When I reviewed Namco’s last fighting game, Urban Reign, I concluded the review of that pile with a wish for Namco, "Better luck with Soulcaliber III." Well Soulcalibur III has been released, and while it is not all it could be, series fans are probably not going to be disappointed and will definitely want to add this weapon-fighter game to their arsenals.

Soulcalibur first came home on the Sega Dreamcast back in 1999 and made that console the must-have system for the hardcore fighting fan. It would probably not be an exaggeration to say that Soulcalibur sold more Dreamcast consoles than any other game. Soulcalibur II saw a wide release for the PlayStation 2, GameCube and Xbox in 2003, each version with a different playable character unique to that platform. The consensus was that the PlayStation 2 version of the game was the weakest of the three. Well for Soulcalibur III Sony was taking no chances of getting the worst version and apparently wrangled a console exclusive for their PS2 from Namco.

It is a matter for debate whether Sony got all it hoped for from that exclusive. At its core, Soulcaliber III is probably the best of the Soulcalibur games. But at the same time, the game shows very little innovation and the little that is new is a bit half-baked.

As most gamers know, Soulcalibur really brought to prominence fighting games with weapons, as opposed to hand-to-hand karate style gameplay. The core gameplay for the series has remained intact since the first game. New characters get introduced and new modes developed, but the franchise has played it conservatively and opted for only small, incremental changes in the core game mechanics. The fighting system remains the same. The four face buttons perform basic horizontal strikes, vertical strikes, kicks and guards. By combining the four buttons with directions on the left thumb stick a plethora of unique moves become available. Each character starts with these basic controls so it is up to the player to choose one and then work with it to find the best way to use a character’s unique fighting skills. The gameplay still rewards a well-executed wild-man offence that keeps your opponent off balance, but the guard system seems to work a little better this time out.

In Soulcalibur III many of the series' favorite characters have returned, as well as three new characters joining the fray. The new characters include a Nubian-like warrior named Zasalamel with a large scythe type weapon that makes him look a little like death incarnate. Setsuka is a traditionally-garbed Japanese lady with an innocent-looking parasol that hides a wicked sword. Tira is some sort of forest-loving, tree-hugger hippy chick with a circular blade who sports some nice moves. About half of the character roster is immediately selectable, while the rest will be unlocked and available as the player progresses in the game. Each has a unique style with his chosen weapon that reflects both real-world weapon disciplines and some that are purely fantasy.

Modes of play include seven single-player sub-modes and the popular VS mode that has made the Soulcalibur series so popular. The main single-player mode is Tale of Souls. In this mode the player chooses a character and engages in a series of single-round matches. The stories in this mode are completely disposable, but playing here unlocks additional content, so it is a necessary evil. Another single-player mode, Chronicle of Swords, attempts to meld Soulcalibur’s fighting with elements of a real-time strategy game. Again the result is a lackluster mode that will have players running for the exits. The balance of the single player modes involve one-player tournaments, quick action and the like. None are truly inspired.

As with every Soulcalibur game before it, the heart of Soulcalibur III is the one-on-one combat between two real humans. Playing this mode quickly lets the novice player know why the series has received such critical acclaim over the years. It will also teach him the meaning of “gettin’ schooled” if he is playing against an experienced opponent. The pity of the VS mode is that no online support is present. Many other lesser fighting franchises have implemented online support. Seems Soulcalibur fans will have to wait until the next generation of consoles before they get to challenge their far-away friends and the best players the world has to offer from the comfort of their living-room couch.

In the face of an almost total lack of meaningful evolution in the gameplay department, the presentation of the game is another matter entirely. Graphically the game is beautiful. The game clips along at a steady 60 frames per second. This makes the fighters move fluidly with unmatched grace as they deal out death with their gleaming blades. All the characters and fighting arenas sport more detail than previous outings in the series. Sound is also good. The sound effects nicely convey the frantic clash of steel, all accompanied by a nicely varied musical soundtrack.

Unfortunately the whole game is a little weighed down by excessively long disc load times. It does not matter which mode you are playing in, the load time problem is omnipresent.

So while Soulcalibur III is a fighting game that measures up in every way to its predecessors, its failure to truly evolve in gameplay or online support – coupled with its under-developed single-player modes – makes it a lesser game than its elder outings. Its "B" score is still very respectable and reflects the continuing preeminence of its excellent head-to-head fighting, but the series needs to take a leap forward in its next iteration or it might start to lose buyers.