"So happy together..."

Reviewed by a92201 on July 06, 2007  |  report this review

Good and evil. Who or what are they? Is the gallant knight in shining armor the epitome of all righteous idealism, or is it merely someone with unconquerable courage and willpower? Is there such a thing as a sanctimonious killer? Does stealing a loaf bread make a poor person bad? Is there such a thing as absolute good or evil, and if there were, would you know for certain? It's a bit hard to pin something down as unquestionably good or bad, as every aspect of our lives can be deemed relative. There are not merely two sides to every story, but a myriad of different viewpoints representing each and every person's perception of existence. Indeed, finding that fine line between good and evil is hard to find. Thankfully, Soul Calibur III makes the distinction crystal clear.

It's been years since the Soul Edge first appeared on the grand stage of life. Boasting incredible power, its allure has ensnared plenty of hosts to fulfill its evil bidding. A man named Siegfried once found the blade, and let its raw power consume his very soul. He became Nightmare, a monster with unparalleled skill, might, and a will to annihilate anything that stood in his path. However, Nightmare's reign of terror was not to be. In a struggle of epic proportions, Siegfried and Nightmare were split into two distinct beings, each half representing good and evil. While each side sought redemption or destruction, a new face has stepped into struggle for ultimate power. A warrior named Zasalamel desires the Soul Edge, intending to use it to end his eternal life. But now that the race for the mystical weapon has been revived, all of the world's greatest fighters have risen once again. With the fate of humanity balanced between good and evil, the Soul Edge is ready for the taking.

Fancy plot aside, Soul Calibur III is the latest installment in a critically acclaimed fighting game series. Unlike countless other 3D fighters out on the market, each character on its roster sports a different weapon and a corresponding fighting style. You'll be able to wield katanas, nunchakus, broadswords, rapiers, maces, axes, scythes, whips, and plenty of other sharp objects. All of these weapons require different strategies and gameplay options, offering rich and diverse movesets that will put your gaming skills and abilities to the test. Want to cut a few quick holes into someone? Xianghua's awesome swordplay will make mincemeat out of any foe. Feel like smashing a few skulls in? Astaroth's axe will get the job done nicely. With the majority of all the old characters coming back onto the battlefield, you'll have plenty an opportunity to find a fighter that will cater to your sadistic needs.

However, fans of the previous game won't be too thrilled with the initial lineup presented to them. Not only does this game have a far steeper learning curve than its predecessor, but it lacks a few features as well. Console fans will not find Team Battle, Link, Heihachi, Spawn, or Necrid in this game, som