Soul Calibur II
Year of release: 2002
Platform of choice: PS2
Soul Calibur II was an awe inspiring game. Fast-paced and fun in any one of the multiple game modes, it told the tale of heroes and villains questing for a magic blade.
As the third game in the franchise (the first being Soul Blade), this game stepped combat up to the next level by giving fighters a selection of weapons. And unlike the competition, they made this premise work.
Unfortunately the sequel was terrible. But now, with a fifth title ready and waiting on shop shelves, the glory of battle may begin again.