Pichu (SSBM): Difference between revisions

Pichu (SSBM) (edit)

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 ===Tier placement and history===
-Pichu was always seen as a joke character by the ''Melee'' community; from the start, many noted that it was completely outclassed by {{SSBM|Pikachu}}, who was already considered a below-average character at the time. With its poor [[approach]] coupled with many attacks that damaged itself, including its own [[recovery]], as well as its terrible overall [[reach]], extremely light [[weight]], and difficulty in putting [[pressure]] on the opponent, many professionals doubted that Pichu could ever develop a deep metagame or gain any notable professional players.
+Pichu has historically been seen as a joke character by the competitive ''Melee'' community as well. From the start, many noted that it was completely outclassed by {{SSBM|Pikachu}}, who was already considered a below-average character at the time. With its poor [[approach]] coupled with many attacks that damaged itself, including its own [[recovery]], as well as its terrible overall [[reach]], extremely light [[weight]], and difficulty in putting [[pressure]] on the opponent, many professionals doubted that Pichu could ever develop a deep metagame or gain any notable professional players. Because of this, they largely ignored Pichu outside of low-stakes exhibitions. As a result, Pichu's initial placements on the [[tier list]] were abysmal. It ranked in the bottom 2, shifting between 25th and 26th (or a tie for one of these positions), for over a decade of ''Melee''{{'}}s lifespan, competing with characters such as {{SSBM|Bowser}}, {{SSBM|Kirby}}, and {{SSBM|Mewtwo}} for the lowest placement on the tier list.
-Pichu was 25th on first [[tier list]], and has since consistently shifted from 25th to 26th and back, competing with {{SSBM|Bowser}}, {{SSBM|Kirby}}, and {{SSBM|Mewtwo}} for the lowest placement on the tier list. Despite these placements, there still exists debate over Pichu's tier standing; some players believe that Pichu should be ranked last due to its extreme frailty and few ways to break through opponents. This is exhibited by Pichu players unable to make an impact on any significant tournaments for several years, with none of the top 96 placers of any major ''Melee'' tournament being dedicated Pichu players, and its only players being either inactive or have better characters to choose from. Conversely, many smashers attest that Pichu is not the worst character in the game, due to its surprisingly powerful neutral air combos and good speed for a low-tier. {{Sm|Mew2King}}, arguably the world's best Pichu player, notably believes that [http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2014/may/02/kirby-and-zelda-are-two-worst-characters-melee-pichu-highly-underrated-mew2king-discusses-his-super-smash-bros-tier-list-pt-1/ Pichu is far from the worst character in the game], ranking it 19th on his personal tier list. Additionally, {{Sm|Armada}} placed it at 22nd on [https://youtu.be/17n7Tcjrifg?t=264 his own tier list.], citing its agility and notable set ups over opponents. Due to Pichu’s slightly improved matchups against fast-fallers such as {{SSBM|Fox}} and {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}} being recognized, it has risen to 22nd on the current tier list.
+However, in the twelfth tier list released in 2015, Pichu rose out of the bottom 2 for the very first time. Although it was still considered a very poor character and wasn't used outside of [[sandbagging]], players noticed that whenever Pichu showed up, it had an easier time pressuring opponents than was once thought with its speed and a careful selection of surprisingly good normals. {{Sm|Mew2King}}, arguably the world's best Pichu player at the time, notably believed that [http://www.eventhubs.com/news/2014/may/02/kirby-and-zelda-are-two-worst-characters-melee-pichu-highly-underrated-mew2king-discusses-his-super-smash-bros-tier-list-pt-1/ Pichu was far from the worst character in the game], ranking it 19th on his personal tier list. Pikachu's rise in the competitive scene also aided Pichu's ascent out of the bottom tier, as players noted that Pichu shared a few of the tools that ultimately made Pikachu viable in the metagame.
+There were certainly detractors to this train of thought that insisted Pichu be put back in the bottom 2 in the next slate, emphasizing its weaknesses that had been known for years. After all, the idea of ''Pichu'', who was designed to be a weak joke character, being anything ''but'' bottom tier was certainly a novel concept. However, top professional players universally disagreed, with even the likes of {{Sm|Armada}} placing it at 22nd on [https://youtu.be/17n7Tcjrifg?t=264 his own tier list]. {{Sm|Codeman}} also began rising to relevance in the competitive scene, giving Pichu legitimate tournament results. Because of this, Pichu rose two more spots in the next tier list published in 2021, cleanly out of the bottom tier. Although Pichu remains a heavily flawed character with sparse results, it is no longer considered even in contention for the worst character in the game.
 ==In Single Player Modes==