VIDEO GAME REVIEW: Jay, Jordan discuss merits of 'SoulCalibur V'
Jordan LaPorte: “SoulCalibur V” follows in the footsteps of the last couple “SoulCalibur” games by offering a robust and enjoyable fighting system; unfortunately, the lackluster single-player experience has carried over as well.
Nothing about the single-player content is aggressively bad, but it also never really rises above mediocrity.
The story mode is the main culprit. What could’ve been an interesting back-story about two of the new fighters in the series instead becomes a relatively short slog through boring motion comics and cinematics, permeated with fights that feel meaningless.
The story could’ve at least helped beginners get acquainted with the various fighting systems and a variety of characters, but instead it never really explains anything and only lets the player control three fighters throughout the entire story. It feels like a completely missed opportunity.
The other offline modes are pretty standard. There is an arcade mode, quick battles, versus battles, training and a "Legendary Souls" mode for players looking for more challenging fights.
Once again, none of these modes are bad, but they pale in comparison to fighting real people online.
The best part about the offline experience is the character creator. This mode gives players a plethora of flexible options to create the dumbest or coolest fighters they can think of. This mode really pays off online though, where players can show off and fight with their creations.
Overall, the basic game play of “Soul Calibur V” is a lot of fun, but players looking for a good offline experience should look elsewhere. The online multiplayer shines, but the offline single player is dim and boring.
Score: 3 out of 5
Jay Gary: As a tournament player, there are a couple things I am looking for when seeking a fighting game. Usually what is most important in a tournament competitive fighter are the mechanics, the balance, the general feel of the gameplay, and the online.
"SoulCalibur V" doesn’t exactly flow the way most games do, the movement is very fluid and the majority of the game is based more about mix-ups, range and traps than combos. Every so often you will see a big, nasty combo (like if Viola launches you, get ready to stay airborne), but for the most part, it’s about playing and maneuvering smarter than comboing harder.
It just feels so smooth in execution, correctly zoning your opponent, nailing a mix-up on their wakeup, and sidestepping to counter-attack a vertical swipe are not only integral to winning, but very rewarding when pulling it off.
With the additions of both new offensive and defensive mechanics, the game plays a little differently, allowing more comboability through the use of Brave Edges (EX Moves) and Critical Edges (Super moves). Since these are meter-based, it introduces a well-utilized meter system as well.
The best feature, however, is the online. Not having a good online community can sink a game, but the online and netcode are phenomenal. The netcode is so crisp that matches flow smooth; each player can even put a little pin on their location worldwide so you can see how close or far they are.
The balance of the game may not be decided yet with it being so new, but with some fresh mechanics behind it and one of the best online netcodes, "SoulCalibur V" is a fantastic addition to a fighting game library, 3D fan or not.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Favorite character?
Jordan LaPorte: I have to go with Cervantes. The game doesn’t rate him very high on ease of use, but I’ve found it pretty easy to figure out some of his more powerful moves and the best time to use them. It probably helps that he was also one of my favorite characters in “SoulCalibur II.”
Jay Gary: Z.W.E.I. is very unique and reminds me of "JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure" with the wolf-thing he summons. Rather hard to play, but I just can’t drop him because of how cool he is.
Favorite stage?
JL: I really like the sinking merchant ship. It has a nice, vibrant look and there is something inherently awesome about fighting to the death on a sinking ship.
JG: Utopia Of The Blessed; the heavenly design is just breathtaking.
Best online experience?
JL: I won a match that came right down to the wire with a perfectly-timed counter; it really got my blood pumping. The Global Colosseo is great too; chatting with other players and setting up fights gives a great sense of community to the online experience, something lacking in other fighting games.
JG: Playing someone who looked to be off the coast of Central America and having a lagless match; it’s a rare feeling and winning the match helped, too.
Best offline experience?
JL: Creating my own fighter easily wins this one, since most of the offline stuff is pretty bad. It’s a lot of fun messing around with the various settings and outfitting your fighter with crazy equipment. It gave me plenty of incentive to rank up so I could unlock cooler armor and weapons.
JG: The odd, but unique way the training mode is set up. It offers move descriptions and even some basic character combos.
Is it worth the ($60) price?
JL: Only for players who want to fight online. There are much better and cheaper alternatives out there for people who want good single-player content, like the phenomenal “Mortal Kombat.” The online multiplayer has some hitches at the moment, but when those get fixed, the game will easily be worth full price for the online experience it offers.
JG: As a tournament player, price is a moot point. If I don’t get it while it’s fresh, I’ll be stuck behind the competitive curve.
Game: Soul Calibur V Platform: Xbox 360, Playstation 3 Genre: Fighting ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
