Simon - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

# Simon in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Simon Belmont, hailing from the legendary Castlevania series, is a character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate known for his long-range abilities and zoning tactics. Simon's design pays homage to his original game, offering players a unique blend of reach, power, and strategic play. This review delves into Simon's strengths, weaknesses, effective play strategies, and matchups against other characters.

## Strengths

1. **Range**: Simon’s most significant advantage is his impressive range. His whip, the Vampire Killer, extends far beyond most other characters' melee attacks, allowing Simon to control space and keep opponents at bay.

2. **Projectile Arsenal**: Simon boasts a variety of projectiles, including the Axe, Cross, and Holy Water. Each serves a unique purpose:
   - **Axe**: Great for anti-air and hitting opponents from above.
   - **Cross**: Functions similarly to a boomerang, with potential for multi-hit combos.
   - **Holy Water**: Creates a damaging flame on the ground, useful for edge-guarding and trapping opponents.

3. **Edge-guarding**: Simon excels at edge-guarding due to his long-range attacks and projectiles. He can cover multiple recovery paths and force opponents into difficult situations when trying to return to the stage.

4. **Kill Power**: Many of Simon's moves have considerable knockback, making him adept at securing KOs. His Forward Smash, Up Smash, and Axe are particularly potent finishers.

## Weaknesses

1. **Mobility**: Simon's ground and air speed are below average, making him somewhat sluggish. This can be a disadvantage against faster characters who can close the distance quickly.

2. **Recovery**: His recovery options are limited and predictable. The Uppercut offers limited vertical distance, and while the whip can tether to ledges, it's not as versatile as other recoveries.

3. **Close-range Combat**: Simon struggles in close quarters due to his reliance on range. Faster characters with strong close-range options can overwhelm him if they breach his zoning.

4. **Heavy Reliance on Projectiles**: While his projectiles are a strength, they can also be a crutch. Characters with reflectors or absorbers can turn his projectiles against him.

## Effective Play Strategies

1. **Zoning and Spacing**: Utilize Simon’s range to keep opponents at a distance. Alternate between his projectiles and whip attacks to create a wall of defense that opponents must navigate.

2. **Stage Control**: Focus on controlling the stage with projectiles. Holy Water is particularly effective at limiting your opponent's movement and setting up for powerful follow-up attacks.

3. **Edge-guarding**: Take advantage of Simon’s edge-guarding capabilities. Use projectiles to cover multiple recovery options and force opponents into predictable patterns.

4. **Mix-ups**: While Simon has a somewhat linear playstyle, mixing up your choice and timing of projectiles can keep opponents guessing. Use feints and bait out reactions to maintain control.

## Matchups

1. **Favorable Matchups**:
   - **Heavyweights (e.g., Bowser, Donkey Kong)**: These characters struggle against Simon’s zoning and have difficulty maneuvering around his projectiles.
   - **Characters with Poor Recovery (e.g., Little Mac)**: Simon can exploit their recovery weaknesses with his edge-guarding tools.

2. **Unfavorable Matchups**:
   - **Fast, Agile Characters (e.g., Pikachu, Fox)**: They can quickly close the distance and apply pressure, challenging Simon’s defense.
   - **Characters with Reflectors (e.g., Palutena, Wolf)**: These characters can neutralize Simon's projectiles, forcing him to rely more on his close-range game.

In summary, Simon is a powerful zoner in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, excelling at controlling space and punishing opponents from afar. Mastering his projectile game and spacing is crucial to success. While he has notable weaknesses, particularly in mobility and recovery, effective use of his strengths can make him a formidable opponent in the right hands.