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Yoshi in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Yoshi, the lovable dinosaur from the Mario franchise, is a unique character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) with a blend of powerful attacks, strong aerial mobility, and a distinctive defensive ability. This guide will explore Yoshi's strengths and weaknesses, offer tips on playing the character effectively, and provide insight into his matchups against other characters.

Strengths

1. Aerial Mobility

Yoshi's aerial prowess is one of his defining features. With quick and powerful aerial attacks like the forward aerial (often called the "Yoshi Bomb"), neutral aerial, and up aerial, Yoshi can pressure opponents effectively in the air. His double jump grants considerable height and armor, allowing him to escape combos and recover from off-stage situations with relative ease.

2. Grounded Power

Yoshi is not only adept in the air but also packs a punch on the ground. His forward smash is a potent kill move, while his down tilt can set up combos or tech chases. The Egg Roll and the Egg Lay (neutral special) are useful for disrupting opponents and creating openings.

3. Defensive Capabilities

Yoshi's shield is unique as it doesn't shrink with damage, providing consistent protection. His double jump armor also allows him to withstand weak attacks without flinching, giving him an edge in trades and when escaping pressure.

4. Versatile Projectiles

Yoshi's Egg Throw (up special) serves as both a zoning tool and a recovery move. The ability to angle and control the distance of the eggs makes it effective for harassing opponents and edge-guarding.

Weaknesses

1. Recovery Vulnerability

Despite having a decent recovery due to his double jump, Yoshi lacks a traditional recovery move like other characters. If his double jump is interrupted off-stage, Yoshi can find himself in perilous situations.

2. Lack of Reliable Kill Confirms

Yoshi has powerful moves, but many of them can be predictable or difficult to land against skilled opponents. He lacks consistent kill setups beyond high percentage raw hits, which can be a challenge against defensive players.

3. Limited Range

While Yoshi has swift attacks, his range is somewhat limited. Characters with disjoints or long-range attacks can keep Yoshi at bay, forcing him to find creative ways to close the gap.

Tips for Playing Yoshi Effectively

1. Utilize Aerials Wisely: Master the timing and spacing of Yoshi's aerials. The forward aerial can spike opponents, while the neutral aerial is a versatile tool for breaking combos or initiating them.

2. Egg Management: Learn how to control Yoshi's egg throws to pressure opponents from a distance. Mix up the angles and distances to keep opponents guessing.

3. Optimize Grounded Options: Use Yoshi's tilts and smashes to create openings. Down tilt can lead to tech chases, while up tilt can start aerial combos.

4. Defensive Play: Exploit Yoshi's unique shield and double jump armor. Use them to your advantage when under pressure and to escape dangerous situations.

Matchups

Favorable Matchups

Yoshi tends to do well against characters who struggle with aerial mobility or have slower projectiles. Characters like Ganondorf and Little Mac, who lack strong anti-air options, can find it difficult to deal with Yoshi's relentless aerial assault and pressure.

Unfavorable Matchups

Yoshi can struggle against characters with disjointed hitboxes and superior range, such as Marth, Lucina, or Simon Belmont. These characters can capitalize on Yoshi's limited range and interrupt his approaches with their long-reaching attacks.

Even Matchups

Against characters like Mario or Pikachu, Yoshi's matchup is relatively even. Both sides have tools to counter each other's strengths, leading to dynamic and skill-based encounters.

Conclusion

Yoshi is a versatile and formidable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, beloved for his aerial dominance and unique defensive abilities. While he has some weaknesses, particularly in recovery and range, a skilled Yoshi player can overcome these with effective use of his toolkit. By understanding matchups and refining strategies, players can maximize Yoshi's potential and enjoy playing this iconic dinosaur.