Rock

Soul Calibur IV Guide - Rock

Rock (Nathaniel ‘Rock' Adams)

Age: 42
Birthplace: London, British Empire (Raised in the New World)
Height: 5'9”
Weight: 187 lbs.
Birth Date: December 14
Blood Type: Unknown
Weapon: Giant Mace
Weapon Name: Onslaught
Discipline: Self-Taught
Family: Parents/Whereabouts unknown. The Native American boy he was raising, Bangoo, just recently came of age.
Unlocked: Purchase for 4000 Gold on the fighter select screen.

While on his quest for Soul Edge, a personal test of strength, Rock is ambushed by a raging golem and nearly defeated. Rock narrowly escapes by throwing himself off of a cliff and into the river below. After seeking refuge in a nearby hot spring, he begins to ponder his assailant. He later learns that his attacker's name is “Astaroth,” and that the golem now serves Nightmare, wielder of the cursed sword. Thinking that this must be fate, Rock journey's to Ostrheinsburg where the Azure Knight—and Soul Edge—reside.

Though at first Rock's fighting style may appear to be identical to Astaroth's, the two characters are very much different. Rock relies on grabs and ground throws to get the job done, meaning he'll have a hard time besting experienced players who are familiar with the grab system and are able to grapple break. His arsenal sports several ground throws, so becoming familiar with the moves that knock down opponents is a must.

Combo Clip

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

Combo 1: 1B, 1B G, 9B
Combo 2: 3B, 1A G
Combo 3: CH 66B, 2B G, B K
Combo 4: 2A K, 1B G, 6B 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.

Like Astaroth, Rock has several options at long-range. Avalanche Press (6B K) sends Rock hurtling towards his opponent from long-range, stunning them on impact. If Avalanche Press connects, quickly follow up with Rock Eruption (against downed opponent (leg side) 3A G) or Double Slam (against downed opponent (leg side) 3B G). Cyclone Hammer (1A) is much like Astaroth's Discus move, but unfortunately Rock doesn't have his own versions of Double Discus or Discus Breaker. Cyclone Hammer is a low attack and provides good range, however, and is good for deterring 8-Way Run. Storm Gust (A B or 8A B) is a quick attack that is useful for swatting sidesteppers.

While Rock can't perform normal throws at mid-range, several of his moves stun on a normal hit or a counter-hit, allowing him to then move in for a ground throw. Raging Volcano (3B) provides decent range, stuns on a normal hit, and sends the opponent to the ground, so afterwards try for Tri-Horn Stampede (against downed opponent (Head Side) 1A G) or Gigantic Eruption (against downed opponent (Head Side) 1B G). Rock Knuckle (4A) downs the enemy when it connects, giving you the chance to try for Rock's 3B G or 3A G ground throw. At mid-range, use Rock Tomahawk (4A) to thwart sidestepping. Rock's basic A, A and B, B moves are rather slow, but they do provide decent range and can be used to punish missed attacks.

Rock faces many problems when battling a speedy character at close-range. Rock Knee (6K) is one of the quickest moves in his arsenal, and good for interrupting frequent attackers. Rock Knee knocks down on a counter-hit too, so attempt a follow up with his 3B G or 3A G ground throw. Wild Tusk (4B) is another quick attack and also knocks down on a counter-hit, so again, try for a ground throw. Don't ignore Rock's crouched throws, either; if it ever comes up, grab a crouched opponent with Maximum Bone Crusher (2A G) or Slam Vortex (2B G). Rock can normal throw at close-range too, so go for one when you see an opportunity.

Unfortunately Rock's low attacks are all fairly slow; rely on Horizontal Sweep Kick (2A K) to trip staunch defenders and then attempt Rock's 1A G or 1B G ground throw. If at any time your opponent is quick to rise, knock them back down with Rock Fall (B K) and go for a ground throw.