With the original SoulCalibur (Dreamcast) considered by many to be the greatest console 3D fighting game ever made, it comes as no surprise that the latest instalment in the series has met both fervent anticipation and impossibly high expectations. Fortunately, SoulCalibur IV is a game that not only holds its own amongst its esteemed predecessors, but also makes a strong case for being perhaps the richest and most satisfying fighting experience we’ve seen this generation.

I should mention that I am no frame-counting hardcore fighting game fanatic. I approached SoulCalibur IV from the perspective of a middle-core gamer craving a fighting game that is accessible and intuitive enough to pick up and play with little resistance and frustration, but also deep and technical enough to offer a rewarding and lasting experience that would push me to constantly improve my skills and rule out luck as a determining factor during matches. From this perspective, the game delivers the goods. In spades.

Continue reading El33tonline’s review of SoulCalibur IV.