---

King K. Rool in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

King K. Rool, the iconic antagonist from the Donkey Kong series, makes a grand entrance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a heavyweight fighter with distinctive traits. Known for his imposing size, unique moveset, and armor-based playstyle, King K. Rool stands out as a character with both remarkable strengths and notable weaknesses. Below is an in-depth review of King K. Rool in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, covering his strengths, weaknesses, playstyle, and matchups.

Strengths

1. Heavyweight Power and Durability

King K. Rool is one of the heaviest characters in the game, which allows him to withstand a lot of damage before being knocked out. His weight makes him a formidable presence on the battlefield, capable of outlasting many opponents in terms of survivability.

2. Powerful Moveset

K. Rool boasts a strong array of attacks, both in terms of damage and knockback. His smash attacks, particularly his forward smash, are devastating when they connect. His aerial attacks are also potent, with his down-air spike being a reliable tool for edge-guarding.

3. Unique Armor Mechanics

One of K. Rool's standout features is his armor. Several of his moves, such as his belly-based attacks, possess super armor, allowing him to absorb a hit without flinching. This makes him particularly effective in trades and can disrupt opponents' combos.

4. Versatile Projectiles

K. Rool’s special moves include a versatile set of projectiles. His Blunderbuss (neutral special) fires a cannonball that can be inhaled and launched again, while his Crown Boomerang (side special) provides a zoning tool that can control space and pressure opponents.

5. Effective Recovery

Despite his heavyweight status, K. Rool has a surprisingly effective recovery. His Propellerpack (up special) provides excellent vertical and horizontal movement, making it difficult for opponents to edge-guard him.

Weaknesses

1. Large Hurtbox

K. Rool’s large frame makes him an easy target for combos and projectiles. His size can be a liability, as he is more susceptible to being comboed and juggled by faster characters.

2. Sluggish Mobility

While powerful, K. Rool lacks speed. His ground and aerial mobility are slow, making it challenging to close the distance against nimble opponents or escape pressure situations.

3. Predictable Recovery

Although robust, K. Rool’s recovery can be predictable. His Propellerpack can be intercepted or edge-guarded by opponents who anticipate its trajectory, especially with disjointed or spiking moves.

4. Limited Combo Potential

K. Rool’s moveset doesn’t lend itself to complex combos. He relies more on strong individual hits and reads, which can be a disadvantage against characters with more fluid combo games.

How to Play King K. Rool Effectively

1. Utilize Armor Wisely

Take advantage of K. Rool’s super armor on specific moves to absorb hits and counterattack. Knowing when to use his armored attacks can allow you to win exchanges and create openings.

2. Control Space with Projectiles

Use the Blunderbuss and Crown Boomerang to control space and apply pressure. These projectiles can force opponents into unfavorable positions, allowing you to capitalize with K. Rool’s powerful attacks.

3. Be Patient and Punish

K. Rool excels with a patient, punishing playstyle. Wait for opponents to make mistakes or overcommit, then respond with his high-damage moves.

4. Mix Up Recovery

To avoid being edge-guarded, vary your recovery patterns. Use the ledge grab to your advantage and mix in fast-fall or directional air dodges to throw off opponents.

5. Edge-guard Aggressively

Leverage K. Rool’s powerful aerials and the Blunderbuss to edge-guard opponents effectively. His down-air and back-air are particularly useful for securing early stocks offstage.

Matchups

Favorable Matchups

• Heavyweights (e.g., Bowser, Ganondorf): K. Rool can leverage his armor and projectiles to outmaneuver slower, less versatile heavyweights, punishing them for their laggy moves.
• Zoners (e.g., Samus, Link): His projectiles can counter zone-heavy playstyles, allowing him to contest with other projectile users effectively.

Unfavorable Matchups

• Fast, Combo-Oriented Characters (e.g., Pikachu, Sheik): These characters can exploit K. Rool’s large hurtbox and sluggishness, overwhelming him with speed and combo potential.
• Disjointed/Range (e.g., Marth, Lucina): Characters with disjointed hitboxes can pressure K. Rool safely, keeping him at bay and neutralizing his armor advantage.

Mixed Matchups

• Balanced Fighters (e.g., Mario, Cloud): These matchups can go either way, depending on the player’s ability to manage K. Rool’s weaknesses and capitalize on his strengths.

In conclusion, King K. Rool is a unique and entertaining character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. His combination of heavyweight durability, powerful moves, and unique mechanics make him a formidable opponent when played with strategy and patience. Understanding his strengths and weaknesses can help players maximize his potential and enjoy the chaotic fun he brings to the game.