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Toon Link in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Toon Link, a popular character from "The Legend of Zelda" series, makes a return in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Known for his agility and arsenal of projectiles, Toon Link offers a unique playstyle that caters to both defensive zoning and aggressive play. Let's delve into his strengths, weaknesses, gameplay strategies, and matchups.

Strengths

1. Versatile Projectile Game

Toon Link boasts an impressive array of projectiles, including his Bow and Arrows, Boomerang, and Bombs. These tools allow him to control space effectively, pressure opponents from a distance, and force approaches.

2. High Mobility

Toon Link has excellent mobility, with a good walking and dash speed, as well as a solid aerial drift. His agility allows him to navigate the stage with ease, making it difficult for opponents to catch him.

3. Strong Aerials

His aerial attacks, such as his Forward Air and Back Air, are fast and have decent knockback, making them great tools for edge-guarding and comboing opponents. His Neutral Air is a versatile move for both offensive and defensive purposes.

4. Reliable Kill Options

Toon Link's Up Smash and Forward Smash are potent kill options, especially when combined with his ability to rack up damage with projectiles. His Down Air can also be a surprise kill move if used judiciously.

Weaknesses

1. Lightweight

Toon Link is a lightweight character, meaning he can be KO'd relatively early compared to heavier fighters. This demands a careful approach to avoid taking unnecessary damage.

2. Limited Close-Range Options

While Toon Link excels at mid-to-long range combat, his options in close quarters are somewhat limited. His grab is slow, and his tilts, while useful, don't always lead to significant damage or follow-ups.

3. Predictable Recovery

Toon Link's recovery is decent but can be predictable. His Up Special (Spin Attack) has limited horizontal distance, making him susceptible to edge-guarding, especially against characters with strong off-stage presence.

Effective Gameplay Strategies

Zoning and Spacing

Utilize Toon Link's projectiles to establish a zoning game. Mix up your projectile patterns to keep opponents guessing and force them to approach on your terms. Use Bombs to create pressure and set up combos.

Aerial Combos

Leverage Toon Link's aerial agility to string together combos. His Up Tilt can lead into aerial follow-ups at low to mid percentages. Use his Neutral Air to break out of combos and reset neutral.

Edge-Guarding

Take advantage of Toon Link's aerials and projectiles to edge-guard effectively. His Forward Air and Back Air can stage spike or KO opponents trying to recover. Use Bombs to cover multiple recovery options.

Stage Control

Maintain control of the stage using Toon Link's projectiles and mobility. Controlling the center stage allows you to dictate the pace of the match and capitalize on opponents' mistakes.

Matchups

Favorable Matchups

• Heavyweights (e.g., Bowser, King Dedede): Toon Link's speed and zoning tools can keep heavyweights at bay, forcing them to approach and making it difficult for them to land powerful hits.
• Slow Characters (e.g., Ganondorf, Incineroar): His mobility allows him to dance around slower characters, using projectiles to chip away at their health.

Unfavorable Matchups

• Fast Rushdown Characters (e.g., Fox, Pikachu): These characters can close the gap quickly, making it challenging for Toon Link to set up his zoning game. Defensive play and well-timed counters are crucial.
• Characters with Reflectors (e.g., Palutena, Wolf): Reflectors can nullify Toon Link's projectile game, requiring him to adapt and rely more on close-range combat and aerial attacks.

Conclusion

Toon Link is a versatile character with a strong zoning game complemented by excellent mobility and aerial prowess. While he may struggle against fast rushdown characters and those with reflectors, his ability to control space and dictate the pace of the match makes him a formidable opponent. Mastering Toon Link involves balancing projectile usage with agile movement and precise aerial combat, allowing players to outmaneuver and outsmart their foes.