---

Little Mac in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Overview

Little Mac, the plucky boxer from the Punch-Out!! series, makes his return in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as one of the most unique and polarizing characters on the roster. Known for his incredible ground game and unparalleled punching power, Little Mac is a character who thrives on the stage but struggles significantly in the air.

Strengths

Ground Speed and Power

• Exceptional Ground Game: Little Mac is arguably the best ground fighter in the game. His dash speed is among the fastest, allowing him to close distances quickly.
• Powerful Smash Attacks: Little Mac's smash attacks are not only fast but also extremely powerful. His forward smash, in particular, comes with armor, meaning it can withstand weak attacks.
• KO Punch: One of Little Mac's defining features is his KO Punch, which charges as he takes and deals damage. When fully charged, it can knock out opponents at very low percentages if landed successfully.

Defensive Options

• Counter: Little Mac's down special is a counter move, which can be used to turn the tables on aggressive opponents.
• Fast Dodges: His sidestep and rolling dodges are quick, allowing for efficient evasion of attacks.

Weaknesses

Poor Aerial Game

• Weak Aerial Attacks: Little Mac's aerials are among the weakest in the game, both in terms of power and utility.
• Abysmal Recovery: His recovery moves, including the side special (Jolt Haymaker) and the up special (Rising Uppercut), offer little vertical and horizontal distance, making him easy to gimp off-stage.

Vulnerability to Edge-Guarding

• Easily Gimped: Due to his poor recovery, Little Mac is highly susceptible to being knocked off the stage and unable to return.
• Lightweight: Despite his powerful ground presence, Little Mac is relatively light, making him prone to early knockouts.

How to Play Little Mac Effectively

Master the Ground Game

• Stay Grounded: Focus on keeping the fight on the ground where Little Mac excels. Use his speed to control space and pressure opponents.
• Mix Up Attacks: Utilize a mix of tilts, jabs, and smash attacks to keep opponents guessing. His down tilt can combo into various moves, including his KO Punch.

Utilize Defensive Options

• Use Counters Wisely: Counter can be a game-changer if used strategically, especially against predictable opponents.
• Dodge and Weave: Make full use of Little Mac's fast dodges to avoid attacks and create openings for punishment.

Be Cautious Off-Stage

• Avoid Off-Stage Fights: Stay on the stage as much as possible. If you find yourself off-stage, prioritize returning safely over aggressive plays.
• Save Recovery Options: Be mindful of using your side special and up special sparingly to ensure they are available when needed for recovery.

Matchups

Favorable Matchups

• Heavyweights: Characters like Bowser and Donkey Kong, who have slower ground speeds, can struggle against Little Mac's fast and powerful ground attacks.
• Other Ground-Focused Characters: Characters who also prefer the ground, but lack the speed and power of Little Mac, such as Ganondorf.

Unfavorable Matchups

• Aerial Fighters: Characters like Jigglypuff and Kirby, who excel in the air and have strong edge-guarding capabilities, present significant challenges.
• Projectile Users: Characters like Samus and Link can keep Little Mac at bay with projectiles, forcing him to approach and overcome zoning tactics.

Conclusion

Little Mac is a character of extremes, offering an exhilarating ground game with devastating power but suffering from severe aerial weaknesses and recovery issues. To succeed with Little Mac, players must leverage his strengths while carefully managing his vulnerabilities. Mastery of movement, spacing, and timing is key to overcoming his challenges and dominating the battlefield.