Back Slice
The Back Slice is a recurring ability in The Legend of Zelda series.[3] It goes unnamed in The Wind Waker.
Overview
The Back Slice is a sword ability wherein Link jumps to the side and rolls around a foe, ending up directly behind them, then hits his opponent with a jumping upward strike. It is effective as a counter-attack and against Enemies who are protected from frontal attacks.
The Wind Waker
The Back Slice is one of the two common Parry Attacks in The Wind Waker; the other being the Helm Splitter. By pressing the A button just before a Targeted Enemy attempts a vertical strike, Link will perform the entire motion of the Back Slice automatically. While the maneuver deals twice the damage of a regular Sword strike, it is possible for Link to miss with the jumping strike, usually happening if the Rolling motion is obstructed. Using the Back Slice successfully against a Darknut will sever the straps holding its body armor together, thereby removing the armor and leaving the Enemy vulnerable to attacks from all sides.
Twilight Princess
The Back Slice is the third Hidden Skill that Link can learn in Twilight Princess. To learn this Hidden Skill, he must first find a Howling Stone to awaken the White Wolf.[4] This Howling Stone can be found on a ledge in the Upper Zora's River area. After howling with the White Wolf, it tells Link to find him when Link returns to human form,[5] and marks where he will be waiting on Link's Map. After returning to human form, Link can find the White Wolf waiting for him on a small platform outside the westernEastern on Wii Version edge of Hyrule Castle Town. Approaching the White Wolf will return Link to the clouded area where the link can teach him the Back Slice.
While Link is Targeting an Enemy, holding the control stick to either side and pressing the A button makes him perform a sideways jump. Pressing the A button again at the moment he lands causes him to roll on his side in a semi-circular pattern, ending up behind the Enemy. By attacking at the end of the roll, Link will perform a jumping slice into the Enemy's back.[2] This technique can also be used when nothing is Targeted, but Link will just roll sideways instead of in a semi-circle.
Nomenclature
 Names in Other Regions  | ||
|---|---|---|
| Language | Names | |
| This table was generated from Zelda Wiki's translation data. | ||
Gallery
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Link beginning the Back Slice by Rolling to dodge an attack.
See Also
- Parry Attack
- Hidden Skill
- Ending Blow
- Shield Attack
- Helm Splitter
- Mortal Draw
- Jump Strike
- Great Spin
References
- ↑
But before we begin, I must test you to ensure you have mastered the last skill I taught you, the shield attack.
— Hero's Spirit (Twilight Princess HD) - ↑ 2.0 2.1
A mere shield attack is no match for an enemy protected not just by a shield, but by a thick, full-body coat of armor. Such enemies are often focused on guarding against frequent frontal attacks. They often leave their rear unprotected. That is when you
— Hero's Spirit (Twilight Princess HD)
-target and press 
while tilting 
to jump and roll around your foe, then performing a jumping slice. - ↑
Very well. My third hidden skill is... The back slice! Let it be hewn into your mind.
— Hero's Spirit (Twilight Princess HD) - ↑
Search for the statues that howl with the sound of the wind. Seek the sound that calls the spirit of the beast to awaken me again.
— Hero's Spirit (Twilight Princess HD) - ↑
Let teachings of old pass to you... Take sword in hand and find me...
— White Wolf (Twilight Princess HD)
