Rock, Paper, Scissors

Published August 5, 2008

No fighter should brave SoulCalibur® IV combat without a solid foundation of strategy. Like its predecessors, this latest entry in the acclaimed fighting series requires more than just twitch reflexes, so whether you're brand new to the game or a veteran of the franchise, you can start your foundation and brush up on your tactics with the following tips.

Special attacks will come with a little practice.

Rock, Paper, Scissors
The well from which all SoulCalibur IV should flow is the game's "rock, paper, scissors" format. Luckily, like the childhood game itself, it's easy to grasp as each attack and sidestep exists to defeat one thing while remaining vulnerable against another.

Here's how it works: vertical strikes will interrupt horizontal attacks, sidestepping will avoid vertical attacks, and horizontal strikes will connect against a sidestepping opponent. When properly timed and within range of your opponent, these rules will never fail you.

Sidestep Importance
Where the respective strengths and weaknesses of the vertical and horizontal strikes are easily grasped by most gamers, the sidestep is ignored far too often. Really focus on using this tool not only as a defensive technique, but also as a setup for an attack. Some of the most devastating strikes in the game require you to sidestep in order to trigger them.

Also, while there's no guaranteeing enemy behavior, you'll find the majority of people utilize a vertical strike when rushing you from across the screen (they're typically more powerful), so lure them in, sidestep at the last moment, and tag them with your own attack.

Could have sidestepped that.

Press Breakers
A common tactic for many SoulCalibur players is to constantly press their opponent, unleashing a never-ending stream of attacks in the hope of flustering their opponent. Combat this technique by waiting for a short opening at the end of a combo and countering with a quick attack.

The key here is to learn an attack or quick combo that's swift enough to break your opponent's press and set you on the offensive. For example, Astaroth's triple kick (back and B, B, B) can work wonders. Likewise, Mitsurugi's quick sword-hilt bash (forward and Y) can grant you the opening you need to let loose your own onslaught.

Critical Moment
Executing a Critical Finish move requires an understanding of the Soul Crush mechanic and quick reflexes. Here's how it works:

• You know the time is ripe for a Critical Finish when your opponent's Soul Gauge is pulsing red.
• With the Soul Gauge glowing, you need to properly execute a Soul Crush. Do this either by landing a Strong attack while your enemy is blocking, or by successfully executing a Guard Impact when your opponent attempts to attack you. Either way, you'll know you're successful when your opponent (not just their Soul Gauge) glows and red lightning crackles across their body. Note too that not every Strong attack will work every time, so keep your eyes peeled for the visual cue.
• When you've achieved Soul Crush, you'll have just a brief second to trigger the Critical Finish. You must tap LB the moment you spot the Soul Crush. Time it properly and you'll be treated to a spectacular, over-the-top sequence.

Smother opponents with long reach weapons up close.

Run and Throw
There's a good chance when you fling an enemy to the ground, they're going to pop to their feet and immediately block to thwart an incoming attack. Use this to your advantage by sprinting at them and hitting LT to send them reeling once more with a throw. This is particularly effective on Normal difficulty or against moderately skilled human opponents.

While They're Down
Any time your opponent is lying prone on the ground in SoulCalibur IV, it's time to go to work. Get the edge on your enemy by inflicting massive damage before they have a chance to jump to their feet. Take the time to head into Training Mode, and learn your character's most damaging low attacks.

Use the Abyss
Nearly every character has at least one move certain to send the enemy reeling off the edge of the ring for a Ring Out victory. Often, it's a running kick or a throw, but whatever it is, experiment with your chosen character until you find it. You'll need to have a Ring Out move you can count on when fighting your way through Tower of the Souls, where quick victories are at an absolute premium.

A Few Unlockables
While there's a vast treasure trove of unlockable content in SoulCalibur IV, there are a couple of items more coveted than others.

• Dark Side Time: If you're itching to get busy with the Apprentice, you need only defeat Arcade (not Story) mode with Yoda. It's as simple as that.
• Soul Edge and Soul Blade: If it's the ultimate weapons you crave, you'll need to tackle Story Mode with Siegfried (Soul Blade) and Nightmare (Soul Edge) to unlock access to these weapons. Then, when you've completed Story Mode, head into Character Creation, select a custom character, and you can purchase Soul Edge and Soul Blade for use. You'll also unlock two twenty-point achievements.

Like any fighting game, SoulCalibur IV rewards on-the-fly tactics during the ebb and flow of combat, but if you bear the preceding tips in mind, your fundamentals should shape up nicely. At the ready!

Article by Ryan Treit