SoulCalibur V features many changes to the systems introduced to the series in SoulCalibur IV. The Guard Impact mechanic has been changed so that players must hold back, as opposed to forward, and press all three attack buttons together. This uses a portion of the new Critical Meter to repel unblockable attacks. It also ignores the height of the attack, blocking both high and low attacks.
The new Just Guard mechanic allows players to retaliate after attacks more quickly if they block an attack at the perfect moment. Performed by blocking just before impact, the Just Guard can be used to rush in quickly and link together otherwise slow combos. This is particularly helpful with slower characters like Nightmare and Astaroth, where close-combat is almost impossible. By performing a Just Guard, I was able to catch quick characters like Ivy and Maxi off-guard with Nightmare's big swings.
The Critical Meter mentioned before is part of the new way SoulCalibur is played. Critical Finishes and the Soul Gauge have been removed in lieu of a new gauge that is used to perform the new "Brave Edge" and "Critical Edge" attacks. This new mechanic has transformed SoulCalibur into a more traditional fighter, where players are constantly trying to raise their meter in order to unleash a special move.
