How to Use New Soul Calibur IV DLC: Yoda for PS3 and Vader for Xbox 360

In a stunning move that…everyone saw coming (due to the conspicuous empty character slot), Namco-Bandai has announced that the supposed “console-exclusive” Star Wars characters, Yoda and Darth Vader, will now be available to play on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of Soul Calibur IV. You just need to pay a small price to see how the other half lives. Come October 23rd, Japan will be able to play as Yoda on the PlayStation 3 for ¥600 (around $6.00 US), and Vader will go for 400 Microsoft Points on the 360. Expect it stateside soon. The whole thing is somewhat shifty since it was confirmed that the characters were on the disc already. Still, new content is new content.

Full Story at Dengeki

In the interest of educating our readers on how to handle the new blood, I’ve arranged some starting guides. My advice to those who have the PS3 version: “Don’t bother. Yoda blows.” If you simply must have him:

Yoda (Using Universal Soul Calibur Notation)

Fighting as him: So you want to play as an annoying little runt huh? Well, I won’t judge you. Actually. Yes I will. Shame on you. Now that we’re done with that, here are some things to know.

Air dash: Unlike other characters, double tapping in any direction will cause Yoda to leap in that direction, jumping over low attacks, but making him vulnerable to high attacks.

Force Parry: B+K will block mid-hits. Hit A+B right away for an additional damage throw.

6B: Yoda leaps forward and does a mid stab. Good for ring-outs, goes over low hits and high hits and will break your opponent’s guard.

6A+K: A good ranged low that will knock down. Not too shabby on block, either.

Grabs: Yoda’s grabs are more unpredictable than other characters due to the fact that the animation is deceptively similar to his 66 air jump.

Combos:

3B, B+K, B: Pretty basic but easy to do.

4K, 3B: Another easy one that starts with a mid kick.

Fighting against Yoda: Don’t bother trying to throw him. It is impossible. Lay off the high attacks since they’ll miss most of the time anyway. Yoda also has short range and low mobility (his 8 Way run speed is pathetic). If you’re a long range character, use your sweeping lows to keep him away. You’ll have to fight him differently than most characters and you’ll find that some of your trusted combos and set ups might not work on him. Once you fight a few Yodas and find the moves that will actually hit the damn bastard, you’ll be in good shape.

Darth Vader:

Since I don’t own the PS3 version, and haven’t had the opportunity to play as Darth Vader extensively. I’ll have to refer you to more experienced hands.

Here are links to General Strategy and his Best Moves.

Combo Video:

Actually, that Vader stuff looked pretty neat. I might end up picking this up after all. Still, Namco-Bandai is getting a notorious reputation with their DLC. Next thing you know they’ll be offering the 1P outfits as customizable pieces. Oh wait, I would probably buy that. Damn them.