 In the first game ("Soul Edge/Blade"), the Guard Impact system is a repelling technique that allows the player to check an incoming strike and push it back to allow a free hit.A Guard Impact requires precise timing (with the player pressing forward and guarding at the instant an opponent strikes) but it results in tactical advantage for the defender.The opposing player is able to counter a Guard Impact with their own and this can result in a stalemate until one of the players misjudges the timing on a subsequent Guard Impact.