SoulCalibur IV vs SoulCalibur
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
SoulCalibur IV is a critically acclaimed weapon-based fighting game developed by Project Soul and published by Namco Bandai. Building upon the success of its predecessors, it introduces refined mechanics, stunning high-definition visuals, and an expanded roster that includes iconic Star Wars guests like Darth Vader and Yoda. Players can engage in single-player campaigns, test their skills in robust multiplayer modes, and utilize the extensive character creation suite to design unique fighters. With its strategic eight-way run movement system and cinematic critical finish moves, it remains a standout title in the fighting game genre.
SoulCalibur is a critically acclaimed 3D fighting game developed by Project Soul and published by Namco. Released originally in July 1998, it revolutionized the genre by introducing a free-form movement system and weapon-based combat. Players can choose from a diverse roster of warriors, each wielding distinct historical and fantasy-inspired weaponry. With modes ranging from arcade battles to single-player campaigns, the game delivers timeless competitive action across Android, iOS, and Xbox 360 platforms.
- Stunning HD visuals for its era
- Deep and rewarding character creation system
- Exciting Star Wars guest character integrations
- Solid online and local multiplayer options
- Revolutionary weapon-based combat system
- Diverse and memorable character roster
- Smooth 8-way run movement mechanics
- Engaging single-player and multiplayer modes
- Imbalance among certain character matchups
- Tower of Lost Souls mode can become repetitive
- Online netcode is prone to latency issues in matches
- Lower modern critic score compared to newer entries
- Port quality varies across mobile devices
- Touchscreen controls can be challenging for fighting games
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataSoulCalibur IV is the safer default choice due to its significantly higher critic score, modern HD visuals, and deeper features, whereas the original SoulCalibur is a retro-leaning alternative with port quality and touchscreen control caveats.
Key differences
- •SoulCalibur IV features deep character creation and cinematic Critical Finish moves, which are absent in the original 1998 title.
- •SoulCalibur IV includes iconic Star Wars guest characters like Darth Vader and Yoda, while the original features a historical and fantasy weapon roster.
- •SoulCalibur has a lower critic score of 60/100 compared to SoulCalibur IV's higher score of 82/100.
- •SoulCalibur IV includes an MSRP of $59.99 and a Tower of Lost Souls mode, whereas the original has mobile/console platform arcade ports with potential touchscreen control challenges.
Gameplay & fun factor
SoulCalibur IV delivers refined 3D weapon combat with Critical Finish moves, earning a stronger 82/100 critic score compared to the original's 60/100.
Platform availability
Both support single and multiplayer, but SoulCalibur is on mobile and console, while SoulCalibur IV is specifically on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Price & value
Both are paid one-time purchases, though SoulCalibur IV lists an explicit MSRP of $59.99 while the original's exact dollar price is not specified.
Multiplayer / co-op
SoulCalibur IV features robust online multiplayer and local options, though its netcode can suffer from latency issues.
Content & replayability
SoulCalibur IV offers an extensive Story mode, a Tower of Lost Souls mode, and a robust character creation suite.
Difficulty & accessibility
The original SoulCalibur features classic arcade action, but its mobile ports can suffer from challenging touchscreen controls.
Graphics & performance
SoulCalibur IV features stunning HD visuals for its era, outperforming the 1998 retro release.
Choose SoulCalibur IV if…
Fighting game fans looking for HD visuals, Star Wars guests, and character creation.
Choose SoulCalibur if…
Retro gamers wanting classic arcade action ported to mobile and console platforms.
Common questions
How much do they cost?
SoulCalibur IV has an MSRP of $59.99, while the original SoulCalibur's pricing is noted simply as paid (one-time) with no exact dollar amount specified.
What guest characters are included?
SoulCalibur IV includes Star Wars guest characters including Darth Vader on PlayStation 3, Yoda on Xbox 360, and Starkiller. Guest characters are not specified for the original SoulCalibur.
How do their critic scores compare?
SoulCalibur holds a critic score of 60/100, whereas SoulCalibur IV holds a higher critic score of 82/100.