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Wario in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Wario, the mischievous anti-hero from the Mario franchise, makes a bold and unique appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. He is known for his unconventional and eccentric playstyle, which can be incredibly rewarding for players who master his quirks. This review will delve into Wario's strengths, weaknesses, effective strategies, and his matchups against other characters in the game.

Strengths

1. Unpredictable Mobility

Wario is renowned for his exceptional aerial mobility. His airspeed is among the best in the game, allowing him to maneuver around opponents with ease. This mobility is complemented by his powerful aerial attacks, making him a formidable force in the air.

2. Powerful Combo Game

Wario has a robust combo game, largely thanks to his fast and versatile moveset. His up tilt, down tilt, and neutral air are excellent combo starters, leading into a variety of follow-ups. His aerial attacks, particularly his forward air and up air, can string into each other and rack up damage quickly.

3. Wario Waft

One of Wario's signature moves is the Wario Waft, a chargeable special attack that becomes more powerful the longer it is charged. When fully charged, it can KO opponents at surprisingly low percentages, making it a crucial tool in Wario's arsenal.

4. Strong Recovery

Wario's recovery is notably strong, thanks to his bike (Side Special) and his impressive air mobility. The bike can be used to extend his recovery, while his airspeed allows him to mix up his approach back to the stage and avoid edge-guarding attempts.

Weaknesses

1. Limited Range

Wario's attacks generally have short range, which can make it challenging to approach opponents with disjointed hitboxes or projectiles. He often needs to get in close to deal damage, leaving him vulnerable to zoners and characters with long reach.

2. Heavyweight with Weak Armor

Despite being a heavyweight character, Wario lacks the armor or defensive capabilities that other heavyweights possess. This makes him susceptible to combos and juggling, especially against characters who can exploit his lack of range.

3. Reliance on Waft

While the Wario Waft is a powerful tool, its effectiveness is heavily reliant on timing and the player's ability to set it up. Missing a Waft can be detrimental, as it takes a significant amount of time to recharge.

Effective Strategies

1. Master Aerial Movement

To play Wario effectively, it's crucial to master his aerial movement. Use his airspeed to weave in and out of your opponent's range, baiting reactions and punishing with aerial attacks.

2. Utilize Combo Starters

Focus on landing Wario's combo starters, like his down tilt or neutral air. These moves can lead into extended combos, allowing you to rack up damage quickly and set up for a Waft KO.

3. Bike Management

Manage Wario's bike wisely. It can be used for recovery, as a projectile, or even as a shield against certain moves. Understanding when to use the bike in various situations can give you an edge in battle.

4. Timing the Waft

Keep track of the Waft's charge time and aim to use it at opportune moments. A fully charged Waft can turn the tide of a match, so look for openings to land it for an early KO.

Matchups

Favorable Matchups

• Captain Falcon: Wario's superior air mobility and combo game can overwhelm Captain Falcon, who relies on ground speed and aggressive approaches.
• Ganondorf: Wario's speed and ability to avoid Ganondorf's powerful but slow attacks make this matchup favorable. His edge-guarding capabilities also exploit Ganondorf's weak recovery.

Unfavorable Matchups

• Sword Characters (e.g., Marth, Lucina, Cloud): The range of sword characters can make it difficult for Wario to approach safely. Their disjointed hitboxes can keep Wario at bay, limiting his options.
• Zoners (e.g., Samus, Young Link): Characters who rely on projectiles can be challenging for Wario, as they can control space and force him to approach unsafely.

Conclusion

Wario in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a character that thrives on unpredictability and aggression. With excellent aerial mobility, a strong combo game, and the powerful Wario Waft, he can dominate opponents who fail to adapt to his unique style. However, his limited range and vulnerability to certain matchups require players to be strategic and patient. Mastering Wario's strengths while mitigating his weaknesses can make him a formidable opponent in any match.