Soul Calibur "Welcome back to the Stage in History" Nightmare Moves List For both the Namco Coin-Op Upright and the Sega Dreamcast Version developed and published by Namco Compiled by Mark Kim (Vesther Fauransy) Version 0.3.4c Date of Completion: January 31, 2000 (No Time Given) Date of Public Release: January 31, 2000 (No Time Given) Copyright Information --------------------- Unpublished work trademarked (tm) and copyrighted (c) by Mark Kim. All Rights Reserved. This file is basically derived from the move lists located at Namco America's Official Soul Calibur Site (http://www.soulcalibur.com) with the exception of some combos, move comments, and some rantings that the player might find useful during gameplay. If for any reason the URL is incorrect, I would like to know the change of URL RIGHT AWAY. This file is SHAREWARE and is strictly for entertainment use only. In addition, this file can only be HTMLized by the sole owner of the file (Mark Kim), regardless whether the content is good or bad. Furthermore, only the following sites shall be granted an exclusive license to view this file over the web: * Verasnaship Interactive (http://www.verasnaship.net) * GameFAQs (http://www.gamefaqs.com) * Secrets of the Game Sages (http://www.gamesages.com) * Cheat Code Central (http://www.cheatcc.com) * Game Shark Code Creators Club (http://www.cmgsccc.com) * Al Amaloo (http://vgstrategies.about.com and http://www.gamewinners.com) It is a criminal act to reproduce and/or retransmit this file in any way, shape, or form (regardless of the medium) and it shall be a criminal act to to use this file at a password-protected site where either user accounts are utilized and/or money is made through these accounts. 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Any breach of copyright, trademark, and/or patents (which includes but not limited to plagiarism, stealing, laming, pirating, or otherwise) and/or using this document for any other purposes other than personal and private purposes, and/or illegal mirroring of this file (other than the five aforementioned URLs as described in the beginning of this disclaimer) is a direct violation of ALL APPLICABLE COPYRIGHT LAWS, International Treaties, Patent Laws, US Title 107, and the Berne Copyright Bill of 1976. Violators and Transgressors shall face severe civil and criminal penalties through the maximum extent possible by law. Mark Kim acknowledges and respects all copyrights, patents (pending or not), and trademarks whether if it's mentioned or not somewhere in either the FAQ Text File and/or site as no copyright infringement was intended. If for any reason I MUST USE any copyrighted resource, then credit will be given at the Acknowledgements Section for the common part. Note that whenever I give credit, I WILL NOT REVEAL ANY E-MAIL ADDRESSES AND/OR OTHERWISE in order to protect the privacy of the people for whom I give credit to. This file has been carefully written by Mark Kim in respect to all copyrights, patents, and trademarks. Soul Calibur, the Soul Edge Sword, Siegfried Schtauffen, Nightmare, and all other Soul Calibur-related events and objects are registered trademarks and copyrighted (c) 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 Namco, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. SoulCalibur.com is copyrighted (c) 1998 Namco America Inc. All Rights Reserved. This document was carefully prepared and created by Mark Kim in respect to all Namco Properties, as no copyright infringement was intended. I'LL MAKE IT SIMPLE: THIS FILE IS MINE AND THERE IS NO UNAUTHORIZED USE OF IT!!! I DIDN'T WRITE THIS FAQ SO THAT YOU CAN MAKE A LIVING OUT OF THIS WORK. AND I NEVER HAD, NEVER WILL WRITE THIS FAQ SO THAT SOME CRAP FREELANCE WRITER CAN INCORPORATE ANYTHING FROM THIS FILE, SLACK OFF, AND GET PAID FOR IT DUE TO THOSE DAMN COMMERCIAL PUBLICATIONS. AND I SURELY DIDN'T WRITE THIS FAQ SO THAT SOME CRAP COPYCATTER CAN JUST STEAL AND/OR PLAGIARIZE THIS WORK AND CLAIM CREDIT FOR IT. AND I DEFINITELY RESTRICTED THE AMOUNT OF WEBSITES THAT CAN MIRROR THIS FAQ SO BE IT!!! It is to remain in its original state, free of charge, and in one piece at all costs. And that's the bottom line. ======================================================================== GAME DATA Genre: Fighting Number of Players: Featuring head-to-head competition against two players or play against the computer Platform: Arcade and Dreamcast Usual Price: Arcade, 50 cents US; Dreamcast, Not Available Developer: Namco Publisher: Namco Dreamcast ESRB Rating: Teen for Strong Animated Violence Arcade AAMA Rating: Strong Animated Violence Features: Continue for Arcade, Memory Card Save for Dreamcast ======================================================================== HISTORY OF THIS FAQ October 1, 1998 --------------- The premiere version of the Nightmare Move List for play on the Soul Calibur Arcade Game by Namco. I was soaked into Nightmare because of his good blend of power and range, making him an enjoyable character. However, his speed isn't as good as Heishiro Mitsurugi's or Taki's, but should give him the edge to beat Astaroth up. October 3, 1998 --------------- This FAQ has been updated as far as Legal and Personal issues are concerned. As much as I can, I would like to TRY TO MAKE THIS FAQ pertinent to my own self. Some parts of this work has been removed because of this suspiction. October 4, 1998 --------------- Added the missing Neutral Notation in the Notations List. Added a few more moves (confirmed by Mark Kim a.k.a. Vestiroth) on the Moves Section. Added the definition of Unblockables in this document. I'm far from finishing this guide because there are a lot of moves that has to be confirmed by me before I do this and with Siegfried Schtauffen just days away from release, maybe I should think about exporting this document's template into my proposed Siegfried FAQ. November 30, 1998 ----------------- Upset because I have to rely directly on http://www.soulcalibur.com to get this guide finished! I haven't performed all the moves yet so no complaints please! A Siegfried Schtauffen Strategy Guide is on the works. December 7, 1998 ---------------- Pretty easy update. I only have to add Nightmare's Ending on this document. January 12, 1998 ---------------- Pretty Mild Update. Switched the "Why a Nightmare Guide" to "Nightmare's Strengths and Weaknesses". Added some Vital Statistics to Nightmare's Repetoire. April 12, 1999 -------------- Use of Vesther Fauransy Brand Name begins. An emergency site has been given out in the event that you can't get the text file directly from Verasnaship Interactive. Also, missing theories are being completed for the first time. Nuts and Bolts for some extent... May 17, 1999 ------------ Minor Update. Voice Talentor gets credit for his time with Nightmare. January 4, 2000 --------------- First it was to revamp my Seung Mi Na Movelist in order to allow a beginner to understand that due to Seung Mi Na's major drawbacks (crappy Vitality, abmyssal Spirit, poor hitting power, laughable Throw Range, and insanely high KO Recovery Times). Then it was to revamp the Siegfried FAQ that I have created thus far in order to force people to understand that at the Beginner Level, it is really important to spend your time with Nightmare for a while before trying your luck with Siegfried. Really. Use Nightmare before you use Siegfried not because you want to make him your character. It's a prerequisite before you can use Siegfried. Now it's time to go back to the basics and explain a bit more why Nightmare should proceed Sieg Schtauffen. There are some ups and downs that Nightmare and Siegfried has, and through my test plays as the Zweihander twins, I have managed to "spot the target". Now that the Dreamcast version of Soul Calibur has came out, This FAQ will work for both versions. However, there are some Dreamcast only stunts that I WILL NEVER EXPLAIN. Never. I am centralizing this FAQ for Arcade Enjoyment Purposes. Feel free to use this FAQ so that you can practice up a bit more with Nightie, but keep in mind that this FAQ WILL ALWAYS be centralized towards the Arcade Version, though this FAQ can be used as a Dreamcast "double" towards a certain extent. The differences between the Sieg and Nightmare FAQs that I have created is rather minimal because they both play the same way. Coming Soon ----------- * With my Nightmare and Siegfried FAQs refined and updated in order to ban much of the "unneeded legal tralala", I would then set my sights upon updating Lizard Man since he's my major back-up character. If all goes well with Lizard Man, then I'll try to spend some time with Sophie, even though she's pretty slow and bland to use. To tell you the honest truth, both Sophie and Lizzie are scrub-friendly characters and they should only be used as backup characters if you think you can't win after 3-5 matches. They're pretty easy to get used to and they also qualify as Conventional characters thanks to their ease of use. * Next would have to be either Voldo or Yoshimitsu. While these two weirdoes are hard to use, Voldo is worthwhile because he provides speed and variety without having to sacrifice power, vitality, KO Recovery, or any major drawbacks that is plaguing Seung Mi Na. Yoshimitsu is as potent as he was in the Tekken Series with a few twists and turns so that the learning curve for Yo-Man would be fresh for the Stage in History. * Astaroth and Rock comes last. While they have massive power and high vitality, they don't offer too much depth in comparison with some of the lower-vitality characters, namely Voldo, Seung Mi Na, or et. al. By the way, the Update Comments for January 4, 2000 is directly borrowed from my very own Siegfried FAQ with some twists and turns. Enough rambling, enjoy the updates. January 29, 2000 ---------------- OOPS!!! Sorry!!! Got the Newsflash wrong!!! January 31, 2000 ---------------- Al Amaloo looks to be a promising licensee: I've given him my seal of approval to mirror 6 out of 8 Soul Calibur FAQs (Notice that I have yet to update 2 of them which is Astaroth and Rock, and I have to tune up Astaroth and Rock before I can give Al my seal of approval to mirror the Astaroth and Rock Move Lists). The FAQs that Al now has in mirrored stock are Seung Mi Na, Nightmare, Siegfried, Voldo, Yoshimitsu, and Lizard Man. I have yet to update both Astaroth and Rock so that it can be presently mirrored by Al Amaloo. Thanks for your patience. ======================================================================== TABLE OF CONTENTS - Newsflash - Reasons for a Massive Update - What is Soul Calibur? - What was the Siegfried Move List intended for - Sieg Rants - Sieg at a glance - Starting Theories - Advanced Theories - The Notations - Move List - Combos - How to use Sieg efficiently - Sieg's Ending - Playing your Soul Calibur Share - Do's and Dont's - Resources - Acknowledgements ======================================================================== NEWSFLASH As always, newer versions of this document can be found at Verasnaship Interactive, which is my website (http://www.verasnaship.net to be exact). If you have any suggestions, bug busts, or other things that you need to share with me, please point your browser to my convenient Web Mail Form (http://www.verasnaship.net/emailme.html). I give you explicit rights to e-mail me using the E-Mail Form, however I HIGHLY FORBID ANY DIRECT E-MAILINGS THROUGH MY MAILBOX THROUGH THE USE OF AN E-MAIL CLIENT. I will only be able to answer letters that have been submitted via the Form Mail Page (The URL again is http://www.verasnaship.net/emailme.html). If you send any e-mail directly to my POP3 Mailbox through use of an E-Mail Client, then I won't answer it unless it came from the form mail page. This document must be viewed on a monotype font like Courier New or the alignment of this file will never be correct. To fix the alignment problem while you are browsing throughout the web, please follow the directions: 1. On Netscape Navigator, click on Edit, and click on Preferences. 2. On the Appearance Pane, click on Fonts 3. On "Fixed Width Font", choose COURIER NEW as the font face and for the font size, click on "10". Here's a piece of useless text to make sure that the alignment of the file is correct: 1234567890 ********** I highly recommend that you view this file through Edit.COM if you are either a Windows/DOS User or through SimpleText if you are a Mac User. Linux users should follow the directions on how to align this document correctly. ======================================================================== REASONS FOR A MASSIVE UPDATE This section is taken directly from my own Siegfried FAQ with the exceptions of more reasons why Nightmare goes first before Siegfried. Many months has passed since I have last updated this Move List for Sieg Schtauffen. While Sieg and Nightmare are identical as far as the move variety is concerned, both Sieg and Nightmare have their own physical differences in order to keep the twists of the time release characters going, much to the tradition of Hajime Nakatani's Tekken series. As you probably know already, Nightmare is basically Siegfried possessed by the cursed sword. More on this later as I progress. Unfortunately, I have to write this section because "I felt a disturbance in the force". This could be the fact that many Siegfried players are using Sieg as their first character the first time they play Soul Calibur because they are familiar with Sieg's moves from Soul Edge. The worst possible reason (IN ANY FIGHTING GAME) is for "sex appeal". More on this later as I progress on. I just hate it whenever I see someone play as Siegfried first since it's because his speed is higher than Nightmare's, it's the only character they knew how to use from Soul Edge, or even worse, sex appeal *yuck*. No matter what are your positions between Nightmare and Siegfried would be, IT IS THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT YOU USE NIGHTMARE FIRST AND TAME NIGHTMARE BEFORE GOING AHEAD TO USE SIEGFRIED. I'm being vehement on having you master Nightmare first before Siegfried because if you don't take some time to master Nightmare, you may not be able to know the CHEERS AND JEERS Sieg holds. A COMMON NOTE ABOUT FIGHTING GAMES, REGARDLESS: If you are a beginner in ANY FIGHTING GAME, then DO NOT CHOOSE A CHARACTER simply because you like how they look. You need to select a character that you will be able to last for more than 5 minutes on Versus Games the first time you play the fighting game. Don't get all pissed if you can't master the character in one day as fighting games require you to spend a lot of time with one character and to take full advantages of a character's strengths while you tame the weaknesses to make the character work for your repetoire. Sieg plays a lot differently than he did in Soul Edge. He is a lot quicker in his draws and he has three stances like Nightmare. However, his only drawbacks is that he has less vitality than Nightmare. To tell you the honest truth, Nightmare recovers from KOs A LOT BETTER THAN SIEGFRIED CAN, and Nightmare can't be juggled as often as Siegfried can. However, Siegfried can still recover from KOs surprisingly fast, although Nightmare can recover from KOs a lot better than Sieg. To make it simple, both Nightmare and Siegfried are easier to use than Siegfried in Soul Edge, but Nightmare is a lot more basic. So if you want to use Siegfried, you minus well use Nightmare first. In the Dreamcast Version, the same thing holds between Nightmare and Sieg. Use Nightmare first and use him like you would with Bread and Butter before using Siegfried. You'll know the strengths and weaknesses of the Zweihander (pronounced Tsvei-hahndur and it's "Two-Hander" in English) a lot better if you start out with Nightmare first. While Siegfried has more variety than Nightmare, Nightmare is a lot more forgiving when you use any of his moves because his lag time isn't as high as Siegfried's. However, Nightmare is noticeably slower than Siegfried so you might notice that some of the juggles that I have stated on my Siegfried FAQ to be a lot harder to perform with Nightmare as opposed to Siegfried. When properly used and when his weaknesses (rather poor dexterity and some lag times in between conventions in addition to unimpressive juggling power) are tamed in order to make Nightmare one with you, Nightmare can prove to be a formidable character and a powerhouse. While Siegfried has some bonuses that makes him worth playing, it is Nightmare who will help you shed the light towards your path to become a good Siegfried player. If you have taken lots of time to tame up Nightmare, then you should have no problem taming up Siegfried (possibly minimal effort) by the time you make your transition between Nightmare and Siegfried. Basically speaking, it's hard to say which one's better. Enough rambling. Let's get it ON. ======================================================================== WHAT IS SOUL CALIBUR? Soul Calibur is the sequel to the Three Dimensional Weapon Arcade Hit Soul Edge which was created by Hajime Nakatani utilizing the System 12 Board. Soul Calibur boosts the same gameplay of Soul Edge but with even smoother frame animation, octogonial-dimensional running, and even more features that may burn its father to a crisp. Captain Cervantes De Leon has taken the Soul Edge when he was only 26 years of age, and during the next 2 decades, rumors have been discovered that Soul Edge has been deemed as the Sword of Salvation, while others consider Soul Edge as the Ultimate Evil Sword. Not all warriors were able to reach Soul Edge, as some souls (such as Li Long) has been killed by Cervantes's strength and agility, but there are a few who was able to reach Cervantes and best him in sorts. Sophitia Alexandra destroyed the jagged right blade of the Soul Edge, but was wounded by the shards. At the self-same instant, Cervantes vowed to kill Sophie with the left blade (unjagged), but was attacked and defeated without warning by Taki. Taki took a shard of the foul blade while taking Sophie back to Greece. As Siegfried Schtauffen attempted to retrieve the foul blade, he is forced to wield his Zweihander (Faust) against Soul Edge, the keeper of Secrets. After Soul Edge's demise, Siegfried took the foul blade, not realizing that the sword was trying to accept Sieg as a new host to house its evil power. Meanwhile, a village at Spain has witnessed the birth of the Evil Seed, which are grounds for serious disasters of the world. This game features 10 characters when the game is first stocked: - Xianghua - Kilik - Nightmare - Heishiro Mitsurugi - Sophitia Alexandra - Voldo - Astaroth - Maxi - Taki - Isabella Valentine a.k.a. Ivy There are also Time Release characters available after the TRC warms up. Here are the confirmed character addies as per SoulCalibur.Com: - Hwang Sung Kyung - Yoshimitsu - Lizardman - Siegfried Schtauffen - Rock - Seung Mina - Edge Master The reason why I focus primarily on Nightmare and Siegfried is because they are my primary characters I use. I also offer movelists for Astaroth, Rock, and Seung Mi Na (I know it sucks, but I have to meet the demands of the many "Mi Na Lovers" around the world). ======================================================================== INTENTIONS FOR A NIGHTMARE MOVE LIST This move was intended to serve primarily as a very descriptive move list for the malformed host of the foul blade and the soul responsible for the murder of Stefan Ostrinesburg and the destruction of the proud Ostrinesburg Castle, Nightmare. I am NOT going to help you on how to fight the CPU foes (since the focus is human against human competition), but I am also going to help you out on some combos. Nightmare is one of the 10 default characters that are unlocked immediately right after the cabinet is stocked at its arcade shelves. I highly recommend Nightmare for beginners because even though Sophitia may be a beginner's character, I highly recommend Nightmare (in addition to Heishiro Mitsurugi) for beginners. All it takes is to master all of his moves and to learn how to use the stances correctly. After some time taming Nightmare, you'll realize that Nightie is much more forgiving to use than Sophie on the long run thanks to his attributes that allows room for drama. Throughout the TRC Lifestream, you will eventually get Siegfried Schtauffen. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you play as Nightmare a couple times before using Siegfried. If you go ahead and play as Ziggy before you even use Nightie, then you will be unaware of the bonuses Ziggy has. So it's IMPORTANT THAT YOU MASTER NIGHTMARE before you even play as Siegfried when Siegfried is released! I create Text-Based Move Lists so that you can print-out and since I'm doing it on a character to character basis, my whole intention for this work is to make learning a character simple focusing on one character at a time. I will also review some of the theories with you. These theories are universal to all characters. Because a fighting game has some theories that you need to learn for a healthy fight, I recommend that you read the Fighting Theories in this document. Read this guide over and over again, and practice your I/O on a "fake" controller. Therefore, you will be prepared to execute the moves that will keep your foes at bay. In conclusion to this, here is what I recommend for the Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and the Professional Players: Beginners: * Nightmare * Heishiro Mitsurugi * Kilik Intermediate: * Xianghua * Astaroth Advanced: * Maxi * Taki * Voldo Professional: * Ivy Much of the reason why I didn't put Sophie Alexandra in one of the skill level characters is because Sophie is the blandest character in the game. Since you need to master the default characters first, this is how things are done. And that is why I created a move list for Nightmare and Siegfried so that you will be aware that "you need to master Nightie before Ziggy". You're welcome to offer me with any bug fixes at this location: - http://www.verasnaship.net/text/emailme.html ======================================================================== NIGHTMARE RANTS THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOTE: This section is ALSO derived from my very own Siegfried FAQ but with more reasons why it's important to use Nightmare first before Siegfried. There are bound to be times in the Soul Calibur Forum (located at http://www.soulcalibur.com/cgi-bin/wwwboard.cgi) when people will say "Voldo is the man!" just because that character doesn't have any weaknesses at all. That is wrong. You should understand that by writing this work, NO CHARACTER is complete without any strengths or weaknesses. some rants that you need to know: Nightmare is just as powerful as Siegfried is but he attacks slightly slower and his dexterity is a lot lower than Sieg's. However, when concerned about the Recovery and Vitality Issues, Nightmare is the winner in these categories. Although Sieg and Nightmare can recover quickly and can withstand exceptional amounts of punishment, Nightmare can recover from KOs a bit easier than Siegfried and Nightmare's vitality is slightly higher too. Nightmare sacrifices speed for ease-of-use, higher recovery times, and better HP and Vitality as well. Nightmare's only drawbacks is his modest depth of complicated juggles that Taki offers. Although Nightmare and Siegfried shares the same attacking power, you need to use him offensively and mix in between high and low hits. If you keep on using moves that has high lag time (Nightmare has less lag time than Siegfried), then "you will be seriously wounded" in a flash. That is why you need to learn how to use Nightmare first before using Siegfried. If you use Siegfried before you use Nightmare, then you won't know the full bonuses and drawbacks Sieg has over Nightmare. Some of the moves Sieg has a longer lag time than Nightmare but most of the moves Sieg can recover faster in between transitions when used properly. Like Nightmare, Sieg has a good collection of moves that can be used either at short or long range, but it's recommended that you use these moves to protect your front. Fortunately, Sieg (like Nightmare) has some good short-range moves that can drag the foe further back so that Sieg can force a foe to play range games. Nightmare is more suitable for starters, but Siegfried is just as good with a little more variety. Part of the reason why Soul Calibur is a complicated game is because of the physical differences in between characters. No matter how long it will take you to master the fighters, you will take hits and you'll eventually lose. That is why getting to know Nightmare first before Siegfried is just as important as to tame Sieg's weakness so that Sieg can work for you. Basically, Nightmare and Siegfried are identical as far as variety and attributes are concerned, but since I'm a Zweihander player, I would say it's a tossup as of this point. It's hard for me to say which character's better of the two. In a future update for the Nightmare Move List that I have created, I will explain more about the reasons why I'm pretty vehement about using Nightmare before Siegfried. It might take you a lifetime to tame up Nightmare before you are capable of using Siegfried, so don't get pissed just because of this rant. Both Nightmare and Siegfried lack the hardcore juggles of expert players so avoid trying out risky juggles from the start. Use only moves that will protect your entire front and will force your foe to play defensively all the time. Although Nightmare is slightly slower than Siegfried in certain conventions, Nightmare has less lag time when recovering from non-conventional moves. This allows Nightmare to fire off as many mid-ranged shots he need to make a foe play defensively. Don't bother using Nightmare for range games since his Zweihander (Soul Edge actually) allows Nightmare some time for error, plus his weapon is suitable for any range. If Nightmare gets into a jam, don't worry--he has plenty of close-range moves that he can use--Not only this will drag an opponent backwards, but it *should* force an opponent to think twice before attacking Night once again. Statistics: Power: **** Dexterity: ** Range: *** (Nightmare has a good assortment of mid-ranged moves) Vitality: **** Spirit: **** Health: **** Throw Range: Better than Siegfried's, but only second to Astaroth's, Rock's, and Hwang's "elastic reach". ======================================================================== NIGHTMARE AT A GLANCE This section of this document has been taken from Namco America's Soul Calibur Site at http://www.soulcalibur.com and from Fighters.NET's Soul FAQ by Mr MG (http://www.fighters.net). Catch Copy: The Azure Nightmare Weapon: The Legendary Sword Soul Edge Weapon's Name: The Legendary Sword Soul Edge Style: The Memories of Soul Edge (Assumed) Age in Years: Unknown Date of Birth: Unknown Family: Unknown Place of Origin: Unknown Height: 5 foot, 6 inches Weight: 209 lbs Blood Type: Unknown Stage: Ruins of Ostrinesburg Castle. Founded by Sir Stefan somewhere at Mittelbirge. However, after Nightmare destroyed the castle, it became a ruin of evil nobody wanted to touch! BGM Music: In the Name of the Father Sub-Boss: Sophitia Alexandra Reason: Sophie is ordered to destroy the forbidden sword at all costs. Voice Talent: Nobuyuki Hiyama Throughout bloody battles, Siegfried has finally came to the point where Soul Edge is finally defeated. This soul, this armor, this sword, no more battles have to be fought. Soul Edge stood in front of him. He picked up the sword, but ownership of the sword came at a price... Demons were inside the sword. Siegfried's armor began to twist and pain begins to develop in his right hand. Take pity on poor Sieg, for he cries in extreme agony. Siegfried is no more. Nobody knows where Siegfried is right now. Three years ago, the villagiers at Spain witnessed the birth of the Evil Seed that signifies that further disaster will strike new fears around the world. Newer evils will arise as newer souls will help cleanse the lands of the Evil Seed. Unfortunately, three years after the birth of the Evil Seed, the proud region known as Ostrinesburg was in for a night of terror and despair as a mysterious knight bearing the altered Soul Edge on its malformed right hand (eye on Soul Edge to denote its hunger for souls) approached through a full moonlight. It seemed that Cervantes De Leon might have returned. Only this time, the evil and the will to steal souls is a lot more dreaded than before. After destroying Ostrinesburg Castle, Nightmare made himself at home on this once-proud castle at Mittelebirge, Germany. Is there any weak spots for this soul stealer?! Please credit either Mark Griffin as Mr MG (http://www.fighters.net), Jason Arney (http://www.namco.com) as WCMaxi, or just type in the aforesaid URLs in your Acknowledgement section where credit is due. ======================================================================== BASIC FIGHTING THEORIES This section is basically derived from Namco's explanation of Basic Soul Calibur Theories (http://www.soulcalibur.com/system.html). I won't explain too much of them with the exception of partial explanation since the aforementioned acknowledgement in parentheses does a good job handling the theories in detail. Remember, this document is basically a depriative of Namco's index of theories at their Soul Calibur Site with the exception of text descriptions and only partial description of the theories in the game. Blocking -------- If for any reason you MUST learn a Martial Art, then the obvious art that you learn at the early stages of development is DEFENSE. Without defense, the Martial Art is all for naught. To play the game efficiently, I'll tell you what each type of blocking means. Here's how to execute a Neutral Guard (first seen in Tekken 2): - Neutral Guard High, Joystick Neutral. Blocks all High and Mid Attacks - Neutral Guard Low, Joystick Down. Blocks all Low Attacks Be aware that there is a minus when using Neutral Guard: Any attack that forces a Block Stagger WILL deplete your guard, meaning that the next blow could hurt you in some sorts. I call Neutral Guard "Weak Guarding" as this type of guard was meant for blocking attacks that doesn't block stagger you. This falls into the term of Heavy Guarding, which you do by holding the Guard Button. Here's how to continually block without receiving a hit during a Neutral Guard: - Heavy Guard High, Hold G and Joystick Neutral, Blocks all High and Mid Attacks, and any High and Mid Staggers - Heavy Guard Low, Hold G and Joystick Down, Blocks all Low Attacks and Low Staggers Even though you are staggered, provided that you ARE holding the Guard Button you will continue to block even though you are staggering. To start blocking right after you are attacked during a combo, you need to joystick Neutral and hit and hold Guard at the right time. Properties ---------- For abbreviations about properties, see the Notations. Also, during the moves, I MAY BE ABLE to alert you if a move is a block stagger or a whatever. High: A Head Hit. Crouchable. Nuff Said Mid: These hits will hit you in your mid-section. Definitely must be blocked high. Low: Slice the legs! Block Low or try to jump. Special Mid: These will hit you in your midsection, but can be blocked either high or low, just be sure to jam in that Guard Button. Ground: Limited use, only hits prone foes. Unblockable Moves ----------------- Unblockable Moves are techniques that require a long time to charge but when the move hits the foe, it will cause damage even though it's blocked. Unblockable moves leave you vulnerable during the execution of the move which can cause some spectacular (and embarrasingly painful) counterhits if for any reason your foe gets into you. Unblockable High: Defeats a High Guard, MUST BE CROUCHED! Unblockable Mid: This will hit the Mid section and will defeat any type of guard. YOU MUST MOVE AWAY FROM YOUR FOE WHEN HE/SHE IS DOING THE UNBLOCKABLE MID MOVE OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES! Unblockable Low: Defeats a Low Guard. Dodge or jump to avoid getting jacked. Throws ------ No need for much explanation here. Throws also defeat guard, but unlike Unblockables, with the right timing, you can escape throws, a feature first seen in Tekken 2. As you are being grabbed, press the following button(s) to escape the throw. If you are not fast enough, oh well... =O All G+A Throws: A All G+B Throws: B Side Throws, and Back Throws: Escape dependant on throw used Throws mainly are considered high hits, but Astaroth has a Mid Throw and a Ground Throw. To escape Astaroth's Drop of Lava, A at start of throw. To escape Astaroth's Burial, B at start of throw. I don't want to spoil all the fun of having to discover the throw escape methods so I'll leave the escapes up to you (with the exception of the universal throw commands). Stepping -------- No need for explanation here. All you need to do is to just tap the joystick lightly in any direction and return joystick to Neutral. In Soul Calibur, you can step at any direction! This is good because this gives you a way for free movement around the arena! Octagonial-Way Running (Eight-Way Run) -------------------------------------- This is brand new in a Namco Fighting Game, and is probably the most obvious skill you need to learn if you want to master Soul Calibur at a faster pace than in Soul Edge. Eight-Way Running is done by tapping the joystick at the desired direction you want to run, and holding the lever at the SAME DIRECTION you want to run once again. Please remember that in order to make the Eight Way Run work, the key to make the run work correctly is to make the lever "touch" instead of tapping the direction too quickly. Also, please be aware that some moves can only be executed using an Eight Way Run, so keep that in mind. For example, in Tekken 3, if you press Back, and hold Back, then you would just leap backwards. In Soul Calibur, if you tap back, and then hold back, then you would run backwards (though not as fast as if you were to dash forward). Tapping on the desired direction you want to move and holding the desired direction you want to run (with the exception of forward) is the key to effective defensive assaults. MORE ON EIGHT-WAY RUN ATTACKS ON THE OFFENSE DEFINITIONS. Crouching --------- No need for much explanation here. Just hold Down all the way while pressing guard to crouch. Remember since you are given freedom of movement in this game, you may not need to crouch unless you need to block a low attack, or et. al. Jumping ------- In Soul Edge and Tekken 3, you can jump depending on how long you hold UP on the joystick. Now those days are gone. In Soul Calibur, you can only jump by performing certain moves or by holding Block and pressing UP while the Block Button is held. You shouldn't need to use a jump because Soul Calibur's Freedom of Movement puts this feature to a crying shame. Offense Overview ---------------- Soul Calibur's offense system is pretty complex, that it would take a beginner about $25 to master offensive arts. Here are the types of offense Soul Calibur has available (Examples and/or descriptions on parentheses): - Button Tapping (Astaroth's B,B) - Button Rolling (Mitsurugi's K~B) - Button Holding (Nearly all of Asta's attacks for variety) - Multiple Buttons (Mitsurugi's A+B) - Tapping (Yoshimitsu's f+B) - Double Tapping (Yoshimitsu's f,[f]+B) - Shift Motions (You press a button first and then tap a Joystick Direction, gives this game more depth!) - Joystick Rolling (Kilik's QCF+A+B) - Completely Crouched (Hold G, Press down. Now release G and a good example would be Nightmare's WC+df+G+B) - Rise up from a Crouch (Siegfried's WS+B) - Eight Way Run Attacks (Siegfried's Brain Masher) - Combination Commands (Probably the most difficult form to understand, let's take Mitsurugi's f,[f]+A+B for instance) It's easy to do these motions than to say, so I recommend going onto Namco's explanation at http://www.soulcalibur.com/system.html for a more in-depth explanation of the Basic Arts of Sword Fighting as I don't want to spoil all the fun of theory discovery. :) ======================================================================== ADVANCED FIGHTING THEORIES Now here's the CREME DE LA CREME of Soul Calibur. Read them carefully as these will be important to know on your quest to become a good player in Soul Calibur. This section basically runs through Namco's index of Advanced Soul Calibur Theories (http://www.soulcalibur.com/systemadv.html) but I will ONLY go partial on these theories because I don't want you to rely on this document directly. As much as I want you to have fun with Namco's Soul Calibur Site, you are encouraged to browse through the aforementioned acknowledgement in parentheses. Guard Impacts ------------- Something new way back in Soul Edge. You block the instant you see a slash coming at you. In Soul Edge, when you block the instant something is coming at you, you just stagger the foe. Now there's something more in Soul Calibur. Pressing Forward and the Guard Button as soon as some slash is coming at you will push the offensive character into a back stagger. You can only do a Forward and Block Button Impact Stagger at High to Mid Attacks. Pressing Down-Forward and Guard Impact Staggers any Mid to Low Attacks. This is one important move to learn because sooner or later you may get upset seeing your foe play pattern games, etc. and if your patience has been used up, then it's time to Impact-Cut your foe off. I like to call this "Frontal-Push" because Guard Impact Repelling also pushes your foe backwards. To be more descriptive, here's how to "Front-Push" your foe: - f+G to Repel High and Mid Attacks - df+G to Repel Low Attacks Guard Parries ------------- Guard Parries are something new in Soul Calibur that isn't included in Soul Edge. To Guard Parry, press Back and Guard the moment a slash is coming at you to side-push your foe at high and mid attack heights or press Down-Back and Guard at the same time to side-push your foe at Mid to Low attack Heights. This seems to be a great counterattack because when mastered, can be satisfying to pull off at times just because you can go into a side throw afterwards. The Guard Impaction causes your character to block the attack and side-push your foe at the same time. A must do for the faster characters like Taki, Sophitia, Hwang Sung Kyung, Maxi, and Heishiro Mitsurugi. In more-depth explanation, here's how to "side-push" your foe: - b+G to parry High and Mid Attacks - db+G to parry Low Attacks Parries are best done when your foe tries to use a powerful long-range move on you. Understanding Throws -------------------- I'm not going to explain too heavily on this (mainly because I want you to just sit back and enjoy Namco's Advanced Theory Explanations at http://www.soulcalibur.com/systemadv.html) but this seems weird: Characters sometimes scream differently when doing throws, meaning that there are some time for error to jam in that escape button before all is lost. Use this as a hint for what button you need to use in order to escape throws. A good example would be Siegfried's "Taaah!" in one throw and "Eiihhh!" in another throw. Staggers -------- What is a stagger? It's when you throw a blow and if the opponent blocks it, he/she falls back, causing you to maintain your distance away from foe. However, there are also some moves that drain you after it's blocked so be careful. You need to learn how to stagger and then try to let him/her have it with a move that hits at a different location other than the height he/she is trying to block you at. Variating hits and hitting him/her at the unguarded area while he/she is staggered will help, though you may need to allow some room for error. Pinning Attacks --------------- In Soul Edge, you had to jump up and stab at your opponent by using a certain command. Gone are the days of those sissy pin attacks. Now you can use VIRTUALLY ANY ATTACK to perform all the Pin Attacks when your foe is down! However, Pin Attacks are a lot harder to get this time around now that quick recovery has been enabled. Quick Recovery -------------- When you are knocked over the air, or right after you get knocked down, hit the Guard Button as much as you can to recover. This reduces the amount of juggling pain and Okizeme the foe can commit. If you are knocked down on the ground, try leaving the joystick neutral and hit the Guard Button rapidly to recover blocking. The recovery time and the amount of drama required to recover depends on your character's physical attributes. Notations --------- Ever since my Nightmare Move List I first created, I felt that it's time to go with the Namco way of using moves. I suggest that you read the Notations over and over again in order to become familiar with the moves. The Notations I've been using on the Nightmare Move List and Siegfried Move List has been confusing, so I'm planning to fix the notations on these move lists as well. Soul Charging ------------- Soul Charging allows you to perform more powerful versions of your special moves. I call Soul Charging a preparation for Desperation because this allows you to inflict as much damage as a Counter Hit would cause. Soul Charging also has some added bonuses such as longer staggers. Be careful that while you are Soul Charging, you leave yourself vulnerable for high-damage hits so use the Soul Charge wisely. Hold A+B+K and as soon as you are charged up, let loose. Spirit Charging --------------- Spirit Charging allows you to perform even more powerful attacks that a Soul Charge would have dreamed of. Spirit Charging takes more time and effort to perform than a Soul Charge. BTW you can't block while you are on Soul or Spirit Charge Mode so use these features wisely. Spirit Charges are also called Divine Desperations which allows you to perform attacks that has higher bonuses than a Soul Charge, and it's possible that some attacks using a spirit charge may become unblockable! All you have to do is to hold A+B+K, and then hold G to charge up. As soon as you are flashing yellow, let loose. Delaying to Increasing Weight of the Moves ------------------------------------------ So what do I do on this? I simply hold the button to increase the weight of the move and I inflict extra damage with the move. This is actually called a Motion Delay, a feature that allows you to delay the move to either change property or increase damage, or even TO TRICK THE FOE THAT YOU ARE ATTACKING ALL OF A SUDDEN! If you happen to inflict Maximum Delay at times, the move will either turn into an unblockable move, will have the hitting location change, or more commonly, increase the damage done to your foe. Combine that with either a Soul or Spirit Charge-Up for maximum OUCH! Use this feature wisely, though. Part of the reason why I had to omit some of the more useful theories bubbled out at Namco's Index of Advanced Soul Calibur Fighting Theories (http://www.soulcalibur.com/systemadv.html) is because I DON'T WANT TO TAKE AWAY ALL THE FUN OF BROWSING THROUGH THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT LISTED IN PARENTHESES like I said before. Keep on browsing through the two aforementioned acknowledgements in both the Basic and Advanced Sections of the Theory Review and you should be fine. Remember, I'm only reviewing theories derived from Namco's official Soul Calibur Site. ======================================================================== NOTATIONS f: Forward b: Tap Backward u: Tap Up d: Tap Down uf: Tap Up-Forward ub: Tap Up-Backward df: Tap Down-Forward db: Tap Down-Backward n: Point the Joystick back to Neutral A: Horizontal Slash Button B: Vertical Slash Button K: Kick Button G: Guard Button ~: Tap the control Command immediately +: Tap the control command at the same time [x]: Hold the aforesaid command control 8WR: Perform an Eight Way Run first WS: Crouch, then Rise up with the following commands performed at the same time. WC: Fully Crouched BT: Back Turned qcb: Do a quarterspin of the Joystick from Down to Back qcf: Do a quarterspin of the Joystick from Down to Forward hcf: Do a halfspin of the joystick from Back to Forward hcb: Do a halfspin of the joystick from Forward to Backward qcdf: Do a quarterspin of the Joystick from Down-Back to Down-Forward qcdb: Do a quarterspin of the Joystick from Down-Forward to Down-Backward L: As you land H: The move will hit high M: The move will hit mid SM: The move will hit mid, but can be blocked while crouching L: The move will hit low !: Unblockable Mid ?: Unblockable High &: Unblockable Low P: Hits Prone Foes NSS: The move must be started from a Night-Side Stance NBS: You must initiate a Night Behind Stance First NLS: You must initiate a Night Lower Stance First ======================================================================== MOVES ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Throwing Moves ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The following are available to Nightmare as Throw Moves. Keep in mind that Astaroth's throw range is excellent while Seung Mi Na's throw range is rather lame. Nightmare's throw range is probably second to Astaroth's throw range. The throw range depends on the Power, Speed, and Range of your character. I'll try to explain about Throw Escapes in the future. Hilt Impact ----------- Command: G+A on Front Throw Type: Front Throw Button to escape: A at start of throw Comments: This throw has to hurt so much. Nightmare uses the Soul Edge's handle to land two hard punches on your face. If you are close enough to the edge of the ring, this move can ring-out. Nightmare Slasher ----------------- Type: Front Throw Command: G+B Button to escape: B at start of throw Nightmare does two Siamese slashes to his lame foe. Not a good throw if you are ring-out minded. Flap Jack --------- Type: Front Throw Command: Any throw fully crouched Button to escape: Escape dependant on throw being used If you are crouching and if you are pretty close to your foe, then you can still flip your foe and piss the foe off. However, the best time to use this throw is when somebody's doing a Horizontal Slash Combo at you. Just make sure it's not an attack that hits Mid instead. Prone Flap Jack --------------- Type: Prone Throw Command: While your foe's on the canvas, perform the Flap Jack Button to escape: INESCAPABLE A brutal attack. Dirty Nightmare! Nightmare likes to crouch and when his foe is on the canvas, alley ooop his foe. Calamity Fall ------------- Type: Left Side Throw Command: Any throw on Foe's left side Command to escape: Escape dependant on throw being used Nightmare shows his brute strength by performing a crowd-pleasing Side-Suplex shared in Pro Wrestling Unholy Terror ------------- Type: Right Side Throw Command: Any throw on Foe's right side Command to escape: Escape dependant on throw being used This has to be one of the more fantastic throws in the game: Nightmare impales his foe, and then tosses him (with foe still impaled) over his shoulder. The foe is released from the edge afterwards. OUCH. Witch Hunting ------------- Type: Back Throw Command: Any throw close from behind Command to escape: Escape dependant on throw being used Nightmare stabs his foe's back and SHOVES him/her VERY HARD and then stops pin-impaling. Not one of the more spectacular moves, though. I know it sucks but I have to use this site and credit them because their information's pretty reliable on the long run. Forgive me on this. =( ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Regular Moves ------------------------------------------------------------------------ These moves can be performed at anytime. Keep in mind that now that there are Eight-Way (Octo) Run moves, your strategy has to change a bit. The explained here are the following that you can perform assuming that you did not press any direction twice and attack after initiating an Eight-Way Run. One Slash --------- Command: A Property: H Note: Hold A to shift to NSS Nightmare does a single slash. Slash Cross ----------- Command: A,A,B Properties: H,H,M Note: The Third Hit can be delayed. Final tap staggers when blocked Nightmare does two horizontal slashes and ends with a vertical slash that strikes prone foes. For a delayed version, pause after the second HS press, then press VS as soon as your confident enough that you won't execute the final slash without drama. The Double Grounder ------------------- Command: A,d+A,A Properties: H,L,L Note: Hits 2 and 3 staggers whenever blocked. Nightmare does a single slash, then does two sweeping slashes. Not really effective since the High Slash can be crouched and the sweeping slashes can be blocked at any time. Quick Spin Slash ---------------- Command: f+A Property: High Note: Hold A to shift to NSS Nightmare does a turnaround high slash. Turnaround Right Slasher ------------------------ Command: f,[f]+A Property: H Note: Staggers whenever blocked Nightmare does a turnaround slash that side-knocks your foe. A quick move, but people can crouch from it. Not a good move to use against the smaller characters like Xianghua and Seung Mi Na. Armet Crusher ------------- Command: df+A Property: M Note: Staggers whenever blocked Nightmare does a mid-section blow using the base of the sword instead of the edges. Pretty much like a Backhand I say... Leg Slicing ----------- Command: d+A Property: L Note: Recovers Crouching, use this to start WS or WC Moves Nightmare lands a Horizontal slash at his foe's shin. Shadow Slicer ------------- Command: db+A Property: L Note: Hold A to motion delay. Motion Delaying this move does more damage and has higher ring-out power, but you need to use the Motion Delay wisely because it also slows down the flow of liquid. A turnaround sweeping slash similar to what you have seen with the Double Grounder Move. Back Spin Slash --------------- Command: b+A or A~G,A Property: H Nightmare spins backwards and ends with a lovely Horizontal Slash. The Alternate Execution of this move does less damage. Diving Leg Slash ---------------- Command: [G]~u,LND+A Property: L Nightmare jumps, and as he lands, slashes you at your shin. This move looks like it'g gonna hurt. Leaping Back-Spin Slash ----------------------- Command: u+A Property: H Notes: This move will stagger a blocking foe Nightmare performs a leaping decapitating slash. Demon Maelstrom --------------- Command: WS+A,A Property: SM,L Note: Hold D to cancel second hit and recover crouching. The second hit staggers blocking foes Nightmare does two spinning Low Slashes. While these slashes hit your shin, the First Blow can be blocked high, meaning that this move isn't cheap enough. An easy way to crouch is to Hold BL, then press Down, and then Release BL. Sword Busting ------------- Command: B Property: M Note: Hold B to shift to NLS Nightmare does a prone-hitting Overhead Slash. Gun/Cannon Turret Buster ------------------------ Command: B~f Property: M Nightmare does an Overhead Slash that DOES NOT hit prone opponents. More like a Melee move because it's pretty much half-contact in nature. Rampart Buster -------------- Command: B~b Property: M Note: Recovers crouching Nightmare does a delayed turnaround Overhead Slash. I still have to study this move a bit more to get to know it's real effects. Buster Feint to Night Behind Stance ----------------------------------- Command: B~N~b Property: Ends in Night Behind Stance Note: Very hard to do because you have to have the joystick at the Neutral Position just a little bit before you press Back. Nightmare tries to do a full-contact Overhead Slash, but decides to do a Night Behind Stance instead. Not a good way to start a Night Behind Stance Combo, though. Two-hit Armor Breaker --------------------- Command: B~G,B,B Properties: M,L Note: The Second Hit will stagger a blocking foe Ziggy's special minus one Overhead Slash. One Overhead Slash and a Nose Picking Low Slash. Two-Hit Break Kick ------------------ Command: B~G,B,K Properties: M,M Ziggy's Interrupt minus one Overhead Slash. One overhead slash and a quick-recovering Kick. Mail Splitter ------------- Command: B,B Properties: B,B Note: Second Hit staggers blocking foes Nightmare does two prone-hitting overhead slashes. Has lots of brute force packed in. Buster Grounder --------------- Command: B,d+A Properties: M,L Note: The second hit can be delayed, but PLEASE USE THE MOTION DELAYS WISELY AS YOU MAY GET SEVERELY DAMAGED WHILE EXECUTING THE MOVE. Hold b to cancel second hit (during motion) to shift to NBS. Nightmare does one prone-hitting overhead slash and a sweeping slash. You may want to mix up this one with the other moves because you'll hit Mid with the Overhead, and low with the Sweeping Slash. The Piercing Strike ------------------- Command: f+B Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes Nightmare does a stab at your chest. It's more damaging at long range, so take advantage of the Soul Edge. However, this move can be easily dodged at, so use this move wisely. Splitting Locks --------------- Command: f,[f]+B Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes and recovers crouching Nightmare does a turnaround Overhead Slash that looks like it moves so freely. Cannonball Splitting -------------------- Command: f,[f]+B~A Property: M,M,M Note: Final hit staggers blocking foes Nightmare does a tumbling prone overhead slash. While the Feet will do some hits, it is the slash that does the most damage. Sky Splitter ------------ Command: df+B Property: M Note: Hold B to shift to NBS. Initiates juggles on counterhits Nightmare does an uppercut slash. This is one of the most important moves to use because not only it covers Nightmare's front, but it can be used in ANY OCCASION, SUCH AS initiating juggles in counterhits. Shadow Buster ------------- Command: d+B Property: SM Note: Recovers crouching. Hold B to shift to NLS Nightmare does a crouching Overhead Slash. This Mid-Hitting attack can be blocked while crouching, so the standard B is the best choice. Drilling Thrust --------------- Command: db+B Property: M Note: If clean hit shifts to over-shoulder throw. The throw can ring out. Nightmare stabs you with a one-hand piercing strike. On clean hits, he tosses you over the shoulder while impaling you with the sword. Much like the Unholy terror move, except that he doesn't keep you impaled right after tossing you--HE JUST LETS GO AS HE'S FINISHING TOSSING YOU! Headbutt -------- Command: b+B,B Property: M,M Note: Second Hit staggers blocking foes Nightmare does two defensive Headbutts that hit the torso. A great move to use if the foe gets insanely close to you. Close-range combat requires quick reflexes, and these Headbutts are two quick shots for Nightmare to use. Fatal Dive ---------- Command: b,[b]+B,B Property: M,L Note: Hold the first B to shift to NLS. Both hits staggers blocking foes. Nightmare does a leaping Overhead Slash and ends the combo with a Nose Picking Low Slash Lifter. My definition of OUCH! Earth Divide ------------ Command: qcf+VS Property: UM Note: Press G during duration of move to cancel Nightmare uses the power of lightning to perform a harsh Overhead Slash. Press the Block Button to cancel it out. However, people can dodge this move quite easily and you can be hit out of this move, so don't use it unless you can pull it off without drama. Diving Cannonball Lifter ------------------------ Command: [G]~u,LND+B Property: Mid Note: Hold B to shift to NBS Nightmare leaps, and does a landing uppercut. Nice way to start a juggle, if it's a counterhit that is. Fatal Buster ------------ Command: u+B Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes Nightmare does a leaping Overhead Slash. Cannonball Lifter ----------------- Execution: WS+B Property: M Note: Hold B to shift to NBS Nightmare does an uppercut. This is great if you are trying to get up right after somebody does a failed slide on you (or a failed Horizontal Combo Attack). An easy way to crouch is to Hold BL, press D, and release BL while holding D. Now let loose. Splitting Buster ---------------- Command: WC+B Property: SM Note: Hold B to shift to NLS Nightmare does an Overhead Slash that can be blocked low. While this move isn't as effective as Nightmare's standing uppercuts, it can be as effective as the other uppercuts since it protects Nightmare's front. This allows Nightmare to use this move for offensive and defensive purposes. Jade Cracker ------------ Command: f+K Property: H Note: Staggers blocking foes and will shove knockdown on counterhits A simple punch to the face! Very quick indeed. Shoulder Butt ------------- Command: f,[f]+K Property: M Note: Staggers whenever blocked. Lunge Knockdown on counterhits. Nightmare does a Right Shoulder Butt, hitting you with his Malformed Right Shoulder. It's quick so when you are near the edge, try to abuse this move as much as you can. Accelerating Headbutt --------------------- Command: df+K,K,B Properties: M,L,M Note: Third Hit will fall back stun on counterhits(?) Nightmare does a Groin-hitting Kick, does a low sweeping kick, and then a Headbutt. Grinding Kick ------------- Command: d+K Property: L Note: Recovers Crouching Nightmare hits you in the shin with his feet. Darkside Sole Butt ------------------ Command: b+K Property: M A side kick that knocks you down instantly. Nuff said. Step-On ------- Command: qcf+K 6x Property: P,P,P,P,P Note: the first K can be held for motion delay. If delayed, damage on first hit will increase. Nightmare steps on you with his right feet five times. Use this only as a pin-attack. Diving Acceleration Kick ------------------------ Command: [G]~u,LND+K Property: L Nightmare leaps up and as he lands, hits you with the same kick he used as his second hit for his Acceleration Headbutt. Turning Sole Butt ----------------- Command: u+K Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes Nightmare does a leaping turnaround back-spin Sole Butt. Rising Night Kicks ------------------ Command: WS+K,K Property: M,M Nightmare does two groin-hitting Kicks. Crackling Edge -------------- Command: f,[f]+A+B Property: M Note: Hold d to end laying down. Staggers blocking foes This move can hit prone opponents. Nightmare does a Side Flip, lands on the ground, and slams you hard with an overhead slash, using the weight of the Soul Edge to his own advantage. Dark Soul Impact ---------------- Command: df+A+B Property: L Note: Staggers blocking foes Nightie does a one-hand stab right at your shin. The knockdown style is pretty similar to Voldo's d+A+B but it's kind of slow so I don't use this move pretty often. Spin Kick Combination --------------------- Starting Command: A+K End with a single Slash: A End with a Slash Cross: A,A,B End with a Demon Grounding Combo: A,d+A,A End with another Kick: K Properties: Starting Command: H Ending with a Single Slash: H Ending with a Slash Cross: H, H, M Ending with a Demon Grounding Combo: H, L, L Ending with another Kick: M Notes: To shift to NSS, command A+K,[A] Nightmare does a high roundhouse kick, and then he can either go into a Slash Cross, a Demon Grounder, a Single Slash, or another Kick. Drop Kick --------- Command: f,[f]+B+K Property: H Note: Staggers blocking foes and will hit prone foes. Does more damage as a ground hit. Nightmare does a spinning Drop Kick that will hit Prone Foes as the move concludes. Otherwise, the move hits high and can be easily avoided with a side step. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eight way Run Moves ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Eight Way Run Moves are stronger versions of some of the Normal Moves that Nightmare can use. There are also some moves that Nightmare can only execute during an Eight-Way Run. Please be aware that some of the Eight-Way Run Moves can be more harmful than helpful if you are not careful with them. While Eight-Way Running, you are not restricted to run in one direction. Right Slasher ------------- Command: 8WR,f+H Property: H Note: Staggers blocking foes Same as with the normal version of this move Alternate Cross --------------- Command: 8WR,f_d+B Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes Nightmare does a turnaround "backhand slash" and like the Armet Crusher, hits you with the base of the sword instead of the edges. Slower than the Armet Crusher, though. Back-Spinning Slash ------------------- Command: 8WR,b+B Property: H Note: Staggers blocking foes Same as with the normal version of this move Splitting Locks --------------- Command: 8WR, f+B Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes and recovers crouching Same thing as with the normal Splitting Locks Cannonball Splitting -------------------- Command: 8WR,f+B~A Property: M,M,M Note: The Third hit staggers blocking foes Same as the original version of Nightmare's tumbling slash Sky Splitting Uppercut ---------------------- Command: 8WR,df_uf+B Property: M Note: Hold B to shift to NBS Yep Nightmare can do uppercuts even while EIGHT-WAY RUNNING! Use this move to start juggles. A bread and butter move since it protects Nightmare's front and can be used offensively and defensively. Sword Busting ------------- Command: 8WR,d_u+B Property: M Note: Hold B to shift to NLS Same as with the original version of the move Gun/Cannon Turret Busting ------------------------- Command: 8WR,d_u+B~f Property: M This version of the Half-contact Overhead Slash is much harder to execute than the normal version of this move. Rampart Buster -------------- Command: 8WR,d_u+B~b Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes Same as the normal version of the Rampart Buster, but it's a lot harder to execute than the normal version because of the Eight-Way Run. Buster feint to NBS ------------------- Command: 8WR,d_u+B~N~b Property: Starts out a Night Behind Combo IMHO this is the hardest move to execute. I would go for the normal version of this move because you are not constraining yourself to a lot of eight-way running. Two-hit Helmet Divider ---------------------- Command: 8WR,d_u+B~G,B,B Properties: M,L Note: Second Hit staggers blocking foes Same as the original version of the Two-hit Helmet Divide Two-hit Break Kick ------------------ Command: 8WR,d_u+B~G,B,K Properties: M,M Same as with the original version of the Helmet Interrupt Three-hit Armor Breaker ----------------------- Command: 8WR,d_u+B,B,B Properties: M,M,L Note: Third B can be held to shift to NBS. Third hit staggers blocking foes Wee-hee!!! It's the Retro move from Soul Edge! Two Overhead Slashes and a Nose Picking Slash is what I liked about Ziggy in Soul Edge. Consequently, Nightmare can only use this move during an Eight-Way Run. This is much more fun than executing the Special at Normal because you don't leave yourself vulnerable to vicious counterattacks as Siegfried. Three-hit Break Kick -------------------- Command: 8WR,d_u+B,B,K Properties: M,M,M Two Overhead Slashes ending in a groin-hitting Kick. A good substitute for the common Nose-picking slash, which can drain you after execution of the move. Use the Interrupt if you are in doubt of landing a successful Nose-Pick Slash (I call the Low-hitting VS the Nose-Picking Slash because it hits low). Busting Ground -------------- Command: 8WR,d_u+B,d+A Properties: M,L Note: The second hit can be delayed by holding the button. Hold b during second hit to cancel into NBS. Second Hit staggers blocking foes. Same as the original version of the move Shadow Impact ------------- Command: 8WR,ub_db+B Property: L Same as with the Dark Soul Impact, except that this move doesn't block stagger. Fatal Dive ---------- Command: 8WR,b+B,B Property: M,L Note: Hold first B to shift to NLS. Second hit staggers blocking foes Same thing as with the original version of this move Slide-in -------- Command: 8WR,f+K Property: L Not a special move, but everybody can use it provided that they have taken 4-6 steps from an Eight-Way Run activation. One of the overrated moves (because you can ring-yourself-out). I would pass this move for other more useful moves. Shoulder Butt ------------- Command: 8WR,df_uf+K Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes Same thing as with the original version of the move Spin Kick Combo Starter ----------------------- Command: 8WR,u_d+K Property: H Note: Links to any Spin Kick Combination. This move should be treated like the normal version of the Spin Kick Combo. Follow this move with either a Slash to Night Side Starter, a Slash Cross, a Demon Grounding Combination, or just a groin-hitting kick. Rolling Sole Butt ----------------- Command: 8WR,b+K Property: M Same as the normal version of this move. Drop Kick --------- Command: 8WR,f+B+K Property: H Note: Staggers blocking foes and hits ground at end of move. Does more damage if hit is Ground. Same as the normal version of this move, but much more effective becuase now that you are utilizing side steps, you can catch an enemy off-guard with this Melee Move. Side Spin to Night Behind Stance -------------------------------- Command: 8WR,d_u+B+K Property: Starts a Night Behind Combo Very hard to perform. I would perform a Night Behind Combo while I'm not Octo-Running for stability purposes IMHO. Side Spin to Night Psyche ------------------------- Command: 8WR,d_u+B+K~f+B Property: M A good way to trick your foe that you're going to start a Night Behind Fandango, if you are good enough to execute this move that is. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Night Behind Moves ------------------------------------------------------------------------ These moves can only be performed when Nightmare places his sword on the back of himself. To start a Night Behind Stance without attacking, simply press B+K and release right away so that you don't accidentially wind up at a stance that you don't want to use. Side Spin to Night Behind Stance -------------------------------- Command: d+B+K_u+B+K Property: Ends in Night Behind Stance A good way to move around if you are planning to stay at Night Behind Mode. Side Spin to NBS finally to Gun/Cannon Turret Buster ---------------------------------------------------- Command: d+B+K_u+B+K, f+B Property: M A nice way to fool your foe that you're going to stay or start a Night Behind Fandango. Night Annihilate ---------------- Command: NBS+A Property: H,M Note: Hold A to shift to NSS. If shifted only high hit will come out Nightmare will do two slashes, one hitting you at your neck, the other at your kidney. Tera Stomp ---------- Command: NBS+B Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes Nightmare does a prone-hitting Overhead Slash. Not a good way to do an Overhead Slash (since you're telling your foe that you are doing an Overhead Slash) unless you're going to hit your foe on the ground. Night Kicks ----------- Command: NBS+K,K Properties: M,H Nightmare does two kicks that hits you in the groin and in the face. Both hits should be blocked while standing for the best results or you may be in DEEP TROUBLE. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Night Lower Stance Moves ------------------------------------------------------------------------ These moves can only be used when the Soul Edge is placed into the Canvas. To start out a Night Lower Fandango, press f+B+K at the same time. You can also start out a Night Lower Fandango while you're in Night Behind or Night Side mode! Leg Hack -------- Command: NLS+A Property: L Note: Hold A to shift to NSS Nightmare does a Shin Slash while crouching Citadel Lifter (Nose Pick) -------------------------- Command: NLS+B Property: L Note: Hold B to shift to NBS Nightmare does a Nose-picking Slash that hits low. Cannonball Splitter ------------------- Command: NLS+B~A Property: M,M,M Note: Third hit staggers blocking foes Same thing as with the original version of this move, except the third hit does less damage, mainly because Nightmare does more damage while either Eight-Way Running or taking steps. Night Salute ------------ Command: NLS+K Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes Nightmare does a light stab to your foe's ??GROIN??. Damage is lousy but it's fun keeping your foe away with the Chicken Move! Nightmare remains in Night Lower Mode after this move. Just make sure that you don't move the joystick or press any other buttons. Lock Split Alternate -------------------- Command: NLS+A+B Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes Same thing as with the original version of the Lock Splitter ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Night Side Stance Moves ------------------------------------------------------------------------ These moves can only be used while Nightmare is holding the Soul Edge like he was going to shoot someone. To start out a Night Side Fandango without attacking, press b+B+K. This move can be used during a Night Behind or Lower Fandango. Cross Grounder -------------- Command: NSS+A,A Properties: L,H Note: Both hits staggers blocking foes Nightmare does a Shin Slash followed by a Neck Slash. This is the least effective of the Night Side Moves because the Low Slash can be blocked and the High Slash can be crouched under. Alpha Grounder -------------- Command: NSS+A,d+A Properties: Low, Low Note: Both hits staggers blocking foes Nightmare does two Shin Slashes. Much better than the Cross Grounder because you're forcing your foe to block in all cases, but it's actually best to mix-em-up for the best results. Cannonball Lifting Uppercut --------------------------- Command: NSS+B Property: M Note: Hold B to shift to NBS Nightmare does a one-hand Sword Uppercut. Cannonball Feint ---------------- Command: NSS+B~A Property: M Note: Staggers blocking foes A weaker version of the Cannonball Overhead Slash Night Front Kick ---------------- Command: NSS+K Property: H Note: Double over stun on Counterhits Nightmare kicks you in the chest that really hurts if it's a counterhit. Lousy Double Over Stun because it hits high! That's all for now. Please feel free to e-mail me any more moves at vgfaqs@verasnaship.net. The official move names were taken at Namco's http://www.soulcalibur.com. Keep in mind that some of these names are not officially named, though. ======================================================================== COMBOS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Juggling Combos ------------------------------------------------------------------------ To start out a Nightmare Juggle, you usually do need to press b+VS+K and then press K at a Counterhit. Nightmare's not pretty strong when it comes to juggles, though so these Juggles are considered Expert Combos. Each combo will be acknowledged by its respective owners IYHTA. Mr_Hibiki's Combo 1 ------------------- Command: Counterhit df+Hold VS, VS+K,VS Author: Mr_Hibiki This seems to be the simple Nightmare Combo to do, though the number of hits aren't that massive. Mr_Hibiki's Combo 2 ------------------- Command: db+VS, VS+K,K,K Author: Mr_Hibiki Although you can land two kicks after the db+VS, it isn't even guaranteed because the foe can recover right after you land the db+VS. A combo juggling theory by "Ves" -------------------------------- Why I am listing this? Because I want you to know how you should commit juggling combos. Here are the valid starters: * df+B on Counterhits * Side Hold B * df+[B] on Counterhits onto a lovely Chief Hold And here are the valid jugglers: * Run up with d+K,K * Press B on Chief Hold A good sample combo would be: * _ANY UPPERCUT NIGHT HAS_, hold B as you are doing the Uppercut, and then blast them with another B while on Night Behind. This is as close to a 100% guaranteed combo for Nightmare. If timed correctly, then the combos should be guaranteed for at least two hits. Nightmare doesn't have any options right after the initial starter, so don't go fancy in juggles with him. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ground Combos ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Ground Combos are combos that you can use to brutalize your foe before they even try to get up! Just make sure that they do not land on their back instead for these combos, though. Jarney@Namco.Com=WCMaxi's Combo #1 ---------------------------------- Command: b+HS, df+HS Author: Jarney@Namco.Com=WCMaxi I have yet to execute this combo, though. Jarney@Namco.Com=WCMaxi's Combo #2 ---------------------------------- Command: b+HS, Any Throw Author: Jarney@Namco.Com=WCMaxi You must be deep from the b+HS in order to make this work. Pretty much Expert-level right there. Srayer's Combo -------------- Command: b+HS,db+HS Author: Srayer Unescapable combo with good damage. Dirty Nightmare! Acel's Combo ------------ Command: Counterhit using f+K then immediately press df+HS+VS Author: Acel If you are good enough, then no one can escape from this. The only low point of this one is that you need to have a Counterhit from the Face Punch first. Mr_Hibiki's Ground Special -------------------------- Command: Press VS+K, Counterhit pressing K (in Night Behind Mode), and immediately press either db+VS or f+VS to end the combo. Author: Mr_Hibiki Effects unknown by Author Ground Combo Theory by the "Ves" -------------------------------- Here are the valid starters for the Ground Combos: * b+A on counterhits * f+K on Counterhits * Side Hold, press K on Counterhits * Any Slash Trip Move Here are the valid Pin-ups: * Hold B, Hold B, Press B * Quickly run up with f,[f]+A+B * Do a *controlled* f,[f]+B~A Ground Combos IMHO are risky to do because you are trying your luck and the foe will try his/her best to retaliate after a knockdown. If you are quick enough, then the valid pin-ups should make the combos work for you for at least two hits! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Just For Fun ------------------------------------------------------------------------ These combos are done just in case you get bored or if there is something special that is hiding behind the move. Don't perform them unless you feel bored. Also, I won't give out comments since these combos are just for your own leisure. At this point of time, Nightmare has NO Just For Fun Combinations. That's it for today! I'll tell you some Vestiroth's Unconventional Moves in a future update! ======================================================================== HOW TO USE NIGHTMARE EFFICIENTLY 1. When playing defensively, run at any direction other than any forward direction. When he/she tries to attack you, try to cover your front with an eight-way run attack (i.e. Sieg's special) 2. Against Maxi Players, use Nightmare's range to your own advantage. Since Maxi's fast, you will need to react fast. Block all Nunchaku moves as much as you can, but if you are able to block all Nunchaku moves, then there is a chance when Maxi is extremely drained, so use Maxi's lag time to your advantage. Also, try to move around circles and use your 8-Way Run attacks often. 3. When your opponent is on the ground, hit him either with a Flipping Overhead Slash, a Cartwheel Slash, or a plain Overhead Slash. Be sure that you keep the Sword to the Canvas (hands holding sword) after doing this. When your foe gets up (and if he/she doesn't do any eight-way rolling), then pick your opponent's nose (doing a slash that slices upwards and hits low). That's all for now. I'm going to find more tactics and I have to play more games in order to get a feel for the Soul Edge. ======================================================================== NIGHTMARE'S ENDING It's now time. With a record toll of stolen souls, the Soul Edge transformed into an appreciation of Frederick Schtauffen. Knowing that he has done something wrong to himself during the last few years, Nightmare talked to Frederick to see if there's a solution to his problem. Fred suggested that Nightmare stab him with a sword, but Nightmare is reluctant to do so because he seems to love Frederick for some reason. Frederick made it clear that he's only an image created through Nightmare's weak mind, and he's only here to rescue him from his damnation. Nightmare finally understands what Frederick's here for, and painfully follows Fred's will. Nightmare's a good guy once again, and now he's Siegfried Schtauffen once again! Now a concerned Siegfried seeks an answer (via a kneel to Frederick's grave) to see if there is a chance for redemption after the madness he has done. ======================================================================== PLAYING YOUR SOUL CALIBUR'S WORTH OF SHARES As of December 31, 1998, Soul Calibur no longer displays passwords. The reason why this is so is because the American Soul Calibur Site located at http://www.soulcalibur.com has released ALL PASSWORDS for public use. Even though this is the case, DO NOT POST ANY PASSWORDS AT THE FORUM AT ALL!!!!! Here is where you can find the Password goodies at: Extended Character Prologues, Character Revelations, Special Character Notes, Character Endings, Histories of the Arenas, and other Character- related goodies can be found at the following locations: - Arenas: http://www.soulcalibur.com/terrain.html - Extended Character Prologues (only for certain characters) can be found at http://www.soulcalibur.com/souls.html (Click on soul of your choice) - Character Endings and any special notes for each character can be found at the aforementioned URL and its respective soul for the extra. The rest can be found at Digital Calibur. - Project Staff's Interviews can be found at the Digital Calibur section located at http://www.soulcalibur.com/digital.html - Animated Souls can be found at Digital Calibur as well. - Password-related graphics: http://www.soulcalibur.com/themdesk.html ======================================================================== THE DO'S AND DONT'S From now on, this FAQ can only appear in the following sites: * Verasnaship Interactive (http://www.verasnaship.net) * GameFAQs (http://www.gamefaqs.com) * Cheat Code Central (http://www.cheatcc.com) * Secrets of the Game Sages (http://www.gamesages.com) * Game Shark Code Creators Club (http://www.cmgsccc.com) * Al Amaloo (http://vgstrategies.about.com and http://www.gamewinners.com) Why? Because these sites are the only ones that keep all original work updated and up-to-date. You can always get the latest version at my website (Verasnaship Interactive at http://www.verasnaship.net) since I run that website and I always post them instantly right at my website first. GameFAQs does a good job keeping the files up-to-date at all times and is regarded as the most visited "stable" for FAQ-related walkthroughs, original work, and the like. Cheat Code Central and Al Amaloo does a good job in keeping the FAQs fresh, original, free, and "in one piece". They instantly update all FAQs without having me notify them. However, Cheat Code Central also has codes if you are into those cheat codes (yuck). Secrets of the Game Sages is a "Code-related" partner to GameFAQs since both GameFAQs and Secrets of the Game Sages share the same information, links, and tricks-to-date. Game Shark Code Creators Club is a Game Shark site run under the Code Master to provide up-to-date Game Shark Codes and is a highly visited Game Shark site. From time-to-time, I might elect to do PDFs on certain games. You can always get the latest version at Verasnaship Interactive (that's my website) and I'm planning to give GameFAQs my permission to mirror my PDFs in the near future. Rules: * DO NOT place this file in your web site directly. Only the five aforementioned sites have an exclusive right to mirror this file. * You can make a link to my FAQ Library Page. The only rules that I would like to enforce is that you link ONLY to an HTML or an Interactive Web Page. The link to this page is: - http://www.verasnaship.net/text/fighting.html * If you are planning to link to the five other sites that I have mentioned on this reminder, then you are to be advised that your linking rights are heavily limited as foretold on the webmaster's fine prints (depending on where you plan to make your link to). If I'm too vague on this, then please visit the following URL to see why more and more webmasters are restricting links: = http://www.templetons.com/brad/linkright.html (Brad Templeton's Linking Rights Essay). ======================================================================== HOW TO SUGGEST ANY FIXES, BUGS, OR ANY OTHER TRALALA Sending UCE to any of the mailboxes that I have is not tolerated. Period. I report any incidence of spamming by checking the header on where you originated the message at and then report the incidence to the server you originated your message at (which is more likely to get you in deep trouble) or I can just slam you by sending complaints to the following: The server you originated the message at, to your provider, or possibly the Free-Mail Service that you use. Don't spam me. It's not worth it. I will only tolerate e-mail in regards to Soul Calibur as a whole. See http://spam.abuse.net to see why it's bad. ======================================================================== REFERENCES OF THIS FAQ - http://www.namco.com (Namco America) - http://www.namco.co.jp (Namco Japan) - http://www.soulcalibur.com (The official Soul Calibur Site) - http://www.fighters.net (Courtesy of Mr. MG) - http://www.luminpro.com/soulcalibur/ (Courtesy of Wind-X) - Cynan de Leon (komejin) ======================================================================== ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - Hajime Nakatani for carefully creating, crafting, and directing Soul Calibur. Without Hajime Nakatani, then neither Tekken nor Soul Calibur would flourish. - Studeo, Inc. for hosting Namco America's Soul Calibur Site - Jason Arney (WCMaxi), Mark Mikulecky (Kaipo), and Mark Holt (Madmardy) for dedicating their love and labor to create an attractive Soul Calibur Site. - Jamison Gold for accepting Namco America as a client. - Alan Ambroziak (AL-X), Mr. MG, John Culbert (Tigeraid) for running the multipurpose fighting game site, Fighters.NET - Namco Cybertainment for being the first arcade chain to stock Soul Calibur on their shelves. - John Culbert for mirroring my Capcom Fighting Games Guides. - GameFAQs for being the largest stable of Original Work. - Kao Megura for being the most prolific FAQ Author of all time. - Imagine Games Network for being the largest Video Gaming Community over the Internet - Secrets of the Game Sages for a huge collection of updated cheats - Finally, Frederick Schtauffen for giving Sieg a second chance to prove himself. :) This is a shared interface from my Nightmare and Siegfried Documents. - Cynan de Leon (komejin) for shedding the light on some of the moves that I haven't been able to execute yet as Astaroth. Thanks for your help! ** END OF DOCUMENT ** This electronically published work is the sole property of Mark Kim. Please credit Mark Kim as Vesther Fauransy where credit is due. Unpublished work (c)1999-2000 Mark Kim. All Rights Reserved Soul Calibur: (c)1996-2000 Namco. All Rights Reserved