Soulcalibur: Getting Started Guide

Welcome to our 'Soulcalibur: Getting Started Guide'! Dive into the thrilling universe of Soulcalibur with this comprehensive guide designed to turn novice players into formidable warriors. Whether you're setting up your gaming profile, mastering the basic controls, exploring the main menu, or gearing up for your first epic battle, we've got you covered. Plus, our expert tips for new players will ensure you start your journey on the right foot. Ready to become a legend on the battlefield? Let's get started!

Creating Your Profile

Before you can start pulling off those jaw-dropping combos in Soulcalibur, you need to create your profile. This sets up your player data, tracks your progress, and customizes your experience. Let’s walk you through it!

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Profile

Launch the Game: Start up Soulcalibur on your console or PC. You'll be greeted with an epic opening cinematic. Grab some popcorn, or skip it if you’re in a hurry.
Main Menu Navigation: Once you're on the main menu, look for the ‘Profile’ option. It’s usually pretty prominent and easy to find.
Choosing a Username: Pick something fun and unique. Remember, this is how other players will see you. 'BattleKing' or 'SwordMaster9000'? Go wild, but keep it respectful!
Profile Picture: You can choose a character avatar or upload your own picture. Your profile pic is like your in-game face, so pick something you like. You might want to use your favorite character to represent yourself.
Bio Setup (Optional): Add a short bio about yourself. It can be as simple as your favorite character or a quote that pumps you up. This part is optional but adds some personality to your profile.

Setting Up Preferences

Once you have the basics down, it’s time to dive into your preferences.

Game Settings

Difficulty Level: Set the difficulty level for the AI. If you’re new, start with easy. You can always ramp it up as you get better.
Control Customization: Soulcalibur lets you remap your controls. Adjust them to fit your playstyle. Whether you’re a button masher or a precise tactician, tailor the controls to make the game feel right.

Visual and Audio Settings

Graphics: Adjust the graphic settings to fit your system’s capabilities. Max them out if you have a powerful machine, or lower them for better performance on older hardware.
Audio: Customize the sound settings. Want the music to pump you up more than the sound effects? Adjust the levels to your liking.

Your Player Card

Your player card is what others will see when they view your profile. It includes your avatar, username, win/loss record, and more. Keeping it updated shows off your progress and achievements.

Customize the Card

Background: Choices range from fiery battlegrounds to serene landscapes. Pick one that matches your style.
Title: Earn titles by completing in-game challenges. Equip one that shows off your skills or personality.

Social Features

Soulcalibur isn’t just about the fighting--it’s about the community. Here’s how you can connect with other players:

Friend Requests: Add people you’ve battled or real-life friends. Having a list of friends makes it easier to set up matches and share tips.
Guilds/Clans: Join or create a guild. It’s a great way to team up with like-minded players and participate in special events.

Wrapping It Up

Creating your profile in Soulcalibur is more than just filling out forms. It’s crafting your identity in the game. Take your time, make it your own, and get ready to dive into battles with a profile that truly represents you. Now, go and clash swords with the best of them!

Now you’re all set. With your profile ready, it’s time to explore the game modes and start fighting. But that’s a story for another section. Get out there and show the world what you’re made of!

Understanding Basic Controls

Alright, folks! Whether you're picking up a sword, spear, or some other fantastical weapon, mastering Soulcalibur's basic controls is key to becoming a legendary warrior. Let's break it down so you can start slicing and dicing your way to victory.

Movement

Before you get to the flashy stuff, moving around the battlefield is crucial. Here’s how to dance around your opponent:

Directional Pad (D-Pad) or Left Analog Stick: These are your go-to for movement. Push them to move in any direction.
- Up/Down: Move your character vertically on the plane.
- Left/Right: Movement along the horizontal axis.
Double Tap: Quickly tap any direction twice to dash or step in that direction. It’s great for dodging or closing the distance swiftly.

Attacks

Soulcalibur’s combat is all about timing and precision. Here are your basic attack buttons:

Horizontal Attack (A): This button performs horizontal slashes. Great for catching opponents sidestepping.
Vertical Attack (B): Performs vertical strikes, perfect for halting forward-moving enemies.
Kick (K): The K button gives you a powerful kick. Less range, but it can disrupt opponents.
Guard (G): Hold this button to block incoming attacks. Essential for defense!

Unique Moves and Combos

Knowing your basic attacks is fine, but when you string them together, that's where the magic happens.

Combos: Combine (A), (B), and (K) in various sequences to perform combos. Experiment in practice mode to find deadly combinations.
Special Moves: Each character has unique special moves which often combine directional inputs with attack buttons (e.g., Forward + B).

Special Techniques

The advanced maneuvers are where Soulcalibur really shines. Here are a few special techniques to start practicing:

Guard Impact: Tap (G) and (Forward) at the same time to parry an opponent’s attack. Timing is crucial but doing it right can turn the tide of battle.
Reversal Edge: Hold down both (A) and (B) simultaneously. This initiates a slow-motion attack that can counter enemy moves.
Critical Edge: Once your Soul Gauge is full, unleash a powerful attack by pressing (R2) on PS or (RT) on Xbox. It’s a game-changer if you’re in a tight spot.

Movement and Positions

Understanding your character’s position relative to your opponent is half the battle.

8-Way Run: This lets you move freely in all directions by holding the joystick. Use it to navigate around the arena and your foe.
Ring Outs: Pushing an opponent out of the ring wins the round immediately. Utilize your mobility to position yourself strategically.

Character Specials

Every character has their quirks. Spend time in practice mode with your chosen fighter to learn:

Personalized Combos: Experiment to figure out the most effective sequences.
Signature Moves: Each character has unique moves--study them to maximize your fighting potential.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to get comfortable with these controls is to jump in and practice. Don't worry about losing a few rounds; every defeat is just a step towards mastery. Try different characters to see who matches your style, and soon enough, you’ll be carving through opponents like butter.

That’s it for the basics. Now, grab your controller, pick your hero, and let the battles commence! Happy fighting!

Navigating the Main Menu

Welcome to Soulcalibur! Whether you’re a fighting game pro or a total newbie, finding your way around the main menu is the first step. Let's break it down so you can get straight into the sword-swinging action.

Main Menu Options

When you first launch Soulcalibur, you’ll be greeted by a slick and stylish main menu. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll find:

Story Mode
Arcade Mode
Versus Mode
Training
Network Play
Create-A-Soul
Museum
Options

Let's dive into each one of these and see what they’re all about.

Story Mode

Story Mode is perfect for diving deep into the lore of Soulcalibur. You'll follow the tales of various characters as they battle for the mystical swords. This is great for players who love narrative-driven gameplay and want to understand the background of their favorite fighters.

Libra of Soul: This is a personalized adventure where you create your own character and embark on a quest to save the world from evil. It’s packed with dialogue choices, battles, and RPG elements.
Soul Chronicle: Here you get to play through each character's individual story. If you want to know the full story arc of, say, Mitsurugi or Sophitia, this is where you go.

Arcade Mode

Arcade Mode is your classic fighting game setup. Fight through a series of opponents to reach the final boss. It’s perfect for quick solo gameplay without the deep story elements. Each character has their own unique ending cutscene when you beat Arcade Mode, so it’s worth playing through with multiple characters.

Versus Mode

Want to settle a score with your friends? Versus Mode is the place to be. Choose your fighters and battle it out in local multiplayer. It’s simple, straightforward, and the best way to brag about your skills.

Training

New to the game? Trying to master a tough combo? Training Mode has your back. You can practice all the moves and techniques without the pressure of a real battle. This mode is highly customizable -- set your opponent's behavior, position, and more to perfect your strategies.

Network Play

Ready to take on the world? Network Play allows you to fight against other players online. There are a few options within this mode:

Ranked Match: Compete to improve your online ranking.
Casual Match: Play for fun without worrying about ranks.
Room Match: Create or join a room with custom settings for a more controlled experience.

Create-A-Soul

Create-A-Soul is where you let your imagination run wild. This customization mode allows you to create your own badass fighter. Adjust everything from their appearance to their fighting style. You can even share your creations online or download other players’ customized characters.

Museum

Soulcalibur is rich in history and lore. The Museum section is your library of all things Soulcalibur. You can check out:

Character Profiles: Detailed backgrounds on each fighter.
Event Gallery: Watch cutscenes and re-live epic moments.
Art Gallery: Browse through beautiful concept art and illustrations.

Options

Finally, there’s the Options menu. Here, you can tweak settings to suit your playstyle. Adjust everything from button configurations to audio settings. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with these options to optimize your gaming experience.

Tips for New Players

Explore Different Modes: Don’t just stick to one mode. Exploring different modes will help you learn the game mechanics better.
Use Training Mode: Spend some time in Training Mode to get comfortable with your character's moves.
Check the Museum: Gain insights into characters and lore which can sometimes give you strategic advantages.

Your journey into the thrilling world of Soulcalibur begins with understanding the main menu. So, grab your controller, pick your mode, and get ready to fight for the soul of the sword!

Soulcalibur: Getting Started Guide

Starting Your First Battle

Welcome to the world of Soulcalibur! Ready to dive head-first into the wind-slicing, spark-flying action? This section will walk you through everything you need to know to start your first battle and kick some serious butt.

Step 1: Choose Your Game Mode

Before the clashing of blades, you need to pick a game mode. Here are a few key options:

Story Mode: Perfect if you want a good tale along with your fights. This follows individual character backstories.
Arcade Mode: Traditional and straightforward. Take on several opponents in succession.
Versus Mode: Got a friend over? Battle it out against them.
Training Mode: Newbie? This is where you practice moves and combos without any pressure.

For your first fight, Training Mode is a great place to start. It helps you get a grip on the basics.

Step 2: Select Your Fighter

Soulcalibur has a roster full of colorful characters, each with unique weaponry and combat styles. Here's a quick rundown of some starter-friendly fighters:

Mitsurugi: A balanced samurai, great for all-around play.
Sophitia: A shield and sword user with a beginner-friendly move set.
Kilik: Wields a long staff, offering good range for newcomers.

Spend a little time in training mode to experiment and find a fighter that feels right for you.

Step 3: Learn the Basics

When the fight starts, the first thing you should know are the basic controls. Here’s a quick guide:

Movement: Use the directional pad or joystick to move left, right, crouch, or jump.
Horizontal Slash (A): A quick side-to-side attack.
Vertical Slash (B): A more powerful attack that swings up and down.
Kick (K): Good for breaking guards and varying your moves.
Guard (G): Hold this button to block incoming attacks.

Pro Tip: Combining directions with attack buttons lets you perform different moves. For instance, pressing right + vertical slash might give you a different attack than just pressing vertical slash alone.

Step 4: Basic Strategies

Here are a few beginner strategies to keep in mind:

Watch Your Guard: Blocking is crucial. Don't just mash attacks; guard and look for openings.
Learn a Few Combos: Don’t worry about memorizing everything. Start with two or three simple combos for your chosen character.
Use the Environment: Walls and boundaries can be your friends. Knock your opponent into these for additional damage or ring them out for a fast win.

Step 5: Practice Makes Perfect

The first few rounds might be overwhelming, but don’t sweat it. Everyone starts somewhere. Spend time in Training Mode to get comfortable with your fighter. Once you feel ready, head into Arcade Mode or fight against another player to put your skills to the test.

By following these steps, you’re on your way to becoming a sword master in Soulcalibur. Remember, the key is to practice, learn from your battles, and have fun! Whether you're looking to casually enjoy the game or climb the competitive ladder, the journey begins here. Now go out there and show your enemies what you're made of!

Feel free to mix and match these tips to fit your playstyle. Happy fighting!

Tips for New Players

Starting out in Soulcalibur can feel a bit overwhelming, but don't worry! We've got some handy tips to help you get started and have a blast while learning the ropes.

1. Pick a Character and Stick With Them

The roster in Soulcalibur is packed with cool and unique characters. As tempting as it may be to try all of them, it's a good idea to pick one to start with. This helps you get used to their moves and abilities. Characters like Mitsurugi or Sophitia are great for beginners because they have balanced move sets that are easy to grasp.

2. Learn the Basics

Before jumping into competitive play, make sure you understand the basics:

Horizontal Attacks (A): These are good for hitting sidestepping opponents.
Vertical Attacks (B): Strong moves that can also break through guards.
Kicks (K): Speedy and often less predictable.
Guard (G): Essential for blocking attacks and setting up counter-attacks.

Spend some time in the training mode to practice these basic moves and get comfortable with them.

3. Use the Training Mode

Soulcalibur has a fantastic training mode that lets you refine your skills. Use it to:

Practice Combos: Test out different moves and see how they can link together for bigger damage.
Learn Guard Impacts: This is a special block that can push your opponent off balance if timed correctly.
Experiment with Mechanics: Try out the various mechanics like Reversal Edge and Soul Charge to see how they fit into your gameplay.

4. Master Movement

Movement is crucial in Soulcalibur. Remember these key points:

8-Way Run: You can move in any direction by holding down a direction. It helps you dodge attacks and approach your opponent strategically.
Sidestepping: Tap up or down to sidestep, which can help avoid vertical attacks.
Backstepping and Dashing: Use these to maintain distance or close the gap.

Practice moving around the map smoothly to get the hang of it.

5. Understand Guard and Counter-Attacks

Blocking is key to surviving in Soulcalibur. Hold down the Guard button to block incoming attacks. However, don't just stay defensive. Mix things up with counter-attacks:

Guard Impact (G + Direction): When timed well, this special block can disorient your opponent.
Reversal Edge (B + G): This slows down the game into a cinematic clash, giving you a chance to react to your opponent's move.

6. Know Your Meters

There are two important meters you should keep an eye on:

Health Gauge: Your lifeline, obviously.
Soul Gauge: Fills up as you fight and allows you to use powerful moves like Critical Edge (A+B+K) and Soul Charge (B+G while standing).

Use these wisely to turn the tide of battle.

7. Don't Button Mash

It's tempting, but don't fall into the habit of button mashing. Soulcalibur rewards strategy and timing. Take the time to learn which moves are best in different situations. You'll be much more effective with a calculated approach.

8. Watch Replays and Learn

One of the best ways to improve is by watching replays of your matches. This can help you see what you're doing right and where you need improvement. Also, watch matches from more skilled players and pick up on their techniques and strategies.

9. Stay Patient and Have Fun

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun. Don't get discouraged if you lose a few fights. Soulcalibur has a learning curve, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it.

Jump into the game, follow these tips, and you'll be slicing and dicing your way to victory in no time!

Creating Your Profile

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Profile

Launch the Game: Start up Soulcalibur on your console or PC. You'll be greeted with an epic opening cinematic. Grab some popcorn, or skip it if you’re in a hurry.
Main Menu Navigation: Once you're on the main menu, look for the ‘Profile’ option. It’s usually pretty prominent and easy to find.
Choosing a Username: Pick something fun and unique. Remember, this is how other players will see you. 'BattleKing' or 'SwordMaster9000'? Go wild, but keep it respectful!
Profile Picture: You can choose a character avatar or upload your own picture. Your profile pic is like your in-game face, so pick something you like. You might want to use your favorite character to represent yourself.
Bio Setup (Optional): Add a short bio about yourself. It can be as simple as your favorite character or a quote that pumps you up. This part is optional but adds some personality to your profile.

Setting Up Preferences

Once you have the basics down, it’s time to dive into your preferences.

Game Settings

Difficulty Level: Set the difficulty level for the AI. If you’re new, start with easy. You can always ramp it up as you get better.
Control Customization: Soulcalibur lets you remap your controls. Adjust them to fit your playstyle. Whether you’re a button masher or a precise tactician, tailor the controls to make the game feel right.

Visual and Audio Settings

Graphics: Adjust the graphic settings to fit your system’s capabilities. Max them out if you have a powerful machine, or lower them for better performance on older hardware.
Audio: Customize the sound settings. Want the music to pump you up more than the sound effects? Adjust the levels to your liking.

Your Player Card

Your player card is what others will see when they view your profile. It includes your avatar, username, win/loss record, and more. Keeping it updated shows off your progress and achievements.

Customize the Card

Background: Choices range from fiery battlegrounds to serene landscapes. Pick one that matches your style.
Title: Earn titles by completing in-game challenges. Equip one that shows off your skills or personality.

Social Features

Soulcalibur isn’t just about the fighting--it’s about the community. Here’s how you can connect with other players:

Friend Requests: Add people you’ve battled or real-life friends. Having a list of friends makes it easier to set up matches and share tips.
Guilds/Clans: Join or create a guild. It’s a great way to team up with like-minded players and participate in special events.

Wrapping It Up

Understanding Basic Controls

Movement

Before you get to the flashy stuff, moving around the battlefield is crucial. Here’s how to dance around your opponent:

Directional Pad (D-Pad) or Left Analog Stick: These are your go-to for movement. Push them to move in any direction.
- Up/Down: Move your character vertically on the plane.
- Left/Right: Movement along the horizontal axis.
Double Tap: Quickly tap any direction twice to dash or step in that direction. It’s great for dodging or closing the distance swiftly.

Attacks

Soulcalibur’s combat is all about timing and precision. Here are your basic attack buttons:

Horizontal Attack (A): This button performs horizontal slashes. Great for catching opponents sidestepping.
Vertical Attack (B): Performs vertical strikes, perfect for halting forward-moving enemies.
Kick (K): The K button gives you a powerful kick. Less range, but it can disrupt opponents.
Guard (G): Hold this button to block incoming attacks. Essential for defense!

Unique Moves and Combos

Knowing your basic attacks is fine, but when you string them together, that's where the magic happens.

Combos: Combine (A), (B), and (K) in various sequences to perform combos. Experiment in practice mode to find deadly combinations.
Special Moves: Each character has unique special moves which often combine directional inputs with attack buttons (e.g., Forward + B).

Special Techniques

The advanced maneuvers are where Soulcalibur really shines. Here are a few special techniques to start practicing:

Guard Impact: Tap (G) and (Forward) at the same time to parry an opponent’s attack. Timing is crucial but doing it right can turn the tide of battle.
Reversal Edge: Hold down both (A) and (B) simultaneously. This initiates a slow-motion attack that can counter enemy moves.
Critical Edge: Once your Soul Gauge is full, unleash a powerful attack by pressing (R2) on PS or (RT) on Xbox. It’s a game-changer if you’re in a tight spot.

Movement and Positions

Understanding your character’s position relative to your opponent is half the battle.

8-Way Run: This lets you move freely in all directions by holding the joystick. Use it to navigate around the arena and your foe.
Ring Outs: Pushing an opponent out of the ring wins the round immediately. Utilize your mobility to position yourself strategically.

Character Specials

Every character has their quirks. Spend time in practice mode with your chosen fighter to learn:

Personalized Combos: Experiment to figure out the most effective sequences.
Signature Moves: Each character has unique moves--study them to maximize your fighting potential.

Practice Makes Perfect

That’s it for the basics. Now, grab your controller, pick your hero, and let the battles commence! Happy fighting!

Navigating the Main Menu

Main Menu Options

When you first launch Soulcalibur, you’ll be greeted by a slick and stylish main menu. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll find:

Story Mode
Arcade Mode
Versus Mode
Training
Network Play
Create-A-Soul
Museum
Options

Let's dive into each one of these and see what they’re all about.

Story Mode

Libra of Soul: This is a personalized adventure where you create your own character and embark on a quest to save the world from evil. It’s packed with dialogue choices, battles, and RPG elements.
Soul Chronicle: Here you get to play through each character's individual story. If you want to know the full story arc of, say, Mitsurugi or Sophitia, this is where you go.

Arcade Mode

Versus Mode

Training

Network Play

Ready to take on the world? Network Play allows you to fight against other players online. There are a few options within this mode:

Ranked Match: Compete to improve your online ranking.
Casual Match: Play for fun without worrying about ranks.
Room Match: Create or join a room with custom settings for a more controlled experience.

Create-A-Soul

Museum

Soulcalibur is rich in history and lore. The Museum section is your library of all things Soulcalibur. You can check out:

Character Profiles: Detailed backgrounds on each fighter.
Event Gallery: Watch cutscenes and re-live epic moments.
Art Gallery: Browse through beautiful concept art and illustrations.

Options

Tips for New Players

Explore Different Modes: Don’t just stick to one mode. Exploring different modes will help you learn the game mechanics better.
Use Training Mode: Spend some time in Training Mode to get comfortable with your character's moves.
Check the Museum: Gain insights into characters and lore which can sometimes give you strategic advantages.

Your journey into the thrilling world of Soulcalibur begins with understanding the main menu. So, grab your controller, pick your mode, and get ready to fight for the soul of the sword!

Soulcalibur: Getting Started Guide

Starting Your First Battle

Step 1: Choose Your Game Mode

Before the clashing of blades, you need to pick a game mode. Here are a few key options:

Story Mode: Perfect if you want a good tale along with your fights. This follows individual character backstories.
Arcade Mode: Traditional and straightforward. Take on several opponents in succession.
Versus Mode: Got a friend over? Battle it out against them.
Training Mode: Newbie? This is where you practice moves and combos without any pressure.

For your first fight, Training Mode is a great place to start. It helps you get a grip on the basics.

Step 2: Select Your Fighter

Soulcalibur has a roster full of colorful characters, each with unique weaponry and combat styles. Here's a quick rundown of some starter-friendly fighters:

Mitsurugi: A balanced samurai, great for all-around play.
Sophitia: A shield and sword user with a beginner-friendly move set.
Kilik: Wields a long staff, offering good range for newcomers.

Spend a little time in training mode to experiment and find a fighter that feels right for you.

Step 3: Learn the Basics

When the fight starts, the first thing you should know are the basic controls. Here’s a quick guide:

Movement: Use the directional pad or joystick to move left, right, crouch, or jump.
Horizontal Slash (A): A quick side-to-side attack.
Vertical Slash (B): A more powerful attack that swings up and down.
Kick (K): Good for breaking guards and varying your moves.
Guard (G): Hold this button to block incoming attacks.

Step 4: Basic Strategies

Here are a few beginner strategies to keep in mind:

Watch Your Guard: Blocking is crucial. Don't just mash attacks; guard and look for openings.
Learn a Few Combos: Don’t worry about memorizing everything. Start with two or three simple combos for your chosen character.
Use the Environment: Walls and boundaries can be your friends. Knock your opponent into these for additional damage or ring them out for a fast win.

Step 5: Practice Makes Perfect

Feel free to mix and match these tips to fit your playstyle. Happy fighting!

Tips for New Players

Starting out in Soulcalibur can feel a bit overwhelming, but don't worry! We've got some handy tips to help you get started and have a blast while learning the ropes.

1. Pick a Character and Stick With Them

2. Learn the Basics

Before jumping into competitive play, make sure you understand the basics:

Horizontal Attacks (A): These are good for hitting sidestepping opponents.
Vertical Attacks (B): Strong moves that can also break through guards.
Kicks (K): Speedy and often less predictable.
Guard (G): Essential for blocking attacks and setting up counter-attacks.

Spend some time in the training mode to practice these basic moves and get comfortable with them.

3. Use the Training Mode

Soulcalibur has a fantastic training mode that lets you refine your skills. Use it to:

Practice Combos: Test out different moves and see how they can link together for bigger damage.
Learn Guard Impacts: This is a special block that can push your opponent off balance if timed correctly.
Experiment with Mechanics: Try out the various mechanics like Reversal Edge and Soul Charge to see how they fit into your gameplay.

4. Master Movement

Movement is crucial in Soulcalibur. Remember these key points:

8-Way Run: You can move in any direction by holding down a direction. It helps you dodge attacks and approach your opponent strategically.
Sidestepping: Tap up or down to sidestep, which can help avoid vertical attacks.
Backstepping and Dashing: Use these to maintain distance or close the gap.

Practice moving around the map smoothly to get the hang of it.

5. Understand Guard and Counter-Attacks

Blocking is key to surviving in Soulcalibur. Hold down the Guard button to block incoming attacks. However, don't just stay defensive. Mix things up with counter-attacks:

Guard Impact (G + Direction): When timed well, this special block can disorient your opponent.
Reversal Edge (B + G): This slows down the game into a cinematic clash, giving you a chance to react to your opponent's move.

6. Know Your Meters

There are two important meters you should keep an eye on:

Health Gauge: Your lifeline, obviously.
Soul Gauge: Fills up as you fight and allows you to use powerful moves like Critical Edge (A+B+K) and Soul Charge (B+G while standing).

Use these wisely to turn the tide of battle.

7. Don't Button Mash

8. Watch Replays and Learn

9. Stay Patient and Have Fun

Remember, the most important thing is to have fun. Don't get discouraged if you lose a few fights. Soulcalibur has a learning curve, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it.

Jump into the game, follow these tips, and you'll be slicing and dicing your way to victory in no time!