" For all those people looking for a list of Taki's turn ons, I'm sorry to disappoint. For everyone looking for a conveniently packaged move list to keep on the coffee table while they play; you're welcome. "

      Title: Soul Caliber II Limited Fighter Edition Hint Guide by Brady

      Format: All systems Hint Book

      Reviewing Monkey: Chimpan-A

      The Hype: One of the great things about the Soul Caliber games is how button masher friendly they are. You don't have to be a master to pull off some decent looking moves. At the same time, for those people who do have the dedication and skill to master their fighter, this game offers up some incredibly rewarding ass-kickery. Here to help you be that much fightier, Brady presents the Soul Caliber II Hint Guide. Is it a worthy companion for your trusty sword? Read on, my monkeys, read on.

      What This Monkey Thought...

      Layout: The layout here is pretty simple; exactly what you would expect to find. Most of the book is taken up with character strategies and move lists. The characters are separated into groups, and are listed alphabetically within those groups (The character groups being: automatic, system specific, unlocked, and special). It's nothing huge to look up the character you're searching for. The actual layout for individual characters is quite nice and easy to read. It's easy to find the move you're looking for in the well-organized lists. The artwork throughout the book is nice, but nothing really new for anyone who's seen the promotional stuff, or even unlocked it in the game. The vast majority of pictures comprise of screenshots showing the move they happen to be talking about. Unfortunately, a lot of the screenshots are quite grainy, making it difficult to determine what exactly they're showing (Some of the staff monkeys spent a good five minutes trying to figure out who was being kicked in one particular screen shot). There are a few nice cast pictures you won't find elsewhere though. 3.5 out of 5

      Usefulness: Soul Caliber II is a fighting game. As such, you don't need a whole heck of a lot to get the most out of it. That being said, this guide gives you what you'll need and more. First it gives you a complete move list for every character in the game. That wouldn't be huge (you can find a move list in the game), except that this includes the three bonus characters from the English version (Lizardman being my personal favorite), whose moves are not listed. Secondly, each character gets a good page or two of strategy tips and advice for better mastery of your chosen warrior. Last, but certainly not least is a list of all of the weapons and their different abilities (including specifics on Soul Caliber weapons), and details/hints on the Weapon Master mode. Essentially everything you need to make you a better fighter is included herein. 4.5 out of 5

      Desired Content: For all those people looking for a list of Taki's turn ons, I'm sorry to disappoint. For everyone looking for a conveniently packaged move list to keep on the coffee table while they play; you're welcome. The weapon master mode could have been a lot more in depth, but if you know how to fight well (as taught by the rest of this guide) that shouldn't be a real issue in any case. There's really nothing else they could have added to the book. Heck, this limited edition comes with a poster with a weapon list on it for good measure (Just a list, though, not what they do), and comes with a CD soundtrack of the music of the game. Added Bonus! 4.5 out o 5

      Accuracy: From the moves I tested, I wasn't able to find any inaccuracies. You can also compare and contrast with the move list in the game itself. However, I noted that Raphael's "Dark Moon" only does 27 points of damage where it's listed as 28… Okay not really… how would you even check something like that? In any case, the move lists are accurate, and the battle strategies seem to work as my frustrated opponents can attest to. Of course, it could be because I'm implementing a few of my own strategies, like the dreaded "Mid-Match Ass Shot". Make sure to wear really loose pants, when it looks like you're going to lose, get close to the TV and drop trou'! Nothing like a hairy ass shot to make your opponent lose concentration… 4.5 out of 5

      The Verdict:

In this day of Internet ease, it's always nice to find a hint book that's really trying to make it worth the cover price. Even if you're only buying the special edition for the soundtrack, the guide itself is pretty damn useful. Move lists for the extra (American Version) characters, good strategies all in all a useful guide to keep around.

      The Good: Move lists for Lizardman, Berser, and Assassin, as well as everyone else

      The Bad: Very little Weapon Master mode coverage. No code for the "Soul Caliber Girls Gone Wild" mode… Come on, you know it's in there somewhere.

      The Overall Ugly: In any case, buy it for the music; keep it for the conveniently packaged move list.

      What it's Worth: The going price is fair; though if you can get it for less, jump on it.