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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Link Character Review

Overview

Link, the iconic protagonist from The Legend of Zelda series, is a versatile fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Known for his balanced fighting style, Link combines powerful melee attacks with a variety of projectiles, making him a formidable foe in both close-quarters and ranged combat. His appearance in Ultimate retains the traditional elements fans love while incorporating new mechanics inspired by Breath of the Wild.

Strengths

1. Versatile Projectile Game: Link has a robust arsenal of projectiles, including the Bow, Boomerang, and Bombs. His Remote Bombs offer creative edge-guarding and stage control options, allowing for strategic play.

2. Powerful Melee Attacks: Link’s sword attacks, such as his forward smash and up smash, have significant knockback and can secure KOs at reasonable percentages. His neutral air is a particularly effective tool for spacing and combo-breaking.

3. Good Range: With his Master Sword, Link can keep opponents at bay with his reach, which is advantageous against characters with shorter range.

4. Heavyweight Attributes: Link is heavier than many characters, allowing him to survive longer and withstand more damage before being knocked out.

5. Recovery Options: Although his recovery can be predictable, Link's Spin Attack provides good vertical distance, and his Bombs can be used for bomb recovery techniques to extend his return to the stage.

Weaknesses

1. Laggy Attacks: Some of Link's moves, particularly his smash attacks, have considerable startup or end lag, making them punishable if missed.

2. Predictable Recovery: Despite having decent recovery distance with Spin Attack, Link's recovery is relatively linear and can be intercepted by skilled opponents.

3. Limited Mobility: Link's movement speed isn't the best, which can make it challenging to approach faster opponents or escape pressure situations.

4. Reliance on Projectiles: While projectiles are a strength, they can become predictable if overused, leading to easy punishments by opponents who can maneuver around them.

Effective Playstyle

To play Link effectively, balance is key. Here are some tips to make the most out of his abilities:

• Zone with Projectiles: Use your projectiles to control space and force opponents to approach on your terms. Mix up your projectile game to keep opponents guessing.

• Utilize Bombs Creatively: Master the use of Remote Bombs for edge-guarding and ledge trapping. Practice bomb recovery to surprise opponents and extend your recovery range.

• Space with Sword Attacks: Maintain a safe distance using Link's superior range. His neutral air and forward tilt are excellent for spacing and can transition into follow-up attacks.

• Mix Up Approaches: While projectiles are effective, don't rely solely on them. Use Link's grab, dash attack, and aerials to mix up your approach and keep opponents off-balance.

• Defensive Play: Given Link's heavier weight, playing defensively and capitalizing on opponents' mistakes can be a successful strategy. Use shield and spot-dodges effectively.

Matchups

Link's matchups can vary significantly depending on the opponent's playstyle and the stage.

• Good Matchups: Link often performs well against characters with poor range or mobility, such as Little Mac and Ganondorf. His zoning tools can keep these characters at bay while exploiting their weaknesses.

• Challenging Matchups: Fast and agile characters like Pikachu or Fox can give Link trouble by closing in quickly and exploiting his slower attacks. Characters with reflector abilities, like Fox or Wolf, can also neutralize Link's projectile game.

• Even Matchups: Characters with similar zoning capabilities, such as Samus or Young Link, result in more even matchups, where the outcome often depends on skill and strategic projectile use.

In conclusion, mastering Link in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate requires a balanced approach, leveraging his strengths in both melee combat and projectile usage while mitigating his weaknesses through strategic play. With practice, Link can be a versatile and powerful character in the right hands.