Voldo

Soul Calibur IV Guide - Voldo

Voldo

Age: 50
Birthplace: Palermo, Kingdom of Naples
Height: 6'0”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Birth Date: August 25
Blood Type: A
Weapon: Katar (Jamadhar) x2
Weapon Name: Manas & Ayus
Discipline: Self-Taught
Family: Parents/Deceased, Four brothers/Killed through warfare, Master/Vercci (long deceased).

Unlocked: Initially available.

It was his master's wish to obtain Soul Edge, the fabled soul sword. At one time acting as the guardian of his master's tomb, Voldo's former master, the late Vercci, spoke to him seemingly from beyond the grave. This apparition was in fact the work of Soul Edge, masquerading as Voldo's dead master in order to manipulate him. The voice commanded Voldo to continue the search for Soul Edge, prompting him to leave the tomb. After a couple of failed attempts to acquire the cursed sword, Voldo then finds himself in Ostrheinsburg where Soul Edge lies. As he is about to claim the sword for his master, he again hears his voice, this time instructing him to protect the sword at all costs.

The disturbingly flexible Voldo returns yet again and is as creepy as ever. Voldo's unorthodox fighting style and general unpredictability ensure that his opponents will have a tough time predicting his next move, and his bizarre stances only add to the confusion. He can even block attacks while his back is turned, though the downside to this is that he is left open to back throws which are generally more damaging. Voldo is not the easiest character to control either, but those who take the time to familiarize themselves with his move list will find him to be an extremely effective fighter.

Combo Clip

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

Combo 1: CH 66B, 1A
Combo 2: 4 hold K, 2B K~K
Combo 3: 236 A, 3K, A B
Combo 4: CH 3A, 2A B, 1 hold 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.

Voldo is not particularly well-suited for long-range combat, but there are several options that can get him up close and jabbing his enemy with katars. Your main tool at long-range is Caliostra Rush (236), a quick crawl forward that ducks under high attacks and can link to several different moves. Snake Eater (during Caliostro Rush B) is a long-range low slide that is best for punishing or catching your foe off-guard. Use Katar Slap (during Caliostro Rush A) to prevent your opponent from sidestepping. Otherwise, Evil Bow (1A) is good for punishing whiffs, as is Blind Dive (during Caliostro Rush A B) if your opponent is standing.

Since Voldo is most lethal at close-range, work on getting there. His Mantis Crawl Stance (2B K) can be used as an evasive stance, but several powerful moves can also be linked to from it. Super Freak Lunge (6A K) can link to Mantis Crawl if A K is held. Tap up or down twice during Mantis Crawl and Voldo quickly moves over to the side; tap up or down once and Voldo ends up in his Death Roll stance. Tap forward or back during Mantis Crawl and Voldo will rapdily crawl towards his opponent; if head side is toward the enemy, he can barrel right through them.

Death Roll ducks under high attacks and many horizontal attacks. Superwyrm A (during Death Roll A) and Superwyrm B (during Death Roll B) are low and mid attacks that link back to Death Roll, possibly allowing for multiple hits on confused opponents. At mid-range, Despair (A B) is another good attack; it causes knockdown on a normal or counter-hit, and it can duck under high attacks.

At close range, Voldo's ability to block and attack his enemy with his back turned will prove useful. Be wary, however, because with his back turned Voldo leaves himself open to back throws which generally deal large amounts of damage. Several moves link to his back turned stance, such as Blind Crescent (6B, B), Hell Claw (4B, A), Lunatic Flip (236K), or Jolly Ripper (4A). While facing away, Faceless Wheel (facing away 2B, K) is a low to mid move that ducks under high attacks and has Guard Break properties if the last input is held. Blind Double Claw (facing away 236A) stuns on a normal or counter-hit, and can then be followed by Faceless Flap (facing away 2B, K) or Wyrm Break Dance (facing away 22K, K). Stop your enemy's sidestepping attempts with Scissor Claw (A, A) or Reverse Evil Bow (facing away 1A).