SoulCalibur IV

 PlayStation 3
SoulCalibur IV Image
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 65 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 160 Ratings

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  • Summary: [Also known as "Soul Calibur IV"] Swords will be honed and weapons optimized as the world renowned weapon-based fighting series Soulcalibur unveils a fourth installment. Delivering new gameplay modes, characters and enhanced features with unprecedented 3D modeling and animation,[Also known as "Soul Calibur IV"] Swords will be honed and weapons optimized as the world renowned weapon-based fighting series Soulcalibur unveils a fourth installment. Delivering new gameplay modes, characters and enhanced features with unprecedented 3D modeling and animation, Soulcalibur IV strives to be the definitive fighting game experience. The unrelenting pursuit of two legendary swords continues as Soulcalibur IV re-introduces classic warriors from the series as well as debuting new characters bringing new conflict and intrigue. Soulcalibur IV propels the fighting genre into the next-gen era with visually realistic environments, interactive stages, enhanced AI, and a new battle system. [Namco Bandai]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 65
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 65
  3. Negative: 0 out of 65
  1. 1UP
    100
    Where SC4 really shines, however, is in its character-creation mode. The more you use your custom characters, the more options you unlock -- with a wealth of weapons and armor pieces offering boosts to strength, impact, speed, and more, while certain stat modifiers improve your chances to escape throws or reverse counters.
  2. AceGamez
    90
    The fighting is fluid and well-paced, the characters are all interesting and the game wields an eccentric style that sets it apart from all other 3D fighters.
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Gamer.nl
    90
    Soul Calibur IV just oozes quality. It is a very polished game that is crammed with a variety of different play modes. The game is an absolute must-have for every fan of the genre. Because it is easy to pick up and play, Soul Calibur IV is also suited for those unfamiliar with these games.
  4. GameZone
    85
    SoulCalibur IV doesn’t stir up the pot too much, offering mostly the same gameplay as previous entries. Fortunately, the franchise has it down to a science, and the addition of online play further sweetens the deal.
  5. Game Chronicles
    84
    As I have stated before I am a huge Mortal Kombat fan and was not excited at all about reviewing this game. After playing for about an hour I quickly forgot about my feelings and become a huge fan.
  6. Edge Magazine
    80
    It's a tale of swords and souls in which everyone keeps their dignity until you knock off their cuirass and make them fight in their bra. [Sept 2008, p.84]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. Giant Bomb
    60
    Overall, it's sort of hard to recommend Soulcalibur IV to anyone who isn't already a big fan of the series. It felt like everything I liked about the game (the actual fighting) was countered by something else (the meaningless story mode, equipment stats, Ivy's creepy-looking boobs) that made me want to take the disc out and put it away forever.

See all 65 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 32
  3. Negative: 4 out of 32
  1. sirgamer44
    Aug 2, 2022
    10
    Like most people i didn't even know these games exist, because for some reason nobody promotes them, but in many ways they are actually moreLike most people i didn't even know these games exist, because for some reason nobody promotes them, but in many ways they are actually more fun than Tekken and Street Fighter. Unlike people who made MK11, Makers of Soulcalibur at least understands how to make good looking female characters in a fighting game. It's not even that important, but at least they don't make female characters purposefully uglier. PS: Ignore anyone who says that this 4th game is meh and 1 was way better. That's a lie. These are just nostalgic nerds, ignore them. 3 and 4 are both amazing games and have great characters and amazing graphics for it's time.… Expand
  2. CervyL.
    Jul 25, 2008
    10
    It takes the Soul Calibur series to a new level. One of the top 5 games for PS3, hands down.
  4. keithrichardson
    Sep 7, 2008
    10
    Good game i dont have it but want to get it i played the demo and the xbox 360 version and thought it was brilliant gud graphics gud controlsGood game i dont have it but want to get it i played the demo and the xbox 360 version and thought it was brilliant gud graphics gud controls gud characters my fav characters r Mitsurugi Siegfried and Yoda but Yodas on the 360 version wich sucks but Darth Vader is gud 10… Expand
  5. 7dogguy
    Feb 28, 2012
    8
    one of my favorite fighting games the music is good the characters are good the fighting is amazing and its just overall great fighting gameone of my favorite fighting games the music is good the characters are good the fighting is amazing and its just overall great fighting game the only problems are some characters are cheap but other then that this game is good oh and the storyline is lacking but isnt every fighting games story ?… Expand
  6. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Mar 5, 2022
    8
    This fourth installment in the series is fantastic, but the familiar gameplay is what keeps it from being great. The original "Soul Calibur"This fourth installment in the series is fantastic, but the familiar gameplay is what keeps it from being great. The original "Soul Calibur" was truly groundbreaking and the first sequel simply repeated the formula for a wider audience. By the time SC 3 came around, the franchise started to show signs of aging due to the lack of innovation. Part 4 adds a character creator and "Star Wars" guest fighters, but it ultimately just feels like another entry. I would rate it with an 8.5 out of 10.… Expand
  7. Giar
    May 14, 2011
    7
    SoulCalibur has a huge following and this was the reason I bought this game. I can see the attraction. It's fluid energetic and atmospheric.SoulCalibur has a huge following and this was the reason I bought this game. I can see the attraction. It's fluid energetic and atmospheric. Maybe I'm not a fan of 3d beat em ups or maybe I'm too lazy to perform the ridiculous combos but I just found myself bored and infuriated. I think If you are into this sort of thing this is perhaps ( level with Tekken) the best game out there. I find 3d beat em ups so different from 2d ones that they fall into a different category . I guess what I'm trying to say is Im not a fan of the genre hence can't review this game fairly. One thing that can be said 3 years later the games graphics still look crisp and beautiful. The gameplay is enjoyable enough but I was bored after 2 days. The last beat em up I really enjoyed was Rocky on the xbox which isnt really a beat em up.....god im confused. Overall I recommend to fans but to noobs it's too taxing to remember the moves and too repetitive to enjoy over a long period of time. Online requires a lot of patience also as the competition is intense ( as to be expected spose) . 7/10.… Expand
  8. evolution98
    Sep 17, 2018
    0
    Wow! I HATE this game AND Soulcalibur 5.

    The games are a huge failure compared to the trilogy that came before them. They should have never    Wow! I HATE this game AND Soulcalibur 5.

    The games are a huge failure compared to the trilogy that came before them. They should have never been made.

    The story is incomprehensible. The graphics and stage design can't hold a candle to the previous games. The story mode is abysmal and too short. The music for this game and Soulcalibur 5 are the worst of the series. Everyone I grew up playing with lost ALL of their charm and became one-dimensional. The voice acting is awful and have less dialogue. The other classic modes sucked. The controls were unresponsive and stiff. The mechanics that the series so beloved were altered for no reason and the AI was broken which is what made the game WORSE.

    I wish these games were never made. All these positive ratings for this game are LIES.    … Expand

See all 32 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PS3 Game of 2008
37
#37 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
53
#53 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008