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Joker in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Comprehensive Review

Joker, originating from Persona 5, is one of the most popular DLC characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Released as part of the Fighters Pass Vol. 1, Joker brings a unique blend of speed, agility, and versatility to the roster, making him a formidable opponent in the right hands. This review will cover Joker's strengths and weaknesses, strategies for effective play, and his matchups against other characters.

Strengths

1. Speed and Agility

Joker is known for his exceptional speed and mobility. His quick movement allows him to control the pace of the match, darting in and out of combat with ease. His dash speed and air mobility make him difficult to catch, allowing players to play a highly evasive game.

2. Arsène Mechanic

One of Joker's defining features is his Rebellion Gauge, which, when filled, summons his Persona, Arsène. Arsène dramatically enhances Joker's abilities, increasing the power of his attacks, adding damage and knockback, and improving his recovery capabilities. This transformation can turn the tide of battle, making Joker incredibly dangerous.

3. Versatile Moveset

Joker's moveset is highly versatile. He has a mix of fast, combo-oriented moves and powerful finishers. His neutral special, Gun, is a flexible projectile that can be used in creative ways, while his side special, Eiha/Eigaon, provides damage over time. With Arsène, his specials become even more potent.

4. Excellent Recovery

Even without Arsène, Joker's recovery options are impressive. His tether recovery (Grappling Hook) offers good distance and can be used to mix up recovery routes. With Arsène, his recovery becomes even better with the Wings of Rebellion, which provides considerable vertical and horizontal distance.

Weaknesses

1. Light Weight

Joker is a relatively light character, making him susceptible to early KOs. Players must be cautious and avoid taking heavy hits, particularly from characters with strong killing power.

2. Reliance on Arsène

While Joker is capable without Arsène, his true potential shines when his Persona is active. This reliance can sometimes be a downside, as opponents may focus on stalling or playing defensively to wait out Arsène’s duration.

3. Learning Curve

Joker's toolkit offers a plethora of options, but mastering him requires precise inputs and good decision-making. Players need to be adept at managing the Rebellion Gauge and utilizing his tools effectively, which can be challenging for newcomers.

Effective Play Strategies

1. Gauge Management: Effective Joker play involves managing the Rebellion Gauge wisely. Be aggressive and take calculated risks to fill the gauge quickly. Use Rebel's Guard to absorb damage and fill the gauge faster, but be wary of grabs and multi-hit moves.

2. Combo Potential: Joker excels at stringing together combos. Utilize his fast aerials and tilts to rack up damage quickly. Moves like his up-air and down-tilt are great combo starters.

3. Edgeguarding and Recovery: Joker's excellent recovery allows him to be aggressive off-stage. Use his aerials to edgeguard opponents effectively, and mix up your recovery options to avoid being predictable.

4. Arsène Utilization: When Arsène is active, prioritize aggression. His enhanced moves are powerful and can KO opponents at lower percentages. Be mindful of the time limit and maximize damage output during this phase.

Matchups

• Favorable Matchups: Joker tends to perform well against slower characters or those with limited mobility, like Ganondorf or Bowser. His speed and ability to avoid attacks give him an edge in these matchups.

• Even Matchups: Characters like Mario and Lucina offer more balanced matchups. Their versatility and solid fundamentals match well against Joker’s toolkit, requiring players to focus on fundamentals and outplay their opponent.

• Unfavorable Matchups: Characters with strong projectiles or zoning capabilities, such as Samus or Young Link, can give Joker trouble. They can keep Joker at bay and make filling the Rebellion Gauge more challenging.

Conclusion

Joker is a dynamic and exciting character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, offering players a high-risk, high-reward style of play. Mastering Joker requires dedication and practice, but the payoff is a character capable of handling a wide range of scenarios with flair and efficiency. When played effectively, Joker can be one of the most potent fighters in the game, making him a popular choice among competitive players. Whether you're a fan of Persona 5 or simply enjoy a fast-paced character, Joker is a fantastic addition to any player's roster.