Yoda

Soul Calibur IV Guide - Yoda

Yoda

Age: 900 years old
Birthplace: Unknown
Height: 2'2”
Weight: Unknown
Birth Date: Unknown
Blood Type: Unknown (Mid-chlorian Count: approx. 20, 000)
Weapon: Lightsaber
Weapon Name: Unknown
Discipline: Ataru
Family: Unknown

Unlocked: Initially available.

While living on the planet Dagobah, Yoda sensed a faint wave of power. The wave was fairly weak and passed quickly. He did not give it another thought until the waves became stronger, making it apparent that a dimensional tear lie somewhere in space. Sensing that Darth Vader had become involved with the disturbance, Yoda knew he must go through the portal as well to thwart the Empire's scheme, whatever it may be.

The miniature Jedi Master Yoda is the Xbox 360's exclusive guest character. His short stature means he'll duck under high attacks while standing, and many horizontal attacks will miss completely too. He can't be grabbed either, but can leap up and grab opponents himself. Yoda boasts many quick moves, aerial strikes and sports a Force Meter—an element exclusive to the Star Wars characters—below his HP Gauge. Certain moves require Force power, and attempts to use Force moves while the gauge is empty results in a momentary stun, leaving the Jedi Master vulnerable. With his short legs, Yoda's running speed is incredibly slow, but his many aerial moves can get him up close to his enemy with little difficulty.

Combo Clip

The video below shows the following combinations. The directional notation system is used to describe each move.

Combo 1: 22_88A~6A K, A
Force Parry: B K (after successful Impact A B for additional attack)
Combo 2: 3B K, 2_8A K, 2_8A K, 2_8A K
Dagobah Roll: 236 hold K, K, B

Strategy

Please read through 'The Basics' and 'Fighting Terms' for an explanation of the 'directional notation' and the fighting terms used to explain strategy.

Yoda's movement is so slow it's almost painful, so at long-range you'll have to rely on his quick aerials to move into close-range. His short stature makes up for his lack of speed somewhat, as many horizontal moves will fly right over his head. Yoda seems to be vulnerable to quick, linear verticals due to his slow 8-Way Run and inability to sidestep, so it's best to start a match by moving to the side or backwards to avoid an immediate vertical from your opponent. You can use Jedi Master Combo (hold 4_1_7, A, B) afterwards, which has Guard Break properties and launches.

Since Yoda can't sidestep or dash, you'll have to use his jumps (tap 2, 4, 6, or 8 twice to jump) to evade your foe's attacks. Use Spiral Attack (A K) or Charge Slash (6A K) to punish whiffs at long-range. Charge Strike (6B) is a quick lunge with Guard Break properties. Dagobah Roll (236 hold K, K, B) will send Yoda rolling towards his opponent, followed by a couple of kicks and then a vertical slash. There are plenty of options while Yoda is in the air too, such as Aerial Kick (66A B) and either Ataru Combo (B, B) a mid-mid string, or Ataru Combo (A, A), a mid-to-low string.

At close-range, try to mix-up Yoda's throws and basic strings to confuse opponents. His Double Split (B, B) move and either of his throws start off with similar animations; alternating between these attacks can trick your opponent into blocking high where he or she can then be grabbed, or crouching to avoid a grab attempt, only to be hit by two mid slashes. Use Droid Buster (4A) and Jedi Slash (3A) to swat sidesteppers. Force Parry (B K) can Repel incoming attacks, and if successful can be followed up with A B to knock the attacker back. Force Parry uses up some of Yoda's Force Meter, so keep an eye on the gauge below his health bar to avoid leaving yourself open to an attack due to a failed Force move. The meter refills automatically, so be sure to glance at it before making another attempt.

Force Cancel (direction A K) can be used to cancel attacks while in mid-air and keep Yoda afloat, confusing his enemy and allowing for a subsequent attack. This drains Yoda's Force Meter quite quickly, so use it sparingly. Force Cancel opens up many possibilities that would be worth discovering in Training Mode. Yoda's aerials can lead to problems when playing on a small stage as you may accidentally ring yourself out; if not on a completely walled stage, try to keep to the middle of the level and avoid jumping about when near the edge of the ring.