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. Napptin
    Jul 27, 2023
    10
    Crazy game is art, so cool and easy to play and have so much fun in this fighter!
  2. Y_O_U_V_A
    Jul 14, 2023
    10
    This game was a head of it's Time
  3. 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
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. TEG_17
    Oct 11, 2022
    7
    Классный файтинг, все на высшем уровне. Разве что проблемы в управлении и сюжетке, а так прям хорош.
  9. IrishPan
    Jul 8, 2022
    8
    Революционная игра и один из любимейших файтингов 87/100
  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. 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
  12. B00tador
    Nov 28, 2021
    6
    As a fighting game it's really good, but not for me. Just not enough meat on the bones.
  13. 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
  14. dollar452435
    Nov 5, 2021
    8
    Ну нормальный такой. Переигрывать не буду.
  15. 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
  16. Testie
    Dec 9, 2020
    9
    This was a great game, I really enjoyed it. I hope they come up with a sequel
  17. Alexgames20
    Aug 19, 2020
    10
    El primer o de los primeros juegos en una consola en superar su versión de arcade. Juegazo!
  18. 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
  19. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    9
    ASTAROTH IS THE KING. Nothing else to say. One the best fighting game ever made.
  20. Onjimusha
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    Oh I remember this game!blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. Ywey
    Jul 5, 2018
    10
    This game is very beatifull,nice graphics,nice characters and best game from dreamcast
  27. 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
  28. 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!
  29. 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.
  30. 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.
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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

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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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