Reversal Edge

Sophitia and Mitsurugi in the middle of a Reversal Edge

Reversal Edge (リバーサルエッジ, Ribāsaru Ejji^?) is a brand new mechanic introduced in Soulcalibur VI. It will send players into a cinematic state and puts them in a "rock, paper, scissors" situation. It is activated by pressing + ( or R1) and the opponent must be hit in order for a clash to trigger.

The players has seven different options to chose from in Reversal Edge:

• Horizontal attack (), which beats Side Step, Back Step and Kicks. It loses to Vertical attacks and can be dodged by Forward Step.
• Vertical attack (), which beats Back Step, Forward Step and Horizontal attacks. It loses to Kicks and can be dodged by Side Step.
• Kick (), which beats Side Step, Forward Step and Vertical attacks. It loses to Horizontal attacks and can be dodged by Back Step.
• Guard ()
• Forward Step (), which beats Horizontal attacks. It loses to Vertical attacks and Kicks.
• Side Step ( or ), which beats Vertical attacks. It loses to Horizontal attacks and Kicks.
• Back Step (), which beats Kicks. It loses to Horizontal attacks and Vertical attacks.

If both players use the same attack, then it results in the clash going into a second round. However, the player who initiated the Reversal Edge will have an advantage; all of their attacks will result in a Lethal Hit if it connects, their attack will result in a guard crush, and if both players guard at the same time then the player who initiated the Reversal Edge will do a Level 3 Guard Impact on the other player.

While Reversal Edges can block even Throws, they are susceptible to Break Attacks and Unblockable Attacks.

When activating a Reversal Edge, the character who activated will speak before it starts. It will slow down the battle, freeze time, and make characters' weapons glow. Characters will also add remarks if they beat an option with the side step or crouch. In some occasions, the camera will zoom in and do a close up on one of the characters when they do their attack. The stage music also gets louder drums while this happens.

Combat Lessons

The following is text taken from Soulcalibur VI’s Combat Lesson.

Beginner 5: Reversal Edge Counters
■ 1. Countering an Offensive Player with Reversal Edge In battle, it can be difficult to know whether your opponent will attack middle or low. If you have trouble deciding how to guard, press + to perform a reversal edge. You will go into a special stance that allows you to block high, middle, and low attacks. Once your opponent has finished their offense, you will automatically counter. If the counter lands, you transition into a reversal edge clash and can potentially deal even more damage. ■ 2. Time Your Counters Press and hold + to stay in this special stance longer, therefore extending the amount of time you can defend. Even if your opponent goes for a two- or three-input combo, you will block it. ■ 3. Some Attacks Can't Be Blocked While a reversal edge allows you to block all sorts of attacks (including throws), some attacks can't be defended against. Namely break attacks, which are wreathed in blue lightning, and unblockable attacks, which are wreathed in red flames. To look at it another way, you can utilize these moves against an opponent using a reversal edge against you.
"A wise warrior boasts a superlative defense, while a wiser warrior relies on their wits more than their brawn. But what of the wisest warriors? Why, they win the battle before it has even begun." -Raphael Sorel, head of the Sorel family

Beginner 6: Reversal Edge Clashes
■ 1. The Three-way Triangle of Reversal Edge Clashes When one fighter successfully lands a reversal edge, both sides will move to create space between each other and enter a special sparring phase. During this phase, press , , or to unleash a special move that will determine whether you win or lose the phase, with each move being strong against one type and weak to another type. attacks beat , while attacks beat attacks, and attacks beat attacks. Each fighter's style also impacts the strength of their , , and attacks. With enough practice and knowledge about each of the fighting styles, you'll be able to read your opponent's moves and predict how they'll act during reversal edge clashes. ■ 2. Guarding and Reversal Edge Clashes If you're not sure which move to execute during a reversal edge clash, you can press to guard and momentarily fend off your opponent's attack. However, be warned: if you attempt to guard when your opponent uses a attack, the clash will restart and enter a second round. Additionally, if your guard stamina is low when attempting to guard during a reversal edge clash, your opponent may be able to crush your guard. ■ 3. Taking Evasive Maneuvers If you're confident about whether your opponent will use an , , or attack during a reversal edge clash, you can evade the attack altogether by pressing to move out of the way, with each direction enabling you to dodge a different attack. Forward steps () will move you out of the way of attacks, while side steps ( or ) will get you away from attacks, and back steps () will move you out of reach from attacks. Evading during a reversal edge clash is a major gamble, however. While successfully dodging an attack will put you in a prime position to dish out major damage, if you guess their attack incorrectly and move the wrong way, you'll take the hit.
"A swordsman puts their life on the line each and every second in a fight. Every little thing your opponent looks at, every breath they breathe, and every step that they take, they're all clues as to what their next move will be. And my experience reading such signs tells me that you're mad about how late I am, aren't you? So very, very mad." -Antonio, the "Flower Swordsman of Florence"

Reversal Edges (Supplemental Info)

■ 1. Parrying Attacks with Reversal Edges Successfully parrying one of your opponent's attacks with a reversal edge will imbue the counterattack you perform thereafter with the same properties as a fully held +. This means break attack properties are applied and the attack can't be blocked by other reversal edges or guard impacts. However, if the opponent uses an attack with a small opening, they can dodge the post-parry counterattack with an 8-way run. In other words, luring out a parry using a move with small opening is an effective way to deal with a reversal edge. You can also counter reversal edges with a break attack, or use a Resist Impact against the counterattack portion of the reversal edge. Your opponent can anticipate this, though, and handle it accordingly by holding the reversal edge and delaying its timing. ■ 2. Reversal Edge Clashes: Round 2 Under specific circumstances, reversal edge clashes can continue for a second round. This will occur either when both players choose the same attack button during the clash, or when one player chooses to attack with , and is blocked by the other player pressing . In the event that a second round occurs, even if both players choose the same attack, one side will always win. (See below fore more details.) Additionally, if one player attempts to guard against a attack, their guard will be crushed. In essence, no matter what happens, a definitive conclusion is always reached when a second clash occurs. (Note: If a player with low guard stamina attempts to guard by pressing in the first round of a clash, their guard may still be crushed by a attack.) ■ 3. Offense and Defense in Reversal Edge Clashes The fighter who successfully lands a reversal edge and initiates a clash is treated as the attacker. Because the attack has already broken the defending fighter's posture, they have the following advantages, as outlined below: -The rate at which the attacker gains soul gauge in order to trigger a critical edge is greatly increased. -If the reversal edge clash enters a second round, all of the attacker's hits will be treated as lethal hits. -If the reversal edge clash enters a second round and both players press the same attack button, the attacker will win the clash.

Gallery

Chart explaining the options and how they work with each other.

See Also

• Weapon Lock, a similar mechanic that appeared in Soul Edge.