---

Captain Falcon in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Captain Falcon, the iconic F-Zero pilot, returns in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with his signature fiery flair and high-octane playstyle. Known for his speed and explosive power, Captain Falcon is a fan-favorite character that appeals to those who enjoy aggressive, fast-paced gameplay. Below is a detailed review of Captain Falcon, covering his strengths, weaknesses, strategies, and matchups.

Strengths

1. Speed and Mobility

Captain Falcon boasts exceptional speed, both on the ground and in the air. His fast dash speed makes him an excellent choice for players who like to keep constant pressure on their opponents. His aerial mobility allows for effective follow-ups and edge-guarding.

2. Powerful Attacks

Falcon's moveset includes several powerful attacks that can KO opponents at relatively low percentages. His forward smash, Falcon Punch, and Knee of Justice (Forward Aerial) are notorious for their knockout potential.

3. Versatile Combo Game

Captain Falcon has a versatile combo game, with his up-air being a key move for juggling opponents. His down throw can lead into a variety of follow-ups, and his neutral aerial is a reliable combo starter.

4. Strong Edge-Guarding

With moves like the Knee of Justice and his down aerial spike, Captain Falcon can effectively edge-guard and secure early stocks. His speed allows him to chase opponents off-stage, applying pressure and forcing mistakes.

Weaknesses

1. Recovery Limitations

One of Captain Falcon's notable weaknesses is his recovery. While his Falcon Dive (Up Special) has decent vertical range, it is predictable and can be easily intercepted. His Raptor Boost (Side Special) can be used for horizontal recovery, but it lacks versatility.

2. Lack of Projectile

Captain Falcon lacks a projectile, which can make it challenging to deal with characters that excel in zoning and long-range combat. Players need to rely on speed to close the gap against such opponents.

3. Light Weight

Despite his robust appearance, Captain Falcon is relatively light, making him susceptible to being KO'd earlier than heavier characters. This requires careful positioning and awareness of opponents' kill moves.

Effective Playstyle

To play Captain Falcon effectively, one must embrace his aggressive and fast-paced nature. Here are some key strategies:

• Utilize Speed: Use Falcon's speed to maintain pressure on your opponent. Dash dancing and fast aerials can create openings and force defensive play from opponents.

• Master Combos: Learn the various combos Captain Falcon can execute, particularly those involving his up-air and down throw. A solid understanding of his combo game can lead to significant damage output.

• Edge-Guard Aggressively: Take advantage of Falcon's aerial prowess to edge-guard opponents. Practicing the timing and spacing of his Knee of Justice and down aerial spike is crucial.

• Mind Recovery: Be mindful of Falcon's recovery limitations. Mix up your recovery options to avoid predictability, and be cautious when off-stage.

Matchups

• Favorable Matchups: Captain Falcon performs well against characters who struggle to keep up with his speed and aggression, such as Ganondorf and Bowser. His ability to combo and pressure these slower characters gives him an edge.

• Challenging Matchups: Characters with strong zoning abilities, like Samus or Link, can give Captain Falcon trouble due to his lack of projectiles. Additionally, characters with disjointed hitboxes, such as Marth and Lucina, can be difficult to approach.

• Even Matchups: Captain Falcon has even matchups with other fast and aggressive characters like Fox and Sheik. These matchups often come down to player skill and adaptation.

Conclusion

Captain Falcon is a thrilling character to play in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, offering a high-risk, high-reward playstyle that rewards aggressive tactics and precise execution. While he has some notable weaknesses, particularly in recovery and defense against zoners, his strengths in speed, power, and combo potential make him a formidable opponent. Mastering Captain Falcon requires dedication and practice, but the payoff is a character that can electrify any match with his explosive potential.