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Hero in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Hero, a DLC character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, hails from the Dragon Quest series. Known for his versatile moveset and unique mechanics, Hero brings a blend of randomness and raw power to the battlefield. This review will delve into Hero's strengths, weaknesses, effective playstyle strategies, and notable matchups.

Strengths

1. Versatile Moveset: Hero boasts a wide array of spells and abilities, thanks to his Command Selection feature. This mechanic allows him to access various spells like "Kaboom," "Sizzle," or "Heal," offering adaptability in different situations.

2. Powerful Specials: Hero's special moves, particularly his neutral special (Frizz, Frizzle, and Kafrizz) and side special (Zap, Zapple, Kazap), provide significant zoning tools and kill potential. Charged versions deliver devastating damage.

3. Critical Hits: Hero's smash attacks have a chance to land critical hits, dealing much more damage than normal. This mechanic can unexpectedly turn the tide of a match in Hero's favor.

4. Magic Burst and Thwack: These spells can secure early KOs. Magic Burst consumes all of Hero's MP to deal massive damage, while Thwack has a chance to instantly KO at lower percentages.

5. Edge Guarding and Recovery: Hero's up special, Woosh, Swoosh, and Kaswoosh, offers excellent vertical recovery options. Combined with his down special spells, Hero can effectively edge guard opponents.

Weaknesses

1. Reliance on MP: Hero’s powerful abilities consume MP, which regenerates slowly. Overusing spells can leave him vulnerable with no resources for crucial recovery moves.

2. Randomness and Unpredictability: While the Command Selection provides versatility, it introduces randomness that can disrupt strategic planning. Players must be adaptable and quick-thinking.

3. Sluggish Movement and Attacks: Compared to other characters, Hero has relatively slow movement and attack speeds, making him susceptible to faster, aggressive opponents.

4. Defensive Vulnerability: Hero's defensive options are limited. His shield game and frame data on defensive maneuvers are not exceptional, requiring careful spacing and timing.

Effective Playstyle Strategies

1. MP Management: Efficient use of MP is crucial. Balance the use of spells with standard attacks to maintain a reserve for critical moments, such as recovery or high-damage opportunities.

2. Adaptability with Command Selection: Familiarize yourself with all the spells in the Command Selection and understand when each is most effective. This knowledge allows you to adapt your strategy in real-time.

3. Spacing and Zoning: Utilize Hero's specials for zoning to control the pace of the match. His ranged attacks can keep opponents at bay and force them into unfavorable positions.

4. Critical Hit Awareness: Leverage the potential for critical hits by using smash attacks when opportunities arise. This can create pressure on opponents due to the threat of high damage.

5. Mind Games with Command Selection: Use the randomness of the Command Selection as a psychological tool. The unpredictability can bait opponents into defensive errors or unsafe approaches.

Matchups

1. Favorable Matchups: Hero performs well against characters who struggle with his zoning and ranged pressure, such as Little Mac or Ganondorf. These opponents often lack the tools to deal with Hero’s varied spell arsenal.

2. Even Matchups: Against balanced fighters like Mario or Lucina, Hero’s performance depends on player skill and MP management. These matchups can swing based on adaptability and strategic use of the Command Selection.

3. Unfavorable Matchups: Quick and aggressive characters like Pikachu or Fox can exploit Hero's slower speed and frame data. These matchups require precise spacing and timing to counter their rushdown tactics.

Conclusion

Hero is a unique and versatile character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, offering a diverse toolkit that rewards strategic play and adaptability. Mastering Hero involves balancing his powerful spell options with efficient MP management and leveraging the random elements of his kit to keep opponents off-balance. While he has weaknesses that can be exploited by certain characters, a skilled Hero player can overcome these challenges with strategic play and creative use of his abilities.