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.
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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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