The most recent title in the long-standing Fighting Game series, Soul Calibur 6 provides everything that fans have wanted in the modern entries and more. Being the closest in quality to the cult classic Soul Calibur 2, the 6th entry is the closest to recreating what made the series so enjoyable. Similar to Soul Calibur 2, Soul Calibur 6 provides a fast-paced 3D fighter that is just simple enough to encourage new players to enter the series and with enough depth to solidify itself as a technically impressive Fighter. With an incredibly high skill ceiling and embodying all of the qualities that Soul Calibur fans love, Soul Calibur 6 will establish itself in the upper echelon of the series. Providing enough new mechanics to feel modern, while not losing what made the series so loveable.
As mentioned, the title introduces several new mechanics on top of the classic Soul Calibur formula. From the inclusion of a powerful new Soul Charge and Critical Edge attacks to the immense depth of customization found in the game. Soul Calibur 6 provides both veterans of the series and newcomers a welcome return to form for the series. With a breadth of defensive mechanics, immensely high skill-ceiling, a cast of interesting guest and returning characters from the series, and simply a fun and inventive take on the 3D fighting game genre. However, one of the newest editions to the game is the inclusion of the powerful Reversal Edge attack. Another addition to the breadth of defensive mechanics, that it is under-explained in the game. This guide will assist players struggling with the Reversal Edge mechanic, by explaining, how to do it, what is it, and its intricacies.
What is the Reversal Edge in Soul Calibur 6
The Reversal Edge draws inspiration from defensive mechanics such as the versatile "Focus Attack" from series. However, the system is criminally under-explained within the game, and its utility deserves more explanation.
To perform the Reversal Edge players need to press their respective Guard Button simultaneously with its Vertical attack button. You will know that you performed the correct input if your character emits a red aura. After doing so continue to hold the button for as long as you wish and release in order to unleash the attack.
As you hold down the Reversal Edge input your character will armor through your opponent's attacks, minus Guard Break (blue aura attacks), and unblockable attacks (flaming aura attacks). This makes the Reversal Edge a powerful tool to deal with hyper-aggressive players and tanks through their constant pressure.
After you manage to armor through some of your enemy's attacks, and your Reversal Edge hits them, you will be placed in a short cut scene in which both player's characters will assume a classic standoff then charge each other. As the cut scene initiates players will be allowed to perform one of many actions.
As the Reversal Edge begins players can press one of the three attack buttons in the game. And within the context of the game, these attack buttons fill a quasi-rock, paper, scissors niche. As each attack type defeats one of the other, presenting a mental game of chess during this standoff. Vertical attacks beat out Horizontal attacks, Kicks beat out Verticals, and Horizontals beat Kicks. This is the basis of the Reversal Edge system, and guessing what action your opponent will perform can lead to some high damaging follow-up. Learn your character's commands after each of these Reversal Edge attacks and you may be able to land some high damage follow-ups for winning the clash.
However, the Reversal Edge is not limited to just attacks, players can opt to do some defensive techniques rather than attacking their enemy. Players can choose to block during the Reversal Edge standoff and you will take your opponent's strike and end the clash. This is a solid option if you simply wish to end the attack and regroup. However, blocking an attack in a Reversal Edge clash deals out massive guard gauge damage. Making it one step closer for you to losing your guard and taking some massive damage.
The Reversal Edge system also allows for players to perform one of the four-movement options if they wish. As the cutscene begins if they press either forward, backward, up, or down on their controller their character will move in one of those directions. To add on to the complexity of this system, each of these follow-ups beats out one of the attack options provided.
Pressing backward is simply a method to disengage from the Reversal Edge clash, this is a solid 0ption if you are low on health and simply wish to regroup. The Reversal Edge is a tool that is extremely versatile and can be used to cut off your opponent's momentum and back away if used wisely.
Pressing forward during the clash will allow your character to duck under horizontal attacks. Allowing you to capitalize on the long recovery animation of the attack and then perform an optimal punish. So if your opponent is prone to utilizing horizontals during the Reversal Edge, utilize the forward movement option to unleash a powerful counter-attack.
Sidestepping either by pres or down allows players to counter the vertical buttons of their opponent. Whether it be their character's kicks or their vertical clash, side-stepping allows players to perform another powerful counter-attack if done well.
The question arises though, why chose these movement options and not simply press one of the provided buttons? While there is certainly more risk in using these options, if you guess correctly then it yields a much better reward. However, each of these movement options can get countered with the right button press of your opponent, so keep that in mind as you approach the Reversal Edge mechanic in a real match.
Soul Calibur 6 is available now on Ps4, Xbox One, and PC.