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[Shrike_Priest]

My two cents on the exclusivity deal:

SC2 did sell the best on GC. Which was definitely because of Link.

However, this does not mean that only making it for the PS2 means you're losing all those sales.

My hypothesis is this:

Far from all of the 700.000 that bought it on GC only had GCs. Due to the PS2's market domination, the GC and Xbox are "secondary" systems to many. If you have a PS2 and a GC, or an Xbox and a GC, etc. And you're faced with three versions of a game, one containing Link, and the others not, most would go for the GC version. Some would go for the Xbox version for Spawn, and some the PS2 for Heihachi.

If SC3 is just released on the PS2, I'm sure it'll sell more than SC2 did on PS2. When people aren't given an option, they go for the only version around. And to Namco, it really doesn't matter what console it's on, although the PS2 is the best bet if you're gonna go single since it has the largest user-base.

 

[MAZYORA]

No, it does not. The only real difference is in how they handled mipmapping.

PS2 - no mipmapping
GC - strong trilinear filtering
XBOX - less aggressive trilinear filtering

The 720p mode is almost useless on XBOX as well.

The PS2 version looks really nice, I thought, as it has a very sharp appearance in 480p.

SC3 certainly looks a lot nicer, though (based on the making of video). The look seems more in line with the original SC, actually. The stages they showed are very pretty...

Can't say I'm really all that excited, though. I'm not really into fighters these days...

You forgot the one main graphical feature the PS2 version of Soul Calibur 2 has over the xbox and GC version......SLOWDOWN!

 

[Solid]

You forgot the one main graphical feature the PS2 version of Soul Calibur 2 has over the xbox and GC version......SLOWDOWN!

Xbox version got slowdowns as well. At least on the last stage.

 

[Funky Papa]

Looks like a japanese crack whore from 300 years ago... if that exists.

Why Namco? Why? =(

 

[Nervous Hamster]

"What a (graphical) disappointment!" I used to go *WOW* on every new Soul Game.

 

[Solid]

 

[jarrod]

In all likelyhood the most logical answer is Namco only had time for one version. The arcades aren't even getting this, and the arcade scene is hot again in Japan anyway.

EU reports seem to indicate the contrary, this game only a month ago was headed to all four consoles (Xbox 360 too) for a fall release worldwide. This reeks of a last second Sony "incentive".

 

[OG_Original Gamer]

My two cents on the exclusivity deal:

SC2 did sell the best on GC. Which was definitely because of Link.

However, this does not mean that only making it for the PS2 means you're losing all those sales.

My hypothesis is this:

Far from all of the 700.000 that bought it on GC only had GCs. Due to the PS2's market domination, the GC and Xbox are "secondary" systems to many. If you have a PS2 and a GC, or an Xbox and a GC, etc. And you're faced with three versions of a game, one containing Link, and the others not, most would go for the GC version. Some would go for the Xbox version for Spawn, and some the PS2 for Heihachi.

If SC3 is just released on the PS2, I'm sure it'll sell more than SC2 did on PS2. When people aren't given an option, they go for the only version around. And to Namco, it really doesn't matter what console it's on, although the PS2 is the best bet if you're gonna go single since it has the largest user-base.

Well you have to consider the fact that the GC has a title called Super Smash Bros Melee, Link is very popular character on this title and he is alone. So I would say a portion of the consumers were just SSBM fans.

 

[dark10x]

Edit: Dark10x, I don't know where you're getting that statement. Hell, my friends and I actually imported 2 when it first came out overseas, and took time comparing them on a widescreen Mitsubishi. It's like night and freaking day, IMO. . .

I've done the same thing.

Night and day my ass. That's a flat out ignorant statement. That's all there is to it. What did you do? Run the PS2 version at 480i and the XBOX version at 720p? Why not explain what makes them look so different?

You forgot the one main graphical feature the PS2 version of Soul Calibur 2 has over the xbox and GC version......SLOWDOWN!

Yeah, that is pretty awful. At least it is handled in a nice way (ie - it actually looks like an impact effect). Still, that won't be an issue with SCIII as it isn't multi-platform. I don't believe Tekken 5 has any problems with slowdown, and that was ported from an enhanced PS2.

For the record, the only version of SCII that I actually own is the Japanese GameCube version. I've done plenty of comparisons between all three versions, though.

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

He's got the Eyebling bling. :X

SPINNUZ 4 YO EYZ!

 

[radios shipping overview]

Might as well move my comments from the other thread here -

Wish I could tell where Zasalamel was from. He's black, he's got crusader-ish chainmail, and his scythe/staff's blade/head looks like a Pacific Northwest totem pole. Maybe he's...a Moor on a mission? Tira...stitched-together hide clothing...moccasins...feathers? Native American, maybe? Anyway, nice to see a mix of realistic and fantastical new characters. Setsuka is the first courtesan/geisha character I've seen in a fighter (I didn't play any Toshinden), and it'll be interesting to see her fight.

I never did pick up SC2 thanks to the lack of an arcade stick, but I've been considering it since I bought one this month. Maybe I'll pass on it in favor of this.

 

[heidern]

GC Soul Calibur 2 Outsells Others in Australia

The GC version of Soul Calibur 2 is currently outselling the PS2 and Xbox versions in
Australia, and is 9th best selling console game overall. Sadly, the 8 games outselling it are
all on the PS2 or Xbox.

Since it's release in the UK last friday, the GameCube version of Soul Calibur II has been outselling both the PlayStation 2 and the Xbox version of the title, the 'Cube version accounting for 38 percent of the total sales.

The title's release has also been credited with an apparent boost in GameCube sales, with one source reporting sales had increased by over 100 percent for the week.

Matt responds: Strange as it sounds, this news appears to be true. For now, at least, Soul Calibur III seems to be a PlayStation 2 exclusive. My head spun when I first read that, and again when I confirmed it, because it frankly doesn't seem to make a whole lot of sense. I hope Sony is rewarding Namco with a fat, juicy paycheck to dismiss much stronger sales of the title on GameCube. My feeling at this point is that this is probably a time-stamped exclusive, meaning that Sony will get it for three or four months, and then Namco will bring it over to GameCube, Xbox (or Xenon). I think that's going to backfire in a big way, though, particularly where GameCube owners are concerned. The rule of thumb for Nintendo fans seems to be that if they don't get it first, or with some form of exclusivity, they don't want it at all.

SC2 sold 3 Million between the US and Europe, there is no way SC3 will come close to that. Not smart Namco, not smart.

 

[Shogmaster]

Run the PS2 version at 480i and the XBOX version at 720p? Why not explain what makes them look so different?

Dude, sniffing too much run off from the Jim Beam plant on I-75 must have melted off your retinas. You can't see the visual difference between XBox 720P and PS2 480i?!?? SEEK OPTOMITRIST IMMEDIATELY!!

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

He's black, he's got crusader-ish chainmail, and his scythe/staff's blade/head looks like a Pacific Northwest totem pole.

He dresses like a muslim woman / Ryu Hayabusa, so I'm guessing if anything; he'd be one of the guys (mameluke uprising) that got sick of the Crusaders war mongering asses and booted them out.

However, we've got more important things to do today than speculate on the inane aspects of "fighting game stories", like what's for lunch?!

 

[BuckRobotron]

Tira...stitched-together hide clothing...moccasins...feathers? Native American, maybe?

Tira looks white, more like an Irish/Celtic fantasy babe. Other than her art catching my eye, I'd probably still stick with Soul Calibur DC.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

jesus christ did they hire John Tobias to do character designs?

 

[Drinky Crow]

That heart on the geisha chick's dress is so silly.

 

[soundwave05]

That heart on the geisha chick's dress is so silly.

PS2 HATTTTTER!!!!!!!!

 

[dark10x]

Dude, sniffing too much run off from the Jim Beam plant on I-75 must have melted off your retinas. You can't see the visual difference between XBox 720P and PS2 480i?!?? SEEK OPTOMITRIST IMMEDIATELY!!

Either you are unable to read or are simply joshing me...

I never suggested that I couldn't see the difference between the two. The poster I was responding to seems to have seen a massive difference that doesn't exist and I question whether his testing was simply uneven via a question...

What did you do? Run the PS2 version at 480i and the XBOX version at 720p?

If you want to do a fair comparison, you should run them at the same settings. I thought, perhaps, that he had run the two games in different resolutions.

When both games are running at 480p, they look very similar (The 720p mode in the XBOX version is gimped, so most people won't be using that...). The only major difference, as I stated, is that the PS2 version does not use mipmapping. The result is not a shimmery mess, however, and it actually is rather pleasing to the eye. Everything else is exactly the same.

 

[Izzy]

Easily looks better than any previous game in the series. Can't wait!

 

[haunts]

You all argue about the most ridiculous stuff. haha.

OK, are there any major changes to the game play? The past games were OK but way too mash/scrub friendly. :lol

 

[radios shipping overview]

However, we've got more important things to do today than speculate on the inane aspects of "fighting game stories", like what's for lunch?!

I'm not worried about the story at all; it's character origins that interest me. Most Soul characters have some kind of national/cultural identity, so I'm just puzzling that out.

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

Yes, we need more great cultural identity like . . .

I AM FROM SOVIET UNION! I FIGHT WITH HAMMER AND SICKLE!

I AM FROM JAPAN! I FIGHT WITH HONORABLE SAMURAI SWORD! (+10 Bonus to Evilore mantenna reaction)

I AM FROM POLAND! I FIGHT WITH POTATO!

BUTTON MASHING CONTEST!

 

[CrimsonSkies]

No online = No buy.

 

[radios shipping overview]

Yes, we need more great cultural identity like . . .

I AM FROM SOVIET UNION! I FIGHT WITH HAMMER AND SICKLE!

I AM FROM POLAND! I FIGHT WITH POTATO!

:lol Are you taking notes, Namco?! - though SC hasn't been quite as silly about it as a lot of other fighters.

 

[Speevy]

BUY A PS2.


The GAMECUBE NINTENDO is DEAD. Namco knows this. Smart GAFFERS know this. Why don't you?

Because just putting Link on a box made Soul Calibur 2 GCN (which looked pretty bad) sell better than the jaggy abortion that was the PS2 version. I have played both versions, btw. Anyone who says the Xbox and PS2 versions are identical needs to lay off the crack.

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

Yeah, I find that in all of my years of playing fighting games; nationality - while fun; is typically a convenient excuse to indulge in the designers rationalization / fantasies.

Still, I'd like to see more blatantly racist stereotypes for Street Fighter 4. Pair up nations with their respective fighting styles! It's fun for the whole family. :lol

 

[dark10x]

Anyone who says the Xbox and PS2 versions are identical needs to lay off the crack.

Good lord, WHERE are you people getting this?!?!

 

[FoneBone]

http://195.157.98.221/press_release.php?aid=7619

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (March 24, 2005) – Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Hometek Inc. announced today "SOULCALIBUR® III," the latest installment in its celebrated weapons-based fighting franchise, is scheduled for release exclusively on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system in 2005. Featuring three all-new characters, a groundbreaking character customization system and original gameplay modes, "SOULCALIBUR III" continues the storyline of legendary fighters in pursuit of the all-powerful Soul Edge.

"'SOULCALIBUR III' expands upon the landmark achievements of the franchise, and is undoubtedly one of the must-have games for PlayStation 2 owners in 2005," said Yoshi Niki, Business Unit Director with Namco Hometek Inc. "With a robust character creation system, jaw-dropping graphics and a large selection of fighters, 'SOULCALIBUR III' gives players the ultimate opportunity to immerse themselves in one of the most beloved series in gaming."

"SOULCALIBUR III" offers players unprecedented variety in gameplay modes and fighting styles. Gamers can guide the fate of their favorite character in the narrative Tales of Souls Mode, play head-to-head with a friend in Vs. Mode, create their own custom fighters in Character Creation Mode, battle as their custom fighter in a real-time simulation in Chronicles of the Sword Mode, engage in unique and original battles in Soul Arena Mode and even recount the history of the franchise in Museum Mode. Also, the addition of three new characters to the existing family of classic warriors gives "SOULCALIBUR III" a collection of more than 25 playable characters, each with their own unique fighting style. New characters Zasalamel, Tira and Setsuka will engage in combat within all-new stages, further enhancing the game's unmatched epic scope and trademark weapons-based fighting engine.

For more details on "SOULCALIBUR III", please visit http://www.namco.com.

 

[Speevy]

Good lord, WHERE are you people getting this?!?!

Deepthroat (in this thread)

They both look pretty identical to me.

I just don't get it.

 

[Diomedeskun]

The Lost Chronicle sounds interesting. I wonder if it is something like Archon or that Mortal Kombat chess. I also like the return to the individual story for each character in story mode and the special versus sounds like something I've always wanted. Hopefully it lets you throw in details from the single player mode like quicksand, poison, healing, etc.

 

[xexex]

I suppose it was time for Soul Calibur 3. I mean, we first saw Soul Calibur 2 iin 2001, it came out in arcades in 2002, and on consoles in 2003. now,we get SC3 about 2 years after the console ports of SC2.

I was hoping SC3 would be nextgen. Namco is just cashing in on the PS2 userbase. cant blame em.

 

[909er]

And also because Xbox is selling in the teens in Japan. It should be a treat whenever any Japanese-made game is announced for the system.

Xbox sales in Japan are irrelevent when it comes to this series. Soul Calibur 2 combined in Japan sold less than 300,000 copies. In the US it's sold like 2.2 million, with the Xbox version accounting for 600,000 of that. Yeah, it sold the least, with GC version at 800,000 and the PS2 one at 750,000, but across the board they sold pretty close, and that's over half a million in units sold no matter what. Lets not even talk about Europe.

If it truly is PS2 exclusive, the Namco CEO must been on crack, unless Sony paid him like $70 million.

 

[Solid]

I just don't get it.

We know your IQ is low.

 

[Speevy]

We know your IQ is low.

...

 

[Electrii]

What the hell is with all the hate? jeez, some you guys bitch too much. they hardly showed anything from the game (which looks great) and some of you are already tearing it a new one.

I'm guessing most of the negative stuff comes from the people who don't own a PS2.

 

[909er]

What the hell is with all the hate? jeez, some you guys bitch too much. they hardly showed anything from the game (which looks great) and some of you are already tearing it a new one.

I'm guessing most of the negative stuff comes from the people who don't own a PS2.

I own both, and I've played all 3 versions. The PS2 one had noticeble slowdowns and dip in graphical quality.

 

[belgurdo]

Looks like a japanese crack whore from 300 years ago... if that exists.

So basically...she looks like a geisha

 

[Lord Error]

Anyone who says the Xbox and PS2 versions are identical needs to lay off the crack.

In 480i, SC2 on all versions looked so simillar that it really requires some layer of thick skined-ness to say that whoever thinks they look close is a crack addict. I just wonder on what TV have you played that PS2 version if you thought it was ugly and jaggy compared to the other versions? I assume that in 720p the Xbox version would look significantly better than the others, but that mode AFAIK had slowdowns, and couldn't be run in wide screen.

 

[dark10x]

I own both, and I've played all 3 versions. The PS2 one had noticeble slowdowns and dip in graphical quality.

It DOES have slowdown, but not a dip in graphical quality.

I don't think SC3 will have any issues either...

 

[BuddyC]

Xbox sales in Japan are irrelevent when it comes to this series. Soul Calibur 2 combined in Japan sold less than 300,000 copies. In the US it's sold like 2.2 million, with the Xbox version accounting for 600,000 of that. Yeah, it sold the least, with GC version at 800,000 and the PS2 one at 750,000, but across the board they sold pretty close, and that's over half a million in units sold no matter what. Lets not even talk about Europe.

If it truly is PS2 exclusive, the Namco CEO must been on crack, unless Sony paid him like $70 million.

We know. Thanks. You're not the first, and by far you won't be the last. I'm sure Namco has their reasons and all will be revealed in time.

I own both, and I've played all 3 versions. The PS2 one had noticeble slowdowns and dip in graphical quality.

Which is completely indicative of a product that is 30% complete.

 

[Speevy]

I played both versions on a pretty standard, featureless television. My friend rented the PS2 version because at that point, I lacked a second controller to play against him on the Xbox version. Yes, there was a marked difference in the two versions. It mainly dealt with the textures and clarity of everything. Let me put it this way. If you showed me both versions without revealing their console origins, I would definitely be able to tell in a second which version I was playing.

 

[Electrii]

Wouldn't it be logical to assume the game will probably have NO slowdown and better graphics since they're focusing just on 1 version this time around?

I wouldn't be surprised if the game will end up looking as good as Tekken 5, if not better.

Watch the making-of video on IGN, if the game looks so good while being just 30% complete, then there's nothing to worry about.

 

[dark10x]

It mainly dealt with the textures and clarity of everything.

I've played both in 480p and examined them closely. The texture resolution and geometry detail is exactly the same between the two versions. There is NO difference. None. They didn't "enhance" the game for the home versions, they grabbed all assets right from the arcade release. The actual image quality is almost perfect in both versions as well...

The only difference (besides slowdown) is the lack of mipmapping on PS2. I suppose that might have been what caused you to form such an opinion, though...

 

[Master Thespian]

I could care less that it's only on one system (although I wish it would've been the X-Box, with Xenon looming we know why that can't be). This will just let them code this thing to the metal, and focus on giving my one version more junk. I'd hoped for online, but at least I got character creation outta the deal (hopefully I can make my Viking nutcase character dream come true).

All of this talk of exclusivity and graphics and character design etc, etc......is anyone out there wondering what kind of *gameplay* features have been added?

2G really killed this game at high levels, so hopefully that's out. And I want the old SC1 parry/repel system back, as I felt I had more ring control with that. Something needs to be done to Horizontal attacks in that they are so weak that they throw off the RPS system they were going for. Can we get more reversals for everyone like the ones Sophitia and Cervantes have? I'd be nice to have some kind of disarming feature back in the game, too. Something like an updated version of the old Soul Blade system.

Add on?

MT