Editing Ness (SSB4)

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{{ArticleIcons|ssb4=y}}
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{{disambig2|Ness's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''|the character in other contexts|Ness}}
{{disambig2|Ness's appearance in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''|the character in other contexts|Ness}}
{{Infobox Character
{{Infobox Character
|name = Ness
|name         = Ness
|image = [[File:Ness SSB4.png|250px]]
|image       = [[File:Ness SSB4.png|250px|Ness]]
|game = SSB4
|game         = SSB4
|ssbgame1 = SSB
|ssbgame1     = SSB
|ssbgame2 = SSBM
|ssbgame2     = SSBM
|ssbgame3 = SSBB
|ssbgame3     = SSBB
|ssbgame4 = SSBU
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]] (3DS)<br>[[Starter character|Starter]] (Wii U)
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]] (3DS)<br>[[Starter character|Starter]] (Wii U)
|tier = C
|tier = C
|ranking = 28-29
|ranking = 28
}}
}}
'''Ness''' ({{ja|ネス|Nesu}}, ''Ness'') returns as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. Ness was officially confirmed on October 3rd, 2014, alongside {{SSB4|Falco}} and {{SSB4|Wario}}, coinciding with the Western release of {{for3ds}}. As in every previous ''Smash Bros.'' installation, Ness is once again voiced by Makiko Ōmoto, who has now recorded new voice clips for both versions of the game.
'''Ness''' ({{ja|ネス|Nesu}}, ''Ness'') returns as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. Ness was officially confirmed on October 3rd, 2014, alongside {{SSB4|Falco}} and {{SSB4|Wario}}, coinciding with the Western release of [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]. As in every previous ''Smash Bros.'' installation, Ness is voiced by Makiko Ōmoto, who has now recorded new voice clips for both versions of the game.


Ness is ranked 28th/29th out of 54 characters on the [[tier list]] (tied with {{SSB4|Lucas}}), placing both him and Lucas as the lowest C tier characters. This is a vast improvement from his 26th out of 38 in ''Brawl'' and is his best placement in the series. Ness no longer suffers from having 10 extra [[grab release]] frames, which was a huge detriment to his survival. Besides that, Ness possesses arguably the best grab game among the entire cast (competing with {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}'s and {{SSB4|Luigi}}'s), with his forward and up throws leaving opponents in very unfavorable positions, his down throw being a great combo starter at lower percentages and his back throw being the most powerful throw in the game, on top of being difficult to DI properly. Other notable strengths include an effective [[projectile]] game with [[PK Fire]] and [[PK Thunder]], a formidable air game courtesy of his powerful aerials, and a versatile combo game thanks to his throws and aerials. Despite being a middleweight, he also has high raw KO power and high damage output, a prime example being his aerials, forward smash, PK Flash and PK Thunder 2. Finally, due to the strengths above, Ness possesses very useful options to cover getups from a ledge or on the ground.
Ness currently ranks 28th out of 55 characters on the [[tier list]] (tied with {{SSB4|Lucas}}), placing both him and Lucas as the lowest C tier characters and the lowest high tier characters. This is a vast improvement from his 26th out of 38 in ''Brawl'', and his best placement compared to previous ''Smash Bros.'' games. Ness no longer suffers from having 10 extra [[grab release]] frames, which was a huge detriment to his survival. Besides that, Ness possesses arguably the best grab game among the entire cast (competing with {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}'s), with his forward and up throws leaving opponents in very unfavorable positions, his down throw being a great combo starter and his back throw being the most powerful throw in the game, on top of being difficult to DI properly. Other notable strengths include an effective [[projectile]] game with [[PK Fire]] and [[PK Thunder]], a formidable air game courtesy of his powerful aerials, and a versatile combo game thanks to his throws and aerials. Despite being a middleweight, he also has high raw KO power and high damage output, a prime example being his aerials, forward smash, PK Flash and PK Thunder 2. Finally, due to the strengths above, Ness possesses very useful options to cover getups from a ledge or on the ground.


However, Ness has rather sub-par mobility and range, which often forces him to be methodical with his approaches, or play defensively in order to gain the lead, which can leave him at a disadvantage against characters with greater range on their attacks such as Cloud. Lastly and the most problematic is his recovery. Despite being greatly improved, PK Thunder remains quite gimpable as the lightning bolt can clang with other attacks, while opponents can forcibly push Ness out of the way or even take a hit from the lightning bolt, making his recovery fail.
However, Ness has rather sub-par mobility and range, which often forces him to be methodical with his approaches, or play defensively in order to gain the lead, which can leave him at a disadvantage against characters with greater range on their attacks such as Cloud. His KO power, while consistent, is relegated to only his back throw and his up-air, as most of his powerful attacks are hard to land in the neutral game. Lastly and the most problematic is his recovery. Despite being greatly improved, PK Thunder remains quite gimpable as the lightning bolt can clang with other attacks, while opponents can forcibly push Ness out of the way or even take a hit from the lightning bolt, making his recovery fail.  


While Ness has poor matchups against several characters that were ranked higher than him, particularly {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}}, {{SSB4|Marth}}, and {{SSB4|Corrin}}, Ness has achieved good representation and above average results thanks to top players such as {{Sm|FOW}}, {{Sm|BestNess}}, {{Sm|S1}}, {{Sm|The Great Gonzales}}, {{Sm|Gackt}}, and {{Sm|NAKAT}}.
Currently, Ness's tier placement is debatable. While Ness has poor matchups against several characters that were ranked higher than him, particularly {{SSB4|Cloud}}, {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}}, {{SSB4|Marth}}, and {{SSB4|Corrin}}, Ness has achieved good representation and noticeable top players such as {{Sm|FOW}}, {{Sm|S1}}, {{Sm|The Great Gonzales}}, {{Sm|Gackt}}, and {{Sm|NAKAT}}. Ness also achieved above average results and wins thanks to these said top players most notably FOW placing 13th at [[2GGC: Nairo Saga]], The Great Gonzales placing 5th at [[Royal Flush (tournament)|Royal Flush]], S1 placing 5th at [[B.E.A.S.T 7]] and 7th at [[Syndicate 2017]], NAKAT placing 13th at [[EVO 2017]] while mostly going Ness, and most recently, Gackt placing 17th at [[The Big House 7]]. From this, while some smashers generally argued that he should be ranked slightly lower due to his poor matchups from the higher ranked characters, other smashers argued that he should be ranked higher due to his favorable representation, results, and wins.


==How to unlock (3DS version only)==
==How to unlock==
Complete one of the following:
Complete one of the following:
* Play 10 VS Matches.
* Play 10 VS Matches.
* Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} on any difficulty.
* Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} on any difficulty.
After completing one of the two methods, Ness must then be defeated on [[Magicant]].
After completing one of the two methods, Ness must then be defeated on [[Magicant]].
In {{forwiiu}}, Ness is playable from the start.


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
Ness is an unusual blend of character archetypes, being a short, projectile-heavy character with a lot of versatility with his moves. Ness's [[weight]] is average and his [[falling speed]] is rather slow, giving him no disadvantage with weight alone. His [[walking speed]] is slow while his [[dashing speed]] and [[air speed]] are both sub-par, but his [[air acceleration]] is very high.
Ness is an unusual blend of character archetypes, being a short, projectile-heavy character with a lot of versatility with his moves. Ness's [[weight]] is average and his [[falling speed]] is rather slow, giving him no disadvantage with weight alone. His [[walking speed]] is slow while his [[dashing speed]] and [[air speed]] are both sub-par, but his [[air acceleration]] is very high.


Ness possesses three [[projectile]]s: [[PK Flash]], [[PK Fire]], and [[PK Thunder]]. PK Flash can be used as an extremely powerful punishing or edge-guarding option, dealing huge knockback which can KO even Bowser, the heaviest character, under 70%. PK Fire possesses a good amount of range and holds opponents in it when it hits them (due to being impossible to SDI out of), granting Ness guaranteed follow-ups (such as grab, an additional PK Fire, or a forward smash to finish the opponent) as long as he acts quickly enough. Also, it can be used off-stage against characters with more linear recoveries to combo into down air. PK Thunder is one of the more unique projectiles in the game. When used, the player will lose control of Ness and instead take control of a large thunder ball for a few seconds. PK Thunder can essentially be used to knock opponents towards Ness for follow ups, to mindgame opponents into a PK Thunder 2 trap to finish them, to edgeguard, and to juggle opponents. The knockback it provides can also hit an opponent over the upper blast line (especially light and floaty characters), allowing it to be used as a situational [[KO]] move as well. His down special move, [[PSI Magnet]],  provides a psychic shield that can heal him when hit with an energy based attack, making it extremely effective against characters with slower projectiles such as Samus or the Mii Gunner. PSI Magnet has fast start-up and end-lag, this allows Ness to cancel his double jump momentum and allows him to reverse himself mid-air more reliably, making it effective for avoiding vertical attacks such as Mario's up smash when Ness is on the air.
Ness possesses three [[projectile]]s: [[PK Flash]], [[PK Fire]], and [[PK Thunder]]. PK Flash can be used as an extremely powerful punishing or edge-guarding option, dealing huge knockback which can KO even Bowser, the heaviest character, under 70%. PK Fire possesses a good amount of range and holds opponents in it when it hits them (due to being impossible to SDI out of), granting Ness guaranteed follow-ups (such as grab, an additional PK Fire, or a forward smash to finish the opponent) as long as he acts quickly enough. Also, it can be used off-stage against characters with more linear recoveries to combo into down air. PK Thunder is one of the more unique projectiles in the game. When used, the player will lose control of Ness and instead take control of a large thunder ball for a few seconds. PK Thunder can essentially be used to knock opponents towards Ness for follow ups, to mindgame opponents into a PK Thunder 2 trap to finish them, to edgeguard, and to juggle opponents. The knockback it provides can also hit an opponent over the upper blast line (especially light and floaty characters), allowing it to be used as a situational [[KO]] move as well. His down special move, [[PSI Magnet]],  provides a psychic shield that can heal him when hit with an energy based attack, making it extremely effective against characters with slower projectiles such as Samus or the Mii Gunner. PSI Magnet has fast start-up and end-lag, this allows Ness to cancel his double jump momentum and allows him to reverse himself mid-air more reliably, making it effective for avoiding vertical attacks such as Mario's up smash when Ness is on the air.  


Ness's biggest strength is found in his superb aerial game. Most of Ness's aerial moves can be used to either space, combo, or KO. All aerials, excluding down aerial, are capable of [[auto-canceling]] out of a [[short hop]]. His neutral aerial possesses very little startup and ending lag, and hits on both sides of Ness, making it a useful [[out of shield]] option. His forward aerial has quick startup, a disjointed hitbox, and traps opponents, essentially allowing it to chain into either itself or another move. It is a powerful [[spacing]] tool and is helpful in [[approach]]ing opponents. His up aerial, one of the strongest in the game, can be used to combo at lower percents and KO reliably at higher percents. It possesses a large hitbox and little lag, making it low risk, high reward. His back aerial is another reliable KO move that possesses low lag. His down aerial can occasionally be useful in edgeguarding, although it has significant startup in comparison to his other aerials. Down aerial has a large autocancel window, giving Ness the ability to decrease the length of his shorthop, as Ness extends his hurtbox by using the move. Ness can use this property to Tomahawk much more effectively, buffer landing options, mix up his platform movement, and occasionally avoid techchase situations. Thanks to his floatiness, Ness can perform a neutral aerial or up aerial after a short hop air dodge, allowing him to jump through moves with invincibility and whiff punish.
Ness's biggest strength is found in his superb aerial game. Most of Ness's aerial moves can be used to either space, combo, or KO. All aerials, excluding down aerial, are capable of [[auto-canceling]] out of a [[short hop]]. His neutral aerial possesses very little startup and ending lag, and hits on both sides of Ness, making it a useful [[out of shield]] option. His forward aerial has quick startup, a disjointed hitbox, and traps opponents, essentially allowing it to chain into either itself or another move. It is a powerful [[spacing]] tool and is helpful in [[approach]]ing opponents. His up aerial, one of the strongest in the game, can be used to combo at lower percents and KO reliably at higher percents. It possesses a large hitbox and little lag, making it low risk, high reward. His back aerial is another reliable KO move that possesses low lag. His down aerial can occasionally be useful in edgeguarding, although it has significant startup in comparison to his other aerials. Down aerial has a large autocancel window, giving Ness the ability to decrease the length of his shorthop, as Ness extends his hurtbox by using the move. Ness can use this property to Tomahawk much more effectively, buffer landing options, mix up his platform movement, and occasionally avoid techchase situations. Thanks to his floatiness, Ness can perform a neutral aerial or up aerial after a short hop air dodge, allowing him to jump through moves with invincibility and whiff punish.


While Ness's aerials make him a formidable fighter at close quarters, he can struggle to pressure from afar. His dash attack has an exceptionally long range and is a decent approach, but leaves him vulnerable to landing aerials and is only safe if properly spaced. PK Fire covers a lot of ground and can be used to perform a [[PK Jump]], a technique that allows Ness to approach or retreat by inputting the move 1 frame after double jumping. If Ness buffers an airdodge after double jumping, he can increase the height of his double. If Ness uses PSI Magnet then PK Thunder by the ledge, he will snap immediately, rather than stalling as he would normally. By combining these two traits together, Ness can often recover without having to use PK Thunder to travel, alleviating one of his biggest weaknesses.
While Ness's aerials make him a formidable fighter at close quarters, he can struggle to pressure from afar. His dash attack has an exceptionally long range and is a decent approach, but leaves him vulnerable to landing aerials and is only safe if properly spaced. PK Fire covers a lot of ground and can be used to perform a [[PK Jump]], a technique that allows Ness to approach or retreat by inputting the move 1 frame after double jumping. If Ness buffers an airdodge after double jumping, he can increase the height of his double. If Ness uses PSI Magnet then PK Thunder by the ledge, he will snap immediately, rather than stalling as he would normally. By combining these two traits togther, Ness can often recover without having to use PK Thunder to travel, alleviating one of his biggest weaknesses.


Ness's grab game is also very potent. His standing grab has slightly below average range and is fast. His pivot grab is surprisingly disjointed and his dash grab gives him a substantial speed boost. As mentioned earlier, Ness can trap opponents with PK Fire or PK Jump in order to set up for a grab. Ness possesses one of the fastest [[pummel]]s in the game, allowing him to deal a decent amount of damage before throwing. His down throw neatly sets up for aerial attacks, leading into a forward air chain at lower percents or an up air at higher percents. Ness's forward throw has very high base knockback and can set up edgeguards. Up throw can be used to play situational [[mindgames]] with PK Thunder. Ness's infamous back throw is the strongest throw in the game; while it has very low base knockback, it has extremely high knockback scaling and is often regarded as his most effective and commonly used KO option.
Ness's grab game is also very potent. His standing grab has slightly below average range and is fast. His pivot grab is surprisingly disjointed and his dash grab gives him a substantial speed boost. As mentioned earlier, Ness can trap opponents with PK Fire or PK Jump in order to set up for a grab. Ness possesses one of the fastest [[pummel]]s in the game, allowing him to deal a decent amount of damage before throwing. His down throw neatly sets up for aerial attacks, leading into a forward air chain at lower percents or an up air at higher percents. Ness's forward throw has very high base knockback and can set up edgeguards. Up throw can be used to play situational [[mindgames]] with PK Thunder. Ness's infamous back throw is the strongest throw in the game; while it has very low base knockback, it has extremely high knockback scaling and is often regarded as his most effective and commonly used KO option.


Ness is far from perfect, however. He possesses below average speed in both the ground and the air, making it hard for him to chase most opponents. His ground game is also generally weak as he possesses short-ranged tilt attacks. His up and down smashes are also somewhat situational. While his up smash can be used as an out of shield option and his down smash as a useful edgeguarding option to two-frame opponents, both KO considerably later than his other KO options in a neutral situation, and his forward smash, while extremely powerful, possesses both high startup and ending lag, making it easily punishable if it misses. Ness's biggest flaw, however, is his [[recovery]]. While there have been various buffs to his recovery that make it much more reliable and viable than in previous ''Smash'' games, it is still easy to gimp if Ness is not careful enough with his double jump offstage. Characters with multiple jumps, such as {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}}, {{SSB4|Kirby}} and {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}, with counters, such as most of the Fire Emblem characters, or with moves that [[reflect]] or [[absorb]], such as {{SSB4|Rosalina}},
Ness is far from perfect, however. He possesses below average speed in both the ground and the air, making it hard for him to chase most opponents. His ground game is also generally weak as he possesses short-ranged tilt attacks. His up and down smashes are also somewhat situational. While his up smash can be used as an out of shield option and his down smash as a useful edgeguarding option to two-frame opponents, both KO considerably later than his other KO options in a neutral situation, and his forward smash, while extremely powerful, possesses both high startup and ending lag, making it easily punishable if it misses. Ness's biggest flaw, however, is his [[recovery]]. While there have been various buffs to his recovery that make it much more reliable and viable than in previous ''Smash'' games, it is still easy to gimp if Ness is not careful enough with his double jump offstage. Characters with multiple jumps, such as {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}}, {{SSB4|Kirby}} and {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}, with counters, such as most of the Fire Emblem characters, or with moves that [[reflect]] or [[absorb]], such as {{SSB4|Rosalina}},
{{SSB4|Villager}}, and {{SSB4|Pit}} can force Ness into disadvantage when offstage.
{{SSB4|Villager}}, and {{SSB4|Pit}} can force Ness into disadvantage when offstage.  


Custom moves can give Ness great advantages and brand new options. [[PK Freeze]] can [[freeze]] opponents, allowing free follow-ups, especially with PK Fire. PK Fire Burst has more range and power and always goes straight, making it a spacing tool rather than a combo tool. Lasting PK Thunder goes right through opponents and moves slower, allowing for better control. Recovery with PK Thunder 2 is also longer, significantly improving Ness' offstage survivability. Rolling PK Thunder travels much slower but is much stronger. While the recovery with PK Thunder 2 is mediocre due to the drastically decreased distance of it, the move is also significantly stronger, which allows it to KO even earlier than normal PK Thunder 2. Forward PSI Magnet is the same, but has a [[semi-spike]] hitbox in front of Ness, functioning similar to {{SSB4|Fox}}'s [[Reflector]]. Finally, if the opponent has no energy projectiles, PSI Vacuum is the optimal choice, as it draws opponents in and is the strongest of Ness's down special moves damage-wise.
Custom moves can give Ness great advantages and brand new options. [[PK Freeze]] can [[freeze]] opponents, allowing free follow-ups, especially with PK Fire. PK Fire Burst has more range and power and always goes straight, making it a spacing tool rather than a combo tool. Lasting PK Thunder goes right through opponents and moves slower, allowing for better control. Recovery with PK Thunder 2 is also longer, significantly improving Ness' offstage survivability. Rolling PK Thunder travels much slower but is much stronger. While the recovery with PK Thunder 2 is mediocre due to the drastically decreased distance of it, the move is also significantly stronger, which allows it to KO even earlier than normal PK Thunder 2. Forward PSI Magnet is the same, but has a [[semi-spike]] hitbox in front of Ness, functioning similar to {{SSB4|Fox}}'s [[Reflector]]. Finally, if the opponent has no energy projectiles, PSI Vacuum is the optimal choice, as it draws opponents in and is the strongest of Ness's down special moves damage-wise.
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Overall, Ness is viewed as a viable character in tournament play, due to his good combo game and extremely potent kill options. Despite this, he is believed to have a somewhat volatile matchup spread; he is especially vulnerable to characters that can abuse his poor mobility and low range to zone him out. Characters such as Rosalina and Luma, Marth, and Corrin are seen as especially troublesome matchups for Ness.
Overall, Ness is viewed as a viable character in tournament play, due to his good combo game and extremely potent kill options. Despite this, he is believed to have a somewhat volatile matchup spread; he is especially vulnerable to characters that can abuse his poor mobility and low range to zone him out. Characters such as Rosalina and Luma, Marth, and Corrin are seen as especially troublesome matchups for Ness.


==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
==Changes from ''Brawl''==
Ness has been heavily buffed in the transition from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4''. His grab-release animation with 10 extra frames of ending lag, which was one of his most detrimental flaws, has been removed, and many of the other flaws he had (mainly his recovery) have been addressed. Ness also greatly benefits from the general changes of ''SSB4'', as the new edge-trumping mechanic makes his recovery much harder to gimp, and the changes to [[hitstun canceling]] allows him to combo with his moves much more efficiently while the weakening of [[SDI]] makes his multi hit moves more reliable. The introduction of [[rage]] also benefits him as it improves his KO potential when he's at higher percents. He also greatly benefits from the removal of [[chain grab]]bing which was one of the main reasons why his longer grounded grab release was so exploitable.
Ness has been heavily buffed in the transition from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4''. His 10 extra frame grab-release animation, which was one of his most detrimental flaws, has been removed, and many of the other flaws he had have been addressed. Ness also greatly benefits from the general changes of ''SSB4'', as the new edge-trumping mechanic makes his recovery much harder to gimp, and the changes to hitstun canceling allows him to combo with his moves much more efficiently. Overall, Ness is significantly better than he ever was in previous ''Super Smash Bros.'' games and he has also seen solid tournament representation and greatly improved results due to his vast improvement.
 
As for direct changes outside of the length of his grounded grab release animation, he has seen a mix of buffs and nerfs. Ness overall has greater mobility, his smash attacks are stronger and his down smash can now be used as a powerful edgeguarding tool as Ness can now charge to close to a ledge and it now [[semi-spike]]s opponents.
 
However, Ness has seen more direct nerfs overall. Ness' damage output is overall lower and a variety of his moves have smaller hitboxes. His aerial game has seen some downgrades as his forward aerial deals less damage, has more landing lag and has much smaller hitboxes making it a less effective spacing tool while his down aerial has less range, is considerably weaker and it has lost its extremely lenient [[auto-cancel]] window making it no longer auto-cancel in a short hop and making it a much worse move overall. His down throw also has considerably increased knockback hindering its setup potential at higher percents.
 
Overall, Ness is significantly better than he ever was in previous ''Super Smash Bros.'' games due to the general changes to the mechanics greatly benefiting him overall and he has also seen solid tournament representation and greatly improved results due to his vast improvement.


===Aesthetics===
===Aesthetics===
*{{change|Ness has a brighter color palette, and has lost the blushes on his cheeks and the purple hue in his eyes. He is also slightly taller and thinner, with a smaller and more proportionate head, and a smaller backpack. He also lacks the partial yellow stripe that he had at the bottom of his shirt.}}
*{{change|Ness has a brighter color palette, and has lost the blushes on his cheeks and the purple hue in his eyes. He is also slightly taller and thinner, with a smaller and more proportionate head, and a smaller backpack. He also lacks the partial yellow stripe that he had at the bottom of his shirt.}}
*{{change|Ness' backpack now has more various color schemes depending on his alternate costume, such as a blue backpack for his yellow outfit, and a red backpack for his green outfit, whereas in previous titles, his backpack for those aforementioned costumes used the default color scheme instead.}}
*{{change|Ness is more expressive.}}
*{{change|Ness is more expressive.}}
*{{change|All of Ness' PSI-based attacks now use a graphic effect similar to Lucas's attacks (forward aerial, up smash, etc.) instead of using the same graphic effect as his double jump.}}


===Attributes===
===Attributes===
*{{buff|Ness [[walk]]s faster (0.86 → 0.8635).}}
*{{buff|Ness [[walk]]s faster (0.86 → 0.8635).}}
*{{buff|Ness [[dash]]es faster (1.39 → 1.46265).}}
*{{buff|Ness [[dash]]es faster (1.39 → 1.46265).}}
*{{buff|Ness' grounded [[grab release]] has much less ending lag (FAF 41 → 30), now matching the rest of the cast, and making him significantly less vulnerable to grab release follow-ups especially when combined with the removal of [[chain grab]]bing. The changes to air releases also benefits him as he is far less susceptible to air release followups.}}
*{{buff|Ness no longer has an extra 10 frames of lag from being grab-released, bringing him in line with everyone else, and making him significantly less vulnerable to grab release follow-ups.}}
*{{buff|[[Air dodge]] has less startup lag (frame 4 → 3) and ending lag (FAF 49 → 34).}}
*{{change|All of Ness's [[electric]] attacks except for his specials are now a normal effect except for his back aerial's sweetspot, as it is actually a [[magic]] effect. They use a graphic effect similar to Lucas's attacks (forward aerial, up smash, etc.) instead of using the same graphic effect as his double jump.}}
*{{change|All of Ness's [[electric]] attacks except for his specials are now a {{b|magic|effect}} effect.}}
*{{change|Ness' gravity is higher (0.0711 → 0.077).}}
*{{buff|[[Roll]]s have less ending lag (FAF 32 → 31).}}
*{{nerf|Rolls have a shorter duration (frame 4-19 → 4-17).}}
*{{nerf|[[Spot dodge]] has more startup lag, a shorter duration (frames 2-20 → 3-18) and more ending lag (FAF 26 → 28).}}
*{{nerf|The changes in [[shieldstun]] makes some of his attacks slightly less safe on shield compared to the cast.}}
*{{nerf|The changes in [[shieldstun]] makes some of his attacks slightly less safe on shield compared to the cast.}}


===Ground attacks===
===Ground attacks===
*[[Neutral attack]]:
*{{nerf|[[Neutral attack]] deals 1% less damage (9% → 8%).}}
**{{nerf|The first hit of neutral attack deals 1% less damage (3% → 2%) and all three hits have smaller hitboxes (3u/3u/2.5u → 3u/2u (hits 1 & 2), 4.5u/4u/3.8u 4u/2.4u (hit 3)).}}
*{{buff|Dash attack now launches at a vertical trajectory in front of Ness (80°) instead of behind him (100°), making followups easier.}}
*[[Forward tilt]]:
*{{change|The first hit of dash attack no longer deals consistent damage (5% → 4%/7%/3%). Dash attack also has more intense lighting effects.}}
**{{nerf|Forward tilt deals less damage (12%/11%/10% → 9% (unangled)/10% (angled)).}}
*{{nerf| The second hit of dash attack deals less damage (4% → 2%).}}
*[[Up tilt]]:
*{{nerf|[[Forward tilt]] does 2% less damage un-angled (11% → 9%) and 1% less damage when angled (11% → 10%). Now has a more notable ending animation where Ness holds up his left hand.}}
**{{buff|Up tilt now involves Ness releasing a PSI spark from his hands, increasing its vertical reach.}}
*{{buff|Up tilt now involves Ness releasing a burst of magic from his hands, increasing vertical reach.}}
**{{nerf|Up tilt has slightly higher startup (frame 5 → 7) and its old hitbox is now a sourspot that deals 2% less damage. Its hitboxes are also smaller (7.2u/7.2u → 6.5u/4.0u) to compensate the increased vertical range.}}
*{{nerf|Up tilt starts up slightly slower (frame 5 → 7) and now has a sourspot that deals 2% less damage.}}
**{{change|Up tilt's animation is more similar to that of ''Smash 64'', and its sweetspot now has a magic sound effect instead of a punching sound effect.}}
*{{change|[[Up tilt]]'s animation is more similar to that of ''Smash 64'', and its sweetspot now has a magic sound effect instead of a punching sound effect.}}
*[[Down tilt]]:
*{{nerf|[[Down tilt]] now has a sourspot at the end of Ness's foot that deals 2% less damage (4% → 2%).}}
**{{nerf|Down tilt now has a sourspot at the end of Ness's foot that deals less damage (4% → 2%) with its base knockback only slightly increased (3 → 6). Down tilt also has smaller hitboxes (4.32u/2.88u/3.36u → 2.5u/2.5u).}}
*{{buff|[[Forward smash]] deals drastically more knockback (50 base/62 scaling → 70/67), going from a below-average powered forward smash in ''Brawl'' to one of the most powerful forward smashes in ''Smash 4''. Its reflector now has a speed and power multiplier, drastically improving its punishing utility.}}
*[[Dash attack]]:
*{{nerf|One of forward smash's tipper hitboxes has been completely removed, so that its maximum damage potential when uncharged is 22% instead of 24%, and its reflector now has a limit, where if he tries to reflect a projectile that is too strong to reflect, Ness will experience about 300 frames (5 seconds) of ending lag.}}
**{{buff|Dash attack now launches in front of Ness instead of behind him (100° → 80°), making followups easier. The final hit also deals more knockback (70 (base), 100 (scaling) → 80/104) and has a bigger hitbox (5u → 6u).}}
*{{buff|Yo-yo smashes ([[up smash]] and [[down smash]]) now deal properly-increased damage when charged and are now stronger.}}
**{{change|The first hit of dash attack no longer deals consistent damage (5% → 4%/7%/3%). This makes it better against aerial opponents, but worse on grounded ones. Dash attack also has more intense lighting effects.}}
*{{nerf|Yo-yo smashes are charged while still in Ness's hand, removing their pre-charge hitboxes.}}
**{{nerf|The second hit of dash attack deals less damage (4% → 2%) and as the first hit no longer deals consistent damage, dash attack as a whole no longer deals consistent damage (13% → 9%/11%/13%).}}
*{{change|Yo-yo is colored green, instead of yellow.}}
*[[Forward smash]]:
*{{buff|Up smash now has a small hitbox behind Ness that comes out on frame 6. While this new hitbox is considered a sourspot, dealing less damage and knockback, it is a buff as it puts out a hitbox earlier and covers his back during startup, strengthening the up smash's use as an out of shield option.}}
**{{buff|Forward smash deals drastically more knockback (50 (base), 62 (scaling) → 70/67) (now having the same knockback values as its Japanese ''Smash 64'' counterpart), going from a forward smash of above-average power in ''Brawl'' to one of the most powerful forward smashes in ''Smash 4''. Its reflector now has a speed and power multiplier, drastically improving its punishing utility.}}
*{{buff|Down smash now sends opponents at a low semi-spike angle instead of diagonally, greatly improving its edgeguarding utility.}}
**{{nerf|Forward smash's strongest tipper hitbox has been completely removed, so that its maximum damage potential when uncharged has been lowered (24% → 22%). Its other hitboxes are also smaller (2.9u/3.6u/3.8u/4.099983u → 2.3u/2.6u/3.0u) and its reflector now has a limit, where if he tries to reflect a projectile that is too strong to reflect, Ness will experience about 300 frames (5 seconds) of ending lag.}}
*Yoyo:
**{{buff|Both up smash and down smashes are now properly affected by smash charging making them deal more damage when charged.}}
**{{nerf|Yo-yo smashes are charged while still in Ness's hand, removing their pre-charge hitboxes.}}
**{{change|Yo-yo is colored green instead of yellow.}}
*[[Up smash]]:
**{{buff|Up smash has much less startup lag with a longer duration (frames 10-34 → 6-30).}}
**{{nerf|Up smash has more ending lag (FAF 55 → 56).}}
*[[Down smash]]:
**{{buff|Down smash has less ending lag (FAF 62 → 46).}}
**{{buff|Down smash is now a semi-spike (55° → 28° (front), 33° (back)), greatly improving its edgeguarding ability.}}
**{{nerf|Down smash's main hit deals less damage (13% → 10%) and its knockback was not fully compensated (90 (base), 60 (scaling) → 60/80 (front), 50/80 (back)).}}
**{{change|Down smash now has weak initial hits before its front and back hits which deal 1% damage and low knockback; linking into the main hit. It hits four times at the front and two times at the back.}}
***{{buff|Because of this, the front hit deals more damage overall (13% → 14%).}}
***{{nerf|However, the back hit deals less damage overall (13% → 12%).}}
**{{nerf|Down smash is no longer constantly active (frames 10-33 → 10-15/17-18/23-25/26-29/31-32).}}


===Aerial attacks===
===Aerial attacks===
*[[Neutral aerial]]:
*{{nerf|[[Neutral aerial]]'s hitbox is shorter in duration.}}
**{{nerf|Neutral aerial has a shorter duration (frames 5-24 → 5-15).}}
*{{buff|[[Forward aerial]]'s individual hits now chain significantly better, and can now result in multiple forward aerials in a row, improving Ness's combo and damage capabilities.}}
**{{nerf|The hand hitboxes have been positioned closer to Ness (x offset: 0.33 → 0), slightly decreased their range.}}
*{{nerf|Forward aerial deals 4% less damage (11% → 7%) along with significantly more landing lag (12 frames → 20 frames).}}
*[[Forward aerial]]:
*{{nerf|[[Back aerial]] has moderately increased landing lag (12 frames → 17 frames).}}
**{{buff|Forward aerial's looping hits have a decreased SDI multiplier (1.5x → 0.8x) which along with the weakening of SDI makes forward aerial significantly more difficult to escape from.}}
*{{buff|Back aerial has more range.}}
**{{change|The looping hits' angle has been altered (361° → 366°).}}
*{{nerf|[[Up aerial]] has slightly more landing lag (12 frames → 14 frames).}}
***{{buff|This allows them to connect more reliably (with the move now being able to reliably chain into itself) improving Ness's comboing and damage-racking capabilities.}}
*{{buff|[[Down aerial]] now has an extra spin in its animation, with Ness facing at a different orientation as he kicks downward with his toes instead of the stamp of his foot; the new special effect at his toes gives its hitbox more range, along with having its sourspot deals 1% more damage (9% → 10%).}}
***{{nerf|However, this also removes their ability to [[lock]] opponents removing Ness' most reliable aerial locking tool at higher percents.}}
*{{nerf|Down aerial's clean and late hits have smaller hitboxes (6.54u/6.54u (clean/late) → 3.9u/6u), a shorter duration (4 frames → 2 (clean), 5 frames → 4 (late)), and have drastically decreased base knockback (90/90 (clean/late) → 20/30), with both hits now being incapable of KOing at realistic percentage. Down aerial also autocancels later (frame 29 → 50). As a result, the meteor smash is much harder to hit with, and the move is now generally inferior to his other aerials.}}
**{{change|The final hit has increased knockback (24 (base), 145 (scaling) → 32/150) improving forward aerial's edgeguarding potential but hindering its ability to chain into itself.}}
*{{change|Down aerial uses the magic sound effect on hit instead of a punch sound effect in prior games.}}
**{{change|Forward aerial a higher [[hitlag]] multiplier (0.5x → 1x (loop), 1.5x (final)).}}
**{{nerf|Forward aerial deals less damage (2% → 1%  (loop), 11% → 7% (total)), has smaller hitboxes (8.1u → 5u/1.5u (loop hits), 9u → 8u (final)) and the final hit has a shorter duration (frames 20-21 → 20).}}
**{{nerf|Forward aerial has increased landing lag (12 frames → 20) and [[auto-cancel]]s later (frame 30 → 33).}}
*[[Back aerial]]:
**{{nerf|Back aerial has increased landing lag (12 frames → 17).}}
*[[Up aerial]]:
**{{change|Up aerial has an altered animation where Ness swings his head faster.}}
***{{buff|This new animation increases the move's horizontal range.}}
***{{nerf|However, this also makes the move slightly harder to use as an anti-air.}}
**{{change|Up aerial's hitbox has been marginally repositioned (y offset: 3.408 → x offset: 3.4).}}
**{{nerf|Up aerial has increased landing lag (12 frames → 14).}}
*[[Down aerial]]:
**{{buff|Late down aerial deals more damage (9% → 10%).}}
**{{change|Down aerial has a new animation, where Ness spins during its startup and he is facing at a different orientation as he kicks downward with his toes instead of the stamp of his foot. The kick additionally now produces a spark of energy below Ness' foot.}}
**{{change|Down aerial's hitbox is now static, rather than being attached to Ness' foot. This means that the hitbox now stays in the same position relative to Ness, rather than moving with his foot.}}
**{{change|Down aerial uses the strong magic sound effect on hit instead of a strong/medium punch sound.}}
**{{nerf|Down aerial has a shorter duration (frames 20-23 (clean)/24-28 (late) → 20-21/22-24).}}
**{{nerf|Down aerial [[auto-cancel]]s much later (frame 29 → 50), removing its ability to auto-cancel in a short hop, let alone straight after the hitboxes cease.}}
**{{nerf|Down aerial has drastically decreased base knockback (90 → 20 (clean)/30 (late)), with both hits now being incapable of KOing at realistic percentages, even with the removal of [[meteor cancel]]ing and the late hit's increased damage.}}
**{{nerf|Down aerial has smaller hitboxes (6.54u → 3.9u (clean)/6u (late)).}}
**{{nerf|The late hit launches opponents at a slightly higher angle (361° → 45°).}}


===Throws/other attacks===
===Throws/other attacks===
*[[Grab]]s:
*{{buff|Pivot grab's range is now large and disjointed.}}
**{{buff|All grabs are positioned further outwards (z offset: 6.8 (standing)/8 (dash)/-12 (pivot) → z stretch: 8/10/14), improving their range and no longer being the shortest-ranged grabs in the game.}}
*{{nerf|Pivot grab comes out slower.}}
**{{nerf|Pivot grab has more startup lag (frame 6 → 10), no longer being the fastest in the game.}}
*{{buff|Pummel is faster.}}
**{{nerf|Dash and pivot grab have more ending lag (FAF 36 (both) → 43 (dash), 41 (pivot)).}}
*{{buff|Up throw's ending lag has been significantly decreased.}}
**{{nerf|Dash grab has a smaller grabbox (4u/3.5u/3.5u → 3.2u).}}
*{{buff|The changes to hitstun canceling significantly benefits down throw, as he can now use it to set up into his aerials much more effectively.}}
*[[Pummel]]:
*{{nerf|Down throw does less damage (9% → 7%).}}
**{{buff|Pummel deals slightly more damage (1% → 1.2%).}}
*{{change|Down throw has less fire graphics.}}
*[[Down throw]]:
**{{buff|The changes to [[hitstun canceling]] and DI significantly benefits down throw, as Ness can now use it to set up into his aerials much more effectively at lower percents when combined with its lowered base knockback (90 → 70).}}
**{{change|Down throw has less fire graphics.}}
**{{nerf|Down throw's fire hits deal less damage (1% → 0.6%) reducing its total damage output (9% → 7%).}}
**{{nerf|The throw has much more knockback scaling (30 → 80), hindering its combo potential at higher percents.}}


===Special moves===
===Special moves===
*[[PK Flash]]:
*{{buff|[[PK Flash]] travels faster. It travels even faster and gains even more distance if directed behind Ness. Turning around before using this move might prove useful, depending on prediction.}}
**{{buff|PK Flash travels faster. It travels even faster and gains even more distance if directed behind Ness. Turning around before using this move might prove useful, depending on prediction.}}
*{{change|PK Flash is now a much darker green.}}
**{{change|PK Flash is now a much darker green.}}
*{{buff|[[PK Fire]] travels slightly farther.}}
*[[PK Fire]]:
*{{nerf|[[PK Fire]] has 1 more frame of ending lag. It now travels much farther back to Ness if [[reflected]] rather than petering out after traveling its set distance.}}
**{{buff|PK Fire travels slightly farther.}}
*{{change|PK Fire's effect after hitting an opponent produces darker colored flames and more smoke.}}
**{{nerf|PK Fire has slightly more ending lag. It now travels much farther back to Ness if [[reflected]] rather than petering out after traveling its set distance.}}
*{{change|When interrupted whilst starting up PK Fire, Ness stops reciting the attack's name.}}
**{{change|PK Fire's effect after hitting an opponent produces darker colored flames and more smoke.}}
*{{buff|[[PK Thunder]] travels faster, has less cooldown, a much larger hitbox, is more powerful, travels in a drastically tighter arc and goes through opponents until the tail disconnects from Ness with 1% more damage, making him less susceptible to being [[gimp]]ed. [[PK Thunder 2]] is much faster, much stronger (now KOing at around 30%), and when Ness bounces off a wall while recovering with it, he can initiate PK Thunder again during the bounce.}}
**{{change|When interrupted whilst starting up PK Fire, Ness stops reciting the attack's name.}}
*{{nerf|[[PK Thunder 2]] has increased ending lag.}}
*[[PK Thunder]]:
*{{change|PK Thunder and PSI Magnet are now light blue like in ''Melee''.}}
**{{buff|PK Thunder travels faster, has less ending lag, much larger hitboxes, deals much better knockback, travels in a drastically tighter arc and goes through opponents until the tail disconnects from Ness with 1% more damage, making him less susceptible to being [[gimp]]ed. [[PK Thunder 2]] is much faster and when Ness bounces off a wall while recovering with it, he can initiate PK Thunder again during the bounce.}}
*{{buff|[[PSI Magnet]] has significantly less ending lag, with Ness now being able to act out of it much quicker. It's also larger, increasing its range.}}
**{{change|PK Thunder is now light blue like in ''Melee''.}}
*{{nerf|PSI Magnet swirls projectiles around it, causing a slight delay until Ness can actually be healed. If Ness were to drop PSI Magnet and/or be launched, the absorbed projectiles may take even longer to reach him, but they will still heal him eventually.}}
*[[PK Thunder 2]]:
*{{change|The swirling of captured attacks by PSI Magnet utterly nullifies even projectiles that would continue past Ness, including [[Thoron]] and {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}.}}
**{{nerf|[[PK Thunder 2]] has increased ending lag.}}
*{{change|[[PK Starstorm]] now fires a thin, aimable line of meteors from the top-center of the stage, similar to how [[Aura Storm]] functioned. This enables it to deal damage more reliably at the cost of having blind spots.}}
*[[PSI Magnet]]:
*{{change|PK Starstorm now has a [[flame]] effect, instead of an electric effect.}}
**{{buff|PSI Magnet has significantly less ending lag, with Ness now being able to act out of it much quicker. The magnet is also larger, increasing its range.}}
**{{nerf|PSI Magnet swirls projectiles around it, causing a slight delay until Ness can actually be healed. If Ness were to drop PSI Magnet and/or be launched, the absorbed projectiles may take even longer to reach him, but they will still heal him eventually.}}
**{{change|The swirling of captured attacks by PSI Magnet utterly nullifies even projectiles that would continue past Ness, including [[Thoron]] and {{SSB4|Pikachu}}'s {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}.}}
**{{change|PSI Magnet is now light blue like in ''Melee''.}}
*[[PK Starstorm]]:
**{{change|PK Starstorm now fires a thin, aimable line of meteors from the top-center of the stage, similar to how [[Aura Storm]] functioned. This enables it to deal damage more reliably at the cost of having blind spots.}}
**{{change|PK Starstorm now has a [[flame]] effect, instead of an electric effect.}}


==Update history==
==Update history==
Line 186: Line 125:


'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.8]]'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.8]]'''
*{{change|The PK Starstorm trophy adds "Ness" in parentheses once [[Lucas]] is downloaded, as Lucas's trophy is also named "PK Starstorm"}}
*{{buff|[[PSI Magnet]]'s ending lag decreased.}}
*{{nerf|PK Thunder 2 has a greater deceleration rate (0.072 → 0.08), making it cover less distance.}}
**{{buff|PK Thunder 2 has a lower deceleration rate after hitting an opponent (0.072 → 0.064), making it cover the same distance after hitting an opponent despite the previous change.}}
*{{buff|[[PSI Magnet]] and its custom variants' minimum hold time has been decreased (30 frames → 18 (PSI Magnet), 26 frames → 16 (PSI Vacuum), 36 frames → 20 (forward PSI Magnet)).}}
*{{buff|PSI Magnet absorbs projectiles faster (20 frames → 6).}}


'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.0]]'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.0]]'''
Line 196: Line 131:
*{{nerf|[[PK Fire]]'s ending lag increased.}}
*{{nerf|[[PK Fire]]'s ending lag increased.}}


'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.1]]'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.1]]'''  
*{{buff|Rising PK Flash has less startup lag when it is detonated (frame 8 → 6).}}
*{{buff|Rising PK Flash's knockback altered base knockback decreased|80 (base)/30 (scaling)|50/80, improving its KO potential.}}
*{{buff|Rising PK Flash deals more damage (2% → 4%) and knockback (80 (base)/30 (scaling) 50/80), improving its KO potential.}}
*{{nerf|Rising PK Flash's first hitbox's duration decreased|3|2.}}
*{{buff|Rising PK Flash's range increased (10 → 13).}}
*{{nerf|Rising PK Flash's first hitbox's duration decreased (3 frames → 2).}}
*{{nerf|Rising PK Flash has a smaller size multiplier (2.2x → 2x).}}
*{{change|Rising PK Flash minimum charge increased.}}
*{{change|Rising PK Flash minimum charge increased.}}
*{{buff|[[PK Freeze]] range increased (10 → 11).}}
*{{buff|Rising PK Flash's range increased|10|13.}}
*{{buff|PK Freeze has less startup lag when it is detonated (frame 15 → 8).}}
*{{buff|[[PK Freeze]] range increased|10|11.}}
*{{buff|PK Freeze deals more damage (8% → 10%) and has a larger damage multiplier (0.11x → 0.16x).}}
*{{nerf|PK freeze has more landing lag (25 frames → 30).}}
*{{buff|[[PK Fire Burst]] deals 1% more damage|1%/8%|2%/9% and hits earlier.}}
*{{buff|[[PK Fire Burst]] deals 1% more damage|1%/8%|2%/9% and hits earlier.}}


Line 213: Line 143:


==Moveset==
==Moveset==
''For a gallery of Ness's hitboxes, see [[/Hitboxes|here]].''
{{MovesetTable
{{MovesetTable
|game=SSB4
|game=SSB4
|neutralcount=3
|neutralcount=3
|neutralname=Jab ({{ja|ジャブ|Jyabu}}) / Straight ({{ja|ストレート|Sutorēto}}) / Middle Kick ({{ja|ミドルキック|Midoru Kikku}})
|neutralname=&nbsp;
|neutral1dmg=2%
|neutral1dmg=2%
|neutral2dmg=2%
|neutral2dmg=2%
|neutral3dmg=4%
|neutral3dmg=4%
|neutraldesc=Punches twice, then kicks. The first hit can jab [[lock]] at low percentages.
|neutraldesc=Punches twice, then kicks. The first hit can [[lock]] at low percents.
|ftiltangles=3
|ftiltangles=3
|ftiltname=Side Kick ({{ja|サイドキック|Saido Kikku}})
|ftiltname=&nbsp;
|ftiltupdmg=10%
|ftiltupdmg=10%
|ftiltsidedmg=9%
|ftiltsidedmg=9%
|ftiltdowndmg=10%
|ftiltdowndmg=10%
|ftiltdesc=A roundhouse kick. Can be angled, making it deal 1% more damage. It can also lock at low percents.
|ftiltdesc=A roundhouse kick. Can be angled, making it deal 1% more damage. It can also lock at low percents.
|utiltname=PK Toss ({{ja|PKトス|Pīkei Tosu}})
|utiltname=&nbsp;
|utiltdmg=7% (arms) 5% (hands)
|utiltdmg=7% (arms) 5% (hands)
|utiltdesc=Pushes upward with both hands that produces a PSI spark. Has a sourspot located on his hands that deals 5%.
|utiltdesc=Pushes upward with both hands that produces a PSI spark. Has a sourpot located on his hands that deals 5%.
|dtiltname=Crouching Kick ({{ja|クラウチングキック|Kurauchingu Kikku}})
|dtiltname=&nbsp;
|dtiltdmg=4% (foot), 2% (toes)
|dtiltdmg=4% (foot), 2% (toes)
|dtiltdesc=A swift shin kick. Extremely spammable and can be used to jab reset. Has a sourspot located on the tip of his foot. Has a chance of making the opponent trip.
|dtiltdesc=A swift shin kick. Extremely spammable and can be used to jab reset. Has a sourspot located on the tip of his foot. Has a chance of making the opponent trip.  
|dashname=PK Hand Stamp ({{ja|PKハンドスタンプ|Pīkei Hando Sutanpu}})
|dashname=&nbsp;
|dashdmg=4%/3% (hit 1), 7% (hit 1 aerial), 2% (hit 2), 4% (hit 3)
|dashdmg=4%/3% (hit 1), 7% (hit 1 aerial), 2% (hit 2), 4% (hit 3)
|dashdesc=Sends three PSI sparks out in front of him with the third spark knocking the opponent up into the air. The first spark deals more damage to aerial targets. Good to set up juggles and pressuring from afar. Difficult to punish on shield if only the last hit connects.
|dashdesc=Sends three PSI sparks out in front of him with the third spark knocking the opponent up into the air. The first spark deals more damage to aerial targets. Good to set up juggles and pressuring from afar. Difficult to punish on shield if only the last hit connects.
|fsmashname=Batter Up! ({{ja|バットスイング|Batto Suingu}}, ''Bat Swing'')
|fsmashname=&nbsp;
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|18}} (low), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|20}} (mid), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|22}} (tip), 2× damage (reflected projectiles)
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|18}} (low), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|20}} (mid), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|22}} (tip), 2× damage (reflected projectiles)
|fsmashdesc=Swings his bat. It is the second strongest forward smash in the game when sweetspotted at the tip of the bat and still one of the strongest forward smashes when untippered, but it has some start-up and ending lag. The bat itself will [[reflect]] incoming projectiles when he swings it. However, reflecting a projectile that is too strong to reflect will result in Ness experiencing five full seconds of ending lag, although this is uncommon since it requires a strong projectile to be reflected multiple times.
|fsmashdesc=Swings his bat. It is the second strongest forward smash in the game when sweetspotted at the tip of the bat and still one of the strongest forward smashes when untippered, but it has some start-up and ending lag. The bat itself will [[reflect]] incoming projectiles when he swings it. However, reflecting a projectile that is too strong to reflect can cause him to have terribly long endlag, making it incredibly unsafe if the opponent is nearby.
|usmashname=Around The World ({{ja|シャトルループ|Shatoru Rūpu}}, ''Shuttle Loop'')
|usmashname=&nbsp;
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|9}}-{{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|13}}
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|9}}-{{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|13}}
|usmashdesc=Sends his yo-yo forward and performs "around-the-world" over himself. A decent anti-air and a good out of shield option. It is more powerful if the opponent is behind Ness, but it's still the weakest up smash in the game, not KOing until roughly 137%.
|usmashdesc=Sends his yo-yo forward and performs "around-the-world" over himself. A decent anti-air and a good out of shield option. It is more powerful if the opponent is behind Ness, but it's still the weakest up smash in the game, not KOing until roughly 137%.
|dsmashname= Walk the Dog ({{ja|ヨーヨーショット|Yōyō Shotto}}, ''Yo-Yo Shot'')
|dsmashname=&nbsp;
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|1}} (hit 1, front and back) {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|1}} (hit 2, front and back) {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|10}} (hit 3, front and back)
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|1}} (hit 1, front and back) {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|1}} (hit 2, front and back) {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|10}} (hit 3, front and back)
|dsmashdesc=Sends his yo-yo backwards and "walk-the-dog" with it before pulling the yo-yo back. Covers get up options well, but cannot connect well if the opponent is at the longest range of the move.
|dsmashdesc=Sends his yo-yo backwards and "walk-the-cat" with it before pulling the yo-yo back. Covers get up options well, but cannot connect well if the opponent is at the longest range of the move.
|nairname=Ness Spin ({{ja|ネススピン|Nesu Supin}})
|nairname=&nbsp;
|nairdmg=11% (clean), 7% (late)
|nairdmg=11% (clean), 7% (late)
|nairdesc=Spins diagonally in the air with his arms outstretched. Quick, and acts like a [[sex kick]]. Can be followed-up after a down throw. Rather useful to break combos and as an out of shield option. Autocancels from a short hop.
|nairdesc=Spins diagonally in the air with his arms outstretched. Quick, and acts like a [[sex kick]]. Can be followed-up after a down throw. Rather useful to break combos and as an out of shield option. Autocancels from a short hop.
|fairname=Aerial PK Hand Stamp ({{ja|空中PKハンドスタンプ|Kūchū Pīkei Hando Sutanpu}}
|fairname=&nbsp;
|fairdmg=1% (hit 1-3) 4% (hit 4)
|fairdmg=1% (hit 1-3) 4% (hit 4)
|fairdesc=Sticks his palms out, sending a stream of PSI sparks in front of him. Decently safe on shield if Ness retreats during the attack, useful to start and continue combos. Autocancels from a short hop.
|fairdesc=Sticks his palms out, sending a stream of PSI sparks in front of him. Decently safe on shield if Ness retreats during the attack, useful to start and continue combos. Autocancels from a short hop.
|bairname=PK Drop Kick ({{ja|PKドロップキック|Pīkei Doroppu Kikku}})
|bairname=&nbsp;
|bairdmg=15% (clean), 8% (late)
|bairdmg=15% (clean), 8% (late)
|bairdesc=Ness kicks out backwards with both feet. The initial hit is immensely strong, KOing at 125% onstage and even lower at the ledge. Autocancels from a short hop.
|bairdesc=Ness kicks out backwards with both feet. The initial hit is immensely strong, KOing at 125% onstage and even lower at the ledge. Autocancels from a short hop.
|uairname=Jumping Headbutt ({{ja|ジャンピングヘッドバット|Janpingu Heddobatto}})
|uairname=&nbsp;
|uairdmg=13%
|uairdmg=13%
|uairdesc=An upwards headbutt. It is considered one of Ness' best aerials, due to its rather quick startup, power that makes it effective for comboing at low percentages and KOing at high ones, starting at 115%. Autocancels from a short hop.
|uairdesc=An upwards headbutt. It is considered one of Ness' best aerials, due to its rather quick startup, power that makes it effective for comboing at low percentages and KOing at high ones, starting at 115%. Autocancels from a short hop.
|dairname=PK Meteor Kick ({{ja|PKメテオキック|Pīkei Meteo Kikku}})
|dairname=&nbsp;
|dairdmg=12% (sweetspot), 10% (sourspot)
|dairdmg=12% (sweetspot), 10% (sourspot)
|dairdesc=Pulls his legs to his body before stomping down into the air, producing a PSI spark. This attack can [[meteor smash]] on the first frame. It has slow start up, as it comes out on frame 20 and has lots of landing lag (28 frames). It only autocancels before the hitbox comes out, making it useful to cancel the tumble animation when Ness is near the ground.
|dairdesc=Pulls his legs to his body before stomping down into the air, producing a PSI spark. This attack can [[meteor smash]] on the first frame. It has slow start up, as it comes out on frame 20 and has lots of landing lag (28 frames). It only autocancels before the hitbox comes out, making it useful to cancel the tumble animation when Ness is near the ground.
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabname=&nbsp;
|grabdesc=Grabs with both hands. Fast, but below average range.
|grabdesc=Grabs with both hands. Fast, but below average range.
|pummelname=Grab Headbutt ({{ja|つかみヘッドバット|Tsukami Heddobatto}})
|pummelname=&nbsp;
|pummeldmg=1.2%
|pummeldmg=1.2%
|pummeldesc=Headbutts the opponent. A fast pummel.
|pummeldesc=Headbutts the opponent. A fast pummel.
|fthrowname=PK Throw ({{ja|PKスルー|Pīkei Surū}})
|fthrowname=&nbsp;
|fthrowdmg=11%
|fthrowdmg=11%
|fthrowdesc=Psychokinetically swings his opponent in a small circle in front of himself before sending them off forward. Very high base knockback, but incredibly low knockback scaling, which gives it little to no KO potential even after Sudden Death percentages. It is useful for setting up an edgeguard, however.
|fthrowdesc=Psychokinetically swings his opponent in a small circle in front of himself before sending them off forward. Very high base knockback, but incredibly low scaling, KOing at percents generally not even seen in a standard match (starting at around 850%). However, it can KO very easily on [[Smashville]] or [[Town and City]] at 0%, depending on the platform's position.
|bthrowname=Reverse PK Throw ({{ja|リバースPKスルー|Ribāsu Pīkei Surū}})
|bthrowname=&nbsp;
|bthrowdmg=11%
|bthrowdmg=11%
|bthrowdesc=Psychokinetically swings the opponent over his head before sending them off backwards, in a diagonally upwards motion. Possesses very low base knockback but incredibly high knockback scaling, making it the strongest throw in the entire game, KOing even the heaviest characters with optimal DI at 122% near the ledge without rage.
|bthrowdesc=Psychokinetically swings the opponent over his head before sending them off backwards, in a diagonally upwards motion. Possesses very low base knockback but incredibly high knockback scaling, making it the strongest throw in the entire game, KOing Bowser, the heaviest character in the game, with optimal DI at 122% near the ledge without rage.
|uthrowname=Cowboy PK Throw ({{ja|カウボーイPKスルー|Kaubōi Pīkei Surū}})
|uthrowname=&nbsp;
|uthrowdmg=10%
|uthrowdmg=10%
|uthrowdesc=Psychokinetically spins the opponent above his head before sending them up. Leaves the opponent in an unfavorable position where they can be juggled, most commonly by PK Thunder.
|uthrowdesc=Psychokinetically spins the opponent above his head before sending them up. Leaves the opponent in an unfavorable position where they can be juggled, most commonly by PK Thunder.
|dthrowname=Rapid PK Fire ({{ja|ラピッドPKファイヤー|Rapiddo Pīkei Faiyā}})
|dthrowname=&nbsp;
|dthrowdmg=0.6% (hits 1-5), 4% (throw)
|dthrowdmg=0.6% (hits 1-5), 4% (throw)
|dthrowdesc=Throws the opponent onto the ground and scorches them with PK Fire. A strong combo starter, having guaranteed follow-ups into neutral aerial, forward aerial and up aerial.
|dthrowdesc=Throws the opponent onto the ground and scorches them with PK Fire. A strong combo starter, having guaranteed follow-ups into neutral aerial, forward aerial and up aerial.
Line 292: Line 221:
|nsdefname=PK Flash
|nsdefname=PK Flash
|nsdefdmg=9%-37%
|nsdefdmg=9%-37%
|nsdefdesc=A green plasma-like energy projectile appears above Ness. As the special attack button is held, the sphere moves downwards and increases in power, until the attack button is released or until it is fully charged, it explodes. Can KO as low 37% when fully charged.
|nsdefdesc=A green plasma-like energy projectile appears above Ness. As the special attack button is held, the sphere moves downwards and increases in power, until the attack button is released or until it is fully charged, it explodes. Can KO as low 37% fully charged.
|nsc1name=Rising PK Flash
|nsc1name=Rising PK Flash
|nsc1dmg=8%-24%
|nsc1dmg=8%-24%
Line 298: Line 227:
|nsc2name=[[PK Freeze]]
|nsc2name=[[PK Freeze]]
|nsc2dmg=10%-19%
|nsc2dmg=10%-19%
|nsc2desc=Inflicts less damage, but freezes opponents. Works like {{SSB4|Lucas}}'s neutral special, except with the same movement as PK Flash. His voice clip also changes.
|nsc2desc=Inflicts less damage, but freezes opponents. Works like {{SSB4|Lucas}}'s neutral special, except with the same movement as PK Flash. His voice clips also changes.
|ssdefname=PK Fire
|ssdefname=PK Fire
|ssdefdmg=4% (lightning), 2% (fire)
|ssdefdmg=4% (lightning), 2% (fire)
Line 322: Line 251:
|dsc1name=PSI Vacuum
|dsc1name=PSI Vacuum
|dsc1dmg=10%
|dsc1dmg=10%
|dsc1desc=Ness draws opponents in, releasing an explosion that damages nearby foes when the move is released. It cannot absorb projectiles.
|dsc1desc=Ness draws opponents in, releasing an explosion that damages nearby foes when the move is released. It cannot absorb projectiles.  
|dsc2name=Forward PSI Magnet
|dsc2name=Forward PSI Magnet
|dsc2dmg=9%
|dsc2dmg=9%
Line 330: Line 259:
|fsdesc=Summons stars to fall from the sky to annihilate his enemies. The comets descend in a straight line over Ness and can sweep the screen with directional inputs to the left and right.
|fsdesc=Summons stars to fall from the sky to annihilate his enemies. The comets descend in a straight line over Ness and can sweep the screen with directional inputs to the left and right.
}}
}}
===Stats===
{{Attributes
|cast = 58
|weight = 94
|rweight = 33-36
|dash = 1.3
|rdash = 49-55
|run = 1.46265
|rrun = 45
|walk = 0.8635
|rwalk = 51
|trac = 0.0546
|rtrac = 35
|airfric = 0.0225
|rairfric = 4
|air = 0.9588
|rair = 41
|baseaccel = 0.01
|rbaseaccel = 10-54
|addaccel = 0.09
|raddaccel = 5-7
|gravity = 0.077
|rgravity = 46-47
|fall = 1.31
|rfall = 48
|ff = 2.096
|rff = 48
|jumpsquat = 5
|rjumpsquat = 14-41
|jumpheight = 34.476265
|rjumpheight = 22
|shorthop = 16.652296
|rshorthop = 25
|djump = 34.476265
|rdjump = 25
|ellag = 4
|rellag = 1-46
}}
===[[Announcer]] call===
<gallery>
Ness English Announcer SSB4-SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese
Ness French Announcer SSBU.wav|French
Ness German Announcer SSBU.wav|German
Ness Italian Announcer SSBU.wav|Italian
Ness Russian Announcer SSBU.wav|Russian
Ness Spanish Announcer SSBU.wav|Spanish
</gallery>


===[[On-screen appearance]]===
===[[On-screen appearance]]===
Line 401: Line 281:


===[[Crowd cheer]]===
===[[Crowd cheer]]===
{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"
{{Crowd
|-
|char=Ness
!{{{name|}}}
|game=SSB4
!Cheer (English)
|desc-us=Su-per Ness!
!Cheer (Japanese)
|desc-jp=Ness! Ness! Ness!
!Cheer (Spanish)
|pitch-us=Group chant
|-
|pitch-jp=Group chant}}
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Ness Cheer English SSB4 SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Ness Cheer Japanese SSB4 SSBU.ogg|center]]||{{NTSC}} [[File:Ness Cheer Spanish NTSC SSB4 SSBU.ogg|center]] <br> {{PAL}} [[File:Ness Cheer Spanish PAL SSB4.ogg|center]]
|-
! scope="row"|Description
|Su-per Ness! || Ness Ness Ness! || Vi -- va Ness! *claps 5 times*
|-
!{{{name|}}}
!Cheer (French)
!Cheer (German)
!Cheer (Italian)
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
|{{NTSC}} [[File:Ness Cheer French NTSC SSB4.ogg|center]] <br> {{PAL}} [[File:Ness Cheer French PAL SSB4.ogg|center]]||[[File:Ness Cheer German SSB4.ogg|center]]||[[File:Ness Cheer Italian SSB4 SSBU.ogg|center]]
|-
! scope="row"|Description
|Ness Ness Ness ! Ohhhhh ! || Ness Ness Ness! Jaaaaa! || Forza Ness ole ole!
|}


===[[Victory pose]]s===
===[[Victory pose]]s===
Line 435: Line 298:
|char=Ness}}
|char=Ness}}


==In [[competitive play]]==
==In competitive play==
===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]===
===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]===
{{OfficialCustomMoves
{{OfficialCustomMoves
Line 450: Line 313:
|set10=1113
|set10=1113
}}
}}
===Most historically significant players===
===Notable players===
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->
====Active====
*{{Sm|Awestin|USA}} - The best Ness player in Texas, consistently achieves top 8 at Shockwave tournaments. Placed 9th at [[Aftershock 2016]] and 17th at [[Low Tier City 4]].
*{{Sm|BestNess|USA}} - The best Ness player in the Midwest, from Utah. Ranked 1st on the Utah Smash 4 Power Rankings. Place 7th at [[Rise 2018]] and 25th at [[GENESIS 5]]. Has wins over {{Sm|Darkshad}}, {{Sm|JK}},  {{Sm|Xzax}},  {{Sm|Shaky}},  {{Sm|Charliedaking}},  and  {{Sm|Shoyo James}}.
*{{Sm|Gackt|Japan}} -  The best Ness main in Japan, and considered one of the best in the world. He is famous for his insane PK thunder reads. Placed 13th at [[Umebura 26]] and 17th at [[The Big House 7]]. He has notably beaten {{Sm|ANTi}}, {{Sm|Earth}}, {{Sm|komorikiri}}, {{Sm|Locus}}, {{Sm|Mistake}}, {{Sm|Ned}}, {{Sm|T}}, {{Sm|Abadango}}, {{Sm|dyr}}, and {{Sm|Tsu-}}.
<!--NOTE: Please mention Gackt's placing at The Big House 7 as a reason for Ness being considered high tier.-->
*{{Sm|FOW|USA}} - Widely considered the best solo Ness player in the world. Placed 4th at [[PAX Arena]], 4th at [[2GGT: Fresh Saga]], 5th at [[GENESIS 3]], 7th at [[EVO 2015]], 13th at [[2GGC: Nairo Saga]], 17th at [[2GGT: ZeRo Saga]], 25th at [[2GGC: Civil War]] and many more high placings. Has beaten players such as {{Sm|Ally}}, {{Sm|ANTi}}, {{Sm|Captain Zack}}, {{Sm|Elegant}}, {{Sm|ESAM}}, {{Sm|Larry Lurr}}, {{Sm|Manny}}, {{Sm|Marss}}, and {{Sm|VoiD}}. He was formerly ranked 50th on the current [[Panda Global SSB4 Rankings]].
<!--NOTE: Please do not add more names to FOW's list of players he's beaten. Having 9 here is more than enough.-->
*{{Sm|MASA|Japan}} - Notably plays using a Nintendo 3DS. Placed 7th at [[Sumabato 7]] and 9th at [[Sumabato 15]]. Has a win over {{Sm|HIKARU}}.
*{{Sm|NAKAT|USA}} - Co-mains Fox/Ness. Currently considered the best active Ness player in the world during FOW's inactivity. <!--NAKAT has beaten Larry Lurr, Mistake, and CaptainZack with Ness while BestNess has not beaten any of the PGR v3 players during the v4 season and is not in contention for Top 100 according to suar. Please don't change this.-->He has the best and most consistent results out of all active Ness mains. Has taken sets off of {{Sm|Ally}}, {{Sm|ANTi}}, {{Sm|CaptainZack}}, {{Sm|Larry Lurr}}, {{Sm|Locus}}, {{Sm|Mistake}}, {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|Salem}}, and {{Sm|Zinoto}} with Ness. Placed 2nd at [[Smash the Record 2015]], 9th at [[CEO 2016]], 13th at [[EVO 2017]], 17th at [[GameTyrant Expo 2017]], and 17th at [[2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga]] with him. Currently ranked 33rd on [[Panda Global SSB4 Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Ribs|USA}} - Formerly ranked ranked 6th on the [[New York City Power Rankings|New York Smash 4 Power Rankings]]. Has beaten {{Sm|Vinnie}} and {{Sm|Mr. ConCon}}. Currently on a semi-active state.
*{{Sm|S1|Netherlands}} - The best Ness player in Europe. Placed 5th at [[B.E.A.S.T 7]] and [[Midwest Mayhem 11]], 7th at [[B.E.A.S.T 6]] and [[Syndicate 2017]], and 9th at [[Syndicate 2016]]. Has beaten top Dutch players such as {{Sm|iStudying}} and {{Sm|Mr.R}}. Ranked 2nd on the [[Dutch Power Rankings|Dutch Smash 4 Power Rankings]], tied with iStudying.
*{{Sm|Shaky|USA}} - Considered the second best Ness player in the United States during his prime. Placed 7th at [[CEO 2015]] and 9th at [[GENESIS 3]]. Has beaten {{Sm|6WX}}, {{Sm|Ally}}, {{Sm|ESAM}}, {{Sm|Falln}}, {{Sm|Fatality}}, {{Sm|Ito}}, {{Sm|Mew2King}}, {{Sm|MVD}}, {{Sm|NAKAT}}, {{Sm|Tyrant}}, and {{Sm|Tweek}}. Currently on a semi-active state.
*{{Sm|SS|USA}} - Co-mains Ness and Villager, considered a top Ness player in the United States. Has beaten Captain Zack while using Ness. Ranked 1st on the [[Arizona Power Rankings|Arizona Smash 4 Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|taranito|Japan}} - One of the best Ness players in Japan. Placed 5th at [[Umebura 25]], 9th at [[Umebura 26]], and 17th at [[EVO Japan 2018]].  He has wins over {{Sm|9B}}, {{Sm|Choco}}, {{Sm|Rain}}, {{Sm|Sigma}}, Tsu-, and T.
*{{Sm|The Great Gonzales|USA}} - The best Ness player in the Tri-State area, then-ranked 3rd on the New Jersey Smash 4 Power Rankings, and is also considered to be one of the best in the world. Has a long streak of success at The Break Weekly, and placed 5th at Royal Flush and 17th at both KTAR XX and Smash 'N' Splash 3. Has beaten {{Sm|6WX}}, Day, {{Sm|Lima}}, Mr.E, Pink Fresh, Pugwest, Salem, ScAtt, and WaDi. He has a Diddy Kong as a co-main, but still uses Ness for certain matchups.
 
====Inactive====   
*{{Sm|Deimos|France}}
*{{Sm|Greward|Spain}}
*{{Sm|DSS|USA}} - Now mains {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}.
*{{Sm|Fsann|Japan}} - Formerly ranked 15th on the [[Umebura Smash 4 Power Rankings]].
 
===Tier placement and history===
Opinions on Ness' competitive viability has been controversial throughout the game's lifespan. During the early life of ''SSB4'', players immediately noticed the buffs made to Ness. He was widely considered to be either a high, or even a top-tier character due to possessing arguably one of the best throw games in ''SSB4'', a highly versatile aerial game, alongside excellent KO power and damage output. Ness's expectations remained strong, leading to great tournament representation and results, and securing the 13th position on the first official ''4BR'' [[tier list]]. While his results slightly fell since the first tier list, as well as the release of {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}, the significant buffs to {{SSB4|Mewtwo}} and the increased representation of {{SSB4|Mega Man}} having a strong impact on the metagame, he would drop slightly on the second tier list, placing at 16th.


''See also: [[:Category:Ness players (SSB4)]]''
However, Ness' flaws became more apparent as time passed, with players noting that his subpar mobility, mediocre ground game, and notably gimpable recovery made him struggle against high and top tiers, despite his buffs.
As a result, opinions on Ness began to fall off drastically. His results would become stagnant, as many of his players became significantly inactive (Specifically after [[EVO 2016]] to [[2GGT: ZeRo Saga]]). Despite again gaining results on Winter 2016 and 2017, most noticeably FOW's 17th placement in [[2GGT: ZeRo Saga]] and S1's 5th placement in [[B.E.A.S.T 7]], it didn't compensate the loss of his stagnant results he had suffered from mid to late 2016. Some of his previously not so troublesome matchups such as {{SSB4|Marth}} and {{SSB4|Lucina}} would also gain a large spike in popularity and viability, and prove to now be worrisome matchups for Ness. This resulted in a much larger tier drop to 24th on the third tier list, this drop being tied with {{SSB4|Pac-Man}} for the largest between the second and third tier lists.


*{{Sm|BestNess|USA}} - A known Ness player for most of competitive ''Smash 4'', as well as the best Ness player in the world in 2018, with some of Ness's best regional performances, such as winning {{Trn|Super Smash Fight Club 4}} over {{Sm|Elegant}} and {{Sm|Ned}}, and placing 7th at {{Trn|SCR 2018}} defeating {{Sm|Zenyou}}. He also had some of Ness's best major performances since FOW, placing 13th at {{Trn|The Big House 8}} defeating {{Sm|Vinnie}}, placing 25th at {{Trn|GENESIS 5}}, and defeating {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}} at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2018}}.
Ness' ranking on the tier list became fair topic of debate due to several mains returning to the scene, with FOW briefly coming out of retirement to place 13th at 2GGC: Nairo Saga and 25th at 2GGC: Civil War respectively, NAKAT placing 3rd at [[Smash Factor 6]], 13th at EVO 2017, 17th at [[GameTyrant Expo 2017]], 17th at [[2GGC: FE Saga]], and 33rd at [[GENESIS 4]] while mostly using Ness, The Great Gonzales placing 5th at Royal Flush and 17th at Smash 'N' Splash 3 respectively and, most recently, a Japanese Ness player, Gackt, placing 17th at [[The Big House 7]], claiming wins against {{Sm|ANTi}}, {{Sm|Locus}}, and {{Sm|Mistake}} (although lost to {{Sm|Raito}} by 2-3). Regardless of these improved results, Ness dropped once again on the fourth and current tier list, at 28th, now sharing the spot with his Earthbound represenative {{SSB4|Lucas}}, though due to the expansion of the tiers, he is now considered a high tier character rather than a mid tier character.  
*{{Sm|FOW|USA}} - Ness's most well-known representative, as well as the greatest Ness player of all-time, ranking as high as 12th on the [[PGR v1]] thanks to strong major performances such as 5th at {{Trn|GENESIS 3}} and 7th at {{Trn|EVO 2015}}. His activity at national-level events dwindled in mid-2016; however, he remained a strong threat at events he did attend, including placing 13th at {{Trn|2GGC: Nairo Saga}}, and was ultimately ranked 57th on the [[PGR 100]], the highest-ranking solo-Ness player on the list.
*{{Sm|Gackt|Japan}} -  Japan's best Ness player in the game's later years and one of the best Ness players in the world in 2018, having become infamous for his offensive usage of PK Thunder 2. His breakout event was at {{Trn|The Big House 7}}, where he defeated {{Sm|ANTi}} and {{Sm|Locus}} to place 17th, and although he remained inconsistent, he nevertheless remained one of Ness's most notable representatives after FOW's inactivity, placing 5th at {{Trn|Rikabura 8}} defeating {{Sm|Abadango}}, as well as 9th at {{Trn|Umebura 32}}.
*{{Sm|NAKAT|USA}} - One of the best Ness players of all-time, co-maining the character alongside {{SSB4|Fox}}. He primarily played Ness to place 7th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2015}} and 13th at {{Trn|Pound 2016}}, but played more Fox as time went on. However, he once again began focusing on Ness in 2017, most notably using primarily Ness to place 13th at {{Trn|EVO 2017}} and 17th at both {{Trn|GameTyrant Expo 2017}} and {{Trn|2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga}}. He was ultimately ranked 49th on the [[PGR 100]] with both Fox and Ness, the only Ness player in the top 50.
*{{Sm|Shaky|USA}} - The second-best solo-Ness player after FOW in the early metagame, placing 5th at {{Trn|Paragon Los Angeles 2015}} and 7th at {{Trn|CEO 2015}} and ranking 16th on the [[PGR v1]]. Despite low activity for the rest of competitive ''Smash 4'', he was still recognized as one of the game's best Ness players, ranking 83rd on the [[PGR 100]].
*{{Sm|S1|Netherlands}} - The best Ness player in Europe, as well as one of Europe's best players overall, ranking 5th on the [[European Smash 4 Power Rankings]]. He regularly made top 8 appearances at European events, which includes some of Europe's largest events such as 7th at {{Trn|B.E.A.S.T 6}} and {{Trn|Syndicate 2017}}. Internationally, his best performance was placing 5th at {{Trn|Midwest Mayhem 11}}.
*{{Sm|taranito|Japan}} - Japan's best Ness player in the game's earlier years, placing 5th at {{Trn|Umebura 25}} defeating {{Sm|Tsu}} and 13th at {{Trn|Sumabato for THE BIG HOUSE}} defeating {{Sm|9B}}. Although eventually surpassed by Gackt, taranito remained the second-best Ness player in Japan, with placements such as 17th at both {{Trn|EVO Japan 2018}} and {{Trn|Umebura 34}}.
*{{Sm|The Great Gonzales|USA}} - Although a known player in Tristate prior, having defeated {{Sm|ScAtt}} at {{Trn|KTAR XIX}} and placed 9th at {{Trn|Apex 2016}}, he is best known for his run to 5th at {{Trn|Royal Flush}} defeating {{Sm|Mr.E}}, {{Sm|Pink Fresh}}, and {{Sm|WaDi}}. He has since become one of North America's best Ness players, with performances such as 17th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 3}} and 25th at {{Trn|Frostbite 2018}}, defeating {{Sm|Lima}} in the latter event. In addition, he won {{Trn|Supernova 2024}} in the post-''Ultimate'' metagame, the largest tournament win for a Ness player.


===Tier placement and history===
Recently however, Ness is consistently gaining more results thanks to Gackt, BestNess, taranito, and S1 earning notable results in their regions and even in some major tournaments such as {{Sm|BestNess}} getting 25th at [[GENESIS 5]], S1 placing 5th at [[Midwest Mayhem 11]] and almost causing a huge upset vs {{Sm|Captain Zack}}, and {{Sm|Gackt}}  placing 2nd at [https://smash.gg/tournament/frostbite-ursa-minor-2/events/smash-4-singles/brackets/204261 Frostbite Ursa Minor 2] and taking sets off of {{Sm|komorikiri}} {{Sm|dyr}} and {{Sm|Ned}}. These results have even been more impressive than some of the characters ranked above him such as {{SSB4|Greninja}}, {{SSB4|Villager}}, and {{SSB4|Bowser}}. Ness has also achieved much more results than {{SSB4|Lucas}} who is currently tied with him for 28th on the current smash 4 tier list. On top of this, FOW recently confirmed on twitter that he will return to the smash scene as a Ness main as he will attend more tournaments. Due to these notable results and his continuous rise, it is unknown where Ness will continue to remain as a low high tier or if he will regain his former glory.
Opinions on Ness' competitive viability have shifted throughout the game's lifespan. During the early metagame, smashers immediately noticed the vast buffs made to Ness, including the removal of the 10 extra frame grab-release animations, significant improvements to his combo game, and edge-trumping making his recovery less exploitable. These buffs, alongside Ness having one of the best throw games in ''SSB4'', a highly versatile aerial game, and excellent KO power and damage output, led many players to believe that Ness was at least a high tier, with a few going as far as to call him a top tier. These claims were backed up with above-average results in competitive play throughout the first two years of the game's lifespan, with {{Sm|FOW}} playing 5th at {{Trn|GENESIS 3}} and 7th at {{Trn|EVO 2015}} and {{Sm|Shaky}} placing 7th at {{Trn|CEO 2015}} and 9th at GENESIS 3. Ness's positive reception solidified him into the 13th position on the first official ''4BR'' [[tier list]]. This reception continued onto the second tier list, where Ness saw a small drop to 16th, mainly due to the additions of {{SSB4|Bayonetta}} and {{SSB4|Corrin}}.
 
==Trophies==
:'''Ness'''
::{{Flag|ntsc}} ''Hailing from Onett, a small town in Eagleland, this young boy's ordinary looks hide his psychic powers. Ness fought against the evil Giygas in Earthbound, and in Smash Bros. he unleashes some of the same PSI moves. Watch out for PK Thunder, a guided attack that can also launch Ness like a rocket!''


Over time, however, Ness' flaws came to be more apparent, with players noticing that his subpar mobility, mediocre ground game, and notably gimpable recovery made him struggle against several high and top tiers, most notably {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}} and {{SSB4|Corrin}}. As a result, opinions on Ness began to fall off drastically: his results stagnated as many of his best players became less active by the end of 2016. In addition, Ness's fellow ''EarthBound'' representative and pseudo-clone {{SSB4|Lucas}} saw a shift in perception: while Lucas was initially considered inferior to Ness, over time, opinions shifted the other way around due to Lucas' buffs received from patches and his commendable results thanks to {{Sm|Taiheita}}. At the same time, Ness gained new counters in the form of {{SSB4|Marth}} and {{SSB4|Lucina}}, whose buffs also helped create a large spike in popularity. Although Ness still saw strong results, such as FOW placing 17th at {{Trn|2GGT: ZeRo Saga}} and {{Sm|S1}} placing 5th at {{Trn|BEAST 7}}, it did not compensate the loss of his stagnant results he had already suffered. This resulted in a much larger decline to 24th on the third tier list, being tied with {{SSB4|Pac-Man}} for the largest tier drop between the second and third tier lists; this drop also had him reassessed as a mid-tier character.
::{{Flag|pal}} ''From Onett in Eageland comes this young lad. He may not look like much, but he has powerful psychic abilities, and they really come in handy in EarthBound. They come in handy in this game, too. Did you know you can control his PK Thunder bolt? Aim it at Ness himself to send him flying, absolutely clobbering anyone in his path!''


Throughout 2017, several mains began to return to the scene, with FOW briefly coming out of retirement to place 13th at {{Trn|2GGC: Nairo Saga}} and 25th at {{Trn|2GGC: Civil War}}. NAKAT, despite using Ness as a secondary in favor of Fox in 2016, began to co-main Ness. With Ness, NAKAT saw great results such as 3rd at {{Trn|Smash Factor 6}}, 13th at {{Trn|EVO 2017}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|GameTyrant Expo 2017}} and {{Trn|2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga}}. Other notable players include {{Sm|The Great Gonzales}}, who placed 5th at {{Trn|Royal Flush}} and 17th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 3}}, and {{Sm|Gackt}}, who had a breakout performance at {{Trn|The Big House 7}} by defeating {{Sm|ANTi}}, {{Sm|Locus}}, and {{Sm|Mistake}}, ultimately placing 17th. These improved results, however, failed to shift opinions on Ness, as many top players, including {{Sm|ZeRo}}, {{Sm|Dabuz}}, {{Sm|MkLeo}}, and {{Sm|Nairo}}, widely believed that Lucas was superior to Ness. Due to this, Ness dropped once again on the fourth and final tier list to 28th/29th, now sharing the spot with Lucas, though due to the expansion of the tiers, he was once again considered a high tier character.
{{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=[[EarthBound (game)|EarthBound]] -- 06/1995|console2=GBA|game2=[[wikibound:Mother 1+2|Mother 1+2]] -- 2003 (JP)}}


This placement, as well as his tie with Lucas, was challenged in 2018, as several dedicated players, including Gackt, S1, and {{Sm|BestNess}}, continued to see above-average placements at a national level, with Gackt placing 17th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2018}}, S1 placing 5th at {{Trn|Midwest Mayhem 11}}, and BestNess placing 13th at {{Trn|The Big House 8}}, to name a few. Furthermore, Lucas's results dropped significantly as Taiheita entered retirement. With Ness's rise by the end of the game's active lifespan as well as improved results over characters such as {{SSB4|Greninja}}, {{SSB4|Villager}}, and {{SSB4|Bowser}}, players such as Dabuz once again believed that Ness was the superior ''EarthBound'' character and deserved to be higher on the tier list.
:'''Ness (Alt.)'''
::{{Flag|ntsc}} ''Ness may have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean he shies away from getting physical. His side smash packs a real punch if you hit enemies with the end of his bat, and it can even deflect projectiles! His up and down smashes also have a lot of range - Ness can land his strikes with ease!''


Despite the ups and downs Ness had faced, he is unanimously considered superior to any of his previous incarnations, although several players use secondaries in order to complement the character on a national level.
::{{Flag|pal}} ''Ness may have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean he shies away from getting physical. His side smash packs a real punch if you hit enemies with the end of his bat, and it can even reflect projectiles! His up and down smashes have a lot of range, meaning when you play as Ness, it's always easy to land hits on your foes!''


==In Solo Modes==
{{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=[[EarthBound (game)|EarthBound]] -- 06/1995|console2=GBA|game2=[[wikibound:Mother 1+2|Mother 1+2]] -- 2003 (JP)}}
===[[All-Star Mode]]===
In All-Star Mode, Ness is fought in Stage 5 in the 3DS version (if he has been unlocked) or Stage 3 in the Wii U version alongside {{SSB4|Pikachu}}, {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}}, {{SSB4|Sheik}}, {{SSB4|Ganondorf}}, {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}, {{SSB4|Charizard}}, {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}}, and {{SSB4|Cloud}}.


==={{GameIcon|SSB4-U}}[[Event Match]]es===
:'''PK Starstorm'''
====Solo Events====
::''In EarthBound, this PSI ability belonged to Poo, the Crown Prince of Dalaam and one of Ness's friends. Ness must have learned it especially for Smash Bros.! The attack makes a shower of meteors fall onto the stage, damaging any foes it hits. While the attack's in progress, Ness is invincible and can adjust the meteors' trajectory.''
* '''[[All-Star Battle: Secret]]''': Ness is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents are characters that have been unlockable in previous ''Super Smash Bros.'' games.
* '''[[It's Past Your Bedtime!]]''': As {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}}, the player must make Ness, {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}} and {{SSB4|Toon Link}} fall asleep at the same time by using Sing.
* '''[[Playing Tricks]]''': Ness must bury two {{SSB4|Villager}}s at the same time with [[Pitfall]]s.
====Co-op Events====
* '''[[The Ultimate Battle]]''': Two players select a character and must defeat the entire roster.
* '''[[Visiting Onett]]''': Ness and {{SSB4|Villager}} must defeat {{SSB4|Kirby}}, {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}, {{SSB4|Fox}}, {{SSB4|Falco}}, {{SSB4|Olimar}}, and {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}}.


===[[Congratulations screen]]s===
<center>
<center>
====3DS====
<gallery>
SSB4-3DS Congratulations Classic Ness.png|Classic Mode
SSB4-3DS Congratulations All-Star Ness.png|All-Star Mode
</gallery>
====Wii U====
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSB4-Wii U Congratulations Classic Ness.png|Classic Mode
NessTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)
SSB4-Wii U Congratulations All-Star Ness.png|All-Star Mode
NessAltTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)
NessTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)
NessAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)
PKStarstormTrophyWiiU.png|[[PK Starstorm]]
</gallery>
</gallery>
</center>
</center>


==[[Trophies]]==
==In [[Event Match]]es==
Ness's default trophy is obtained by clearing Classic Mode as Ness. His alternate trophy is obtained by clearing All-Star Mode as Ness in the 3DS version or purchasing it in the Trophy Shop for 1000G in the Wii U version (the latter can only appear after clearing Classic or All-Star as Ness). The PK Starstorm (Ness)<ref name="fs">Simply "PK Starstorm" if {{SSB4|Lucas}} has not been downloaded.</ref> trophy is obtained only in the Wii U version by clearing All-Star Mode as Ness.
===Solo Events===
{{Trophy/Fighter
* '''[[All-Star Battle: Secret]]''': Ness is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents are characters that have been unlockable in previous ''Super Smash Bros.'' games.
|name=Ness
* '''[[It's Past Your Bedtime!]]''': As {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}}, the player must make Ness, {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}} and {{SSB4|Toon Link}} fall asleep at the same time by using Sing.
|image-3ds=NessTrophy3DS.png
* '''[[Playing Tricks]]''': Ness must bury two {{SSB4|Villager}}s at the same time with [[Pitfall]]s.
|image-wiiu=NessTrophyWiiU.png
|mode=Classic
|desc-3ds-ntsc=Hailing from Onett, a small town in Eagleland, this young boy's ordinary looks hide his psychic powers. Ness fought against the evil Giygas in EarthBound, and in Smash Bros. he unleashes some of the same PSI moves. Watch out for PK Thunder, a guided attack that can also launch Ness like a rocket!
|desc-wiiu-ntsc=Hailing from Onett, a small town in Eagleland, this young boy sports ordinary looks that hide his psychic powers. Ness fought against the evil Giygas in EarthBound, and in Smash Bros. he unleashes some of the same PSI moves. Watch out for PK Thunder, a guided attack that can also launch Ness like a rocket!
|desc-pal=From Onett in Eagleland comes this young lad. He may not look like much, but he has powerful psychic abilities, and they really come in handy in EarthBound. They come in handy in this game, too. Did you know you can control his PK Thunder bolt? Aim it at Ness himself to send him flying, absolutely clobbering anyone in his path!
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=EarthBound|release1=06/1995}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=SFC|game1=EarthBound|release1=1994 (JP)|console2=GBA|game2={{iw|wikibound|Mother 1+2}}|release2=2003 (JP)}}
}}
{{clrl}}


{{Trophy/Fighter
===Co-op Events===
|name=Ness (Alt.)
* '''[[The Ultimate Battle]]''': Two players select a character and must defeat the entire roster.
|image-3ds=NessAltTrophy3DS.png
* '''[[Visiting Onett]]''': Ness and {{SSB4|Villager}} must defeat {{SSB4|Kirby}}, {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}, {{SSB4|Fox}}, {{SSB4|Falco}}, {{SSB4|Olimar}}, and {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}}.
|image-wiiu=NessAltTrophyWiiU.png
|mode=Alt
|desc-3ds-ntsc=Ness may have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean he shies away from getting physical. His side smash packs a real punch if you hit enemies with the end of his bat, and it can even deflect projectiles! His up and down smashes also have a lot of range—Ness can land his strikes with ease!
|desc-wiiu-ntsc=Ness may have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean he shies away from getting physical. His side smash packs a real punch if you hit enemies with the end of his bat, and it can even deflect projectiles! His up and down smashes also have a lot of range—try giving them a spin!
|desc-pal=Ness may have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean he shies away from getting physical. His side smash packs a real punch if you hit enemies with the end of his bat, and it can even reflect projectiles! His up and down smashes also have a lot of range, meaning when you play as Ness, it's always easy to land hits on your foes!
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=EarthBound|release1=06/1995}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=SFC|game1=EarthBound|release1=1994 (JP)|console2=GBA|game2=Mother 1+2|release2=2003 (JP)}}
}}
{{clrl}}
 
{{Trophy/Fighter
|name=PK Starstorm (Ness)<ref name="fs"/>
|image=PKStarstormTrophyWiiU.png
|desc=In EarthBound, this PSI ability belonged to Poo, the Crown Prince of Dalaam and one of Ness's friends. Ness must have learned it especially for Smash Bros.! The attack makes a shower of meteors fall onto the stage, damaging any foes it hits. While the attack's in progress, Ness is invincible and can adjust the meteors' trajectory.
|game=ssb4-wiiu
}}
{{clrl}}
<references/>


==[[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Ness|Alternate costumes]]==
==[[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Ness|Alternate costumes]]==
Line 556: Line 401:
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Ness amiibo.png|Ness' [[amiibo]].
Ness amiibo.png|Ness's [[amiibo]].
Ness unlock notice SSB4-3DS.png|Ness' unlock notice in {{for3ds}}.
SSB4 - Ness Screen-1.jpg|Posing with [[Jeff]].
SSB4 - Ness Screen-1.jpg|Posing with [[Jeff]].
SSB4 - Ness Screen-2.jpg|Posing with {{SSB4|Pikachu}}.
SSB4 - Ness Screen-2.jpg|Posing with {{SSB4|Pikachu}}.
Line 576: Line 420:
*Ness and {{SSB4|Palutena}} are the only characters in ''SSB4'' with different voice clips for custom moves; in Ness's case, he has a unique voice clip when using [[PK Freeze#Ness|PK Freeze]].
*Ness and {{SSB4|Palutena}} are the only characters in ''SSB4'' with different voice clips for custom moves; in Ness's case, he has a unique voice clip when using [[PK Freeze#Ness|PK Freeze]].
*Ness's [http://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/detail/ness-amiibo-super-smash-bros-series amiibo description] on the North American [[amiibo]] website is based on his trophy description from ''Melee''.
*Ness's [http://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/detail/ness-amiibo-super-smash-bros-series amiibo description] on the North American [[amiibo]] website is based on his trophy description from ''Melee''.
*In {{forwiiu}}, Ness's yo-yo in this game reads "SUPER NINTENDO 2014" and "MOTHER", in reference to his console of origin, ''SSB4''{{'}}s year of release, and his home series; however, in {{for3ds}}, though hard to make out, it instead reads "SUPER NINTENDO 2008", indicating the texture was reused from ''Brawl''.
*Ness's yo-yo in this game reads "SUPER NINTENDO 2014" and "MOTHER", in reference to his console of origin, ''SSB4''{{'}}s year of release, and his home series.
*Ness's custom special PK Freeze is one of only three custom specials in the game that have a preview image featuring a non-silhouetted character besides the user of the attack (alongside {{SSB4|Mega Man}}'s Ice Slasher and {{SSB4|Lucas}}'s PK Freeze). This is likely due to the characters being frozen.
*Ness's custom special PK Freeze is one of only three custom specials in the game that have a preview image featuring a non-silhouetted character besides the user of the attack (alongside {{SSB4|Mega Man}}'s Ice Slasher and {{SSB4|Lucas}}'s PK Freeze). This is likely due to the characters being frozen.
*Ness and Jigglypuff are the only original 12 characters to be excluded from newcomer poster art.
*Ness and Jigglypuff are the only original 12 characters to be excluded from newcomer poster art.
*One set of Ness's custom moves reference Lucas's moveset in ''Brawl'' (and as later included in ''Smash 4'').
*One set of Ness's custom moves reference Lucas's moveset in ''Brawl'' (and as later included in ''Smash 4'').
*''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' is the only game where Ness and {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}} do not have the same [[Unlockable character|availability]].
*{{for3ds}} is the only game where Ness and {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}} do not have the same [[Unlockable character|availability]].


{{SSB4Characters}}
{{SSB4Characters}}
{{EarthBound universe}}
{{EarthBound universe}}
[[Category:Ness (SSB4)| ]]
[[Category:Ness (SSB4)| ]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-Wii U)]]
[[es:Ness (SSB4)]]

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