Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny

Play UK

The definitive weapon-based fighter comes to the PSP and manages not to lose anything in the translation. [Issue#183, p.72]

1UP

Broken Destiny's visuals are gorgeous on the PSP's screen, and matches effortlessly flow without any noticeable stutters or jarring problems.

Play Magazine

The premier weapon-wielding fighter jumps to the portable with nary a hitch. Oh, and you can kick pretty-boy Siegfried's ass as Kratos!

Playstation Official Magazine Australia

It's amazing this has been crammed on one UMD with little sacrifice. Essential. [Oct 2009, p.76]

Worth Playing

Even with several flashy, promising new PSP titles on the way this gaming season, Broken Destiny should be near the top of your must-play list.

Digital Chumps

Ultimately, Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny is a superb adaptation on an established and great franchise.

GameZone

Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny for the PSP is an impressive portable fighting game that is just as amazing and just as addictive as the console games. On the single-player front, we wish there was more but there’s enough here to keep fans more than happy.

NZGamer

When all is said and done, what you have here is a true SoulCalibur console experience in your pocket.

GamingTrend

If you can get past the lack of and arcade mode and unsatisfying unlockables, this game is great for taking along to pass the time.

GameTrailers

It's missing a few elements that would make it an ideal starting point for anyone unfamiliar to the series and is unlikely to attract new fans with its straightforward approach, but in terms of value and quality, Broken Destiny is an excellent handheld fighting game.

3DJuegos

A highly recommended game.

Games Master UK

Arguably the best fighter on PSP, but missing the single-player experience we hoped for. [Oct 2009, p.70]

PSM3 Magazine UK

Soulcalibur's brutal melee combat works well on PSP, and the multi-player is great. [Oct 2009, p.80]

Vandal Online

Despite some minor flaws, like the exclusion of an online mode, or the absence of a story mode, Broken Destiny is one of the best fighting game in the portable console.

Game Revolution

Despite the disappointing Gauntlet mode and its insulting lack of story and patronizing tutorials, Broken Destiny is a great addition to the series because the core gameplay is as solid as ever, which is especially impressive on the small screen.

GamesNation

Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny effectively manages to translate the home console experience into a portable one, preserving both the original gameplay and characters. Nice to play and to look at, thanks to the great graphics, it has a limited longevity, though.

ZTGameDomain

Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny is quite possibly the best portable fighting game I have ever played. The only thing it suffers from is its inability to differentiate itself from its console brethren.

Pocket Gamer UK

Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny brings much of the fighting spirit of the console version to PSP. It's only let down by the weak single player modes.

Modojo

The controls are excellent, the create-a-player and versus options will keep you entertained and the presentation won't let you down. Yup, the Soul still burns.

games(TM)

Broken Destiny is undoubtedly one of the high points for the series so far, and a must-buy for fans. [Oct 2009, p.130]

Cheat Code Central

Unfortunately, the main single-player mode feels like an extended tutorial, and the multiplayer options are limited to ad-hoc. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for customization, and the trials and versus modes are always fun.

Edge Magazine

An accomplished effort that is every inch the Soul Calibur of the home consoles, just squeezed on to a smaller screen. [Oct 2009, p.98]

Eurogamer Spain

One can argue the limitations of the control scheme or the lack of new features, but SoulCalibur is the best option for PSP's fighting fans.

Meristation

In its latest adaptation of the beat 'em up series, Soulcalibur is still on the verge. This handheld adaptation of SCIV is probably one of the best games in the genre, and also a very good example of the real potential of PlayStation Portable. You'll probably like or dislike the gameplay system, but it's impossible bot being impressed with the graphic engine after a few battles. Another must-have, the second on this console in just one week.

IGN

Although Broken Destiny is nothing more than a portable version of Soulcalibur IV (with Kratos along for the ride), the game is visually stunning and the size of the roster is admirable. What's most impressive about Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny is how well it preserves its console counterpart's formula while making very few sacrifices along the way.

GamePro

With such amazing aesthetics one would expect some other technical areas to take a few hits, notably the load-times and the sound. Yet neither is diminished, with load-times being fairly short and easily endured, and with a dramatic score that is well done and fitting.

Armchair Empire

The lack of Arcade mode is disappointing, but Soul Calibur Destiny has plenty to offer for fans that want to take Soul Calibur with them on the go. I recommend any fan to pick this up.

InsideGamer.nl

Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny is more then a nicely worked-out fighting game. The graphics are great and the total look is neat. The modes of the game aren’t in line with the rest of the game, the “Gauntlet-mode” for instance. We can’t believe that the developers think of this as a mode that’s fun to play. The nicely worked-out fighting system, the short loading periods and the ability to customize a gigantic load of character’s made our day while playing this game.

Gamer.nl

Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny proves that a fighting game can work well on a handheld. Is it easier to slam the buttons on a arcade stick? Probably, but the ability to fight while traveling is a great alternative. The many modes and options and brilliant graphics, combined with the greatly balanced gameplay from Soul Calibur, makes this game a treat on the PSP. The lack of online-play and a storymode is hard to swallow, but fans don't lose a lot. It's a great handheld game.

Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)

Die-hard fans hoping for something new will inevitably be disappointed, but even they can't fail to be impressed at just how complete and convincing a handheld title this is. [Nov 2009, p.78]

Eurogamer

If you already own SoulCalibur IV and aren't interested in a portable version then Broken Destiny is hard to recommend, because you're essentially buying the same game. But much like Link in the Gamecube version of SoulCalibur II, the inclusion of Kratos will be hard for fighter fans to pass up.

Eurogamer Italy

Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny is a hell of a beat 'em up, perfect for the ad hoc fights with friends and to spend hours to modify you characters using the complete editor. Unfortunately, the inexplicable lack of any multiplayer mode, deprives the game of the depth offered from the challenges with the other players all over the world, a must for this kind of games.

LEVEL (Czech Republic)

Tremendous fighting game can challenge the current “king of the handheld fights” Tekken itself. Pity there is no online multiplayer included. [Nov 2009]

PSFocus

A good fighting game with Kratos as a playable character. The gameplay isn’t very special, but it's fun thanks to the good gameplay.

GameFocus

Thankfully, the good controls and fantastic graphics still make this a game worth playing. But again, the lack of solid single-player options will be the difference between picking up this game or sticking to last year’s SoulCalibur IV.

9Lives

SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny is a wonderful fighting game for the PlayStation Portable. It equals the number of fighters in SoulCalibur IV and the quality of fighting resembles that game as well. The lack of a real storyline and online multiplayer hurt it though. If you don’t care for these two features, feel free to add five percent to the score.

PSX Extreme

SoulCalibur: Broken Destiny isn't a bad game, it just feels extremely barebones in many areas, despite boasting one of the all time best mechanics for a 3D fighter.

Extreme Gamer

Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny is an outstanding technical achievement that feels like they have taken the console game and shrunk it down without sacrificing its quality. The only aspect where the PSP version is lacking is the story mode which is a major disappointment.

PALGN

While the single-player options may not be very compelling, if you're after a quick portable battle by yourself or with friends, Broken Destiny fits the bill.

Gaming Age

The controls are solid, there's a great roster present, and the inclusion of Kratos is a great fit here.

Game Informer

If Arcade mode versus a CPU opponent is all you need, this port’s remarkable gameplay will be a great fit. More social players who don’t have regular access to fellow PSP owners will be disappointed despite this title’s technically sound execution. Either way, this is undeniably Soulcalibur despite its smaller ­package.

GameSpot

The first portable SoulCalibur is very good, but it lacks both compelling single-player content and online play.

Everyeye.it

A perfect porting of the console version. Unfortunately, the absence of online multiplayer option and a poor single player affect the game.

TotalPlayStation

Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny is a great technical achievement for the PSP and yet it feels like a few interesting single player focused additions would have made it an instant hit.

Multiplayer.it

Broken Destiny will not disappoint fans of the franchise but the lack of worthwhile game modes is a decent issue. Plotwise Broken Destiny is forgettable at best and there is no reason for a Soul Calibur IV owner to pick this installment other than playing it when traveling. The game is visually striking and faithful to the home console version, all in all it is recommended to whoever wants a great portable fighting game or never played Soul Calibur before.

Kombo

Soul Calibur: Broken Destiny is a solid portable fighter.

GameSpy

Broken Destiny's lackluster single-player game makes it a difficult game to unconditionally recommend. It's certainly a technical marvel, and if you have friends to play with, you'll love it. It really is a portable Soulcalibur game, with everything good that implies. But if you're fighting solo, be aware that this game isn't really designed for extended play.

Teletext GameCentral

As deep and as beautiful as its legacy demands, but this portable fighter is lacking in solo appeal.

Gamestyle

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.

Playstation Official Magazine UK

The problem here isn't the looks or the amount of stuff there is to do, it's the controls. [Oct 2009, p.109]

SpazioGames

Despite funny gameplay and great graphics, Broken Destiny lacks in terms of content. Just a few unlockables and not many gameplay modes. It gets boring pretty soon, leaving it just to die hard fans.

Gamervision

There’s no questioning Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny’s technical acumen; it’s a brilliant fighting engine that looks amazing, sounds great, and plays just about perfectly. It’s just a shame that there’s really no good way to play it.