Taki

Soul Calibur IV Guide - Taki

Taki

Age: 29
Birthplace: Fu-Ma No Sato, Japan
Height: 5'7”
Weight: 116 lbs.
Birth Date: Unknown
Blood Type: A
Weapon: Ninja Sword x 2
Weapon Name: Rekki-Maru & Mekki-Marum
Discipline: Musoh-Battoh-Ryu
Family: Immediate family/All taken by sickness, Master/Toki (Taki has opposed him since she left the clan).

Unlocked: Initially available.

While in search of Soul Edge, the sword that robbed her master of his humanity, Taki witnesses a battle between Siegfried and Nightmare, the wielders of Soul Calibur and Soul Edge. Having witnessed the frightening power that was unleashed as the two swords' met, Taki must prevent Siegfried from entering Ostrheinsburg to do battle with Nightmare once more; it could mean disaster if the two swords were to clash together again.

Taki's arsenal of quickly executable moves and decent damage output make her a formidable opponent, especially when matched up against less agile fighters. Though she fares poorly at long-range, she is agile enough to move into close-range where she can usually dominate heavier foes. Taki may face trouble against long-range characters, however, as she'll constantly have to rely on jump in moves to stay close.

Combo Clip

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

Combo 1: Possession 236~ Hover B~WR B, B~1A
Combo 2: A B, A K, B G
Combo 3: 4A BB, A K, B G

Strategy

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

At long-range, focus on moving into close-range while avoiding any attacks thrown your way. Make use of 8-Way Run and wait for an opportunity to jump in with Assassin's Revenge (hold 6, B during hit A). Assassin's Revenge knocks down on a normal or counter-hit, so quickly move up with Hurricane Punishment (hold 6, K) so you can be in your opponent's face once they rise. Another option is Wind Roll 1 (B K) into Wind Dance (during Wind Roll 1 A). Wind Roll 1 (B K) into Wind Sealing Rush (during Wind Roll B, K during hit B) deals massive damage, but as with Wind Roll~Wind Dance it is risky unless you catch your opponent off guard.

At mid-range, make heavy use of 8-Way Run to avoid your opponent's attacks, and punish whiffs with Assassin's Strike (hold 3_9, B). Reaping Hook (1A) ducks under high attacks and is good for preventing sidestepping. Ninja Cannon (A B) deals minimal damage and is fairly slow, and it can be followed by Stalker (A K) into her mid-air throw (B G). This combo requires precise timing, however; note that Ninja Cannon (along with her other cannon moves) puts Taki into a crouched animation; use Stalker the moment she is standing and then press B G. It may be useful to map Stalker (A K) to one of the shoulder buttons if you plan to use Taki often.

Taki excels at close-range; even her basic A, A and B, B strings are pretty quick. She has a couple of quick high-to-low strings as well which can confuse opponents who are unfamiliar with her fighting style. Haste Alternate (Jump K, K, K) is a quick series of kicks, the second strike hitting low, ensuring the third strike if it isn't guarded. Haste Alternate is also good for a Ring Out if your opponent is standing at the edge. Shadow Scroll (B, A, A) is another good string, the last strike hitting low.

Her Possession stance (214) offers many options, and can be linked to through several moves. Possession Step (during Possession 2 or 1) quickly moves Taki to the side, meaning you may be able to avoid retaliation from your enemy. Possession Quake (during Possession A). Scroll (During Possession B) and Strike (during Possession K) are all fast attacks, with the latter causing a stun on a normal or counter-hit, allowing you to follow up with a combo such as Ninja Cannon (A B) into Stalker (A K) followed by her mid-air throw (B G).