Exactly my point.

How does this joystick compare with the X-Arcade?

http://xgaming.net/Merchant2/graphic...1/console3.jpg

Haven't bought or played any games in a while. . .but this one is a must-buy for me. I loved the original, so this is a no-brainer.

Looks like they don't make one of these for the X-Box?

I see on the site that they have one for Gamecube and PS2. Currently the GC model is sold out...

Okay...take a deep breath Zero.

As stated in my post, I am not a big fighter gamer so maybe I "don't get it."

Personally, I really don't get how someone can get so pissy over a person's opinion of a video game but then again there are many of you out there that take this stuff rather seriously (some too seriously).

From your post it seems that you are telling people that if they have not been playing "this game since Calibur part 1" they need to stay away from it. I have never heard of building a fan base that way before. With that mentality, I guess I should have stayed away from several games I love since I never played their predecessors. What logic!

As far as the DOA series, DOA3 was the first one I have ever played. In my post, I was just comparing the two b/c judging from the demo, how they seemed so similar. This was just my opinion. Have you played the new demo? What did you think?

As you can see in my post, I asked for other opinions...not rants about how one hates the DOA series. Go cry to someone else.

Who makes that controller, it is pretty sweet...

The Soul Calibur 2 stick is made by Hori, a Japanese company. They often manufacture special edition joysticks in conjunction with newly released fighting games. I played with a TekkenTag Hori joystick, and it was very excellent. But, it's not for everyone. It is a Japanese style joystick, so the stick has less resitance and the stick has a ball instead of a cone at the top. In terms of emulating Japanese arcade sticks, Hori sticks are great.

But if you prefer American-style arcade sticks with stiffer resistance and cone shaped sticks, then X-Arcade sticks are what you want. I have played with X-Arcade sticks and they are true to the arcade feel and well worth it if you are serious about fighting games.

Also... regarding those who rant about how DOA games are all about button mashing and involve no strategy... these people are novice fighting game players and are not much better than console fanboys. Yes, I agree that DOA is not as deep as Tekken or Soul Calibur and certainly Virtual Fighter. But it is surprisingly deep with a huge assortment of different stun types and many combos. The fact that many combos are not guaranteed forces you to learn all of the different variations of a string in order to keep the opponent guessing. The only gripe I have about the game is the weak grappling system.

For the record I was a very serious about fighting games several years back. I travelled the country to participate in Tekken3 tournaments, spent countless hours on IRC discussing strategy with the best players in the country, and have met many of them personally. I was a contributing author to what is considered the best published strategy guide on Tekken3, and the sole author of the definitive 20+ page guide on Ling Xiaoyu for Tekken3.

I know what it takes for a fighting game to succeed and know all about the intricacies and depths of fighting games. DOA is much more than a pretty-graphics button mashing game if you are willing to look below the surface and spend time on it. Do not be so quick to judge and dismiss it.

Try www.play-asia.com for the GCN and PS2 versions of the Soul Calibur2 Hori stick. $39 is pretty cheap for such quality. It doesn't look like Hori is making a Soul Calibur 2 stick for the Xbox. You'll have to settle for the Hori Fighting Stick EX, which is not quite as good according to some reviews. Also the cheapest I could find was $68 at www.therage.com.

Personally I like the X-Arcade Solo stick the best. But that's because I prefer American-style joysticks. Also X-arcade sticks have a lifetime warranty and are compatible with all 3 consoles and even PCs.

*clapping* WOW you so did NOT read anything I said did you?

I did state my opinion. Let my try it again, and this time I'll go slow (trust me I know its difficult). You had stated your not a fan of fighting games this I get, I also get that you played the demo and didnt really enjoy it. All of this is ok, but you to call my post pissy... again your off base. I stated that those who have not played Soul Calibur should stay away from its sequel there is a rich history with all of these characters that not many would understand, or appreciate. I deal with this all day, and if I have upset or rubbed you the wrong way I sincerely apologize. But try to understand where Im coming from. Ive been a fan of thise series since it's beginning and I'm still a little amazed that hardly anyone knows anything about it. But for you to go off on me about "crying" about my (here comes that word again) OPINION about a game I loath well my friend I thinks it you who is pissy, and not me. Compared to Calibur DOA is just a huge let down. Dont like my opinion? Think Im being a little too negetive? Email me, but dont try and make it look like an @$$hole for stating my opinion.

I have seen a fighting stick for X-box in Japan,it was more expensive than the GC and PS2 models.I do not have link for it only

where's the best place to pre-order this game??

I know that BB has the $5 off.

How about gamespot, TRU or EB?

KB has a 20% off coupon floating around on the web (posted in Other Bargins forum a week or so back)...brings Soul Calibur down to $40 plus tax (they also offer free shipping on Soul Calibur).

EB has a free t-shirt promo.

Here is the KB 20% off coupon:
Save 20% on your next order of any amount when you use this coupon code:
SURVEYTHANKS.

Discount Guidelines: An order of any amount qualifies for the 20% discount. Discount excludes Gift Cards and PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, Game Boy Advance SP and PlayStation consoles. Offer not valid on previous orders. Discount offer expires 8/30/03. Valid for online use only. Discount offer good for one time use only. We reserve the right to cancel or suspend the offer at any time. Purchases must be made using a credit card or KBtoys Gift Card.The 20% off discount offer cannot be combined with any other coupon. Discount coupon has no cash value.

If you have a Fry's in your area I would wait for them. I picked up Knights of the Old Republic at Best Buy for 37.99 after price matching it at Fry's. I would expect that Fry's will have Soul Calibur for the same price during the week it gets released.

I dont know that I would say that edstein. They did not have Mario Golf for any cheaper. But I did see KOTOR for $34.99 at Frys where I am at. It could be hit or miss.

Played Soul Calibur II on the Xbox as Nightmare (demo at EBgames) - the feel and controls seem similar (after getting used to the fact they put the block button on the bottom of the cross instead of on the right hand side...) Definitely a MUST buy for me...

EB has a free IVY shirt for pre-ordering and if you order the GC version you also get a free Link lithograph.

Is it the same type of shirt that they were giving out at e3?

I don't know, but your original post seemed somewhat pissy and fanboyish as well. I can see how he would have taken it that way.

I'm looking forward to this game; I've only got a PS2 and Gamecube right now, so I guess I'll have to get it for Gamecube. I wish I had a different controller design. I like the idea of a gamepad versus a joystick, but the Gamecube's button layout is just wonky.

Trust me marvel, the lay out of the controller for GC is perfect for the four buttons that this game has. you will get used to it in a matter of moments.

and yes, it's the same game shirt they gave out at e3

Here Marvel this might be right up your alley! ;)

http://www.ncsxshop.com/images/produ...pads_store.jpg

Only 22 bucks www.ncsx.com