roommates and friends at schoolplaying this game nonstop. Way too much fun.
  15. [Anonymous]
    Aug 27, 2001
    10
    1 word: WOW!
  16. MartijnP.
    Jan 12, 2002
    10
    This game rulezzzzzzzzzzzz.
  17. BrandenP.
    Feb 12, 2002
    8
    Great game, sure wish the A.I could be even a percent as good as me. That's why Tekken holds the cake as the best fighting game.
  18. JeraG.
    Feb 3, 2002
    10
    Almost perfect in every aspect yet I still gave it a 10 because it is the best yet!
  19. AnthonyD.
    Mar 22, 2002
    10
    This game kicks ass, I wanna buy it.
  20. Braddykidgamekid
    May 30, 2002
    10
    This game is the best fighting game for dreamcast the sound is a great detail. I see this game as the best dreamcast game ever. The diffrent swords are cool plot line is the best there is NO WAY there will be a better fighting game for dreamcast.
  21. AdamL.
    May 7, 2002
    10
    It's Soul Caliber. Tekken is poor compared, Asteroth is class, Nightmare is the beast, if i continue, i'll be here till christmass. needless to say, if you don't have a copy, may god have mercy upon your soul...
  22. RayP.
    Jun 3, 2002
    9
    I'm a fan of Virtua Fighter 2 and 3. I own VF3tb and Soul Calibur. Soul Calibur has beautiful graphics, fantasic character movement, and great game play. It falls short because it is TOO easy. Button mashers can pick any character and beat every other character without memorizing a single move combo. This is unlike VF where button mashers get crushed by round 3. In Soul Calibur you I'm a fan of Virtua Fighter 2 and 3. I own VF3tb and Soul Calibur. Soul Calibur has beautiful graphics, fantasic character movement, and great game play. It falls short because it is TOO easy. Button mashers can pick any character and beat every other character without memorizing a single move combo. This is unlike VF where button mashers get crushed by round 3. In Soul Calibur you don't even have to Defend! Lame.… Expand
  23. BlancoT.
    Feb 7, 2003
    10
    The best fighter ever created. PERIOD.
  24. RobertC.
    Sep 13, 2003
    10
    JEEZ! If AI S. does that again, then this "junk" is real junk to him! Anyhow, this is the BEST fighting game EVER!!! The graphics are gorgeus, Edge Master is Charade, there is a character in place of Mitsurugi (Arthur), and most of all, EVERYTHING ELSE!!!!
  25. AnthonyC.
    Apr 1, 2004
    10
    This is the best fighting game ever no doubt in my mind ever.
  26. Amy!
    Apr 20, 2004
    10
    Wooop!! it rocks!!! :D
  27. DarylL.
    Jan 1, 2006
    10
    If you have a Dreamcast this is the absolute must have game. Stunning 3D graphics demonstrating the capabilities of the Dreamcast. Great gameplay with a variety of different options for both single and multiplayer. Just Brilliant.
  28. WillTee
    Oct 7, 2006
    10
    This Game is The Best and yep Seigfried is the greatest! One thing a little disappointing they never spoke in English... NO ONE CAN STOP ME
  29. JamesS.
    Dec 11, 2001
    10
    I used to hate all fighting games, then I tried Soul Caliber. Now I'm hooked. This game kicks some serious rear.
  30. JosephN.
    Aug 26, 2001
    10
    I have completed the game. I loved every minute.
  31. ChesterM.
    Jan 1, 2002
    10
    I got this game for Christmas and completed straight away it was so good. I had played Soul Edge, which wasn't bad, but this was the creme de la crema! :)
  32. SoulCaliber
    Feb 19, 2002
    10
    Perfect!!
  33. ShaunP.
    Jun 24, 2002
    10
    It is a great game for experienced gamers and even for beginners like myself. I had never played it but was still able to beat my brother repeatedly.
  34. JoelL.
    Feb 10, 2003
    9
    Incredible graphics and gameplay. You'll never tire of this one. The best fighter ever.
  35. MarkB.
    Mar 11, 2003
    10
    This is the best fighting game I have ever had the pleasure of playing. It is simply awesome.
  36. CampbellA.
    Sep 15, 2005
    10
    This is my favourite game ever, the characters are well thought out and the graphics were cutting edge (forgive the pun) and are superbly made. so there! (would still like to play as arthur though...)
  37. GregorM.
    Nov 26, 2001
    10
    Basically, if there was an entry for 11/10, Soul Caliber has my vote. We need a new one developers, come on!
  38. MarkF.
    Dec 15, 2001
    10
    I beat the game years ago and I'm still hooked!
  39. MeztenVonC.
    Aug 26, 2001
    10
    This is probably the best game realesed for DC... until another fast paced action game comes out.
  40. JenniferB.
    Dec 20, 2002
    10
    It's the only reason I play my dreamcast.
  41. JohnA.
    Mar 25, 2002
    10
    Hey man, this game is like totally awesome man.
  42. Sirius
    Sep 14, 2002
    10
    Best fighting game ever.
  43. DavidL.
    Oct 14, 2003
    10
    Nothing better...except for maybe soul calibur2...The best!
  44. Bob
    Apr 23, 2003
    10
    That the best Fighting action games I never saw!!
  45. I
    Apr 23, 2003
    10
    GOOOOOOOOOOOD!!!! THE BEST FIGHTING GAMES OF THE WORLD!!!
  46. IsmaldoS.
    May 31, 2003
    10
    The best game fighting game I ever play.
  47. BillK.
    Jul 23, 2003
    10
    This is the best fighter i have ever played. gameplay is fantastic. graphics are extraordinary (almost as good as dead or alive 2) it keeps people entertained for hours just to fully complete the mission mode. and there is a good variety of characters and fighting styles to choose from. oh and siegfried is the best character.
  48. JacobB.
    Sep 23, 2003
    10
    Unbelivable game in its time. Closest to perfect, awsome graphics. This game kicks arse!
  49. M
    Jan 18, 2006
    10
    Its the Best. Soul Calibur III now on PS2.
  50. JamesK.
    Feb 18, 2007
    10
    An amazing game, even in 2007 I still love it. I can't describe how fun it is, easy to pick up, but challenging to master. Great game!
  51. LillianL.
    Dec 12, 2001
    10
    I love this game! This is the only game which makes me feel better whenever i'm bored.
  52. J
    Nov 16, 2002
    10
    MARVELOUS!!! Fell i love with it upon my first match-Excellent characters! Awesome weaponry Dramatic settings First Rate Music!! THE GAME FOR DREAMCAST!!!
  53. Tubie
    Jan 24, 2011
    10
    This has to be one of the best fighting games of all times. At least in the top 5, easily. It was the main reason I got myself a Dreamcast, even though I was "waiting" for the PS2. Great game that you can never forget.
  54. BlogDog123
    May 25, 2011
    8
    This fighting game is a treat: beautiful graphics, unique characters, and several modes. However, the majority of the playable characters are clones of other fighters on the roster, and SoulCalibur features some of the most impossible-to-execute combos ever made.
  55. asjklas
    Jun 22, 2011
    10
    The best fighting game on the DC and one of the best fighting games to date. Pros: It practically invented 3-D fighting movement in fighting games; stunning graphics; lovable characters; striking combos. Cons: Easy; annoying soundtrack.
  56. Jboy2468
    Mar 29, 2012
    10
    Absolutely perfect. Outstanding graphics, addictive gameplay, awesome rewards, magnificent storylines. This game is the true standard of a masterpiece. Period.
  57. kmezzi
    May 24, 2013
    10
    Although the series took a little dive in recent releases, we all know how great it made it's stay. The graphics at the time we're amazing, the gameplay is better then some games today, and this is the golden era of fighting games, along with Battle Arena Toshinden, which is an underrated rival.
  58. jordan_grimmer
    Nov 10, 2013
    10
    Quite simply the best fighting game ever made. Extremely well-balanced, fast-paced with great visuals and a diverse range of characters. Addictive gameplay.
  59. Testie
    Dec 9, 2020
    9
    This was a great game, I really enjoyed it. I hope they come up with a sequel
  60. MeDoBaseball
    Apr 3, 2015
    10
    This game is pure awesome!!!! THE GRAFIX!!! sdfjhkaersuyfhjmrsagmfhjeawfgiuyekmfneahkjfnrgfhjekrfgehjrfghejferfjkfnaeslfherfkjrfbhkewhjfejkdsfshjfuadfks
  61. Ywey
    Jul 5, 2018
    10
    This game is very beatifull,nice graphics,nice characters and best game from dreamcast
  62. Empyrea
    Jul 28, 2017
    10
    Awesome game! Many characters with different weapons. I had a lot of fun playing this game with my friends when I was a kid. Great graphics too! DreamCast was great at that time!
  63. AngerIssuez
    Sep 14, 2019
    7
    This game was amazing, but it was really only a sign of things to come. Technically, this game is a marvel, and is a must-play for anyone interested in the history of fighting games.
  64. Focaccia
    Mar 12, 2017
    10
    The dreamcast had so many amazing fighting games, but the arcade port of Soulcalibur, is definitely the best. You fight in an arena (unlike Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat) and the characters are great. if you have a dreamcast and haven't tried this game, you are missing out.
  65. PythonHaunter
    Mar 5, 2017
    10
    SoulCalibur is no doubt, one of the best fighting games i ever played, if not the best. Fresh gameplay, awesome sense of movement and a perfect cast of characters, this game deserves all what it has.
  66. Linkfan
    Apr 2, 2017
    10
    Soulcalibur represents hours of fun, alone or with friends. The gameplay is extremely fun, the graphics still look good today, and the controls work very well. This is my favourite game on the dreamcast.
  67. evolution98
    Sep 17, 2018
    10
    "Transcending history, in a world, a tale of souls and swords eternally retold"

    THE best Dreamcast game ever. This was the defining weapon based fighting game which gathered a massive following and is still played to this day. I love the graphics. They are so beautiful. They are a huge improvement over the arcade version. I love the soundtrack and the series would continue to have    "Transcending history, in a world, a tale of souls and swords eternally retold"

    THE best Dreamcast game ever. This was the defining weapon based fighting game which gathered a massive following and is still played to this day.

    I love the graphics. They are so beautiful. They are a huge improvement over the arcade version. I love the soundtrack and the series would continue to have fantastic soundtracks. The gameplay is why the game is so beloved and immersive in the fighting game genre. I love the Soul Charge and Guard Impact mechanics. The characters are amazing. They have so much depth, likability and would continue to get even better as the series continued. The stage design is amazing.

    The game is notable for its story, lore and its great. It was stupendous. There is so much to unlock from Weapon Master mode which gave the game so much replay ability.

    This game is a must have.    … Expand
  68. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Mar 31, 2019
    10
    The Dreamcast port of "Soul Calibur" is arcade perfect and one of best fighting games of all time. Graphically, it is truly amazing. The animation is fluid and the framerate never slows. SC II features a great selection of fighters, smooth controls, top notch sound effects and amazing music. It's easily a 10 out of 10.
  69. Jconker
    May 7, 2018
    9
    This sequel to Soul Blade improves upon it's game-play and easily the best graphics for a fighting game. With smooth looking character models, beautiful backgrounds, impressive stages plus the fluid animations made the game semi-realistic. Voice acting is brief but gives the characters a little bit of personality while talking to the opponent before and after the fight. But it ends upThis sequel to Soul Blade improves upon it's game-play and easily the best graphics for a fighting game. With smooth looking character models, beautiful backgrounds, impressive stages plus the fluid animations made the game semi-realistic. Voice acting is brief but gives the characters a little bit of personality while talking to the opponent before and after the fight. But it ends up repetitive like many fighting games still do today shockingly. The actual sound effects of blades clashing, jumping, hitting and the screams are very well done. The game-play is both fast and strategic thanks to the, "eight way run" feature. Dodging, guard, impact guard, or just avoiding the enemy to hit you is very cool and necessary for a fighting game. The game consist of attacking your opponent for a knockout or ring out. The content is great especially back in the day with various modes like time attack, versus, team battle, arcade, mission, and even more. I do notice that the game might be too easy even in harder difficulty but the mission mode is excellent in this regard while the story is told on a second person perspective with the many always saying, "You" almost all the time. In the arcade mode is in third person because is all about each fighter but sadly barely an intro unless you look at the manual of course but the endings don't reflect what truly happen. Overall is not the best story nor the best difficulty and yet is still an amazing game.… Expand
  70. dollar452435
    Nov 5, 2021
    8
    Ну нормальный такой. Переигрывать не буду.
  71. Jesmatz
    Mar 1, 2021
    10
    Spanish:
    Juego bastante adelantado a su época con una gran fluidez en el combate.

    9.7/100

    English:
    Game well ahead of its time with great fluency in combat.

    97/100
  72. IrishPan
    Jul 8, 2022
    8
    Революционная игра и один из любимейших файтингов 87/100
  73. JoeMaximusBoom
    Jul 18, 2019
    10
    This the Best Fighting game ever To date. They will never be a well balance fighter game. This game deserve the no. Fighter spot..Also it right where its supposed to be in the top 10. Sega Dreamaast was an awesome system.
  74. Onjimusha
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    Oh I remember this game!blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
  75. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    9
    ASTAROTH IS THE KING. Nothing else to say. One the best fighting game ever made.
  76. Akashdeep
    Jun 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This one of the greatest games I've had ever played the game mechanics are some of the bests this a must play give it a shot you won't be dissapointed… Expand
  77. Alexgames20
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    El primer o de los primeros juegos en una consola en superar su versión de arcade. Juegazo!
  78. TEG_17
    Oct 11, 2022
    7
    Классный файтинг, все на высшем уровне. Разве что проблемы в управлении и сюжетке, а так прям хорош.
  79. alfalex
    Nov 21, 2021
    10
    Aún recuerdo cuando lo jugué la primera vez. Gráficamente era lo más espectacular que se podía ver en su momento y con una fluidez que asombraba. Todas las animaciones estaban detalladas y mimadas, un deleite para la vista. Los escenarios 3D eran espectaculares así como su banda sonora. Es un juego que podés jugar a día de hoy y notar que ha envejecido demasiado bien. Sin duda uno de losAún recuerdo cuando lo jugué la primera vez. Gráficamente era lo más espectacular que se podía ver en su momento y con una fluidez que asombraba. Todas las animaciones estaban detalladas y mimadas, un deleite para la vista. Los escenarios 3D eran espectaculares así como su banda sonora. Es un juego que podés jugar a día de hoy y notar que ha envejecido demasiado bien. Sin duda uno de los 10 mejores juegos de Dreamcast!

    P.D.: Recuerdo el modo como de presentación técnica que traía el juego donde podías ver personajes rotando sobre ellos, acercarte y alejarte y ver los rostros a u nivel de detalle nunca vistos.    … Expand
  80. B00tador
    Nov 28, 2021
    6
    As a fighting game it's really good, but not for me. Just not enough meat on the bones.
  81. Holly_Marie
    Mar 4, 2022
    9
    Me and my brother had a Dreamcast and Soul Calibur and this really really was special. I can understand the reviews as it was something unique and amazing learning these characters and the arenas at the time. The gimmick here was it was a fighting game with weapons. I used Seung Mina a pretty girl with halberd spear that excelled at range. By completing her story I unlocked a lot ofMe and my brother had a Dreamcast and Soul Calibur and this really really was special. I can understand the reviews as it was something unique and amazing learning these characters and the arenas at the time. The gimmick here was it was a fighting game with weapons. I used Seung Mina a pretty girl with halberd spear that excelled at range. By completing her story I unlocked a lot of her art and she definitely became ‘my’ character in the way people like Ryu of street fighter etc.

    I remember slick presentation, music, graphics, gameplay was state of the art. Hair would blow in the wind, voices were good, thematically was great etc. However over time and with subsequent entries and competition and things it’s not the same now. Unlike games like Mario and Zelda which are somewhat timeless, fighting games really evolved from this point. There’s no world where you should pick this up ahead of something else in 2022 unless you’re looking at history of fighting games or getting a Dreamcast for nostalgia purposes. But that first game on that console in that time, it was something special like I say. Hard to score on that basis, went with a 9 as that’s what it was when I played it, a 9 or a 10 even.    … Expand
  82. neomoonsevin
    Jan 22, 2023
    10
    Didn't understand the mechanics but I still found it a great game to play I played this on DC emulator
  83. Suadi86
    Jul 12, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Soul Calibur for the time on sega dreamcast are best 2 fighting game with excellent game play… Expand
  84. Yojimbo2015
    Jul 12, 2023
    10
    Easily the best fighting game available at the time, Soulcalibur was one of the biggest selling points for Sega's ultimately doomed console. It still looks great today and was surpassed only by its own sequel Soulcalibur II on the Xbox and PS2.
  85. George_K
    May 23, 2023
    10
    This game was the peak of fighting games back then this game is amazing like its console it is just amazing both aesthetically both game wise, bc i was a ps1 owner and the internet didn't existed back then i was playing tekken 3 and street figther 2 in arcades (top 3 fighting games with soulcalibur) a friend of mine had bought a dreamcast and the only games he had was soulcalibur and sonicThis game was the peak of fighting games back then this game is amazing like its console it is just amazing both aesthetically both game wise, bc i was a ps1 owner and the internet didn't existed back then i was playing tekken 3 and street figther 2 in arcades (top 3 fighting games with soulcalibur) a friend of mine had bought a dreamcast and the only games he had was soulcalibur and sonic adventure which was single player and we had to play soulcalibur, i remember staying with him all night playing this game, a true experience and it still in 2023 it is amazing… Expand
  86. Gibrail
    Apr 23, 2023
    9
    Une véritable claque, un jeu de mon enfance que j'ai beaucoup aimé, même le scénario est intéressant. Il manquait juste un peu de contenu sinon c'est top
  87. Y_O_U_V_A
    Jul 14, 2023
    10
    This game was a head of it's Time
  88. Napptin
    Jul 27, 2023
    10
    Crazy game is art, so cool and easy to play and have so much fun in this fighter!

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Dreamcast Game of 1999
1
#1 Most Discussed Dreamcast Game of 1999
1
#1 Most Shared Dreamcast Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
98

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. CheckOut
    100
    I guarantee you'll be amazed at how phenomenal this game looks, and you won't be able to put it down.
  2. CNET Gamecenter
    100
    It blows away every 3D fighting game I've ever played (even "Virtua Fighter 3," and by a much bigger margin than I expected!), so go buy it when you get your Dreamcast, or feel like a total fool when it's sold out the next day.
  3. Gamestyle
    100
    This is - or was - bleeding edge technology; the 'Sole Calibre' of Dreamcast's Distinction, and it shall remain so... until Namco's elite inevitably trump themselves.
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