The Apprentice

Soul Calibur IV Guide - The Apprentice

Darth Vader's Secret Apprentice

Age: Unknown
Birthplace: Planet Kashyyyk
Height: 6'1”
Weight: 178 lbs.
Birth Date: Unknown
Blood Type: Unknown
Weapon: Lightsaber
Weapon Name: Unknown
Discipline: Self-Taught
Family: Father/Deceased, Master/Darth Vader

Unlocked: Beat Arcade Mode with Yoda (X360) or Darth Vader (PS3).

He is the son of a Jedi Knight, brought up in secret as Darth Vader's apprentice. The Apprentice sets out to complete secret missions when his master commands it. When a wave of power is detected in space, the Apprentice is sent to identify it. Discovering a dimensional portal, he immediately enters and finds himself in another galaxy.

Darth Vader's secret apprentice, known simply as “The Apprentice,” is the cross-platform Star Wars guest character. Though he didn't appear in any of the movies, he is main character of the upcoming Star Wars: The Force Unleashed video game. Like Vader and Yoda, The Apprentice sports a Force Meter—an element exclusive to the Star Wars characters—below his HP Gauge. Certain moves require Force power. Attempts to use Force moves while the gauge is empty will result in a momentary stun. While several Force moves allow him to attack at long-range, his lightsaber moves are best suited for mid or close range combat. Though he has many quick and powerful moves, The Apprentice's lack of fast low attacks can be an issue, especially when fighting up close.

Combo Clip

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

Combo 1: 3B, 8~A, A, B, B
Combo 2: 2B~WC 8K, A
Force Lightning: 44A B
Combo 3: 66B~A B~6B, B, 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.

The Apprentice's Force powers give him an edge that many characters lack at long-range, but pay attention to the Force Meter below your HP Gauge, as attempts to use Force powers while the meter is empty will result in a momentary stun. Force Wave (236B) is a low, linear attack that can reach your enemy from any range, though it can be blocked while crouching and is easy enough to sidestep. Force Lightning (44A B) is an Unblockable mid attack, so your opponent must sidestep it to avoid taking damage. Make use of The Apprentice's Force Flips (direction A K) and Force Levitation (A K) to dodge linear verticals or to simply confuse your foe.

Hit your foe with Mist Cutter (hold 6, B) if they miss an attack, or pull them towards you with Force Grab (A B). Note that Force Grab will only work on standing opponents, even if they are guarding. After Force Grab, follow up with a grab or Star Divide into Force Levitation (3B, 8) and then A, A, B, B or A, A, A B. Galactic Breaker (hold 6, A B, B) is a quick stun move that can be followed by the Star Divide combo above. Force Blast (2A B) is best used against a rising opponent, as it will launch them and is difficult to avoid. Keep Star Raid Lighting (during Force Levitation (A K) B K) in mind too.

At close-range, make use of Apprentice's quick moves such as Mist Splitter (B, B), Apprentice Combo (A, A, B) and Side Saber (1B). Knee Drive (3K) is a quick jab that can be used to interrupt attacks and it will stun on a counter-hit. Mist Slicer (2B) puts the Apprentice into a crouching animation, so quickly follow with Flipping Saber Throw (while crouching 8K, A) to perform a nifty combo.

Your biggest problem at close-range will undoubtedly be the Apprentice's lack of good low attacks. Orbital Thrust (2K, B) is your best bet, as it is a low to med string that ducks under high attacks. Keep Flipping Saber Throw (while crouching 8K, A) in mind if you're crouching to block a low attack, or if one of your opponent's attacks sets you crouching. If you find yourself with your back to the edge, Apprentice's B G throw can score a Ring Out with ease; if your opponent is far enough, try Force Grab (A B) as they approach, and then go for the throw.