SoulCalibur III

 PlayStation 2
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 168 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 146 out of 168
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 168
  3. Negative: 7 out of 168
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  1. PlamenD.
    Oct 20, 2005
    10
    Perfect fighting game.
  2. MichaelR.
    Oct 24, 2005
    10
    Yayy, its gonna be great. From the demo alone, I've had more fun than a lot of other games I paid in full for, and from what i've seen of the rest of the game, it looks nothing short of spectacular.
  3. Julian
    Oct 29, 2005
    10
    Soul Calibur 3 is what Soul Calibur 2 should have been. SC3 is a complete version. Sure, there are some few things that went wrong (like the AI gone poweful) but if you are a true SC fan, you could beat them without any proplems. With many modes to play with and all the characters in the previous titles returned, how can you not like this game? This game is for everyone, especially for Soul Calibur 3 is what Soul Calibur 2 should have been. SC3 is a complete version. Sure, there are some few things that went wrong (like the AI gone poweful) but if you are a true SC fan, you could beat them without any proplems. With many modes to play with and all the characters in the previous titles returned, how can you not like this game? This game is for everyone, especially for single player.… Expand
  4. JacobH.
    Jan 2, 2006
    10
    Purely amazing! The edit mode is huge and the Chronicles of the Sword mode is absolutly perfect!
  5. ChrisE.
    Jan 3, 2006
    10
    The new Chronicles of swords mode is long but interesting. The heart of this game is the character design mode. As long as you have some patience and collect the armour dilligently, you can pretty much make anyone. I made zoro, raiden, and the guy from Kung Fu Hustle. It's fun. Overall, I'm glad I bought this game.
  6. JohnnyR.
    Jul 26, 2007
    10
    Nothing has prepaired me for the best fighting game ever! not even the first of the series that was awesome!
  7. AlexC.
    Feb 14, 2006
    10
    It is agreat game new modes and new characters also create your own character is great also very fun. I am looking foward to Soul calibur 4.
  8. vahn
    May 15, 2012
    10
    The best of the series so far: has great single player contents, massive longevity even without versus mode, and it adds at last the character creator, one of the best I've ever seen in a fighting game. It's hard in here to find flaws though and, in general, the main flaw is probably the absense of online feature, and to "compensate that loss" they made a lot of content for the singleThe best of the series so far: has great single player contents, massive longevity even without versus mode, and it adds at last the character creator, one of the best I've ever seen in a fighting game. It's hard in here to find flaws though and, in general, the main flaw is probably the absense of online feature, and to "compensate that loss" they made a lot of content for the single player instead. And we can only thank for that. Other flaws maybe are, actually, the chronicles of the sword campaign: it's not a bad addition but it feels like a rushed strategy mode, and so it can be a bit disappointing. The plot in the campaign also isn't anything special but it's decent and, again, it's more content for the single player and a good practice for you (some bosses takes a lot of time, as they are harsh to beat). There is also a GREAT arcade mode, where you also have paths to choose! Yes the ending often is the same, but the ways to go are many and it can always be different if you really want to. The creator also is vast and offers many combinations, and on top of that you can use both the official styles of the main characters AND original styles made for them specifically. They aren't as strong as the standard ones, but it gives variety and everything can be unlocked by buying them with (In-game) gold and playing the campaign mode (a good time where dlc weren't dominating us....). That's it, nothing else to say: this game alone is gonna last a lot of time and, unless you prefer or only like Tekken (like my pals back then), there's almost no reason to skip this game. Except if you don't like fighting games with weapons.… Expand
  9. gorelequint
    May 2, 2013
    10
    Overall, the game is just amazing to play. Before it's release, SCII was my favorite game, so it had alot to live up to in my eyes.

    Gameplay/Movesets: I guess I was a little annoyed my favorite character Ivy had lost some of her best moves, but most of them have been improved. The Alexandra sisters are still a little similar but on the whole, the rest of them are very varied and fun to    Overall, the game is just amazing to play. Before it's release, SCII was my favorite game, so it had alot to live up to in my eyes.

    Gameplay/Movesets:
    I guess I was a little annoyed my favorite character Ivy had lost some of her best moves, but most of them have been improved. The Alexandra sisters are still a little similar but on the whole, the rest of them are very varied and fun to use. Not too difficult to master either if you put your mind to it. Still, not as difficult as Tekken, and more asthetically pleasing. The different weapons each character has really allows for greater diversity than in most games. The fact even the custom characters you create have their own movesets as well makes it even more fun and long lasting.

    Length:
    Well, compared to most fighting games, this is packed. I guess its the Chronicles of the Sword that does it. It's basically got so much stuff in it, it's got the life of some RPG's, possibly longer. I play it every spare moment and I've had it for a month, still not unlocked everything. It's the kind of game its hard to stop playing, and one you will probably be playing for years. The varying story paths for each of the characters also keeps you going and going. Serious value for money!

    Graphics/Music:
    The graphics are so amazingly detailed and stunning. Playing other games straight after it will really let you apprieciate SCIII's quality. The stages you fight in are all very detailed, with smashing floors and walls, mice, fire and falling pictures. Really is beautiful, the characters look pretty danm good too. Much of the music is very well suited to each area and character, it just adds to the overall feel.

    Characters/Stories:
    Personally, I adore the stories and personalities of all the characters in this game. Some seem a little pointless, like Cassandra who is basically a helpless sister of one of the other characters. However, she is still very enjoyable to use. The alternative story endings you can get for your characters adds a dimension other games don't have. A great deal of choice and another level of information and interest for the player. The characters do vary quite a bit, ages and nationalities, even species (well there are monsters too...) All makes for an entertaining game!

    Modes:
    The soul arena, with the varying tasks is fun, but there really isn't enough. It was far more fun before. HOWEVER Chronicles of the sword kind of takes over from weapon master mode from SCII. This is the mode where you create your own characters and direct them through another seperate story from the main game. It's strategy crossed with fighting, I really enjoyed this mode more than I expected. It's really more about the battles than the strategy, which made it much less daunting. Creating the characters too is almost entertaining enough to buy the game. I know that seems a bit ott but they are SO customisable you can be tweaking your characters for ages! Then Tales of Souls. The basic story modes. With the interactive cut scenes and varying endings. It's probably my favorite game because of this alone, it really is diverse and fun to play again and again.

    These are just the main features. The amount of unlockable things and purchasable things is huge. It's really entertaining for a genre thats usually considered quite 2d, this is in the next dimension entirely.

    Really worth the money and outdoing all the competition a million to one. Truely a brilliant game.    … Expand
  10. pahero
    Jan 7, 2018
    10
    There is actually not one single thing I can complain about this game...

    Maybe it should have more options about the difficulty, like easier ones for total noobs like me.

    But that is a minor thing.
  11. TwistedCritic
    Mar 14, 2016
    10
    Now, I typically don't like fighting games, but I played the absolute **** out of this as a kid! It's got a great story mode, with each individual character having their own separate campaigns, it also had a sick character editor that I spent hours messing around in, and a range of other modes to play. I really miss this game...
  12. Empyrea
    Jul 28, 2017
    10
    I played the first SoulCalibur in my Dreamcast many years ago and then when I got PS2 I had to buy this game. This is a great game as well. Loved playing with Kilik!
  13. FallenStar
    Dec 31, 2019
    10
    Soul Calibur III is the best SC in the whole franchise.
    Its innovation, graphics, setting, story for each character, a ton of content for singleplayer mode really made this game stand out the most. I remember how many hours I've spent with this game, there wasn't one thing that let me know. A true sequel to Soul Calibur II.
    The number of characters, costumes, character creation with    Soul Calibur III is the best SC in the whole franchise.
    Its innovation, graphics, setting, story for each character, a ton of content for singleplayer mode really made this game stand out the most. I remember how many hours I've spent with this game, there wasn't one thing that let me know. A true sequel to Soul Calibur II.

    The number of characters, costumes, character creation with neat content to it, plenty of hidden characters with their OWN custom move set which for some reason people like to forget about. A shame.

    It's clear to me that Soul Calibur VI tried to go back to this era and return to its roots but nonetheless I wish they would faithfully remaster this game or bring it for every possible system with an HD support.
    That being said, this is the best fighting game for Offline content. And the fact that it didn't get the support it needed in its time, just shows how disgusting this overrated tournament community can be. A true shame. Soul Calibur IV and V were a downgrade compared to this.

    Positives:
    +Plenty of characters to pick from each with alternative costumes
    +Branching storyline for each character where you can make small but much-appreciated choices for increased immersion
    +Character Creation
    +Chornicles of the Sword where you create your own character and play a mini-strategy + fighting style game having its own story sets and characters. You level up, gather better weapons, unlock characters, currency in the game and much more in this neat game mode
    +Lots of game modes including Arcade, Survival and a couple of others where you fight over-powered bosses
    +Music is great
    +Stages are awesome and memorable minus a few ones
    +Voice acting is solid, the game can be played with English or Japanese Dub
    +Combat system is fluent, faster than its previous entry
    +Unique move sets yet basic/nerfed for character creation. While they can't really go up against the main characters it's a nice addition to the game in order to provide identity to the characters, immersion and offering new moves to the game making some fights be more generic rather than just the super moves of each main character. Completely dropped in future games sadly.
    +The Menu and the Opening of the game are the best ones in the entire series. Nothing like it anywhere else

    Negatives:
    - Some OP characters are not unlockable unless you use a cheat device. It's not relevant or important but it would be fun to have everything available
    - Chronicles of the Sword doesn't have too much replayability after the initial playthrough. Could've been improved upon in its difficulty    … Expand
  14. evolution98
    Jan 17, 2018
    10
    The BEST Soulcalibur out of all the series. It's sad that we will never get a remaster of this game. It has to be done.

    It's a perfect game. Everything that the original and the sequel gave us was fantastic but Namco and Project Soul were able to make it the magnum opus of the franchise until they made 4 and 5. The graphics were so realistic and sublime. The stages, motion capture    The BEST Soulcalibur out of all the series. It's sad that we will never get a remaster of this game. It has to be done.

    It's a perfect game. Everything that the original and the sequel gave us was fantastic but Namco and Project Soul were able to make it the magnum opus of the franchise until they made 4 and 5.

    The graphics were so realistic and sublime. The stages, motion capture demonstrations and fighters looked so amazing. The soundtrack is THE best out of all of the series. I love the soundtrack of the second game but this one was perfect. Forgotten Sanctuary, Courage Ablaze, Time Marches On and Catastrophe are so brilliant I still listen to the soundtrack to this day. The sound is outstanding and the voice acting was so awesome to hear. The gameplay is perfect. So many new modes added to the game gave it a LOT of longevity. The addition of classic characters such as Li Long, Hwang, Arthur and Rock was a brilliant idea. I never really got into the Chronicles of the Sword Mode or the Story Mode but wow the game sucked me in so well. The customization mode was amazing and still holds up.

    It's a childhood classic. It has to be remastered.    … Expand
  15. NintenYoshi
    Mar 30, 2019
    10
    Is the best game of all SoulCalibur series. This game has a excellent history mode, the best of all saga, the form that choose the path based on our decisions, which affects who we face. And not only the main history, all single player mode is very amazing, the mode Chronicles Of the Sword is spectacular, this secondary story mode mixed a RPG and tactics game mechanics with a fightingIs the best game of all SoulCalibur series. This game has a excellent history mode, the best of all saga, the form that choose the path based on our decisions, which affects who we face. And not only the main history, all single player mode is very amazing, the mode Chronicles Of the Sword is spectacular, this secondary story mode mixed a RPG and tactics game mechanics with a fighting combats classic of series. The same with a Quick Play an Missions Mode. Also the Character Creation is a something splendid, being a game of PS2. The game lacks a multiplayer mode, though for the time the game has release is not necessary. possibly for a remaster we can have multiplayer.… Expand
  16. anthonybobby
    Aug 11, 2021
    10
    BryanM and Th3UniQu3, you both are trash.

    ''Ridiculous AI and terrible balance ruins this game down to the core. There is no redeeming this piece of trash with it's stupid psychic AI that will never fail to block EVERY SINGLE **** ATTACK you throw at it. 100%. It is programmed to **** you up.'' Th3UniQu3, it is not programmed to mess you up. You know what messes us up? Your comment.    BryanM and Th3UniQu3, you both are trash.

    ''Ridiculous AI and terrible balance ruins this game down to the core. There is no redeeming this piece of trash with it's stupid psychic AI that will never fail to block EVERY SINGLE **** ATTACK you throw at it. 100%. It is programmed to **** you up.''

    Th3UniQu3, it is not programmed to mess you up. You know what messes us up? Your comment. Quit hating this game, retard.

    ''If you own soul Calibur II then don't even bother. This game is just a rip off of both 1 and II. But if you do not then wait until it goes down in price.''

    BryanM, this game is not a ripoff of both the past SC games. You look like a ripoff, moron.

    Like I said, you both are pathetic.    … Expand
  17. Parthenon
    May 21, 2018
    10
    Simply the best Soulcalibur game ever made. An incredible improvement that often gets overlooked because "it's not Soulcalibur II", when SCIII is actually better in every way possible. From the graphics and graphic design, to the music, story, roster and content. If you ever had to choose between SCII and SCIII, don't you dare to choose SCII if what you want is a game packed with contentSimply the best Soulcalibur game ever made. An incredible improvement that often gets overlooked because "it's not Soulcalibur II", when SCIII is actually better in every way possible. From the graphics and graphic design, to the music, story, roster and content. If you ever had to choose between SCII and SCIII, don't you dare to choose SCII if what you want is a game packed with content and nothing but entertainment.… Expand
  18. VRL
    Jun 11, 2022
    10
    After all these years it's still the best fighting game for me. Even after close to 2 decades the gameplay and graphics still hold. This game doesn't age.
  19. AnthonyV.
    Nov 2, 2005
    9
    The only reason this game didn't get a 10 is because Chronicles of the Sword has "afterthought" written all over it. Creating your own character is a neat addition but essentially you're creating a disguise for one of the 42 other characters in the game. As for the positives, the game looks fantastic (minor slowdown here and there but it doesn't hurt the game), there's The only reason this game didn't get a 10 is because Chronicles of the Sword has "afterthought" written all over it. Creating your own character is a neat addition but essentially you're creating a disguise for one of the 42 other characters in the game. As for the positives, the game looks fantastic (minor slowdown here and there but it doesn't hurt the game), there's 42 freakin' characters, the pace is faster, there are about 30 different backgrounds, similar characters such as Lizardman and Cassandra are now more unique, and they got rid of Necrid. This is what the PS2 version of SoulCalibur II should have been. The mere fact that the playable roster is practically doubled is more than enough reason to warrant the purchase of this game.… Expand
  20. Sam
    Jan 24, 2006
    9
    I was dissappointed that it didn't have team battle, and the memory glitches in the game sucked alot, but other than that this game is great! Chronicles of Swords was awesome, although it would be even more awesome if you could have a free battle against a friend. Tales of Souls was a little monotonous though, what with every character going by either Zasalamel in the Clock tower, or I was dissappointed that it didn't have team battle, and the memory glitches in the game sucked alot, but other than that this game is great! Chronicles of Swords was awesome, although it would be even more awesome if you could have a free battle against a friend. Tales of Souls was a little monotonous though, what with every character going by either Zasalamel in the Clock tower, or Tira in the castle, and the Nightmare/Seigfried fight. Battles are awesome though. Great graphics, control, sound and all that.… Expand
  21. CJ
    Feb 25, 2006
    9
    A good game in all, with several new intriguing modes. As always, it is a game of a high standard, and although it may not be as strong as Soul Calibur II was, the ideas integrated into it make the future look bright. The removal of team battle, though, especially for vs. battle play, was rather disappointing. Hopefully, it will return to the line-up of game modes for Soul Calibur IV.
  22. JL
    Nov 5, 2005
    9
    Wow, SC3 is a BIG improvement in the series. I a welcome to see the return of the earlier characters in the series. an the addition of a custoomized character is nice too. But what I really like are the stronger story lines for each character. And..oh yeah the BIG improvement with the grahics look great on my new 61inch plasma and the phat THX sound explodes on my 800watt home theatre Wow, SC3 is a BIG improvement in the series. I a welcome to see the return of the earlier characters in the series. an the addition of a custoomized character is nice too. But what I really like are the stronger story lines for each character. And..oh yeah the BIG improvement with the grahics look great on my new 61inch plasma and the phat THX sound explodes on my 800watt home theatre system. ahhh, what more can you ask for =).… Expand
  23. SteveO.
    Oct 27, 2005
    9
    Awesome Game. There is tons and tons of content in this game. I played it for hours last night and barely scratched the surface. Basically if you liked any of the previous Soul Calibur (Soul Edge) games, then you will love the latest installment. Go get it now or you will die of envy.
  24. Jonny
    Aug 29, 2006
    9
    Great game with new modes such as Chronicles of the Sword and the create-a-characther. It's kind of a shame that there's no Team Battle.When Soul Calibur 4, comes out I hope there will be online play and more improvements on Chronicles of the Sword.
  25. EricS.
    Nov 13, 2005
    9
    Aside from my Chronicles of the Sword file deciding to be corrupted, SC3 is the fighting game I've been waiting for since the first Mortal Kombat. Great single player action AND perfect "wail on your friends" game. Create-a-Fighter is sweet. All 10 slots are created. And oh-so-many unlockables.
  26. JamesHeretic
    Oct 29, 2005
    9
    This game is almost perfect but no arcade mode why NAMCO why!
  27. Alex
    Nov 26, 2005
    9
    the best fighting franchise just got better. SC3 is downright incredible in its own manner, with many new improvements to boot. The single player modes are a little lackluster (especially Tales of Souls. too many of the same fights), and some of the fighters' combos were removed (one being from Nightmare), but that doesn't really take away from the overall experience. i'm the best fighting franchise just got better. SC3 is downright incredible in its own manner, with many new improvements to boot. The single player modes are a little lackluster (especially Tales of Souls. too many of the same fights), and some of the fighters' combos were removed (one being from Nightmare), but that doesn't really take away from the overall experience. i'm not sure why everyone is bashing Chronicles of the Sword mode, i think its downright fun. the improved graphics and loading times are good, and the sheer number of selectable fighters is a nice touch too, although many of the selectable extra characters are simply pre-built characters that you could make yourself in Character Creation mode. the Creation mode is also a welcome addition, as it allows you to create a fighter who you can call your own. overall, SC3 stands as the greatest fighting game of all time.… Expand
  28. Zilcell
    Mar 7, 2013
    9
    It isn't perfect, but the many game modes and mechanics make it definitely recommendable. You can even customize your own characters! A great fighter that requires patience and strategy.
  29. AJCk19
    Jul 23, 2023
    9
    Almost perfection, maybe some balance issues, and not having a good online player mode with great net coding. But single player experience is amazing. Lastly, it is kind of dated in the graphics, so if someone wanted to give it a 8 star. I wouldn't complain. But I really enjoyed it.
  30. RetrogamingFTW
    Jul 2, 2020
    9
    One of my favorite games of all time, Loved it as a kid, Definitely the best soulcalibur game of all time, from soul edge to soulcalibur 6 has many features and unlockables, they have great decoration within the game, the only problem is that you cannot skip cutscenes, i know some determine your character's fate but the ones that do not, you should be able to skip. Chronicles wasOne of my favorite games of all time, Loved it as a kid, Definitely the best soulcalibur game of all time, from soul edge to soulcalibur 6 has many features and unlockables, they have great decoration within the game, the only problem is that you cannot skip cutscenes, i know some determine your character's fate but the ones that do not, you should be able to skip. Chronicles was extremely irritating to play but you get great satisfaction once you have it completed. I hope they remaster this game some time, maybe even for the ps5.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

16
#16 Best PS2 Game of 2005
18
#18 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
39
#39 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 57 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 57
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 57
  3. Negative: 0 out of 57
  1. Eurogamer
    80
    The beefed-up single-player content is worth the asking price on its own, it's still a fantastic multiplayer game (that's maybe not as perfectly balanced as it once was), and yes, it's shame there's no online play, but that's no excuse to pass up on a hugely enjoyable, addictive, rewarding title that'll last months.
    Read full review
  2. games(TM)
    80
    For many, the new modes won’t be enough to call for another purchase; as a standalone package however, Soul Calibur III offers more than could ever be asked of a fighting game. [Christmas 2005, p.96]
  3. Boomtown
    70
    A very pretty game, gorgeous in fact, with plenty to do and see. But ultimately it just doesn't quite seem new enough. It's an example in safe game development and taking the easy path, but while it lasts, it's a fun path.
See all critic reviews »