Heresy's Character Guide for Soul Calibur! v1.3

<Sorry, no ASCII art>

Ok folks, I've helped a lot of my friends find inner-peace playing Soul
Calibur with the character that best suits their skills and personality. This
is a guide to help you find the character that best suits YOUR needs. This is
not a move list or a guide on the mission battles, this is just a run-down of
all of the SC characters. I hope this helps someone out there. Well, lets
start.

Here's the format I've decided to use:

Character # (Where they appear on your select screen)

Name: (Character name)

Who will like this Character: (What type of people like the Character)
Skill Level,

B: (How well will a new player do as this Character)

I: (How well will a somewhat skilled player do as this Character)

E: (How well will an expert player do as this character)

M: (How quickly will a Master Character play defeat you...)



Character #1

Name: Voldo

Who will like this Character: If you want to spend a long time learning
certain moves and stances, but be able to waste almost everyone else, Voldo
is the guy for you.

Skill Level,

B: New players will have a rather hard time playing as Voldo, he has very few
"Button Masher" moves. He takes skill to play. Play as him at least once
though. You just might like him...

I: Mid-Level players may start to understand how Voldo moves, and fights. It
might help to watch how the computer plays Voldo, then do the exact opposite.

E: Experienced players will probably know a dozen ways to kill people with
Voldo.

M: When fighting a master Voldo player, be prepared for a very cheap fight.
Voldo can fight in ANY position, he is most dangerous with his back turned
towards you. Try to get in close, and don't let him get you in a throw.



Character #2

Name: Ivy

Who will like this Character: People who like to see their opponent flinch
when they select their character. Ivy is a popular character, and for good
reason.

Skill Level,

B: Ivy can be a hard character to start as, I'd suggest playing as an easier
character, then trying Ivy. Once you learn how to attack without "Button
Mashing" you will enjoy Ivy.

I: For some odd reason, most people don't play as Ivy. Her fighting style is
unique and she should be focused on instead of just being randomly selected.

E: Advanced players will start to understand the sheer power that Ivy
possesses. Ivy is very quick, very strong, and has an amazing range. Ivy is
the favorite of many experienced players.

M: Fighting an Ivy master can be a painful experience. Depending on what
stance Ivy in fighting in (Whip or Sword), she is either the Queen of Reach,
or a powerful close range attacker. Her only low point is her mid-ranged
attacks. She attacks somewhat slowly when attacking at a long range, this can
open up a spot to counter attack, but you must be quick.



Character #3

Name: Sophita

Who will like this Character: Almost anyone will be able to play as Sophita,
She is a great balance of power and speed.
Skill Level,

B: New players will find Sophita very easy to use. She has a wide variety of
moves, most of which can be accidentally done.

I: Mid-Level players will probably move on to more interesting characters,
Sophita seems to lack 'Staying Power' (Although I still enjoy playing as her).

E: Experienced players will find a whole new world with Sophita. She has a
lot of great combos, and some great moves. She still lacks the power of the
more difficult characters.

M: When fighting a Sophita pro, you'd better be ready for a difficult fight.
Even though she may not be as deadly in the hands of a master play as other
characters, she is still very powerful.



Character #4

Name: Mitsurugi

Who will like this Character: Almost everyone. You should play as Mitsurugi
every-so-often to see if you like his ultra quick fighting style.

Skill Level,

B: Mitsurugi is a good player to start as. He has many moves and is amazingly
powerful. He lacks in range over some characters, but makes up for it in
sheer power.

I: Mid-Level players will enjoy Mitsurugi the most. After you learn the game
mechanics, and learn how to best use Mitsurugi's various stances, Mitsurugi
is a very powerful character.

E: Advanced players may start to not like Mitsurugi after playing him for a
while. Mitsurugi lacks variety in his moves, and is considered by many to be
a cheap character.

M: When fighting a master Mitsurugi player, be warned. In the hands of a
master player, Mitsurugi can be unstoppable. Try to use long-range moves, or
moves with a wide arc.



Character #5

Name: Kilik

Who will like this Character: New players.
Skill Level,

B: Kilik is the first person you should pick. He is overly powerful and has
an extreme reach. Most of his moves can be done by slamming the controller
against the floor...

I: Don't misunderstand me, Kilik is a good character. By the time you're a
mid-level player, you should move on. Kilik will become very boring.

E: Experienced players will probably try to play as Kilik and realize that
they have actually gotten worse as playing him. Kilik is a "Push the attack
button while moving the controller" character. He lacks any style and is a
very cheap character (Sorry if this offends anyone)

M: Pull out the crackers, cause you're gonna get cheesed.. Sorry, bad pun.
When fighting a master Kilik player, block a lot, try to get inside, and
don't get fooled by his get-up tech.



Character #6

Name: Xainghua

Who will like this Character: There are very few people who favor Xainghua.
There may be a reason for this. She lacks the speed to make her an
ultra-quick character, and the power to make her a good nonstop attacker. In
good hands she can be quite deadly though, stick with her and you may
surprise people with her skill.

Skill Level,

B: New players may actually like Xainghua. She is reasonably fast and has
some easy, yet powerful, moves. She should not be overlooked.

I: After you've played SC for a while. Xainghua will start to loose out to
more powerful characters. Try not to avoid her though, she can be a great
character.

E: Advanced players who have overlooked Xainghua will not find her any easier
to play as, players who have tried to learn her moves will find her to be
very deadly. I urge everyone to try to play as her a few times at the very
least...

M: Although Xainghua is not the fastest character, she is a very fast
attacker. A master Xainghua player will know this and use it to their
advantage. Try not to use attacks the take a long time, try to play somewhat
reserved. Let her attack, then hit back quickly. Try to hit back before she
gets in throwing range...



Character #7

Name: Maxi
Who will like this Character: People with a lot of patience who don't take to
defend, but would rather attack nonstop.

Skill Level,

B: Beginners will probably like Maxi quite a bit. He is rather quick and is a
very quick attacker. He has a very short range, but most new players won't
mind.

I: After play SC a bit, you will start to become frustrated with Maxi. It is
very difficult to make him stop attacking. It becomes painful to start an
attack and see the enemy block, it is very difficult to recover as Maxi.

E: Experienced players may start to shine to Maxi. He is a difficult
character to play as, and thus has great potential. Attacking with Maxi is
nonstop. It's possible to start an attack and not finish till the battle is
over.

M: A master Maxi player can be very powerful. The only way to gain the
upperhand on Maxi is to try to keep him out of range. If you can block his
attack, and see that lowkick coming, you can win.



Character #8

Name: Nightmare

Who will like this Character: People who like short fights... If you like to
attack hard, and don't mind your friends complaints, Nightmare is the
Demon/Guy for you.

Skill Level,

B: New players will have a very easy time playing as Nightmare. He is very
powerful character, with a lot of reach. He is rather slow, and his attacks
tend to be even slower.

I: Nightmare has many moves that make Mid-Level players still enjoy him.
Although you may start to loose interest in him, you will still find the time
to play as him. His lack of speed will become more noticeable.

E: Advanced players will either hate Nightmare for his lack of speed, or love
him for his variety of moves. He has many stances and is very powerful. If
speed isn't your thing, Nightmare is worth sticking with.

M: Master Nightmare players will best know how to use his linking attacks and
various stances. Try to circle around Nightmare if you can. His range can be
nullified with his lack of quick attacks. Don't be fooled by his linking
attacks of "High attack, sword uppercut from the floor". When you are
attacked, try to block. It's probably a good idea to duck and block after he
attacks with an overhead attack.



Character #9

Name: Taki

Who will like this Character: People who prefer the quick characters will
love Taki. Taki is rather powerful, given her extreme speed. Taki does have
her shortcomings, but she easily makes up for it.

Skill Level,

B: Taki is a rather easy character to start as. She is rather powerful, and
attacks very quickly (Great alternative to Maxi). She has a lot of moves that
can be done accidentally.

I: Taki manages to remain powerful in the hands of a Mid-Level player. Her
complete lack of range is made up buy her quick attacks and fast movement.

E: Experienced players will find Taki to be quite deadly, if you can get used
to the range problem. One of Taki's better moves involves her flipping over
her opponent's head, even the best players can accidentally ringout doing
this, try to be careful...

M: Master Taki players can be the hardest to beat, Taki takes a lot of skill
to play, and even more skill to beat. Taki's greatest strength in her ability
to move around her opponent quickly. Try to use quick, wide arcing moves on
her. Don't be to afraid to kick, it can usually be done quicker than swinging
your sword. Remember, Taki battles are over quickly, one way or the other.



Character #10

Name: Astaroth

Who will like this Character: Astaroth is not the traditional "Powerhouse"
character. If you like to win battles in as few hits as possible, Astaroth is
your man.
Skill Level,

B: Beginners will probably misuse Astaroth, thinking that he is just there to
hit people and to take up large portions of the screen... Although, being
played like this, he is still rather powerful. A good person to start as.

I: If you play SC and think "Well, lets give the big guy a chance" you'll
probably do badly as Astaroth. If you take the time to learn a few of his
moves, then give it a shot. You will probably do rather well as Astaroth.
Defiantly a good person to learn. Works rather well against fast characters.

E: Taken the time to learn Astaroth's fighting style. You will be able to
kill almost anyone. Astaroth has a huge range, and attacks quickly at a close
range. He has more throws than anyone, and his spinning attack is excellent
against Taki.

M: Beware the master Astaroth player. The only attacks that work well on
Astaroth are lunge and rolling attacks. A lot of people think that since
Astaroth is slow, that fast characters are the best way to attack. This is
false. Try to knock him down or ring him out.



Ok, now come the hidden characters. Most of the hidden characters are clones
of the other characters, with minor changes. These minor changes can make a
huge difference. Since you probably won't be a new player when you get these
characters, I'll give advice on how to play your first time with each
character in the B: section.



Character #9

Name: Hwang

Who will like this Character: Hwang is the Xainghua clone. There are several
difference between the two, but if you liked Xainghua, you'll probably like
Hwang.

Skill Level,

B: First-time Hwang players will probably take a liking to him (Afterall,
he's your first hidden character). I know it will be hard, but try to do a
little button mashing. If you come out trying to play Xainghua, you will
probably be disappointed.

I: After playing Hwang for a while, you'll notice that he seems to be
stronger than Xainghua, and seems to have a longer range. This may be true (I
never stopped to measure), but he also seems to have worse moves, and seems
to play slower.

E: Advanced players probably won't play as Hwang, Xainghua seems to be better
in my opinion. If you prefer Hwang, then enjoy, but chances are you'll like
Xainghua also.

M: A master Hwang player is just as deadly as a master Xainghua player, but
for different reasons. Hwang is the King of Kick, try to take him out from a
distance. Don't let yourself get juggle-kicked.



Character #12

Name: Yoshimitsu

Who will like this Character: Someone told me that Yoshimitsu is a Mitsurugi
clone. Not a chance. Yoshimitsu is the most original of the hidden
characters. He is rather slow, and has a rather short range. He makes up for
this with a ton of weird, but powerful moves. If you can take the time to
learn a list of moves, and can block well. Yoshimitsu is the guy for you.

Skill Level,

B: When playing Yoshimitsu the first time, you'll probably say "Man, this guy
sucks". That's true for first time players, don't expect to know how to play
him well the first time, try to learn some moves first.

I: After learning his moves, you'll start to enjoy his "zany" fighting style.
He makes up for his range with the most bizarre moves in the game. Try using
the 'pogostick" attack, it's unblockable and rather powerful.

E: Expert SC players that take the time with Yoshimitsu will understand how
to best use his moves. He is very difficult to play as, but with enough
skill, Yoshimitsu is very powerful, and you have the joy of watching your
opponent scream.

M: Master Yoshimitsu players will never directly attack you. Their favorite
move is to meditate and regain health, then teleport when you get close to
attack. Simply attack with a quick, semi-long ranged attack to counter this.
If they keep using the helicopter attack, just strafe right and left then hit
them when they land.



Character #13

Name: Lizardman

Who will like this Character: Sophita clone, more powerful, slower, some
different moves. Falls into the 'Slow and Powerful group". Can be played like
Sophita, more liked by Nightmare players.

Skill Level,

B: Very easy to play as in the first battle, there is no reason why you can't
select him as soon as you get him and beat the game. Try to take time to
figure out his moves though, he can be useful.

I: Lizardman manages to remain interesting even after you've played him a few
times, he has several leaping moves that can make him a quick attacker. Try
to notice what makes him different from Sophita, you'll like him more once
you understand his strength.

E: Lizardman fails to remain interesting once you've mastered him. Although
he remains quite powerful, he gets very boring. Maybe it's his WWF attitude,
maybe it's the fact that there are just to few differences between him and
Sophita.

M: Fighting a master Lizardman player isn't as hard as you'd think. Block
first, attack hard. You don't have to worry about blazing speed or super
attacks. Someone with a fast attack would work best.



Character #14

Name: Siegfried

Who will like this Character: Nightmare players...

Skill Level,

B: If you're a Nightmare player, you should first be warned that Siegfried
seems to have a shorter range be weaker. Although he plays faster. Not to
hard to get used to.

I: Siegfried has probably already become boring. He has so few differences
from Nightmare. Only good for Soul Edge Memories...

E: Expert SC players will probably find no use for Siegfried, just stick with
Nightmare.

M: A master Siegfried player is as deadly as a master Nightmare player. He'll
be a bit faster, the same strategy should work against him.



Character #15

Name: Rock

Who will like this Character: Astaroth players looking for something new.
Rock is an almost exact clone, with a few minor differences.
Skill Level,

B: First time Rock players will probably try Astaroth's fighting style. This
should work rather well, these two characters have almost exactly the same
moves.

I: After playing Rock for a while, you'll probably enjoy him more than
Astaroth. Although they play almost the same, some of their moves are
slightly different.

E: After playing for a while, the differences between Rock and Astaroth will
seem trivial. There are not enough changes to make Rock any more interesting
than Astaroth. Basically just a different sprite. If you're good with one,
play as the other.

M: A master Rock player is just a deadly as a master Astaroth player. Beware
their power and their range. Try to get in quickly and attack, watch out for
those fast unblockables.



Character #16

Name: Seung Mina

Who will like this Character: Seung Mina is the Kilik clone. They have the
same moves, but seem so different. Seung Mina seems to have the style that
Kilik lacks. If you like Kilik, try playing as Seung Mina.

B: First time Seung Mina players will have an easy time. She seems to have a
slightly shorter range than Kilik, but she's also faster.

I: Seung Mina will probably become boring after a while. While she is an
interesting character, she offers nothing you haven't seen elsewhere.

E: Advanced players may start to understand the subtle differences between
Seung Mina and Kilik. If you try playing he as Kilik, you'll probably do well
and have fun. Try using her speed to your advantage and you'll notice that
she does well being played as Sophita or Taki. Defiantly one of the better
Hidden characters.

M: A master Seung Mina player can be a challenging fighter. Don't let her get
close, remember to block. If you can, try to use a character with a longer
range, or an ultra-power character (Astaroth or Nightmare work well).



Character #17

Name: Cervantes

Who will like this Character: Ruthless people will love Cervantes. Voldo
players and Sophita players will have the easiest time playing as Cervantes.

B: When you first start to play Cervantes, you'll probably notice that he is
amazingly powerful, and fast. He has a long reach and is a ferocious fighter.

I: After playing SC for a while, you'll understand exactly how powerful
Cervantes is. While some of his moves seem to be useless, keep playing as him
and he'll become one of your favorite characters.

E: If you're an expert player, and take the time to learn some of Cervantes's
moves, you will be unstoppable against most fighters. Cervantes has some
amazing combos, and is freakishly powerful. While he is commonly seen as a
cheap character, he has a lot of difficult moves, and takes a good amount of
skill to play well.

M: A master Cervantes player may well be unstoppable. The easiest way to stop
him is to try to out range or out speed him. Try to make him block, don't let
him get the upperhand. If he gets close to you, remember to block, and hit
quickly.



Character #18

Name: Edge Master

Who will like this Character: If you like every character in the game, Edge
Master is the guy for you.

B: Unless you're good with every character, Edge master can be very
difficult. He's good to play as if you want to learn how to play as everyone
else though.

I: By now you should be rather good with most other characters, and thus good
as Edge Master.

E: Experienced players will probably like Edge Master. He adds a lot of risk,
and a lot of variety. His performance is 100% dependent on how well you are
with other characters in the game.

M: A master Edge Master player can really mess up your game. It's easy to
select your character depending on who your opponent chooses, but Edge Master
is completely random. Although I have noticed that he comes up Kilik rather
often. Just go with your best character, and do your best.



Character #19

Name: Inferno

Who will like this Character: Edge Master players, who want to have some new
moves.

B: Same as Edge Master. It all depends on how you are with all the other
characters.

I: You'll probably begin to use his original moves, which are very powerful.
But it ultimately comes down to your skill with other characters. His unique
moves make him more powerful than Edge Master, try to take the time to learn
them.

E: By now you're good with every character in SC. Inferno will add challenge
and variety to your battles. Use his moves, as they are his greatest asset.
If you have problems with him, refresh your mind and play as the other
characters for a while.

M: A master Inferno player is very powerful. Since there is no way to choose
you're character around Inferno, go with you're best one. Try to pick someone
with range or speed. As Inferno does not always take other characters speed
(He makes a very quick Astaroth and Rock). If you see his spinning attack
coming, try to knock him out of the air. It saves you the damage, and really
makes people mad.



Character #20

Name: Random

Who will like this Character: Master Players

B: Don't select this unless you don't mind risking a full battle with your
worse character.

I: You might try this to help improve your skills as other players.

E: By now you probably don't have a character that you're "bad" with, you
should do rather well using Random.

M: Fighting a player who has Mastered every character in the game can be a
daunting task. Play hard and fight to win.



All right, this concludes my Soul Calibur Guide. I hope you enjoyed reading
this, and perhaps it will help you decide which character to play as, or at
least make you think twice about not playing as.

Here's a short Q&A section.

1.Q: How could you be so mean to my favorite character? You must be playing
them wrong...
A: I tried to not be mean to any character. This is just my opinion. I have
played though SC many times with every character. If you disagree with what
I've written, then play as whomever you want.

2.Q: How do I get the hidden characters?
A: Beat the game as all of the first 9 characters, then beat is as all the
new ones. Don't ask for more details.

3.Q: Who do you play as?
A: Well... I consider myself to be a master with most characters, but I am
most deadly with Ivy and Mitsurugi.



All right, now lets give credit where credit is due.

I'd like to thank Lorddodge and Ash for the countless games they have
suffered though with me. I'd like to thank SEGA for making the greatest
system ever, and Namco for making the best fighting game ever. I'd also like
to thank the Hurricane season of '99 for knocking out the sever of my
favorite online MUD and giving me time to focus on Soul Calibur.


SEGA Dreamcast is copyright SOA
SoulCalibur and SoulEdge are copyright Namco
This Guide was written by me, [email protected]
Feel free to give this guide to anyone, just don't charge them for it or say
you wrote it. Please don't write me with complaints or praises, I can't very
well change my opinion to anyone who disagrees and if you're reading this,
that is praise enough.

-Remember, You are a True Hero and your Legend will Never Die.

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