SoulCalibur IV

 PlayStation 3
SoulCalibur IV Image
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 65 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 165 Ratings

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  • Summary: [Also known as "Soul Calibur IV"] Swords will be honed and weapons optimized as the world renowned weapon-based fighting series Soulcalibur unveils a fourth installment. Delivering new gameplay modes, characters and enhanced features with unprecedented 3D modeling and animation,[Also known as "Soul Calibur IV"] Swords will be honed and weapons optimized as the world renowned weapon-based fighting series Soulcalibur unveils a fourth installment. Delivering new gameplay modes, characters and enhanced features with unprecedented 3D modeling and animation, Soulcalibur IV strives to be the definitive fighting game experience. The unrelenting pursuit of two legendary swords continues as Soulcalibur IV re-introduces classic warriors from the series as well as debuting new characters bringing new conflict and intrigue. Soulcalibur IV propels the fighting genre into the next-gen era with visually realistic environments, interactive stages, enhanced AI, and a new battle system. [Namco Bandai]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 65
  3. Negative: 0 out of 65
  1. 1UP
    100
    Where SC4 really shines, however, is in its character-creation mode. The more you use your custom characters, the more options you unlock -- with a wealth of weapons and armor pieces offering boosts to strength, impact, speed, and more, while certain stat modifiers improve your chances to escape throws or reverse counters.
  2. AceGamez
    90
    The fighting is fluid and well-paced, the characters are all interesting and the game wields an eccentric style that sets it apart from all other 3D fighters.
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Gamer.nl
    90
    Soul Calibur IV just oozes quality. It is a very polished game that is crammed with a variety of different play modes. The game is an absolute must-have for every fan of the genre. Because it is easy to pick up and play, Soul Calibur IV is also suited for those unfamiliar with these games.
  4. GameZone
    85
    SoulCalibur IV doesn’t stir up the pot too much, offering mostly the same gameplay as previous entries. Fortunately, the franchise has it down to a science, and the addition of online play further sweetens the deal.
  5. Game Chronicles
    84
    As I have stated before I am a huge Mortal Kombat fan and was not excited at all about reviewing this game. After playing for about an hour I quickly forgot about my feelings and become a huge fan.
  6. Edge Magazine
    80
    It's a tale of swords and souls in which everyone keeps their dignity until you knock off their cuirass and make them fight in their bra. [Sept 2008, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Giant Bomb
    60
    Overall, it's sort of hard to recommend Soulcalibur IV to anyone who isn't already a big fan of the series. It felt like everything I liked about the game (the actual fighting) was countered by something else (the meaningless story mode, equipment stats, Ivy's creepy-looking boobs) that made me want to take the disc out and put it away forever.

See all 65 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 33
  3. Negative: 4 out of 33
  1. sirgamer44
    Aug 2, 2022
    10
    Like most people i didn't even know these games exist, because for some reason nobody promotes them, but in many ways they are actually moreLike most people i didn't even know these games exist, because for some reason nobody promotes them, but in many ways they are actually more fun than Tekken and Street Fighter. Unlike people who made MK11, Makers of Soulcalibur at least understands how to make good looking female characters in a fighting game. It's not even that important, but at least they don't make female characters purposefully uglier. PS: Ignore anyone who says that this 4th game is meh and 1 was way better. That's a lie. These are just nostalgic nerds, ignore them. 3 and 4 are both amazing games and have great characters and amazing graphics for it's time.… Expand
  2. CervyL.
    Jul 25, 2008
    10
    It takes the Soul Calibur series to a new level. One of the top 5 games for PS3, hands down.
  4. keithrichardson
    Sep 7, 2008
    10
    Good game i dont have it but want to get it i played the demo and the xbox 360 version and thought it was brilliant gud graphics gud controlsGood game i dont have it but want to get it i played the demo and the xbox 360 version and thought it was brilliant gud graphics gud controls gud characters my fav characters r Mitsurugi Siegfried and Yoda but Yodas on the 360 version wich sucks but Darth Vader is gud 10… Expand
  5. asjklasjklas
    Apr 16, 2014
    8
    Reviewing something so similar to the preceding three games -- and after releases like Super Street Fighter IV -- becomes monotonous.Reviewing something so similar to the preceding three games -- and after releases like Super Street Fighter IV -- becomes monotonous. Especially coming from a franchise once treasured in the fighting game genre. Pros? The inclusion of Star Wars exclusives is an excellent concept; the introduction of online mode; stunning graphics; once again, Soulcalibur IV caters to veterans and casuals with its variety of strikingly unique fighting styles. Cons? Unfortunately, the Star Wars concept is defeated by largely imbalanced fighting mechanics; Critical Finishers, although visually stunning, take too long to reach and are largely unseen outside of multiplayer; lack of replay value; occassional online hiccups; the gameplay is all too familiar and in 2014, it hasn't aged marvelously.… Expand
  6. hector_bcn98
    Nov 9, 2022
    8
    Tenía poco que hacer más allá del arcade, le faltaban modos off-lines. Jugar con Yoda y Vader? De locos.
  7. ty92
    Jun 19, 2020
    7
    Good fighting game overall. I like 6 better but this one has Darth Vader. It also has the guy from the force unleashed. You unlock him byGood fighting game overall. I like 6 better but this one has Darth Vader. It also has the guy from the force unleashed. You unlock him by beating arcade mode with Darth Vader. I think it also has Yoda but I dont think I can unlock him on PS3 in 2020. That kind of sucks.. Im better at Soulcalibur 6. Im still getting used to this game. I dont like playing with Darth Vader. He plays kind of stiff.. The force unleashed guy is fast and is fun to play with. I love playing with Ivy. And the character creater is ok but not great.… Expand
  8. evolution98
    Sep 17, 2018
    0
    Wow! I HATE this game AND Soulcalibur 5.

    The games are a huge failure compared to the trilogy that came before them. They should have never    Wow! I HATE this game AND Soulcalibur 5.

    The games are a huge failure compared to the trilogy that came before them. They should have never been made.

    The story is incomprehensible. The graphics and stage design can't hold a candle to the previous games. The story mode is abysmal and too short. The music for this game and Soulcalibur 5 are the worst of the series. Everyone I grew up playing with lost ALL of their charm and became one-dimensional. The voice acting is awful and have less dialogue. The other classic modes sucked. The controls were unresponsive and stiff. The mechanics that the series so beloved were altered for no reason and the AI was broken which is what made the game WORSE.

    I wish these games were never made. All these positive ratings for this game are LIES.    … Expand

See all 33 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PS3 Game of 2008
36
#36 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
53
#53 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008