---

Ice Climbers in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

The Ice Climbers, comprising the duo Popo and Nana, make their chilly return in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Known for their unique dual-character mechanics, the Ice Climbers offer a distinct playstyle that can be both rewarding and challenging. This review will delve into their strengths, weaknesses, strategies for effective play, and matchups against other characters.

Strengths

1. Dual Character Dynamics: The Ice Climbers are unique as they function as a two-in-one character. This allows them to execute powerful combos and chain attacks that can overwhelm opponents. The presence of Nana, controlled by AI, essentially doubles their attack potential.

2. High Damage Output: When both Popo and Nana are synchronized, their attacks deal significant damage. Moves like their smash attacks and special attacks can quickly rack up damage, especially if both characters connect with the opponent.

3. Desynching Techniques: Advanced players can exploit desyncing, a technique where Popo and Nana perform different actions simultaneously. This can lead to intricate combo setups, pressure tactics, and mix-ups, making it difficult for opponents to predict their next move.

4. Edge Guarding and Recovery: The Ice Climbers have excellent edge-guarding capabilities. Their Blizzard attack can be used to gimp recoveries, and their Squall Hammer move aids in both offensive and defensive plays. Their recovery move, Belay, gives them decent vertical recovery.

Weaknesses

1. Dependence on Nana: A significant drawback is the reliance on Nana. If she is knocked out, Popo becomes severely limited in both attack potential and recovery, making him vulnerable.

2. Predictability in Recovery: Although Belay offers good vertical recovery, it is linear and can be easily intercepted by opponents aware of the Ice Climbers' trajectory.

3. Poor Range: The Ice Climbers lack disjointed hitboxes and have relatively short-range attacks. This makes it difficult to contest characters with better reach or projectile-heavy playstyles.

4. Complexity of Desyncing: While desyncing is a powerful technique, it requires precise execution and timing. New players may find it challenging to consistently perform and capitalize on desynced actions.

Effective Play Strategies

• Master Desyncing: To play the Ice Climbers effectively, mastering desyncing is crucial. It allows you to perform complex combos and exert pressure on opponents. Practice different desynced setups to maximize your versatility.

• Maintain Synchronization: Ensure that Nana stays close and synchronized with Popo. This maximizes your attack output and keeps your recovery options open. Be cautious of characters or stages that can easily separate the duo.

• Utilize Grabs: Ice Climbers have potent grab setups. Use their grabs to chain throws and follow up with aerial attacks or desynced combos for high damage output.

• Edge Guard Aggressively: Use Blizzard and Squall Hammer to edge guard opponents effectively. These moves can disrupt recoveries and secure early stocks.

Matchups

• Favorable Matchups: Characters that struggle against close-range pressure or lack strong zoning tools, such as Little Mac or Ganondorf, can be overwhelmed by the Ice Climbers' aggressive playstyle.

• Challenging Matchups: Characters with strong zoning capabilities, like Samus or Link, can keep the Ice Climbers at bay with projectiles. Additionally, characters with disjointed hitboxes, like Marth or Lucina, can outrange the Ice Climbers.

• Nana's Vulnerability: Be particularly wary of characters that can target and separate Nana, such as Pikachu or Sheik, who can capitalize on Nana's AI limitations and leave Popo vulnerable.

Conclusion

The Ice Climbers in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offer a unique and rewarding challenge for players willing to invest time in mastering their mechanics. With their high damage potential and intricate desyncing techniques, they can be formidable opponents. However, their reliance on Nana and susceptibility to certain matchups make them a character that requires strategic planning and adaptability. With practice and execution, the Ice Climbers can become a chilling force on the battlefield.