Soul Calibur 4 for me didn't feel like the epic sword fighting game the first two games created.
Let's review some of the things that aren't helping the game.
1. Lack of any VS modes. No survival or team battles just straight one-on-one. Online mode is pretty much the same thing.
2. Lack of a full story mode. The story mode is horribly short and insultingly easy. I finished everyone's story mode in only five hours. It takes me about that long to complete half of Super Smash Brothers Brawl.
3. Achievements are easy to obtain. Hardly any effort is required to get most of the achievements in this game, upon writing this I've managed to achieve over half of them and I've only played this game for three weeks.
4. STAR WARS!!!! Since when did Yoda and Vader appear in a game set in the 16TH BLOODY CENTURY, I know the game is not meant to be based on historical accuracy but Star Wars characters? Oh and thanks so much Namco for putting in Starkiller, the cheapest and… more »

Soul Calibur 4 for me didn't feel like the epic sword fighting game the first two games created.
Let's review some of the things that aren't helping the game.
1. Lack of any VS modes. No survival or team battles just straight one-on-one. Online mode is pretty much the same thing.
2. Lack of a full story mode. The story mode is horribly short and insultingly easy. I finished everyone's story mode in only five hours. It takes me about that long to complete half of Super Smash Brothers Brawl.
3. Achievements are easy to obtain. Hardly any effort is required to get most of the achievements in this game, upon writing this I've managed to achieve over half of them and I've only played this game for three weeks.
4. STAR WARS!!!! Since when did Yoda and Vader appear in a game set in the 16TH BLOODY CENTURY, I know the game is not meant to be based on historical accuracy but Star Wars characters? Oh and thanks so much Namco for putting in Starkiller, the cheapest and most annoying opponent ever created. The Star Wars characters are extremely over powered and practically make the regulars look pathetic. It seems that the selfish release of Soul Calibur III that only appeared on the PS2 actually lost Namco some money so they made a desperate attempt by asking George Lucas to add Star Wars characters along with asking some manga artists to create some random bonus characters to keep the anime crowd happy.
The gameplay hasn't really changed much and is still fun but as soon as you've achieved everything the game offers then you may as well sell it. At this point there is a distinct feeling of desperation from Namco and Project Soul and I hope that they learn there lesson from this when they start making Soul Calibur V.

Not being a fan of this type of game I took a risk on buying it after I had enjoyed Ninja Gaiden, and was really pleased I did because I find it so addictive. People have been moaning how quick the story mode is well yes in some ways it is, but to take every character through it will take a while. It is repetitive but to unlock all the equipment and other characters you have to do it. I dont hear to many people saying how quick and easy it is to get through the towers. I am struggling, so thats why I need to get so many different characters up to the max with plenty of different attributes. I like a challange and to get through the Towers, that is exactly what it is. The achievements are good and again will take ages to get them all, well it will me anyway. Graphically its great and very colourful and I just love the character customising.
Overall I love this game I just cant stop playing it and wanting to beat it. Online can be frustrating playing people that just do one move… more »

Not being a fan of this type of game I took a risk on buying it after I had enjoyed Ninja Gaiden, and was really pleased I did because I find it so addictive. People have been moaning how quick the story mode is well yes in some ways it is, but to take every character through it will take a while. It is repetitive but to unlock all the equipment and other characters you have to do it. I dont hear to many people saying how quick and easy it is to get through the towers. I am struggling, so thats why I need to get so many different characters up to the max with plenty of different attributes. I like a challange and to get through the Towers, that is exactly what it is. The achievements are good and again will take ages to get them all, well it will me anyway. Graphically its great and very colourful and I just love the character customising.
Overall I love this game I just cant stop playing it and wanting to beat it. Online can be frustrating playing people that just do one move or chose one powerful character. Its great playing against people that know how to play properly and giving a button basher like me some good tips.
If you like games like this you will love it. If your not sure then rent it and I am sure you will become as addict to it as I am.