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Ice Climbers: Difference between revisions
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|homeworld = Infinite Glacier | |homeworld = Infinite Glacier | ||
|voiceactor = {{iw|wikipedia|Sanae Kobayashi}} | |voiceactor = {{iw|wikipedia|Sanae Kobayashi}} | ||
|artist = Tadashi Sugiyama | |artist = {{iw|wikipedia|Tadashi Sugiyama}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Ice Climbers''' ({{ja|アイスクライマー|Aisu Kuraimā}}, ''Ice Climber'') are the titular protagonists of the game ''{{B|Ice Climber|game}}''. Individually, they are known as '''Popo''' ({{ja|ポポ|Popo}}, ''Popo'') and '''Nana''' ({{ja|ナナ|Nana}}, ''Nana''), and are differentiated from each other primarily by the color of their parkas. Fittingly, the Ice Climbers seek to scale various mountains, yet must also avoid various obstacles and enemies en route to each summit. In order to successfully accomplish each level, they must catch a [[Vegetables (Ice Climber)|vegetable]]-stealing [[condor]]. | The '''Ice Climbers''' ({{ja|アイスクライマー|Aisu Kuraimā}}, ''Ice Climber'') are the titular protagonists of the game ''{{B|Ice Climber|game}}''. Individually, they are known as '''Popo''' ({{ja|ポポ|Popo}}, ''Popo'') and '''Nana''' ({{ja|ナナ|Nana}}, ''Nana''), and are differentiated from each other primarily by the color of their parkas. Fittingly, the Ice Climbers seek to scale various mountains, yet must also avoid various obstacles and enemies en route to each summit. In order to successfully accomplish each level, they must catch a [[Vegetables (Ice Climber)|vegetable]]-stealing [[condor]]. | ||
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''Ice Climber'' was one of the first NES games that allowed for two people to play simultaneously. Its playable characters are a pair of {{s|wikipedia|mountaineer}}s wearing color-coded parkas: a male in blue named Popo, and a female in pink named Nana.<ref name=NinPower/> Although hardware limitations originally limited them to simple 8-bit sprites, official artwork depicts them with {{iw|wikipedia|chibi|slang}} proportions.<ref>[https://twitter.com/CoolBoxArt/status/844627241837449216 Cool Box Art on Twitter: "Ice Climber / Arcade flyer / Nintendo / 1985"]</ref><ref>[https://www.mobygames.com/game/nes/ice-climber/cover-art/gameCoverId,30281/ Ice Climber (1985) cover art] MobyGames</ref> | ''Ice Climber'' was one of the first NES games that allowed for two people to play simultaneously. Its playable characters are a pair of {{s|wikipedia|mountaineer}}s wearing color-coded parkas: a male in blue named Popo, and a female in pink named Nana.<ref name=NinPower/> Although hardware limitations originally limited them to simple 8-bit sprites, official artwork depicts them with {{iw|wikipedia|chibi|slang}} proportions.<ref>[https://twitter.com/CoolBoxArt/status/844627241837449216 Cool Box Art on Twitter: "Ice Climber / Arcade flyer / Nintendo / 1985"]</ref><ref>[https://www.mobygames.com/game/nes/ice-climber/cover-art/gameCoverId,30281/ Ice Climber (1985) cover art] MobyGames</ref> | ||
The Ice Climbers both wield wooden mallets, which they use to break ice layers in order to further ascend each mountain | The Ice Climbers both wield wooden mallets, which they use to break ice layers in order to further ascend each mountain and to protect themselves by striking icicles or enemies like [[Topi]]s and [[Polar Bear]]s.<ref name=NinPower/> On the route to the mountaintop, they can gain bonus points by collecting {{b|vegetables|Ice Climber}} that are stolen by a [[condor]] at the beginning of each level.<ref name=NinPower/> Ultimately, the Ice Climbers must catch the condor in order to proceed to the next mountain.<ref name=NinPower/> | ||
===Relationship between the Ice Climbers=== | ===Relationship between the Ice Climbers=== | ||
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==In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''== | ==In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''== | ||
Although the Ice Climbers do not make any sort of appearance in ''Super Smash Bros.'', the game's Japanese website included them in a poll to gauge interest | Although the Ice Climbers do not make any sort of appearance in ''Super Smash Bros.'', the game's Japanese website included them in a poll to gauge interest in potential playable characters for a sequel.<ref>http://sourcegaming.info/2015/03/23/if-there-were-a-smash-2-poll/ | ||
If there was a Smash 2 Poll</ref> | If there was a Smash 2 Poll</ref> | ||
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{{Main|Ice Climbers (SSBM)}} | {{Main|Ice Climbers (SSBM)}} | ||
[[File:Ice Climbers SSBM.jpg|130px|thumb|The Ice Climbers, as they appear in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.]] | [[File:Ice Climbers SSBM.jpg|130px|thumb|The Ice Climbers, as they appear in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.]] | ||
The Ice Climbers make their ''Super Smash Bros.'' series debut in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' as [[newcomer]]s. They share a single spot on the roster despite consisting of two characters | The Ice Climbers make their ''Super Smash Bros.'' series debut in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' as [[newcomer]]s. They share a single spot on the roster despite consisting of two characters and would be the first characters in the series to establish this format. Due to appearing in 3D for the first time, the Ice Climbers' designs were modified accordingly: they retained their chibi aesthetic from ''Ice Climber''{{'}}s official artwork, yet also gained distinct hairstyles in order to further differentiate them, alongside gloves, {{s|wikipedia|ice cleat}}s, and more detailed parkas. | ||
According to [[Masahiro Sakurai]], the creator of the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, he and the development team wished to include a character that originated on the Nintendo Entertainment System. However, Sakurai also stressed the importance of character selection additionally involving "things only that character can do".<ref name=IciesMelee>[https://sourcegaming.info/2015/09/09/meleeiceclimbersite/ News Flash! Smash Bros. Dojo: Ice Climbers] Source Gaming - September 9, 2015</ref><ref>https://sourcegaming.info/2015/09/26/sakurai-on-character-choices/ | According to [[Masahiro Sakurai]], the creator of the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, he and the development team wished to include a character that originated on the Nintendo Entertainment System. However, Sakurai also stressed the importance of character selection additionally involving "things only that character can do".<ref name=IciesMelee>[https://sourcegaming.info/2015/09/09/meleeiceclimbersite/ News Flash! Smash Bros. Dojo: Ice Climbers] Source Gaming - September 9, 2015</ref><ref>https://sourcegaming.info/2015/09/26/sakurai-on-character-choices/ | ||
Sakurai On: Character Choices</ref> In addition to the Ice Climbers, other candidates included the [[Balloon Fighter]] from | Sakurai On: Character Choices</ref> In addition to the Ice Climbers, other candidates included the [[Balloon Fighter]] from {{uv|Balloon Fight}}, the main character from {{uvm|Urban Champion}}, {{h2|List of SSBM trophies (Others)|Bubbles}} from {{uv|Clu Clu Land}}, and a biker from ''{{h2|List of SSBM trophies (Others)|Excitebike}}''.<ref name=IciesMelee/><ref>[https://sourcegaming.info/2015/03/30/smash-reader-response-page-9-meaning-behind-smash-logo-lip-ice-climbers-and-balloon-fight/ Smash Reader Response Page 9: Meaning behind Smash Logo, Lip, Ice Climbers and Balloon Fight]</ref> | ||
Ultimately, the Ice Climbers were selected; Sakurai explained that the other candidates failed in certain aspects in regard to feasibly becoming playable characters, whereas the Ice Climbers were selected because he and the development team were interested in using ''Ice Climber''{{'}}s simultaneous 2-player gameplay as the basis for the climbers' tag team playstyle.<ref name=IciesMelee/> | Ultimately, the Ice Climbers were selected; Sakurai explained that the other candidates failed in certain aspects in regard to feasibly becoming playable characters, whereas the Ice Climbers were selected because he and the development team were interested in using ''Ice Climber''{{'}}s simultaneous 2-player gameplay as the basis for the climbers' tag team playstyle.<ref name=IciesMelee/> | ||
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Unlike the rest of the cast, the Ice Climbers feature the player controlling the leading climber, while the partner climber is controlled via [[artificial intelligence]]. Although the partner climber does not share the leader's [[damage meter]], their CPU level scales with the amount of damage the leader has received.<ref>[https://smashboards.com/threads/what-level-is-nana.446242/#post-21685909 Smashboards post detailing Nana's CPU level]</ref> These mechanics result in the Ice Climbers possessing an extremely high learning curve, as players must ensure the safety and proper utilization of not one, but two characters at the same time. | Unlike the rest of the cast, the Ice Climbers feature the player controlling the leading climber, while the partner climber is controlled via [[artificial intelligence]]. Although the partner climber does not share the leader's [[damage meter]], their CPU level scales with the amount of damage the leader has received.<ref>[https://smashboards.com/threads/what-level-is-nana.446242/#post-21685909 Smashboards post detailing Nana's CPU level]</ref> These mechanics result in the Ice Climbers possessing an extremely high learning curve, as players must ensure the safety and proper utilization of not one, but two characters at the same time. | ||
Although the Ice Climbers are [[Technical skill|technically]] demanding and require astute micromanaging, their tag team mechanics also grant them an exclusive [[advanced technique]] known as [[desyncing]]. Thanks to the vast utility provided by desyncing, as well as the considerable offensive potential provided by [[wobbling]] (another exclusive advanced technique that is derived from desyncing), the Ice Climbers are currently ranked 8th out of 26 on the [[tier list]]. This places them in the B+ tier | Although the Ice Climbers are [[Technical skill|technically]] demanding and require astute micromanaging, their tag team mechanics also grant them an exclusive [[advanced technique]] known as [[desyncing]]. Thanks to the vast utility provided by desyncing, as well as the considerable offensive potential provided by [[wobbling]] (another exclusive advanced technique that is derived from desyncing), the Ice Climbers are currently ranked 8th out of 26 on the [[tier list]]. This places them in the B+ tier and posits them as high-tier characters. | ||
{{clrl}} | {{clrl}} | ||
===Trophies=== | ===Trophies=== | ||
{{main|List of SSBM trophies (Ice Climber series)}} | {{main|List of SSBM trophies (Ice Climber series)}} | ||
Like other playable characters, the Ice Climbers have three trophies - a normal trophy won beating the {{SSBM|Classic Mode}} with the Ice Climbers on any difficulty, and "Smash Red" and "Smash Blue" trophies are acquired by beating the Adventure and All-Star modes, respectively. | Like other playable characters, the Ice Climbers have three trophies - a normal trophy won by beating the {{SSBM|Classic Mode}} with the Ice Climbers on any difficulty, and "Smash Red" and "Smash Blue" trophies are acquired by beating the Adventure and All-Star modes, respectively. | ||
{{Trophy | {{Trophy | ||
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The Ice Climbers return in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' as starter characters. As in ''Melee'', players can still choose between Popo or Nana as the leader of the duo, depending on which costume is chosen. Like their fellow [[veteran]]s, the Ice Climbers now have a [[Final Smash]]; in their case, it is [[Iceberg]], which fittingly consists of a large iceberg that occupies a large portion of the screen and inflicts damage and/or [[freeze]]s opponents.<ref name=IciesBrawl/> | The Ice Climbers return in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' as starter characters. As in ''Melee'', players can still choose between Popo or Nana as the leader of the duo, depending on which costume is chosen. Like their fellow [[veteran]]s, the Ice Climbers now have a [[Final Smash]]; in their case, it is [[Iceberg]], which fittingly consists of a large iceberg that occupies a large portion of the screen and inflicts damage and/or [[freeze]]s opponents.<ref name=IciesBrawl/> | ||
Although ''Brawl''{{'}}s game engine removed [[wavedash]]ing and [[wobbling]], the Ice Climbers were nevertheless buffed in the transition to ''Brawl''. Compared to their appearance in ''Melee'', the partner climber's AI is smarter while separated from the leader. Most notably, the | Although ''Brawl''{{'}}s game engine removed [[wavedash]]ing and [[wobbling]], the Ice Climbers were nevertheless buffed in the transition to ''Brawl''. Compared to their appearance in ''Melee'', the partner climber's AI is smarter while separated from the leader. Most notably, the player will control the partner when the leader grabs an opponent. | ||
This, coupled with the modifications to their back and down throws, | This, coupled with the modifications to their back and down throws, results in the Ice Climbers being among the handful of characters capable of [[zero-to-death]] [[chain grab]]s. On a similar note, the Ice Climbers' recovery has improved: [[Belay]] now functions as a [[tether recovery]], and both climbers can now hang on an edge at the same time. | ||
Due to the combination of their buffs and largely retained strengths, the Ice Climbers are currently ranked 2nd out of 38 on the [[tier list]]. In addition to positioning them as top tier characters, this makes the Ice Climbers and {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} the only characters who are the sole occupants of their own respective tiers (S for the Ice Climbers and SS for Meta Knight). | Due to the combination of their buffs and largely retained strengths, the Ice Climbers are currently ranked 2nd out of 38 on the [[tier list]]. In addition to positioning them as top-tier characters, this makes the Ice Climbers and {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} the only characters who are the sole occupants of their own respective tiers (S for the Ice Climbers and SS for Meta Knight). | ||
===Trophy=== | ===Trophy=== | ||
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==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''== | ==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''== | ||
The Ice Climbers did not return as playable characters in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' | The Ice Climbers did not return as playable characters in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'', but were playable during the development of {{forwiiu}}.<ref name=IciesCut>[https://sourcegaming.info/2015/07/09/i-answer-some-questions-sakurai-famitsu-column-vol-461-464/ "I Answer Some Questions" Sakurai Famitsu column vol. 461-464, on Ice Climbers, clones, and Smash Run]</ref> According to [[Masahiro Sakurai]], their removal was the result of requiring "significant processing power" to control in {{for3ds}}, adding that the 3DS was already being pushed to its limits and that he "couldn’t get them to work no matter how hard [he] tried."<ref name=IciesCut/> Possible solutions were attempted, such as removing joints from their model, as well as certain effects such as gravity, though these did not yield results.<ref name=IciesCut/> | ||
Aside from functionality, Sakurai stated that the Ice Climbers were lower priority inclusions, due to them being an example of characters whose home series had little to no possibility of having a new installment. While they could have been Wii U-exclusive characters, Sakurai wanted the rosters to be identical for both games.<ref name=IciesCut/> These issues ultimately resulted in the Ice Climbers being cut as playable characters and instead relegated to being a [[trophy]].<ref name=IciesCut/> | Aside from functionality, Sakurai stated that the Ice Climbers were lower priority inclusions, due to them being an example of characters whose home series had little to no possibility of having a new installment. While they could have been Wii U-exclusive characters, Sakurai wanted the rosters to be identical for both games.<ref name=IciesCut/> These issues ultimately resulted in the Ice Climbers being cut as playable characters and instead relegated to being a [[trophy]].<ref name=IciesCut/> | ||
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**This is likely due to them gaining {{s|wikipedia|ice cleat}}s from their redesigns in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series. | **This is likely due to them gaining {{s|wikipedia|ice cleat}}s from their redesigns in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series. | ||
*In both ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', the Ice Climbers appear to be left-handed, as they wield their hammers using their left hands. Although they appear to be left-handed in their ''Ultimate'' artwork, they are actually ambidextrous during regular gameplay in ''Ultimate''. | *In both ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', the Ice Climbers appear to be left-handed, as they wield their hammers using their left hands. Although they appear to be left-handed in their ''Ultimate'' artwork, they are actually ambidextrous during regular gameplay in ''Ultimate''. | ||
*The Ice Climbers are the only characters to appear in multiple ''Super Smash Bros.'' installments before | **This is an oddity among one-handed weapon fighters in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, who will keep their weapon in the same hand and have their back face the screen in a certain direction to keep attacks similar in both directions. This also resembles the sprites common in NES era games where left and right sprites were the same images flipped, thus making the characters switch hands. | ||
**The Ice Climbers, [[Lucas]], and [[Pokémon Trainer]] are the only starter characters to | *The Ice Climbers are the only characters to appear in multiple ''Super Smash Bros.'' installments before being cut. | ||
**The Ice Climbers and [[Solid Snake]] are the only characters from single character universes to | **The Ice Climbers, [[Lucas]], and [[Pokémon Trainer]] are the only starter characters to be cut in any game, although Lucas would return in ''Smash 4'' through DLC. The three of them are also the only cut veterans who have trophies in ''SSB4'' that use their models from ''Brawl''. | ||
**The Ice Climbers and [[Solid Snake]] are the only characters from single-character universes to be absent for a game before returning to the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||