---

Incineroar in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Incineroar is a powerhouse grappler in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, hailing from the Pokémon series. Known for its wrestling-inspired move set, Incineroar boasts a unique combination of strength, grappling prowess, and a flair for dramatic finishes. This review will cover Incineroar's strengths, weaknesses, effective play strategies, and matchups against other characters.

Strengths

1. High Damage and Knockback

Incineroar is capable of dealing massive amounts of damage with its attacks. Its moves often have high knockback, making it a potent threat in terms of securing early KOs. Moves like its forward smash, back throw, and Alolan Whip (Side Special) are particularly deadly.

2. Excellent Grabs

Incineroar excels in the grappling department, with some of the most powerful throws in the game. Its back throw is one of the strongest KO throws, and its down throw can lead to follow-up combos at low percentages.

3. Revenge Mechanic

Revenge (Down Special) is a unique counter that not only reduces damage taken but also increases the power of Incineroar’s next attack. This can lead to high-risk, high-reward plays, making Incineroar even more dangerous.

4. Strong Aerial Game

While Incineroar is not the most mobile in the air, its aerial attacks pack a punch. Neutral air is a good combo starter, and back air is a powerful finishing move with great range.

Weaknesses

1. Poor Mobility

Incineroar suffers from slow ground and air speed, making it challenging to approach opponents or escape unfavorable situations. This lack of mobility can be exploited by faster characters.

2. Subpar Recovery

Its recovery moves, including Cross Chop (Up Special), cover limited distance and can be easily intercepted. This makes Incineroar vulnerable to edge-guarding.

3. Limited Range

Many of Incineroar's moves have limited range, requiring players to get close to opponents to deal damage. This can be problematic against characters with disjointed hitboxes or projectiles.

4. Vulnerability to Zoning

Due to its slow speed and limited range, Incineroar can struggle against characters who excel at keeping opponents at bay with projectiles or long-range attacks.

Effective Play Strategies

1. Mastering Grabs and Throws

Given its powerful throws, players should capitalize on grabbing opportunities. Use Incineroar’s grabs to rack up damage and set up for KOs, especially with back throw.

2. Utilizing Revenge

Effective use of Revenge can turn the tide of battle. Look for opportunities to counter predictable attacks and follow up with a charged attack for maximum impact.

3. Closing the Distance

Players must be strategic about approaching opponents, utilizing shielding and perfect shielding to get in close. Use Incineroar's tilts and neutral air to pressure opponents and create openings.

4. Edge-Guarding and Ledge-Trapping

Despite its own recovery shortcomings, Incineroar can be effective at edge-guarding opponents with its powerful aerials and ledge-trapping with down tilt or forward tilt.

Matchups

Favorable Matchups

• Little Mac: Incineroar can exploit Little Mac's poor aerial game and recovery, while outmatching him in close combat.
• Bowser: Incineroar's Revenge can mitigate Bowser's powerful attacks, and its throws can KO Bowser relatively early.

Unfavorable Matchups

• Samus/Dark Samus: These characters can zone Incineroar effectively with projectiles, making it difficult to approach.
• Lucina/Marth: Their range and speed can keep Incineroar at bay, exploiting its slow mobility and limited reach.

Even Matchups

• Donkey Kong: Both characters have potent grappling and KO power, making this a match of reads and punishes.
• Ryu/Ken: These characters share a similar close-combat focus, leading to intense exchanges where spacing and punishments are key.

Conclusion

Incineroar is a character that requires patience, precision, and a strategic approach to unleash its full potential. Its high-damage output and grappling capabilities make it a formidable opponent in the right hands, though its weaknesses in mobility and recovery must be carefully managed. Players willing to take risks and master Incineroar’s unique mechanics will find it a rewarding character to play.