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Ridley in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Ridley, the iconic villain from the Metroid series, makes a formidable appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Known for his menacing demeanor and large wingspan, Ridley is a unique addition to the roster, offering players a blend of power and agility that can dominate the battlefield when used effectively. In this review, we'll delve into Ridley's strengths, weaknesses, playstyle, and matchups to give you a comprehensive understanding of how to unleash this space pirate's full potential.

Strengths

1. Range and Power: Ridley boasts some of the longest and most powerful attacks in the game, allowing him to control space effectively. His forward tilt and side special, Space Pirate Rush, cover a considerable distance, making him a threat from mid-range.

2. Edgeguarding Prowess: With moves like his down special, Skewer, and aerials such as neutral air and back air, Ridley excels at pressuring opponents off-stage. His multiple jumps and long-reaching attacks make him a formidable edgeguarder.

3. Versatile Recovery: Ridley's up special, Wing Blitz, offers four different directions, providing a versatile recovery option. This allows Ridley players to mix up their return to the stage and avoid predictable patterns that opponents can exploit.

4. High Damage Output: Ridley’s attacks pack a punch, and with proper spacing, he can rack up damage quickly. Moves like his down tilt and up smash are excellent at starting combos and finishing stocks.

5. Intimidating Presence: Ridley's size and presence can be psychologically intimidating to opponents, often forcing them to play more defensively or make mistakes out of fear of his powerful attacks.

Weaknesses

1. Large Hurtbox: Ridley's size is a double-edged sword. While it gives him reach, it also makes him an easier target. He is susceptible to combos and can be juggled by more nimble characters.

2. Limited Speed: Although Ridley is faster than some heavyweights, his movement speed is still on the slower side compared to many characters, making it challenging to chase down faster opponents or escape pressure.

3. Predictable Recovery: Despite Wing Blitz's versatility, it can become predictable if overused. Skilled opponents can anticipate the direction and punish accordingly.

4. Endlag on Powerful Moves: Many of Ridley’s most devastating attacks, like his forward smash and down special, have significant endlag, leaving him vulnerable if they miss or are shielded.

Playstyle

Ridley thrives on controlling space and punishing mistakes. Here are some tips on how to play Ridley effectively:

• Space Control: Use Ridley’s long-reaching attacks to maintain control of the stage. Forward tilt and neutral air are great for poking and keeping opponents at bay.

• Edgeguarding: Exploit Ridley’s aerial reach to edgeguard effectively. His back air is a powerful tool for sending opponents off-stage, while his neutral air can cover multiple recovery options.

• Mix-Up Recovery: When recovering, vary the direction of Wing Blitz to keep opponents guessing. Additionally, use Ridley’s multiple jumps to stall and bait out edgeguard attempts.

• Read and Punish: Due to Ridley's power, capitalize on opponents' mistakes. A well-timed smash attack or Space Pirate Rush can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

• Mind the Lag: Be cautious with moves that have significant endlag. Make sure you have a clear opening before committing to these attacks to avoid being punished.

Matchups

Ridley's matchups can vary significantly based on the opponent's playstyle and character attributes:

• Favorable Matchups: Ridley performs well against characters that struggle with range or are easily edgeguarded, such as Little Mac and Ganondorf. His ability to control space and edgeguard effectively puts these characters at a disadvantage.

• Challenging Matchups: Ridley may struggle against fast, combo-heavy characters like Pikachu or Fox, who can exploit his large hurtbox and juggle him easily. Additionally, characters with strong projectile games, like Samus or Young Link, can keep Ridley at bay and force him to approach unsafely.

In summary, Ridley is a character that rewards players who can effectively manage space and capitalize on opponents' mistakes. With a balance of power, reach, and edgeguarding capabilities, Ridley can be a terrifying force in the hands of a skilled player. By understanding his strengths and weaknesses and adapting to different matchups, you can master the art of playing Ridley in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.