SoulCalibur IV

 Xbox 360
SoulCalibur IV Image
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 62 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 181 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, Soulcalibur[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: 60 out of 62
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 62
  3. Negative: 0 out of 62
  1. 1UP
    100
    So with the classic, new-school, and infinitely customizable character roster at the ready, and with online play fully operational, it's not a stretch to say this might be 2008's best fighting game.
  2. PTGamers
    90
    SoulCalibur IV brings out all the best in the series, and at the same time polishes it with some pertinent additions that make it truly shine.
  3. Official Xbox Magazine
    90
    To our surprise (and relief), adding the diminutive Jedi master to the melee mix turned out to be more than just a Force-fueled marketing ploy. He controls like a dream, animates as acrobatically as his Attack of the Clones counterpart, and amuses when responding to the conceited cast with his backward-speak: "Once you start down the dark path, consume you it will."
  4. Console Monster
    86
    Whilst some aspects are sorely missed, such as tag team battles, larger stages and no ability to fight the commentator (one more “ring out” and I snap the disk!); other aspects take the game to the next level with beautiful graphics, a deep and intelligent character creation and fantastic gameplay all around.
  5. Game Over Online
    85
    Soulcalibur IV is exactly what the fans expected it to be, and a bit more.
  6. 360 Gamer Magazine UK
    80
    Visually stunning and wonderfully tight, SCIV is an unquestionably accomplished brawler. Questions still linger over just how much attention it will command for the solo gamer beyond simply rounding up weapons, characters and costume parts. But as far as multiplayer games go, IV triumphs in being that rare breed of fighter that can entertain casual and hardcore players alike.
    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 62 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. MichaelH.
    Aug 25, 2008
    10
    The only problem that I can find with this game is that the Star Wars characters as cool as it is to have them in it, felt like a tacked on The only problem that I can find with this game is that the Star Wars characters as cool as it is to have them in it, felt like a tacked on after thought which goes for all three, but other than than that the game does everything else great. The online is smooth and for the most part lag free the only problem there is people spam moves with Kilik. I must say that this is way better than the disappointing single platform Soul Calibur III and is probably just as great if not better than Soul Calibur II.… Expand
  2. M300
    Jan 3, 2019
    10
    This is an excellent fighter even in 2019. Masterfully made and very well balanced.
  4. davidcraig
    Dec 12, 2010
    10
    Soul Calibur IV is the best fighting game i've ever played!!! The arcade mode, story mode, tower of lost souls, online, characterSoul Calibur IV is the best fighting game i've ever played!!! The arcade mode, story mode, tower of lost souls, online, character creation/customization.......it's got tons of stuff to do. And i beg of you, if you want a good fighting game get this and not the crap street fighter games!!!! 10/10!… Expand
  5. ApocalypseBrown
    Aug 15, 2008
    9
    For newcomers and veterans alike, this game is simply the best fighter game out there! Well most accessible at least. This new edition is For newcomers and veterans alike, this game is simply the best fighter game out there! Well most accessible at least. This new edition is slower in gameplay speed, and has a solid single player mode, which should have many people entertained for hours at least. Although story mode and arcade are very short, the tower of souls will be the main meal of the day. And with unpredictable A.I., it will be awhile before you clock it. But the real reason to play is the online mode, and it rocks big time. From standard to special bouts to customised characters, the soul burns brightly for the world to see and rejoice. Lag does hurt certain bouts, but check for an challengers connection level - i.e. 5 being the best and 1 means don't even bother. But what spoils the game is what has always spoiled the game - button bashing! Button bashers, and now turbo pad cheaters can bash their way towards victory while leaving you cursing Namco for not turning the game into a specialised game only like Virtual Fighter. But eventually you will figure out (and file complaints) against the cheating vermin. New characters are quite good, but the indenti-kit ones are very pointless. And Yoda/the Apprentice are either too powerful or way unbalanced, which is a bad shame as cheaters will again exploit them to their evil gain. But overall this is 3-D fighting at its best, but not quite a classic as SC1 was.… Expand
  6. Watermelon789
    Aug 22, 2011
    8
    Theres a problem here folks, It isn't the same SC we've have played in the past, it isn't as addicting as the weapon based fighter games ofTheres a problem here folks, It isn't the same SC we've have played in the past, it isn't as addicting as the weapon based fighter games of the past. With that minor flaw you need to play this stricking part of the series, the strory felt disengaged but interesting, the gameplay unbalanced/nice, the graphics are gorgeous very shiny and detailed models of the characters. Like with tekken this one was forgoten very fast , but the sequel will strike hard and recover the brilliant past it had .… Expand
  7. [Anonymous]
    Sep 21, 2008
    7
    Fun fighting game. Character editor is decent. Great graphics. The story is a little lackluster though and it seems difficult to do things Fun fighting game. Character editor is decent. Great graphics. The story is a little lackluster though and it seems difficult to do things like the soul crush.… Expand
  8. JoeLouis3849
    Jan 2, 2013
    0
    The original Soul Calibur is the standard for how every game in this now beleaguered series should be made. Instead, we get Soul Calibur IVThe original Soul Calibur is the standard for how every game in this now beleaguered series should be made. Instead, we get Soul Calibur IV complete with unbalanced characters; some of them can win a match by using the exact same overpowered move ad nauseum, a ridiculous "armor" system that leaves your character with no clothes on as the battle continues, (What kind of warrior would go into battle with armor that shatters completely after 5 hits??), sluggish controls that make you wonder why the developers even bothered to include the controller in the gameplay, boring story mode that seems like an afterthought. I can say without flinching that this game is the WORST fighting game I have ever played in my life. Clay Fighter 63 1/3rd is a much more polished effort than this.… Expand

See all 25 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
56
#56 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008