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

Overview

Young Link returns to the Super Smash Bros. series in Ultimate, bringing a mix of agility, versatility, and projectile prowess. Originating from "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," Young Link retains the youthful vigor and combat style that sets him apart from his older counterparts, Link and Toon Link. This makes him a unique choice for players who enjoy a fast-paced, combo-heavy playstyle with a strong emphasis on projectiles.

Strengths

1. Speed and Agility: Young Link is one of the faster characters in the game, boasting quick movement both on the ground and in the air. This allows him to weave in and out of combat effectively, applying pressure to opponents and avoiding damage.

2. Projectile Arsenal: Young Link's kit includes a variety of projectiles: arrows, bombs, and the boomerang. These tools can be used to control space, create openings, and rack up damage from a distance.

3. Combo Potential: Thanks to his fast attacks and versatile projectiles, Young Link has excellent combo potential. His neutral air (Nair), forward air (Fair), and down tilt are great starters, while his up air and up special move can be used to extend or finish combos.

4. Kill Power: Despite his size, Young Link possesses surprising kill power. His forward smash, up smash, and forward air are potent finishers. Additionally, his Fire Arrows can lead into kill confirms at higher percentages.

5. Recovery: Young Link's recovery is versatile, with his Spin Attack providing good vertical and horizontal distance. His bombs can also be used for bomb recovery techniques, giving him additional options to return to the stage.

Weaknesses

1. Lightweight: As a smaller character, Young Link is relatively light and can be KO'd at lower percentages by powerful attacks. This requires players to be cautious and strategic with their approach.

2. Laggy Attacks: Some of Young Link's more powerful moves, such as his forward smash and down air, have significant end lag and can be punished if whiffed.

3. Limited Range: While his projectiles cover range effectively, Young Link's melee attacks are somewhat short-ranged, meaning he needs to get close to opponents to land his strongest hits.

4. Predictable Recovery: Although versatile, Young Link's recovery can become predictable, especially if opponents catch onto bomb recovery tactics or intercept his Spin Attack.

Effective Playstyle

To play Young Link effectively, a player should focus on balancing aggressive rushdowns with strategic zoning. Here are some tips:

• Projectile Usage: Master the use of arrows, bombs, and the boomerang to control the pace of the match. Mix up your projectile patterns to keep opponents guessing and create openings for melee attacks.

• Combo Game: Practice Young Link's bread-and-butter combos. Utilize his fast aerials and tilts to string together damage and set up for kill moves.

• Stage Control: Use your speed to maintain stage control. Young Link excels at ledge trapping and edge-guarding with his projectiles, so capitalize on these situations.

• Defensive Play: Given his lightweight nature, prioritize avoiding unnecessary damage. Use your agility and projectiles to play a hit-and-run style when needed.

Matchups

Young Link generally performs well against slower, larger characters who struggle to deal with his projectiles, such as Bowser or Donkey Kong. His speed and combo ability allow him to rack up damage while avoiding their powerful attacks.

Conversely, he may face challenges against fast characters with good rushdown capabilities, like Fox or Pikachu, who can close the distance quickly and punish his laggy moves. In these matchups, maintaining space and utilizing projectiles effectively is crucial.

Against zoners like Samus or Robin, it becomes a battle of projectile superiority. Young Link's fast arrows and boomerang can often give him the edge in these matchups if used strategically.

Conclusion

Young Link is a dynamic character with a strong emphasis on projectile play and quick combos. While his lightweight nature and short-range melee attacks can be a hindrance, his speed and versatility make him a formidable opponent in the right hands. Players who enjoy a playstyle that combines speed, technical combos, and strategic zoning will find Young Link to be a rewarding character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.