Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 39
  2. Negative: 0 out of 39
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  1. The biggest let-down though is that Soul Calibur 2 feels much more like a remake than a true sequel. [Import]

Awards & Rankings

6
7
#7 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 70 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 60 out of 70
  2. Negative: 4 out of 70
  1. ArmandoD.
    Sep 5, 2005
    10
    Now it's 10/2006... and still the best fighting game! I've had this game since it was released... and i am still playing it and Now it's 10/2006... and still the best fighting game! I've had this game since it was released... and i am still playing it and it's great fun (specially with friend /s). Full Review »
  2. Oct 9, 2021
    9
    Fun! Delivers everything a SoulCalibur game would, a great solid fighter which is legendary. SoulCalibur II is probably the best or secondFun! Delivers everything a SoulCalibur game would, a great solid fighter which is legendary. SoulCalibur II is probably the best or second best in the whole series competing with the first one Full Review »
  3. Dec 18, 2018
    10
    I got the Xbox from a friend just for this game. This was the first home console I bought (being a long time PC gamer). This game changed myI got the Xbox from a friend just for this game. This was the first home console I bought (being a long time PC gamer). This game changed my mind about consoles and redefined the way I see the gaming world. I absolutely love the level of detail, each character has different stances. The practice options are for professionals. I like the "campaign mode" with the different challenges which pushes the players outside of their comfort zone. I like the various options for survival, using extra weapons as you unlock them. The multi-character tournaments are also quite satisfying as game modes although far from unique in this game. The guard brake and guard impact system I found are a bit too hard for me to execute on a critical moment, while the "soul charge" adds a nice element of risk-reward on the system. Character design is amazing, the classic samurai in Mitsu, the not-so classic yet somehow fitting Yoshi, Spawn feeling completely out of place and yet being a cool addition; and of course Nightmare, Talim, the big attraction that is bouncing physics on Ivy. Also the music is magnificent, memorable and timeless.
    I like DoA for obvious reasons but there is no denying that the combat system of SCII is extremely well polished, ok maybe there are some "crybaby" moves that could do a patch or two but with each character in the 80-110 moves it's nearly impossible to keep any game completely balanced on the Disc version. Played tons with my friends and then replayed a tons more with SCII HD on X360.
    Full Review »