SoulCalibur II

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Aug 27, 2003
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 190 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 161 out of 190
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 190
  3. Negative: 5 out of 190
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  1. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    9
    I played this game when it was released, and i loved it. I suck at fighting games, so usually i dont play them for long, but this one was one of the few exceptions.
  2. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 10, 2023
    10
    The biggest selling point of the Dreamcast was its superb version of Soul Calibur, and this sequel is even better. To this day it's still my favourite fighting game bar none.
  3. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Jul 2, 2020
    9
    "Soul Calibur II" for the PS2 was one of the better fighting games available on the console. It was also the worst version of the three available thanks to inferior graphics and a weak guest character. While it follows the same formula of its predecessor, SC II is still great. This is a terrific weapons-based fighter. I would rate it with a 9.2 out of 10.
  4. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    8
    One of the best fighting games i remember for ps2. My boy astaroth looking good bro.
  5. AKthaBeast
    May 18, 2018
    8
    A good fighting game however my personal preference would be 2d side view and not 3d fighters like Tekken or Virtual Fighter
  6. Tacticz
    May 26, 2017
    9
    Soulcalibur 2 might be the best fighting game of the sixth generation. It had a lengthy campaign and a great and memorable roster. Soulcalibur 2 is still one of my favorite games to play on the PS2.
  7. Aldur
    Apr 24, 2015
    8
    Probably spent too much time on this game, as everyone here... But what a game! No needs to say more I guess, SoulCalibur 2 is probably one of the best game from the serie!
  8. DoUEvnLft
    Sep 30, 2014
    9
    Simply the best fighting game ever created. Perfect gameplay and great visuals blend together to make a truly unique experience. But most importantly - it's great fun. Pick this up if you can find it.
  9. artoldtonelic
    May 20, 2014
    9
    This is my favorite fighting game of all time despite that it didn't improve much over is revolutionary predecessor, it's story is brief while the are two repetitive arcades and way more content than the original because of the weapon master mode campaign. The graphics are excellent just like the original, more places to fight but barely anything new combos except for the new comers ofThis is my favorite fighting game of all time despite that it didn't improve much over is revolutionary predecessor, it's story is brief while the are two repetitive arcades and way more content than the original because of the weapon master mode campaign. The graphics are excellent just like the original, more places to fight but barely anything new combos except for the new comers of the game. No on-line but why I have to complain about the on-line to a fighting game is still the same impact. My review 9.222.… Expand
  10. Watersson
    Jan 2, 2014
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Soul Calibur II is not such a good game that could be. Although it has a lot of character and pretty good graphics (music too) but the combat system has been done on average. It reminds me of a combination of KOF and Tekken. People who played in the given game just may have the same feeling as me. And because I'm a big fan of Tekken glad I view Heichachi and Yoshimitsu. In Soulcalibur II, I like it too that each character has an alternate costume. In this fighting game does not have too many characters but you can bring them some good combos.According to me, the game was too expensive on release 65 USD).… Expand
  11. inglorios
    Jun 22, 2012
    9
    Some how this game has toppled it's previous installments and came out on top. A fantastic fighting game perfect for hardcore fans and first time players. The addition of Tekken's Heihachi Mishima is a treat all by it's self.
  12. Jboy2468
    Apr 2, 2012
    9
    SoulCalibur II is nearly perfect. The characters are unique, the fighting system shows effort, there's plenty modes to play, and the game itself is extremely addicting. The character models and evironments could take a little more work, but this definately deserves to be a part of anyone's collection.
  13. llamayarmybar
    Jul 21, 2011
    9
    Its freaking SOUL CALIBUR II and its out on EVERYTHING. Its really more of the same and thats not a bad thing at all. However, with an extended character list comes problems- cloned moves, unbalanced characters and repetitive combat. Outside of that its so chalk full of "STUFF" to do its hard to believe. The storyline is bonkers, but who cares? We didn't get Soul Calibur to talk aboutIts freaking SOUL CALIBUR II and its out on EVERYTHING. Its really more of the same and thats not a bad thing at all. However, with an extended character list comes problems- cloned moves, unbalanced characters and repetitive combat. Outside of that its so chalk full of "STUFF" to do its hard to believe. The storyline is bonkers, but who cares? We didn't get Soul Calibur to talk about its meaningful characters and its rich nuances layered between its deeply woven storyline or complex characters. We got it so we can be a guy with a stick thats 80 feet long and can hit you from half the stage away. We got it so we could be a dude who is nearly 8 feet tall in BDSM gear with scissors on his hands who does goofy gymnastic moves all around his enemies. Either way its solid and although the extra characters included on all the consoles were a bit pointless (I'm looking at you Link) it managed to upset its origins and proudly age very gracefully. Even by todays standards it beats its mutated deranged step son Soul Calibur IV pretty hard in the actual "game" not "crap" department.… Expand
  14. asjklas
    Jun 22, 2011
    10
    One of the best DC games ever get one of the best fighting game sequels to date. Pros: Excellent graphics, sound, and control; likable characters; lots of easy-to-learn combos; lots of single-player and multiplayer modes. Cons: No online play; Heihachi is the worst of the trio's exclusive characters.
  15. ohaiKendyl
    Jun 4, 2011
    10
    It doesn't have Link, but it's still the same game with easier control. Pros: Beautiful graphics; variety of characters and weapons; variety of modes; Weapon Master; the best controls. Cons: Lack of unlockable characters and content; Heihachi doesn't quite fit in.
  16. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 23, 2011
    10
    Though it doesn't have Link, the PS2 version of Soulcalibur II is by far the slickest of the bunch. Pros: Beautiful graphics and level design; variety of characters, weapons, and throws; unlockables; slickest controls in a fighting game. Cons: Limited amount of stages and unlockable characters; no online play.
  17. BryanM.
    Nov 21, 2006
    10
    If you like number 1 you got to get this game. It is even better then soul Calibur III. Three words, get it now! It has ok graphics, great sound and the controls are great and has a lot more charters then the first one.
  18. I.Lynch
    Mar 25, 2006
    10
    The best fighter since street fighter 2. But if you have the choice, get it on gamecube. the controllers are easier and slightly more fluid.
  19. AdamC.
    Feb 27, 2006
    8
    Briliant just lacks the part of making things clear and not allowing us to unlock inferno grounds us to a limited acess so to speak but only major little things that the game lacks but i still ove it all the same!
  20. EdB.
    Aug 10, 2005
    10
    Best fighting game ever. Virtual fighter is also awesome. Dont let the button crunching fool you you can learn awesome combos.
  21. GreggH.
    Aug 7, 2004
    9
    Great game with great physics and characters. Love the hardcore girl fights. Wow! My only complaint is the cheesy commentaries, but a small price to pay for this excellent fighting game.
  22. CharlieS.
    Aug 5, 2004
    10
    This game offers alot of figting action with sounds of high realism. Weapons are both realist and magical and the bad thing about this game is there is nothing bad!
  23. MarioM.
    May 2, 2004
    9
    Brilliant fighting game.
  24. JavierA.
    Dec 14, 2003
    9
    Excellent game, the kind of game you'll play every day and never get tired, i still was specting a little bit more in graphics!
  25. MaxR.
    Dec 11, 2003
    10
    SC2 has great graffics and amazings detial on the caracters clothes and it is a great hit for all the fitting game lovers.
  26. Bob
    Nov 26, 2003
    9
    Really good game but not a game if u want to hear a good story because the story line in this game sucks but the figting is good and it is much better then any other fighting game like tekken and mortal combat.
  27. Mathias
    Nov 8, 2003
    10
    A milestone in video game history. The first version on the now defunct Dreamcast made people strictly buy that console, soley for that game, I did. Now finally, the masses get to experience it in all it's glory and then some. However, with such bad ass characters as Astaroth, Nightmare and the new McFalane designed Necrid, Link with his butterfly net seems a little out of place, if A milestone in video game history. The first version on the now defunct Dreamcast made people strictly buy that console, soley for that game, I did. Now finally, the masses get to experience it in all it's glory and then some. However, with such bad ass characters as Astaroth, Nightmare and the new McFalane designed Necrid, Link with his butterfly net seems a little out of place, if not just lame.… Expand
  28. MichaelE.
    Oct 8, 2003
    10
    I think this game is awesome!!!!!
  29. TomG.
    Oct 7, 2003
    10
    Although not much of an innovation to Soul Calibur that Soul Calibur was to Soul Blade, this game is absolutely awesome.
  30. MattP.
    Oct 2, 2003
    10
    Absolutely awesome! The looks, sound, gameplay are all perfect. I've been a Virtua Fighter veteran for years but this is my new fav beat 'em up. Easily one of my top 10 all time favs!
  31. TommyK.
    Oct 1, 2003
    10
    This game is what you refer to as "Perfect" The non stop gathering of new persons, weapons, and other extras is magnificent, but what really gives me a 10- feeling is the magnificent gameplay. Other fighting games could really learn from Soul Calibur 2.
  32. MikeS.
    Sep 26, 2003
    9
    I just saw the game 1 day and fell in love all over again.
  33. Lane
    Sep 23, 2003
    10
    This game is so fun! I love tring to get all the secrets and its fun to play with your friends. Great Game!
  34. EdricH.
    Sep 20, 2003
    10
    The graphics are excellent, and the game play is very good. The only place this game suffers is where you need some moleskin to heal the blisters you will get from playing 20 hours straight.
  35. DanT.
    Sep 15, 2003
    8
    I rated this a 8 cuz its all the same but its so ez all u jus have to do is button Mash Dats How my friend won against me. But u Stil Need Technique.
  36. CatF.
    Sep 5, 2003
    8
    Although it is without a doubt the best fighting game currently available, it offers little to those familiar with the Dreamcast version. Considering the amount of time it spent in the making, there are few changes to make it anything more than a necessity. Those unfamiliar with this fighting game will get to experience the jaw dropping brilliance that I remember from the first.
  37. GeorgeC.
    Aug 31, 2003
    10
    One of the best, if not the best fighting game, the only downside of this game is the guest character, Heihanchi (however you spell his name ) is too original.. unlike his brothers Link and Spawn.
  38. Mike
    Aug 17, 2003
    10
    I love this game!!!
  39. MarcW.
    Aug 14, 2003
    9
    The gameplay was near perfect in Soul Calibur and now...Namco's work is done. The control is even tighter and the extras are so plentiful it could keep any gamer occupied for weeks. An amazing game which could have been truly perfect if the graphics had been improved. Games like Tekken 4 still have an age for the character models. Still...brilliant.
  40. Cocacolaman
    Aug 13, 2003
    10
    Best Fighter for Ps2 until Ps3 arrives !!!!!!
  41. MontyPython
    Aug 11, 2003
    10
    Although I have only played the demo, I can definitely say this game is going to be awesome. It's better than the first and blows away all other fighting games. It is perfect.
  42. HannielC.
    Aug 8, 2003
    10
    One of the best fighter game franchises, and this one should not be over looked!

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PS2 Game of 2003
27
#27 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. netjak
    88
    You may be pensively looking over at other games and wonder why SC2 skimped on all of those luscious features. I don't understand it all either, but that doesn't stop me from proclaiming this as the best 3D fighter I've played to date. [Import]
  2. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    Never mind that it's one of the best fighters ever made - it's one of the best games ever made... Brilliant. It's one of those extremely rare games that screams perfection. [Sept 2003, p.94]
  3. GameReviewer
    90
    You've seldom seen an interface as polished as this one.
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