[Spank-A-Thon]

Bought this last weekend for PS2 so here are my thoughts...

Load times are noticeable but hardly frustrating - besides, it just provides a great look at the character models.

I haven't noticed any obvious slowdown - or if I have I've just thought it was a special effect! The graphics are nice, crisp and sharp (well, through RGB SCART anyway) but don't have the same 'wow' factor as some earlier PS2 titles. I think this is because we're maybe so used to seeing graphics of this quality - but you do appreciate the graphics more by watching someone else play.

Sound is suitably grandoise as always - the classical-style themes really suit the Soul series to a tee so it was nice to see that not being changed.

The character endings are somewhat of a disappointment. After the superlative CG endings of Soul Edge/Blade (PS1), Namco have resorted to the same style that was present in Soul Calibur.

I'm finding it more enjoyable than Soul Calibur on the DC (I don't think the DC pad helped matters) but to me, neither game are quite as good as the original Soul Edge/Blade.

I miss the original A+B+K combo - the Soul Charge doesn't do it for me unfortunately. I also miss the fact that weapons could be destroyed thus rendering a defensive player practically defenceless - SC/SCII don't penalise players who guard lots.

I can't comment on the GC or Box versions cos I ain't played them, but SCII on PS2 gets the Spank Seal Of Approval.

Both thumbs up from me - easily worth buying and this is coming from someone who finds the likes of Tekken and Virtua Fighter to be sodding boring!

- S