Xianghua

Soul Calibur IV Guide - Xianghua

Chai Xianghua

Age: 20
Birthplace: Peking, Ming Empire
Height: 5'0”
Weight: 101 lbs.
Birth Date: April 2
Blood Type: B
Weapon: Chinese Sword
Weapon Name: No Name
Discipline: Sword style passed down from her mother
Family: Mother/Deceased, Father/Deceased, according to her mother.

Unlocked: Initially available.

Having crossed paths their former friend, Xianghua and her traveling companion Kilik are distraught to learn that he would not journey with them. Suspecting that he may intend to claim Soul Edge and use its power to exact his revenge on the golem Astaroth, Kilik and Xianghua make their way to Ostrheinsburg to destroy Soul Edge and stop their friend Maxi from making a rash mistake.

Combo Clip

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

Combo 1: 33A~A B~66B K
Combo 2: CH 22_88B, 66A B
Combo 3: WR B, 2A G
Combo 4: 22_88B, 66B 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.

Since Xianghua is most effective at mid or close range, make heavy use of 8-Way to advance. Her best attacks at long-range are Muu Jiann Retreat (4A B), which has Guard Impact properties, and Lower Great Wall Punishment (A K, B K). Lian Hua Cannon (hold 2_8, B) is a great mid-hitting launcher that can avoid vertical attacks. If it connects on a counter-hit, follow with Great Wall (66_33_99A B) to deal substantial damage.

Most of Xianghua's effectiveness comes from her mix-up possibilities. Many of her moves link to the Silent Xia Sheng stance which can be used to cancel or change up combos to keep your foe guessing. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of this stance depends on your opponent; players that tend to attack as often as possible may not even notice your attempts to fake them out with the stance. Furthermore, any lag present during online matches can severely lessen the stance's effectiveness.

Aside from Silent Xia Sheng, Xianghua's speedy attacks can give her an edge at close-range. Vengeful Lian Hua (44B) is similar to Mitsurugi's Wind Hole Vortex; Xianghua quickly takes a step back and dashes back towards her opponent with a mid-hitting stab, knocking them back. Hwu Dye (1B K) dodges vertical attacks and offers decent range. Yan Divide (2A B) is a low sweep that ducks under high attacks. Since Yan Divide puts Xianghua into a crouching animation, you can use one of her While Rising moves such as Rising Shui Shian (while rising K) or Mei Hua Carve (while rising A B2B). Fluttering Lan Se Ren (while rising B) is another option; it's a delayed, mid-hitting slash that stuns on a normal or counter-hit and has Guard Impact properties. Muu Jian (A B) is a quick pair of slashes that launches on the second hit, allowing for a short juggle.

Other than that, Xianghua has a nice variety of low attacks and strings that include low attacks. Her quick and deceptive low game can be tough for players unfamiliar with her fighting style to adapt to.