Review: Soulcalibur Broken Destiny (PSP)

The manner in which Soulcalibur Broken Destiny has been brought to the PSP is nothing short of impressive. The graphics are stunning, with luscious 3D arenas and exquisite character animations that immerse you in each battle. The orchestral soundtrack is full and varied, and the sound effects and voice work is superb. With several different game modes, including a detailed training section, and multiplayer support, this portable version holds its own against the previous home console versions.

For a game that has its roots deeply planted in the arcade, however, it's clear why Soulcalibur hasn't arrived on a portable platform sooner. Those familiar with the Soulcalibur games will be aware of its 8-way control scheme, and complex button system. As the arenas are 3D, players can move in 8 directions, and the attacks can also be targeted along different plains. There are horizontal attacks, vertical attacks, and these in turn can be aimed high and low. Although more complicated than other beat 'em ups, it's not hard to get to grips with, but the game really needs to be played with an arcade stick, something that home consoles can cater for.

The PSP's fiddly analogue stick is fairly ineffectual, and Gamestyle preferred to use the D-Pad, even though the chunky buttons make performing special moves a harder task. You're forced to use one thumb, where in the arcade you would use multiple fingers. In the heat of battle, the PSP buttons suddenly seem miles apart, and pressing them simultaneously feels awkward. The button configuration is fully customisable, but it's still frustrating not to be able to string a combo together just because you couldn't manoeuvre your thumb fast enough.

This wouldn't be so much of an issue, if it wasn't for the nature of the game. Mastering Soulcalibur Broken Destiny requires lightning-fast reactions and reflexes, something that the PSP just isn't conducive to. There are 30 different characters to choose from, each with their own unique set of moves, and it's not just about learning how to perform each special move, but also about how to spot and counter your opponent's attacks. With each character having a ridiculous amount of moves, this is much harder than it sounds, and as the battles move at a blistering pace, you will occasionally find yourself on the end of a battering that you can do nothing about.

Broken Destiny does its best to ease you into the game, and there's a decent learning curve. "The Gauntlet" tries to be a story mode of some sort, but is in fact a lengthy tutorial, introducing you to each character and their special moves. You have to complete missions, which are no more than showing you a character's attack, and teaching you how to guard against it. There is a story attached to this, but it's far too bizarre and incongruous to be interesting. The "Quick Match" feature is like an offline online lobby, where you can choose an opponent from a list of fictitious players. Each player has a Win-Lose record on display, and so you can ensure that you pick a player of equal (or more preferably, lesser) standard. If you beat them, you get their title, and there are 300 titles to collect. Whilst fun, and probably the best aspect of the single player experience, it does leave you longing for an actual online multiplayer feature, which the game unfortunately lacks.

Alongside these is the "Trials" mode, in which you can play against a set number of opponents in an attempt to score the highest points in terms of chaining combos or defending and counter-attacking. There are a lot of items to unlock, and different honours, or achievements, to obtain. This is done by performing certain actions on and off the battle arena. To fully master each fighter, and obtain all the titles and honours is no mean feat, and should take many hours. It will only be dedicated fans of the series that will be willing to undertake this, however, and will probably mean the end of your thumb as a useful digit.

If there isn't a character among the 30 standard fighters on offer (including Kratos, who takes time out from slaughtering beasts in God of War to make a welcome guest appearance), the game offers a creation mode, allowing you to make a unique character of your own. The game claims that "unlimited" character customisation is available, but in reality, it's extremely limited. You use an existing fighter as a template, inheriting their weapons and move-sets. Gamestyle would love to be able to create a truly unique character, mixing and matching special moves from different characters, perhaps incorporating an RPG-style experience system with a story mode. All you can really do, however, is change outfits, hairstyles, and weapons. The focus appears to be on the female characters, and if you like the idea of dressing up buxom women in scanty outfits, you'll certainly find hours of amusement here.

Broken Destiny is a great game, but it feels restricted by the hardware. A lack of online multiplayer is disappointing, but there is the option of local multiplayer, if you know of someone else who has the game. It may only be fans of the series who will take advantage of everything the game has to offer, but the excellent job Namco have done in bringing Soulcalibur to the PSP is clear for everyone to see.

Rating: 7 / 10

Words by Chris Thornton