Algol

Soul Calibur IV Guide - Algol

The Hero King Algol

Age: Frozen in time
Birthplace: An ancient dynasty whose name has been lost to history
Height: Whatever he wills it to be
Weight: Whatever he wills it to be
Birth Date: Meaningless now
Blood Type: Only pure power courses through him
Weapon: Assimilated Soul Calibur & Soul Edge
Weapon Name: Soul Calibur & Soul Edge
Discipline: Command of the Flow of Power
Family: All in the past

Unlocked: Defeat in Story Mode (using Astaroth, Cassandra, Cervantes, Darth Vader, Kilik, Mitsurugi, Rock, Setsuka, Sophitia, Talim, The Apprentice, Xianghua, Yoda, Yoshimitsu, Zasalamel, Angol Fear, Ashlotte, Kamikirmusi, Scheherazade, or Shura).

Legend tells of The Hero King Algol who sacrificed his life to create the legendary spirit sword Soul Calibur. In truth, the goal had been to create a spirit sword to combat the evil within Soul Edge, but after many failed rituals, including one that claimed Algol's life, the result was a sword similar in nature to the cursed sword. This failure was due to Algol's personal ambitions, namely his thirst for power. As a result, the Hero King's soul was sealed away by his subordinates, whom later brought about the true spirit sword, Soul Calibur, through his failings. Now, centuries later, the curse is ready to be broken, and the Hero King will rise again.

Algol boasts a suitable move list for title's main boss character. With an array of quick and damaging attacks, as well as some long-range moves for added versatility, Algol is a formidable opponent at almost any range. He isn't exactly the overpowered monster one would expect as far as playable boss characters go, however, but those who take the time to master him will be able stand up to even the most battle-hardened of foes.

Combo Clip

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

Combo 1: WR hold B, 3B
Combo 2: 33_99B, 8B K
Combo 3: 4 hold K~623A, B, K
Combo 4: Against backtracking opponent 4B K

Strategy

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

Algol's unique “Eltanin Nath” projectile attacks allow him to apply pressure at long-range. Menancing Eye (6A B for a fast projectile, or 6 hold A B for a slow projectile) is a linear projectile attack that can catch opponents who aren't paying attention (especially the fast variation), dealing decent damage per hit. Perform Heavenly Gaze (2A B) and Algol will fire a projectile at the ground; since these projectiles bounce, Heavenly Gaze can be used to deter rushing. Call of Earth (while crouching A B for a fast projectile, or hold A B for a slow projectile) is a good punisher for whiffed high attacks. Perform Rastaban Nath (Dual Wings) (4A B for fast projectiles, or 4 hold A B for slower projectiles) and Algol will fire two projectiles on either side of him, possibly catching sidesteppers. There are several more variations of Algol's projectile attack, but you'll have to look into them yourself.

The projectile orbs can be Guard Impacted by savvy opponents, causing the deflected orb to propel back to Algol at a faster rate, dealing damage if it hits. Though the projectiles are handy, there are several more options at long-range. Algol's high-flying acrobatic front flip, Qamar I'klil (41236) can send him sailing over or towards his opponent. Certain attacks can be performed during Qamar I'klil, such as the horizontal high attack I'klil Akrab (duing Qamar I'klil A), the vertical med slash I'klil Uf”uwan (during B), or the low-slide kick I'klil Shams (during K). Sabik Sheratan (A K) teleports Algol to the other side of his opponent; it's good for a quick escape or to simply confuse your foe. Sabik Sheratan, followed by Shams Qadam (8A K, K) is an impressive maneuver.

At mid-range, make heavy use of 8-Way Run and punish whiffs with Alderamin Lesuth (hold 6_3_9, A) or Awwal Qarn (1B), a long-range mid attack that stuns on a normal or counter-hit. Use Saiph Caph (1A), a quick, long-range low attack, or Theemin Lesuth (3A, A) followed by Heavenly Gaze (2A B), to counter sidestepping. If your opponent is trying to move back to long-range, use Sadalsuud Markab (4A B), an attack throw intended to trap back stepping opponents. Sadalsuud Markab offers surprising range too, so use it whenever your enemy is trying to back off.

Algol is also quite powerful at close-range too, with combos such as Alnilam Wezen (6A, A, B) and Fil Qadam (1K) offering fast attack speed useful for interrupting attackers. Alaraph Anchentenar (2B K) is quite brutal, and can be used again to cut down the opponent while they're rising. If you're enemy is standing by the edge, Ras Algethi (3B, B) is good for Ring Outs. Ras Algethi is a little slow, but you can accomplish nearly the same with Haris Shaula (while rising B) after Fil Qadam (1K) or after ducking under a high attack, followed by Beemin Acubens (B, B).

Haris Shaula itself is a good launcher; Alnair Alterf (B K) may be good for a couple of mid-air hits if the opponent doesn't air control. Take advantage of downed opponents with a quick Heavenly Gaze (2A B). Alphecca I'klil Nath (214A B) is an Unblockable that can be effective against downed opponents; it requires a certain amount of precision, but it'll deal a ton of damage if it hits. Use 2A K to trip opponents who immediately guard high when they rise.