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Cloud in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Cloud Strife, the iconic protagonist from Final Fantasy VII, is a fan-favorite character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Known for his massive Buster Sword and his Limit Break mechanic, Cloud is a formidable character with a unique playstyle. This review will delve into his strengths, weaknesses, effective strategies, and matchups against other characters.

Strengths

1. Powerful Swordfighter: Cloud's Buster Sword provides him with excellent range and power. His attacks cover a good amount of space, allowing him to control the stage effectively.

2. Speed and Mobility: Cloud possesses good ground speed and decent air mobility, making him versatile in both offensive and defensive play. His dash speed helps him close gaps and retreat quickly.

3. Limit Break Mechanic: Cloud's Limit Break is a unique feature that enhances his special moves. Charging Limit Break gives Cloud access to more powerful versions of his specials, such as the devastating Limit Cross Slash or a significantly improved recovery with Limit Climhazzard.

4. Versatile Moveset: Cloud's moveset includes a mix of powerful smash attacks, quick tilts, and effective aerials. Moves like Up Smash and Forward Smash are great for KO potential, while his aerials like Back Air offer range and reliability.

5. Edgeguarding: Cloud's aerial attacks, particularly his Back Air and Down Air, are effective tools for edgeguarding opponents and securing stocks.

Weaknesses

1. Recovery: Without his Limit Break, Cloud's recovery is predictable and can be easily intercepted. His Up Special, Climhazzard, offers limited horizontal distance, making it a target for opponents looking to gimp him.

2. Combo Food: Cloud can be vulnerable to combo-heavy characters due to his size and fall speed. Characters with strong juggling capabilities can exploit this weakness.

3. Laggy Attacks: Some of Cloud's powerful moves, like his Forward Smash, have considerable end lag, making them punishable if whiffed or blocked.

4. Projectile Struggles: Cloud lacks a projectile, which can make it challenging to approach characters with strong zoning tools. He must rely on his mobility and spacing to close the gap.

Effective Playstyle

1. Stage Control: Utilize Cloud's range to control space and pressure opponents. His Neutral Air is excellent for maintaining stage presence, while Back Air is a great tool for spacing and zoning.

2. Limit Management: Efficiently charge and utilize Limit Break. Charging Limit can force opponents to approach, giving Cloud the opportunity to punish. Use Limit Break moves strategically for KOs or recovery.

3. Mix-Up Options: Cloud's tilts and aerials offer mix-up potential. Use Down Tilt for fast pokes and Up Tilt for anti-air. Mix aerial approaches with short hops and full hops to keep opponents guessing.

4. Edgeguarding and Ledge Trapping: Use Cloud's range and aerials to edgeguard effectively. Ledge trap with Forward Tilt and Down Smash to cover multiple options.

Matchups

1. Favorable Matchups: Cloud generally performs well against characters who struggle to get in or lack range, such as Little Mac, Ganondorf, and Bowser. His sword can outrange and outspace them effectively.

2. Even Matchups: Cloud has even matchups with characters like Mario, Palutena, and Ike. These matches often depend on player skill, spacing, and stage control.

3. Unfavorable Matchups: Cloud struggles against characters with strong projectiles or superior recovery and juggling, such as Samus, Young Link, and Pikachu. These characters can exploit his weaknesses in recovery and pressure him from a distance.

In conclusion, Cloud in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a versatile character with a strong toolkit for both offense and defense. Mastering his range, mobility, and Limit Break mechanic is key to playing Cloud effectively. While he has some notable weaknesses, particularly in recovery and against projectile-heavy characters, skilled players can overcome these challenges and make Cloud a formidable opponent on the battlefield.