With only minor differences, no fan will be left out, as each version is exceptional, with the only major distinction coming in the form of exclusive characters. Each system has one unique character that can be used from the get go. The PS2 gets the old veteran from the fighting genre, Heihachi from the Tekken series. Being the only brawler who doesn’t use a weapon, and he doesn't need one. The Xbox gets Todd McFarlane’s Spawn character. A cult favorite in the world of comics, Spawn is a worthy addition and is among one of the favorites in the exclusive deal. Finally we come to the GameCube and they acquire Link from the famed Legend of Zelda series. Equipped with his boomerang, bombs, and trusty Master Sword, the announcement that Nintendo’s popular character makes the GameCube version arguably the crowd favorite. The biggest question is yet to be answered though, is Soul Calibur II a worthy sequel? Oh yeah, oh yeah, OH YEAH!

Each version looks very close visually from each other. The only major noticeable differences are in lighting and textures. The picky people only complain about these touches, but they are there. Otherwise the game is stunning no matter which platform you own. Which version you should buy comes down to your favorite of the inclusive characters. All the characters in Soul Calibur can make a name for themselves. Each looks very unique and shows that Namco has a strong hold on the character design, as there isn’t a cheesy out of place character in site. The animations for each individual are fluid and give the characters the look of skill and grace. The backdrops are just as lush and detailed, with remarkable lighting and smooth as silk frame rate. The downside is that there are no interactions with any of the backdrops with the exception of ring outs. In this day and age we have begun to grow accustom to items to throw your opponent it, weather effects, and even wall jumps; things that could have easily been addressed, but unfortunately were not. Even the Tekken series has started to boast these visual novelties, yet they are omitted from this franchise? Maybe in part 3 we’ll get a serious series change than open 3D arenas. Still the visuals are a beautiful thing indeed.

Audio for all 3 systems is fantastic additionally, using Dolby Pro Logic II and Dolby 5.1 for the Xbox. Clearly the Xbox’s use of 5.1 stands out for a more surreal experience, but like the visuals, the difference is also minor. The musical score is done with an orchestrated tone, giving the game a classier feel and a nice change from the same old guitar rock we’ve grown to know from the fighting genre. Fighting games game can be frustrating enough at times without a guitar solo screeching in your ears to add to the pain. Each character has their own Japanese and English dialog, with the English of course the cheesier of the two. The sound FX is clear, loud, and provides that added thump that seems necessary to really feel your fighting game. Every weapon also has it’s own distinctive sound, from hammers, to nun chucks to swords; the sounds are represented perfectly here. The sounds really bring the game to life and the surround capabilities add to that fact.

The rule of thumb is that if a fighting game doesn’t play well, it’s not a good fighting game. Thankfully the rule has been acknowledged and Soul Calibur II is a joy to play. Whether you are a beginner or have played fighting games all your life, the game is easy enough to jump right in and play, and deep enough to learn the multitude of combos and moves to become a master. Most will proclaim this as a button masher, which is some respects it is, but one thing is certain…a masher will NEVER beat a master at this game. Unlike the Tekken series, newbies just can’t jump in and beat a veteran. There is a lot of room for error, and plenty of openings that only kings of the ring will spot. This really gives the game a reason to find a character or two and learn every skill they hone. The game play is pretty basic, two hand attacks, one kick and a guard. A combination of any of these leads to some cool and vicious moves. There is plenty to learn in Soul Calibur II and the time and effort is rewarded greatly.

Most fighting fans buy this genre for the sake of kicking their friend’s butts into a pile of goo. For folks looking to do this, Soul Calibur will fulfill your bloodlust…without the blood. For the rest of you whom like a solo affair, but complain that there isn’t any depth to fighting games and you’ll have them completed in a night, Soul Calibur II is your answer as well. The game has 10 modes of play, from the standard time attack, VS, and Arcade mode, to the extremely deep Weapon Master Mode. The Weapon Master mode is the meat of the game and will keep your playing the game in solo mode for many hours. There are over 200 weapons to unlock, each changing the balance of your fighter’s abilities. Unlockable items in the game ranging from characters to costumes to arenas, and more like artwork and movies, keep the game fresh. The original Soul Calibur had this mode and was very well received, and the sequel tops it easily. So whether you have a ton of friends and love to take out your frustrations on, or you sit at home by your lonesome, Soul Calibur II meets all your demands.

Many will claim that the jump from the Dreamcast version isn’t a dramatic as it could be, but honestly that just shows how great not only the game was, but the DC was as well. Sure there are things cosmetically that could be looked upon, but once again, that’s just being too fickle. The game looks great, sounds better, and has more depth than 3 fighting games put together. Sure it may not be a sim-like fighter like DOA or Virtua Fighter, but honestly that only appeals to the hardcore extremists. This game is good enough for casual gamers to love, and fighting fanatics to enjoy as well. Soul Calibur II comes very highly recommended and deserves every bit of kudos it deserves. I also know that down the road, many will be comparing fighters to this game - not many games out there are well done. Period.