DrakeAldan
Follow the rules!
"Relearn the basics."
Soulcalibur is a game of simple principles. Knowing these principles will lead to your success- and neglecting them will result in failure.
Mastering the basics enables you to play as any character, and use any style. It is absolute freedom; a fundamental understanding allows you to take total control of your character, of the match, and of the game.
Grasp victory firmly in your hands. Knowledge is power.Advantage and Disadvantage
http://8wayrun.com/threads/and-it-all-starts-here.14838/
The most important lesson- speed and time. Options, frames, numbers, and stealing the high ground from your opponent.
Mixups
http://8wayrun.com/threads/mixups-sweep-the-leg.15010/
The basic plan of attack- penetrate the opponent's guard and assure your success, even when uncertain of the enemy's movements.
Okizeme
http://8wayrun.com/threads/okizeme-stay-down.15062/
Attacking your opponent while he is on the ground, weak and vulnerable. Return them to the earth, that they shall never rise again.
Punishment
http://8wayrun.com/threads/punishment-now-you’ll-pay.14976/
Exploiting the vulnerability of an attacking opponent- taking away their options by penalizing their use.
Whiffing
http://8wayrun.com/threads/whiffing-and-you-the-guide-to-missing-the-point.14432/
To swing and miss is one of the most damning things you can do. Understand it, prevent yourself from doing it, and punish your opponents for attacking haphazardly.
Abare
http://8wayrun.com/threads/whiffing-and-you-the-guide-to-missing-the-point.14432/#post-536045
Use your opponent's knowledge of the rules against them, and violently explode when it's least expected. Your adversaries are only human.
Spacing
http://8wayrun.com/threads/spacing-lines-in-the-sand.14615/
Know the range of your attacks, and the range of your enemy. Reach them while preventing them from reaching you.
Backstep
http://8wayrun.com/threads/backstep-now-you-see-me….14788/
The importance of the humble backwards dodge. Step away from your opponent's attacks and strike their weakness.
Rhythm
http://8wayrun.com/threads/rhythm-the-death-drum.15126/
The timing of nature, persisting throughout all things. Find your opponent's rhythm and halt him before he has a chance to begin.
Gimmicks
http://8wayrun.com/threads/gimmicks-my-bag-of-tricks.15173/
The low, detestable, and juvenile are valued weapons as well. Everything is permitted- spare no expense in finding every one of your opponent's weaknesses, including his own ignorance.
Reading & Adaptation
http://8wayrun.com/threads/reading-your-opponent-i-can-see-the-future.14900/
See through the pattern in your opponent's actions, and catch him at every turn. Change rapidly to find their weakness, so that there is no escape.
Matchups
http://8wayrun.com/threads/matchups-you-vs-the-world.14541/
All enemies are not the same. The importance of study, of training to be the best fit for defeating particular opponents.
Risk
http://8wayrun.com/threads/risk-win-big-lose-hard.15207/
The threat of loss lurks around every corner. Offer your opponent no opportunities, and fight bravely in the face of certain death.
Losing
http://8wayrun.com/threads/on-losing.14268/
The importance of loss. Dispersing emotion from fighting, and investing in your own defeat. Establishing a feedback loop, and tapping into infinite potential.
Winning
http://8wayrun.com/threads/on-winning.15259/
The truth behind the game. Achieving your full potential, and becoming the coldly efficient, untouchable warrior, while also realizing your own humanity.
The journey to mastery is a long one, without any clear end. But, armed with knowledge and a resolute spirit, you may very well come close to achieving perfection.
The real Soulcalibur starts here.