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.
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