Namco's latest offering for the mighty Cube is none other than the hotly-anticipated Soul Calibur 2, a follow up to the stellar titles Soul Blade and Soul Calibur.

Released a few years ago, Soul Blade was the Ultimate fighter of its time, and PS1 owners were having a ball beating the living crap out of each other with a selection of different weapons. Well, a lot has changed since then, consoles have become smarter, somehow George W. Bush came into presidency and the PS1 is practically dead (not dead, practically…). Oh, and before I forget the AMAZING Soul Calibur, Dreamcast only fighter was released, and became the one and only reason needed to buy a Dreamcast. Except it died. Back to the present, and Soul Calibur 2 seems set to be the best fighter ever. Really.

First, lets talk about what everyone seems to notice these days, graphics. WOW. This is one of the most incredible graphical showcases for the GameCube I have ever seen. Vividly detailed characters and scenery leads to an unbelievable amount of detail dedicated to the characters and their weaponry. Which brings me to my next point about the graphics. Animation. Each character moves almost like he/she is being professionally choreographed. The weapons leave a really cool-looking trail leaving colours like red or green trailing your weapons. It may sound a bit weird at first but it must be seen to be believed, as it gives a much smoother flow to the weapon using in the game, unlike some other fighters like this.

The next issue must be gameplay. This has to be one of the most addictive games ever, even compared to Smash Bros. Melee. Provided they don't change anything from Soul Calibur to taint. Which they hopefully won't. The original sucked you in so much, you found yourself playing for a good TWO HOURS straight, which is unusual for a beat-em-up. Has happened to me, will happen to you. The weapon fighting is done brilliantly, at times seeming like the ballet of beat-em-ups (*cough* loser!). If you have never played any of the “soul” games, Shame On You!! Grab a fiver and go down to the arcade to have the time of your life.

New additions include two new fighters since Soul Calibur one being Sophitia's sister, Cassandra. All your original faves like Mitsurugi, Siegfried and Taki will still be available, leading the games character rank to a pretty good 20+ characters. You can expect the characters to retain all and more of their previous visual appeal. And their weapons J.

The multiplayer is the games best feature, absolute fact. You will make, lose, and even physically abuse your once beloved friends in one round. Protective gear is advised for this one. Its absolute gaming bliss when you and a friend buckle down on the game's most excellent feature.

Of course in the end it's up to you, but I will be very ashamed of you all if you don't go buy this upon its release. Which, unfortunately, is a long way off. All Namco are doing right now are showing flashy video clips rather than buckling down onto the job at hand, the GAME. So don't expect a release soon, but do watch out for this one, because I have a VERY good feeling about this gem. Buy it on release or you all will die!