Even the presentation rocks. The graphics are right on tone with previous Soul Calibur games, with beautiful backdrops, rich animation and wondrous character design. The battle camera takes getting used to, but keeps most things in perspective. The music is also a great listen, a sweeping score that changes with each new room you visit. The sound effects are acceptable, although the dialogue is downright laughable. Ivy's taunts come across as if she's an angry dominatrix. Then again, maybe she is.

As for multiplayer, it's nothing much. While the versus multiplayer game has potential at first, it really comes down to who's quicker with their "swinging away" combo and dodging skills. The co-op mode is slightly better, as you compete against your friend via split-screen to see who achieves the higher body count. Still, you're bound to get bored with it over time, returning to versus action with Soul Calibur II for the GameCube.

Soul Calibur Legends isn't a horrible game, but it could've been so much better. Being able to fight with various characters and weapons is great, but not when the story sucks. Tacked-on multiplayer modes do little to bolster the game either. As it stands, Legends wears the crown in the fighter-turned-brawler game category, but it's a shallow victory.