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Robin in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Robin is a unique and strategic character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) who originates from the Fire Emblem series. Known for their tactical prowess in Fire Emblem Awakening, Robin brings a diverse arsenal to the battlefield, combining swordplay with powerful tomes of magic. This review will delve into Robin's strengths, weaknesses, effective strategies, and matchups against other characters.

Strengths

1. Versatile Moveset: Robin has a diverse range of attacks, combining melee and projectile abilities. The Levin Sword offers strong aerial attacks, while tomes like Thoron and Arcfire provide zoning capabilities.

2. Powerful Aerials: With the Levin Sword equipped, Robin's aerial attacks become some of the strongest in the game, capable of securing early KOs with their high knockback and damage.

3. Zoning and Stage Control: Robin's Arcfire and Thunder spells are excellent for controlling space and pressuring opponents from a distance. Arcfire can trap opponents, leading to follow-up attacks.

4. Checkmate Potential: Robin's down throw into up air, known as the "Checkmate" combo, can be a reliable kill confirm at certain percentages against many characters.

5. Disjointed Hitboxes: Many of Robin's attacks have disjointed hitboxes, giving them an edge in close-range combat and making it challenging for opponents to trade hits effectively.

Weaknesses

1. Resource Management: Robin's tomes and Levin Sword have limited uses, requiring careful management. Overuse can leave Robin temporarily less powerful, forcing players to adapt.

2. Mobility: Robin suffers from below-average mobility, making it difficult to escape pressure or chase down opponents. Their ground and aerial speed are among the slowest in the game.

3. Recovery: While Robin's recovery move, Elwind, covers a decent distance, it's predictable and can be intercepted by opponents, posing a risk of being gimped off-stage.

4. Laggy Moves: Many of Robin's powerful attacks, particularly the aerials with the Levin Sword, have considerable lag, making them punishable if whiffed or blocked.

Effective Strategies

1. Resource Management: Keep track of your tome and Levin Sword uses. Play more defensively when low on resources and use basic sword attacks until they recharge.

2. Zoning: Utilize Arcfire and Thunder spells to control the stage and keep opponents at bay. Mix up your projectile game to keep opponents guessing and off-balance.

3. Edge Guarding: Use Arcfire at the ledge to trap opponents and set up for powerful follow-ups with the Levin Sword. Elwind can also be used creatively for stage spikes.

4. Bait and Punish: Exploit Robin's strong aerials by baiting opponents into attacking and punishing with the Levin Sword. Combine this with your zoning tools for a balanced approach.

5. Mix Up Recovery: Vary your recovery angles with Elwind to avoid being predictable, and use your projectiles to cover your return to the stage.

Matchups

Favorable Matchups

• Little Mac: Robin's zoning and stage control can overwhelm Little Mac, who struggles to get past projectiles. Once off-stage, Little Mac is vulnerable to edge guards.
• Ganondorf: Ganondorf's slow speed and lack of projectiles make him susceptible to Robin's spacing and zoning game.

Even Matchups

• Mario: Mario's speed and combo potential can challenge Robin, but Robin's range and zoning tools can keep Mario at bay.
• Link: Both characters rely on projectiles and spacing, creating a balanced matchup where positioning and resource management are key.

Unfavorable Matchups

• Fox: Fox's speed and reflector can negate Robin's zoning game, while his aggressive playstyle can exploit Robin's sluggish mobility.
• Pikachu: Pikachu's small size, quick movements, and edge-guarding potential can give Robin a hard time, especially off-stage.

In conclusion, Robin is a character of strategic depth and resource management. Players who enjoy zoning and tactical play will find Robin's mix of magic and swordplay satisfying. Mastering Robin requires adaptability, precise spacing, and an understanding of when to conserve or unleash their powerful arsenal.