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Falco in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Comprehensive Review

Falco Lombardi, the ace pilot from the Star Fox series, makes his return in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) as one of the more technical characters in the roster. Known for his agility, combo potential, and potent edge-guarding capabilities, Falco is a favorite among players who enjoy an aggressive, aerial playstyle. This review will delve into Falco's strengths, weaknesses, effective play strategies, and matchups against other characters in the game.

Strengths

1. Exceptional Aerial Game

Falco possesses one of the best aerial arsenals in SSBU. His jumps are high, allowing him to maneuver through the air with ease, which complements his aerial attacks. Moves like his forward aerial (Fair) and down aerial (Dair) are excellent for pressure and edge-guarding.

2. Strong Combo Potential

Falco's moveset includes various attacks that chain together effectively, particularly in the air. His neutral aerial (Nair) and up tilt (Utilt) are great combo starters, leading into aerial follow-ups such as up aerial (Uair) or back aerial (Bair). His ability to juggle opponents with these moves makes him a formidable threat once he gets a hit in.

3. Reflector Utility

Falco's Reflector is not only useful for reflecting projectiles but also for disrupting opponents at close range. It comes out quickly and can catch opponents off guard during footsies, adding an extra layer of defense and offense.

4. Laser Control

His Blaster is a great tool for controlling space and forcing approaches. While not as fast as Fox's, Falco's laser causes opponents to flinch, which can be used to disrupt their rhythm and create openings.

Weaknesses

1. Limited Ground Game

Despite his aerial prowess, Falco's ground game lacks the speed and versatility found in some other characters. His dash attack and grab range are relatively short, which can make approaching on the ground challenging.

2. Recovery Vulnerabilities

Falco's recovery is somewhat predictable and can be easily intercepted. His Fire Bird (Up B) and Falco Phantasm (Side B) have limited range and can be exploited by opponents who are expecting them.

3. Lightweight

Falco is a lightweight character, meaning he is more susceptible to being knocked out at lower percentages compared to heavier characters. This requires Falco players to maintain constant pressure and avoid getting hit as much as possible.

Effective Play Strategies

1. Aerial Dominance

Capitalize on Falco's aerial strengths by staying airborne and using his high jumps to your advantage. Utilize his Nair, Fair, and Bair to pressure opponents and create openings for combos.

2. Combo Execution

Practice Falco's bread-and-butter combos to maximize damage output. Utilize Utilt and Dair as combo starters, and follow up with Uair, Fair, or Bair for juggles and kill setups.

3. Edge-Guarding

Falco excels at edge-guarding, especially with his Dair. Use his aerials to intercept opponents off-stage and secure early KOs. Be mindful of your own positioning and timing to avoid being countered.

4. Smart Use of Reflector and Blaster

Keep opponents at bay with well-timed Reflector usage, and disrupt zoning characters with your Blaster. Use these tools to condition opponents into making mistakes you can capitalize on.

Matchups

Favorable Matchups

• Heavyweights (e.g., Bowser, Donkey Kong): Falco's aerial combos can rack up damage quickly, and his edge-guarding can exploit their slower recoveries.
• Projectile-Heavy Characters (e.g., Samus, Link): Falco's Reflector and Blaster help him deal effectively with zoning strategies.

Challenging Matchups

• Fast Rushdown Characters (e.g., Fox, Pichu): These characters can outpace Falco on the ground and exploit his slower ground game.
• Characters with Strong Recovery (e.g., Pikachu, Lucina): They can be difficult to edge-guard effectively, minimizing one of Falco's key strengths.

Conclusion

Falco is a character that rewards players who enjoy a fast-paced, aerial combat style. His strengths lie in his ability to control the air and execute deadly combos, making him a formidable opponent when played effectively. However, mastering Falco requires a solid understanding of his limitations, particularly in his ground game and recovery. With practice and strategic play, Falco can be a top-tier choice for players looking to dominate the skies in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.