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Soul Calibur III

Review · Fighting · PlayStation 2

Soul Calibur III

Reviewed: 16 May 2026

PlayStation 2

Project Soul · 2005

Ludograph rating

C

Mixed

51 /100

Soul Calibur III is a fighting game that builds strategic thinking and hand-eye coordination, with moderate cartoon violence and some suggestive themes.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 41 · R 34
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

41

Risk (RIS)

34

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.54
B2Social-emotional
0.17
B3Motor
0.65

Soulcalibur III offers strong strategic thinking and reaction time benefits through its engaging fighting mechanics. Players must adapt to different character styles and develop quick reflexes.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.03
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.11

The game contains moderate cartoon violence and some suggestive themes, typical of the fighting genre. Competitive aspects might lead to frustration for some players.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.33
R4.3Language
0.00
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.00

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Parents ask…

Is Soul Calibur III safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Soul Calibur III a rating of 51/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It delivers genuine benefits but carries design risks that deserve a close look.

What age is Soul Calibur III appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Soul Calibur III, based on benefits, risks, and content review. That is stricter than ESRB T, because our assessment weighs behavioral design risks, not just content.

How long should kids play Soul Calibur III?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Soul Calibur III: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Soul Calibur III?

The game contains moderate cartoon violence and some suggestive themes, typical of the fighting genre. Competitive aspects might lead to frustration for some players.