Customer Reviews

Soul Calibur IV Premium Edition

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Disclaimer and Background: I've played SC 2 and 3 at the arcades, and only have SC2 for the PS2, so obviously, SC4 was going to be substantially superior graphically. I also can't compare any games from SC4 versus SC3, since again, I've only played the arcade version of SC3.

Additionally, I'm sure a bunch of people have already reviewed the actual game, so I'll focus instead on the Premium Edition content.

You get the game (of course), the Tshirt, a code for in game material, and the "book". Oh, and some "tournament bracket card", and the metal case. Here's a breakdown of the extras:

1. Tshirt: Pretty good quality shirt, I've washed it a few times and looks good so far. The silk screen isn't very sharp, though, it's as if you're comparing a bootleg concert Tshirt to a real thing. The picture's there, but it's not high resolution. But at least it wasn't 50/50 cotton/polyester like the real crappy Tshirts. My son liked it, but since he's only 9 years old, I figured that Dad will wear it instead.

2. Code for in-game material: Very straightforward instructions for entering the code in the Playstation network (internet connection required, of course). It didn't exactly specify what was given, and I didn't bother to go through each character model to look for them, but if you're a completist and need every available costume and look, well, there you go!

3. "Art Book": As another reviewer said, this one's a negative. The picture shown in Amazon shows a hardcover book, and it's supposed to be an Art Book, according to the description, but it's only half that. The first half of the book is a short, but decent, comic, about SC, and introduces a couple new characters you'll find in the game (no, not Darth Vader). Basically, if you got a regular cheap comic (since it's black and white), and shrunk it down to the size of 7 by 5, that's the first half of this "art book". The second half does indeed have some drawings of SOME of the characters. I would have thought that they would have at least included pics of all characters, but oh, well.

4. Tournament bracket card: I've never been to a SC tournament, so I have no idea if this is a replica or if there's any significance. Just a plastic card, no use for me.

5. Metal box: Nice, everything fits into it, its closure snaps okay. You can probably use it as a candy dish or something.


Overall: Is this a good package? Yes. Is it worth the extra 20 bucks? I would say so, the Tshirt by itself is mostly worth it, the comic/art book is worth 2 bucks, and the case, additional content (costumes) and that nifty card is just extra dressing.

I'd recommend this Edition over the regular edition, especially if any of the extra items are things you'd care for. If not, you're not losing out too much by buying the regular edition. Either way, I'd get the game, though, because graphically, the game is very good. Cutscenes are also good, and the stories are okay.

Ok, first let me say I've been waiting with bated breath for this game to arrive, and so far of nearly a week of gameplay, I haven't been too disappointed.

THE GOOD:
Graphics, graphics, graphics! This game is beautiful, and I know I can't possibly appreciate it on a standard def TV but I do. I know you HD people have to be in 1080-Heaven. It's impressive look is what drew me to the original on the Sega Dreamcast (yeah I had one, and I LUV'D it:) Everytime I turn the system on, I wait through the intro screens just so marvel at it. The in-game graphics are a treat to look at as well, and I think I actually prefer the "special effects" to the Mortal Kombat-like blood and gore.

Characters! All my favs are back and some new faces as well. And the create a character feature is hilarious and fun. I'd spend hours just in this menu before any fights are even started.

Gameplay! There's just enough realism to adequately balance the absurd (see any female character) "Movements" in bringing the characters to life while they're flying across the screen trying to pummel each other. I'm also glad that many (if not all) of the moves I remember from the original game are here as well for those returning characters, along with new moves to master.


THE BAD:
Graphics! (None)

Characters! Okay, see above. The same thing that makes this game's characters interesting is exactly what has me rolling my eyes. Sometimes I don't know if I'm playing Soul Calibur or Dead or Alive 'Beach Volleyball'. Sheesh.

However, I'd rather see DD's flying across the screen than the insanity that is Star Wars characters let loose on my fav fighting game. I'm all for people making $$ off of their creations but COME ON, George. And to top it all off, Vader (PS3 version) and his apprentice seem to have an uncanny ability to slash right through all kinds of blocks and if my eyes don't deceive me, seem a little quicker than the other characters. I really wish they hadn't included this franchise in the game, but what can you do?

Gameplay! My major complaint here, is the lack of response we both experienced while trying to stop combos of the opponent. Rolling out of the way works best if you're already hit and down, but don't think you're going to go into a block once someone lands a blow. Also, I think the game modes--arcade in particular--are too short and in that case especially, don't give the player much, if any, satisfaction once it's beaten (I remember the goregous cut scenes from the original). It was just 'back to the character select screen you go'. Oh, and it's nit-picking, but it just irks me that you can actually beat someone by just kicking them in the shins. C'mon.


THE UGLY:
Amazon's "Get it on release day!" hype. I know it has nothing to do with the game itself, and no I didn't take a star for that (although I should), but to allow pre-orders even after you know you've surpassed the number of units available to ship on relase day is just plain wrong. I suffered the same disappointment as the other reviewer here, and let Amazon know that was NOT ok. I guess this shouldn't impact anyone now but shame on Amazon for poor customer service (they tried to make it up to me, but only after the fact). Oh, and where's the art book? They don't mean that little comic book, do they?? That's not what's in the pic above, either. O well...

I need to go beat up on something with a big demonic sword, so excuse me.

I have to say that games nowadays throw a lot of flash and pizazz into games and no bang into it. I love my ps3 but this was a one nighter for me. sorry

awesome fighting game, insanse graphics and custumization to characters, one downside is no rumble feature on the ps3 which was a little disappointing. Online is really fun !

Being that I'm new to the series, and it is at it's end the game play is good, their could have been more story for an ending game for each of the characters.

The ends are very disapointing.

The graphics are amazing, even on my SD tv. This earned it a star and a half.

So far, all you get is a postar, turnament chart, pen, and T-shirt. As far as content goes, So far nothing is different in oposition to the regular purchase. But you never know, I might find something yet.

It makes me wonder if it was worth the extra cash.

This entry into the Soul Caliber series is amazing. They really poured their heart and soul into making this version. Depending on which console you are buying for, they also threw in a special character. Do Darth Vadar or Yoda sound familiar? The PS3 version comes with Darth Vadar while the x360 version gets Yoda, but you have to buy the premium version to get these characters. What's a few extra bucks to have the chance to be Vadar? Game play is smooth and easy to pick up. Look forward to hours of fun playing as different characters, or you can design your own. I highly recommend getting this game.

I can recommend this game for the character customization aspect alone, but it doesn't hurt that the fighting engine plays just as seamlessly as it did when the first Soul Calibur was released. If you're a fan of fighting games at all, you owe it to yourself to get this game. The only gripe is the lackluster story mode and lack of online tag team, but I'm willing to overlook those shortcomings in light of such brilliant gameplay, gorgeous visuals, and engaging customizations.

Okay, so I bought SC4, thinking because it was going to be on the PS3 with updated graphics, that it would be awesome! Um, not....this game is lacking a storyline, doesn't have proper endings, and to me, does not fit in the Soul Calibur plot! It's actually lacking a plot! To me, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe had more of plot, hell, I play that one more! And it's a shame because I loved SC3! But if they create a SC5 they need to have an actual ending for each character.

Also, why did the make the print so small on the screen? WTH? I have to sit up close to read who I'll be fighting, and it looks like the game was just pieced together!

I should have rented it before I bought it, cuz I won't be playing it -- it will be collecting dust on my shelf.

Ordered this July 18 with amazon prime free release date delivery, well it's 6pm July 29 release date and my order still hasn't shipped. Needless to say im very disappointed and will be canceling this order and going to walmart to purchase the game. Great game bad service!