Soul Calibur 3

[Big D]

This game's currently going cheap at my local EB, and I'm giving it some thought. Anybody got recommendations or criticisms? I'm a fan of the Tekken series, and I've played a demo of SC2, so I've got some idea of what the title offers, but a few questions as well.
Is SC3 accessible enough to be an "entry level" game for someone new to the series? I mean, in terms of gameplay and plot, would I be missing out on some integral knowledge by not having played the game's predecessors? Does it have plenty of longevity and replay value, both as a single-player and two-player game?
And lastly, but not leastly, the techniques used by the game's fighters. Based on real combat systems, or arbitrary creations inspired only by the look of traditional weapons? This is mainly a question for those who practise a blade-based martial art in real life. My only experience with Soul Calibur is from the demo version of SC2, playing as Cassandra or Nightmare against Raphael, Voldo and that large demon dude whose name escapes me. Cassandra's sword-and-buckler style has very loose, broad similarities to the real thing, but lacked the intricacies of the real combat systems - binds, shield knocks, stab knocks, and so forth. Forgivable, I think, given how hard that'd be to recreate in a game. But still, given that my experience is largely confined to medieval and renaissance European swordsmanship, it'd be nice to hear other fighters' opinions on SC3's combat...

Cheers for your thoughts!

[Roto13]

Soul Calibur III is pretty good. It's very easy to pick up, so don't worry at all about that. If you're worried about the story, I wrote this for just such a situation.

http://soulcalibur3.us/soulcalibur3/...r_ii_story.txt

There's plenty of unlockable stuff in there, and the character creation system is fun enough to add a layer of depth.

This game is a lot better as a multiplayer game, though. That's where the mind games come into play. >:3

[KentaRawr!]

Is SC3 accessible enough to be an "entry level" game for someone new to the series? I mean, in terms of gameplay and plot, would I be missing out on some integral knowledge by not having played the game's predecessors? Does it have plenty of longevity and replay value, both as a single-player and two-player game?
And lastly, but not leastly, the techniques used by the game's fighters. Based on real combat systems, or arbitrary creations inspired only by the look of traditional weapons? This is mainly a question for those who practise a blade-based martial art in real life. My only experience with Soul Calibur is from the demo version of SC2, playing as Cassandra or Nightmare against Raphael, Voldo and that large demon dude whose name escapes me. Cassandra's sword-and-buckler style has very loose, broad similarities to the real thing, but lacked the intricacies of the real combat systems - binds, shield knocks, stab knocks, and so forth. Forgivable, I think, given how hard that'd be to recreate in a game. But still, given that my experience is largely confined to medieval and renaissance European swordsmanship, it'd be nice to hear other fighters' opinions on SC3's combat...

Personally, I think that if you're new to the series, Soul Calibur 2 is the best game to start with. The Main Mode of the Soul Calibur 3 does NOT allow you to change the difficulty, and even though I find it to be extremely easy, some people have complained over it's challenge. And just going into the no-reward Quick Battle mode would be no fun, as you don't unlock any cool stuff. The game does however have great replay value. Finding new ways to go about the Main Mode of the game is just so much fun. Each way will almost always have different things to unlock. Plus there's Character Creation, or an even better description, "Dress up Barbie". It sucks in the beginning, but as you play, you unlock new pieces of clothing for your little guy to wear. But then there's the bad part. ... >_> <_<...

The mode where you unlock these new pieces of clothing is absolutely ATROCIOUS. It's boring, it sucks, and... it sucks. It's a total waste of time. Don't bother with it. It's terrible. Don't go in it. It will drive you insane. Don't go in it!

There's also a bunch of cool mini-games you can do. Like catching the shop-keepers, or smashing an enemy against the wall to do damage, rather than just pummel them the regular way. :mog:

If you're used to SC2, then you'll be very dissapointed to know that almost every character has been changed so much that they could have been brand new fighters. Curses. Luckily though, Kilik wasn't changed much. w00t.

[NeoCracker]

I enjoyed three very much. Voldo still rocks, and Kilik is still awsome. I'd pick up the game if I were you. I prefer it to tekken, though both are quite fun.

[=Angelus=]

I only just played it in the arcade.. but i just realised how much a noob i am at it now =X

Talim had an eXtreme makeover!! in terms of movements and attacks at least.. and with my skill level, its impossible to get pass lvl 4 in the arcade with just universal moves (AA, Guard impact, Guard.. Throw etc)..

but still, i'd recommend getting the game xD i'm gonna see if i can get my fren to invite me to his place to try the whole thing one day

[Ryushikaze]

Buy it. It's kick ass. I've used it to teach people how to play fighting games, so yes, It's a very good entry level game.

[DK]

I've been after a copy, too, but my game store has run out, which is fail. Soul Blade will always be my favourite and the best 'Soul' game, though.

[Mo-Nercy]

SC allows a lot more room for error than Tekken. Jabbing plays a smaller role as does combo-ing.

In Tekken, you would ideally force the opponent to whiff thus creating counter hit opportunities or launching windows so that you'd be able to juggle.

But in Soul Calibur, you just have to worry about single hits. Hi-low strings and simple mini-counters are more vital to general gameplay than massive combos. Though arguably, the SC3 engine has been changed somewhat to make the game more Tekken-y. There's a new very easy to do half-lifebar juggle with Cassandra.

It an easier game but much more fun. I think that element of unbelievability is what makes it so great. Tekken tries to give us real martial arts which is great but I'd much rather have Astaroth twist my opponent's spine around the base of his axe before proceeding to slam his fire-embued fist into his face.

[DK]

Tekken tries to give us real martial arts which is great but I'd much rather have Astaroth twist my opponent's spine around the base of his axe before proceeding to slam his fire-embued fist into his face.

That's exactly the reason why I love Tekken so much and it is my favourite fighting game series out.

[Roto13]

I believe the save bug has been removed from later copies of the game.

[DK]

I believe the save bug has been removed from later copies of the game.

Wut save bug?

[Mo-Nercy]

That's exactly the reason why I love Tekken so much and it is my favourite fighting game series out.

Do you cry out "ONG BAK!" whenever Bruce knees something as well?

[DK]

Sometimes, yes. xD

[Dreddz]

I lost intrest in the Soul Caliber series after the third, it was average in my opinion. Opt for VF4 instead...

[Roto13]

I believe the save bug has been removed from later copies of the game.

Wut save bug?

Some people were complaining that it was corrupting their save file, but I've never had the problem. I bought mine at launch.