Lizardman

Soul Calibur IV Guide - Lizardman

Lizardman (Aeon Calcos)

Age: 36 (the last 7 years of which were spent in this form)
Birthplace: Sparta, Ottoman Empire
Height: 5'11”
Weight: 190 lbs.
Birth Date: June 23
Blood Type: None
Weapon: Single-Handed Ax & Small Shield
Weapon Name: Grudge Ax & Aya Shield
Discipline: Rapid Ares Style
Family: He must have one, waiting in his homeland, but…

Unlocked: Purchase for 4000 Gold on the fighter select screen.

Aeon Calcos, once a Spartan soldier serving under the god Hephaestus, was used in an experiment by the cult order Fygul Cestemus, causing him to take on the form of a grotesque monster. His human identity soon faded, and he became known as Lizardman. Years have passed since then, and though his human memories are fleeting, Lizardman is convinced that the cursed sword holds his soul. Intent on finding it, he sets out to Ostrheinsburg where Soul Edge lies.

The aptly named Lizardman can be a difficult character to use due to his slow attack speed, but his axe swipes and kicks do deal a fair amount of damage. Furthermore, his crawl stance—which can be switched to in a number of ways—keeps him safe from high attacks and most horizontal attacks. His slow movement and short attack range means an inexperienced Lizardman user can face great difficulty against even fairly slow fighters. Putting his Crawling stance (236) to good use is an integral part of competing with this character.

Combo Clip

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

Combo 1: 3B, 66K
Camilla Style Romper Twister: WR K, K, K
Combo 2: A B, 66A B
Combo 3: 236~A K, B~66K

Strategy

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

You won't be able to accomplish much of anything at long-range due to a lack of appropriate moves, so focus on getting into mid or close range where Lizardman fares better. Utilize 8-Way Run to avoid any long-range, linear attacks your foe sends your way. Use Grit Draft (66A) to close the gap between you and your opponent if they're recovering from a missed attack, or Rumbling Axe (44B) and then another move to juggle.

Turning Style Screw Shot (66A B) provides decent range, and causes knockback too. Grit Draft (66A) stuns on a counter-hit, giving you a free combo (such as 11A, K), or a throw.  Lizardman's two Unblockable moves can be used effectively from long-range too; Mezentius Style Sand Roll (1B K) is a rolling Unblockable that launches when it hits, though it is linear and quite easy to sidestep. Mezentius Style Desert Threat (8 hold B K) staggers if it lands close enough.

At mid-range Lizardman sports surprising ferocity. Camilla Style Romper Twister (while rising K, K, K) is a 6-hit combo that may catch your opponent off guard. You can also use Sand Revenger (4B K) to lunge at your foe and move into close-range. Lizardman will shift to his Crawling stance if the input is held, allowing you follow through with Sidewinder (during Crawling A). Strike with Sidewinder until your opponent block low, and then use Scale Ram (during Crawling K) instead. Lizardman is safe from most horizontal attacks while crawling, but he can also Repel vertical attacks with Scale Shield (during Crawling A B).

There are some risky moves while Lizardman is crawling such as Rising Revenge (during Crawling B), as you may end up leaping over your opponent, leaving Lizardman with his back turned. If you do end up behind your opponent, you can remedy the situation with Rolling Revenge (during Crawling B K), a move that causes knockback. While at mid-range, make use of Grit Draft (66A) and Spiral Draft (hold 3_9, hold A) to deter 8-Way Run.

Lizardman is at his best when brawling at close-range. Refrain Axe (A, A) is quite fast, but is best used for interrupting an attacker because it—being a pair of high-hitting attacks—can be avoided by crouching. Camilla Style Romper Twister (while rising K, K, K) is especially effective at this range when coupled with Lower Celtis (2A) because the latter puts Lizardman into a crouching animation, allowing the use of Camilla Style Romper Twister while rising to the standing position. Extrusive Head Butt (1A, K) as a low-to-mid string good for hitting a guarding opponent.