Editing Pac-Man (SSB4)
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|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]] | |availability = [[Starter character|Starter]] | ||
|tier = F | |tier = F | ||
|ranking = | |ranking = 46 | ||
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:{{Cquote| | :{{Cquote|PAC-MAN Hungers for Battle!|cite=Introduction Tagline}} | ||
'''Pac-Man''' ({{ja|パックマン|Pakkuman}}, ''Pakkuman''), stylized in-game as '''PAC-MAN''', is a [[newcomer]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. He was revealed on June 10th, 2014 during the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] 2014 ''Super Smash Bros.'' roundtable, alongside the {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}}s.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDsmjbifWUk Play Nintendo - Super Smash Bros. Roundtable with Masahiro Sakurai]</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/476547936881369088 Pac-Man joins the battle! #SmashBros]</ref> Pac-Man is one of six third-party characters in ''SSB4'', alongside [[Capcom]]'s {{SSB4|Mega Man}} and {{SSB4|Ryu}}, [[Sega]]'s {{SSB4|Sonic}} and {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}, and [[Square Enix]]'s {{SSB4|Cloud}}. | '''Pac-Man''' ({{ja|パックマン|Pakkuman}}, ''Pakkuman''), stylized in-game as '''PAC-MAN''', is a [[newcomer]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. He was revealed on June 10th, 2014 during the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] 2014 ''Super Smash Bros.'' roundtable, alongside the {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}}s.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDsmjbifWUk Play Nintendo - Super Smash Bros. Roundtable with Masahiro Sakurai]</ref><ref>[https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/476547936881369088 Pac-Man joins the battle! #SmashBros]</ref> Pac-Man is one of six third-party characters in ''SSB4'', alongside [[Capcom]]'s {{SSB4|Mega Man}} and {{SSB4|Ryu}}, [[Sega]]'s {{SSB4|Sonic}} and {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}, and [[Square Enix]]'s {{SSB4|Cloud}}. | ||
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Pac-Man's moveset involves signature aspects of his home series, such as utilizing fruits and eating Power Pellets,<ref>[https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/476548659048239104 Pac-Man has some interesting abilities like throwing fruit and eating power pellets #SmashBros]</ref> while also referencing numerous other [[Namco]] games in a few ways, most notably via his up taunt. While Pac-Man retains his classic "wedge" form, he only uses it occasionally, such as for his down tilt and his side taunt. Instead, he mostly uses his "ball" form that appeared on game cabinet artwork and advertising before it debuted in-game in the Japanese version of ''Pac-Land''. | Pac-Man's moveset involves signature aspects of his home series, such as utilizing fruits and eating Power Pellets,<ref>[https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/476548659048239104 Pac-Man has some interesting abilities like throwing fruit and eating power pellets #SmashBros]</ref> while also referencing numerous other [[Namco]] games in a few ways, most notably via his up taunt. While Pac-Man retains his classic "wedge" form, he only uses it occasionally, such as for his down tilt and his side taunt. Instead, he mostly uses his "ball" form that appeared on game cabinet artwork and advertising before it debuted in-game in the Japanese version of ''Pac-Land''. | ||
Pac-Man is ranked | Pac-Man is ranked 46th out of 55 on the [[tier list]], placing him at the top of the F tier. Pac-Man's strengths lie in his unique item-oriented playstyle, which involves a capable camping and projectile game via the use of [[Bonus Fruit]] for a range of items, along with [[Pac-Jump]] and [[Fire Hydrant]] for stage control. These traits synchronize well with Pac-Man's regular moves, the overwhelming majority of which allow him to rack up damage effectively because of their low start-up lag and low base knockback. Pac-Man also boasts a great [[recovery]] thanks to [[Power Pellet]] and Pac-Jump covering great distances, both of which are further supplemented by his ability to [[wall jump]]. | ||
However, Pac-Man suffers from numerous flaws, which include mediocre mobility and average range. The aforementioned low base knockback of his moveset also significantly hinders his ability to KO effectively, which is further compounded by his strongest attacks having high overall lag. Finally, his most notable flaws include what is considered the most ineffective [[grab]] game among the cast, along with all his special moves being exploitable either via [[reflection]], direct usage by his opponents, or even [[gimp]]ing his recovery. This, in turn, gives Pac-Man particularly disadvantageous matchups against characters with projectile-nullifying abilities like {{SSB4|Fox}}, {{SSB4|Mario}}, but most notoriously, {{SSB4|Villager}} and {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}}. | However, Pac-Man suffers from numerous flaws, which include mediocre mobility and average range. The aforementioned low base knockback of his moveset also significantly hinders his ability to KO effectively, which is further compounded by his strongest attacks having high overall lag. Finally, his most notable flaws include what is considered the most ineffective [[grab]] game among the cast, along with all his special moves being exploitable either via [[reflection]], direct usage by his opponents, or even [[gimp]]ing his recovery. This, in turn, gives Pac-Man particularly disadvantageous matchups against characters with projectile-nullifying abilities like {{SSB4|Fox}}, {{SSB4|Mario}}, but most notoriously, {{SSB4|Villager}} and {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}}. | ||
Overall, Pac-Man excels at [[mindgame]]s and damage racking, although he has a high learning curve because of his items requiring constant micromanagement. Pac-Man's weaknesses and learning curve have resulted in him being considered non-viable in the current metagame, as well as overall attaining a small playerbase throughout ''SSB4''{{'}}s lifespan, but he has nevertheless achieved a decent amount of success, | Overall, Pac-Man excels at [[mindgame]]s and damage racking, although he has a high learning curve because of his items requiring constant micromanagement. Pac-Man's weaknesses and learning curve have resulted in him being considered non-viable in the current metagame, as well as overall attaining a small playerbase throughout ''SSB4''{{'}}s lifespan, but he has nevertheless achieved a decent amount of success. Prior to switching to {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}, {{Sm|Abadango}} achieved several impressive placings at both the regional and national levels, while {{Sm|Koolaid}} (prior to switching to {{SSB4|Sheik}}), {{Sm|Ginko}}, {{Sm|Sinji}}, {{Sm|Tea}}, and {{Sm|Zage}} have each managed to achieve decent results at the regional and national levels, as well as utilize his edge trapping abilities and shield break capabilities to devastating effect. Despite this, a number of professionals, including {{Sm|ESAM}} and {{Sm|Mr. R}}, view Pac-Man as one of the worst characters in the game. | ||
==Attributes== | ==Attributes== | ||
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==In [[competitive play]]== | ==In [[competitive play]]== | ||
===Tier placement and history=== | |||
When ''SSB4'' was initially released, Pac-Man was perceived positively due to [[Fire Hydrant]] allowing for stage control, [[Bonus Fruit]] being useful for spacing and mix-ups, and both [[Power Pellet]] and [[Pac-Jump]] granting him a long-distanced recovery. When these traits were coupled with the revelation of Pac-Man's advanced [[footstool]] set-ups, many thought that he could be a very viable character when mastered, thanks to players such as {{Sm|Abadango}}, {{Sm|Tea}}, and {{Sm|Koolaid}} showcasing these strengths in competitive play during the early metagame. | |||
However, Pac-Man's flaws would quickly become more apparent and, in a turn for the worse, more significant than most would think. Many found out that Pac-Man had a significantly high learning curve, below average damage output compared to most of the cast, and that his special moves were double-edged swords due to being susceptible to being used against him. He also had lackluster fundamental advantages as well, such as his laggy smash attacks, unimpressive KO potential due to his moveset's overall low base knockback, and abysmal grab game. Lastly, his reliance on projectiles gives him infamously difficult matchups against characters that are capable of negating them, such as {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}} and {{SSB4|Villager}}, both of whom are common at high-level play. Altogether, these aspects would lead many to believe that Pac-Man was not as viable as originally thought, and would culminate with him being ranked 29th on the first ''4BR'' [[tier list]]. | |||
However, with Abadango switching to {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}, Koolaid switching to {{SSB4|Sheik}} upon his return from an indefinite hiatus, and the rest of his playerbase simply not being as consistent as they previously were, Pac-Man's tier status underwent a noticeable decline. He would drop to 38th on the second tier list, which saw him become the second highest ranked low-tier character. Pac-Man would then drop to 46th on the third tier list; in addition to being tied with Ness' for the largest drop between the second and third tier lists, Pac-Man's tier drop was the largest overall tier drop between lists. Pac-Man would rise to 45th place on the fourth and final tier list, though despite this, there has been some debate within the community over whether Pac-Man should be ranked higher or even lower than he already is, as some within the community (most notably {{Sm|ESAM}} and {{Sm|Mr. R}}) view him as one of the worst characters in the game, while players have pointed out {{Sm|Sinji}}'s consistency and good results, such as 25th and 17th placings at [[Super Smash Con 2017]] and [[GENESIS 5]], respectively. | |||
===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]=== | ===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]=== | ||
{{OfficialCustomMoves | {{OfficialCustomMoves | ||
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''See also: [[:Category:Pac-Man players (SSB4)]]'' | ''See also: [[:Category:Pac-Man players (SSB4)]]'' | ||
*{{Sm|Abadango|Japan}} - The best Pac-Man player in the world in the early metagame, placing highly at major such as 4th at {{Trn|EVO 2015}} and 17th at {{Trn|Umebura F.A.T.}} He has since dropped Pac-Man for other characters. | *{{Sm|Abadango|Japan}} - The best Pac-Man player in the world in the early metagame, placing highly at major such as 4th at {{Trn|EVO 2015}} and 17th at {{Trn|Umebura F.A.T.}}. He has since dropped Pac-Man for other characters. | ||
*{{Sm|Ginko|Japan}} - One of the best Pac-Man players in Japan, co-maining Pac-Man alongside {{SSB4|Mewtwo}} and notably placing 13th at {{Trn|Umebura F.A.T.}} and 33rd at both {{Trn|Umebura S.A.T.}} and {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2017}}. | *{{Sm|Ginko|Japan}} - One of the best Pac-Man players in Japan, co-maining Pac-Man alongside {{SSB4|Mewtwo}} and notably placing 13th at {{Trn|Umebura F.A.T.}} and 33rd at both {{Trn|Umebura S.A.T.}} and {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2017}}. | ||
*{{Sm|Sinji|USA}} - The best Pac-Man player of all-time and the only solo Pac-Man player ranked on the [[PGR 100]], where he was ranked 85th. He regularly placed between 17th and 33rd at majors between 2017 and 2018. | *{{Sm|Sinji|USA}} - The best Pac-Man player of all-time and the only solo Pac-Man player ranked on the [[PGR 100]], where he was ranked 85th. He regularly placed between 17th and 33rd at majors between 2017 and 2018. | ||
*{{Sm|Tea|Japan}} - One of the best Pac-Man players in 2018 who gained more recognition at a national level after placing 2nd at {{Trn|SoCal Regionals 2018}} defeating {{Sm|Raito}} and {{Sm|falln}} as well as 3rd at {{Trn|Umebura Smash 4 Final}}, the latter being the highest placement for a Pac-Man player at a major. | *{{Sm|Tea|Japan}} - One of the best Pac-Man players in 2018 who gained more recognition at a national level after placing 2nd at {{Trn|SoCal Regionals 2018}} defeating {{Sm|Raito}} and {{Sm|falln}} as well as 3rd at {{Trn|Umebura Smash 4 Final}}, the latter being the highest placement for a Pac-Man player at a major. | ||
== | ==[[List of Super Smash Bros. 4 character trailers#Pac-Man|Reveal trailer]]== | ||
{{#widget:YouTube|id=dVz-2VuAYlY}} | |||
==[[Trophies]]== | ==[[Trophies]]== | ||
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|{{Head|Pac-Man|g=SSB4-U|s=50px|cl=Plaid}} | |{{Head|Pac-Man|g=SSB4-U|s=50px|cl=Plaid}} | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
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}} | }} | ||
*Pac-Man is the only character to have different head icons in both versions of ''SSB4''. In {{for3ds}}, Pac-Man's arm is exposed, showing whatever armband he is wearing if he has one. In {{forwiiu}}, Pac-Man is striking a thumbs up with his opposite hand. | *Pac-Man is the only character to have different head icons in both versions of ''SSB4''. In {{for3ds}}, Pac-Man's arm is exposed, showing whatever armband he is wearing if he has one. In {{forwiiu}}, Pac-Man is striking a thumbs up with his opposite hand. | ||
**Interestingly, each icon also represents one half of his pose in his official artwork, | **Interestingly, each icon also represents one half of his pose in his official artwork. | ||
**Even though Pac-Man is winking in his official render, his head icon has both of his eyes open. | |||
*Pac-Man makes a few references to his home series: | *Pac-Man makes a few references to his home series: | ||
**During several animations, he emits sound effects drawn from games such as ''Pac-Man'', ''Pac-Land'', ''Galaxian'', ''Galaga'', and ''Mappy'' instead of vocalizing. | **During several animations, he emits sound effects drawn from games such as ''Pac-Man'', ''Pac-Land'', ''Galaxian'', ''Galaga'', and ''Mappy'' instead of vocalizing. | ||
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*In {{for3ds}}, Pac-Man's alt. trophy shows him using [[Power Pellet]], making it impossible to tell which alternate costume is being used, or if one is even being used at all. This makes him the only character with this distinction. | *In {{for3ds}}, Pac-Man's alt. trophy shows him using [[Power Pellet]], making it impossible to tell which alternate costume is being used, or if one is even being used at all. This makes him the only character with this distinction. | ||
*Pac-Man is the only character to have a taunt that is different between both versions of ''Smash 4'' as his [[Namco Roulette]] [[Taunt]] has exclusive sprites for both games. | *Pac-Man is the only character to have a taunt that is different between both versions of ''Smash 4'' as his [[Namco Roulette]] [[Taunt]] has exclusive sprites for both games. | ||
*Pac-Man is the only third-party character in ''SSB4'' that can [[Crawling|crawl]]. | |||
**He is also the only third-party character in the game to not have a [[meteor smash]] effect as his down aerial. | |||
*Pac-Man is one of only two third-party characters (the other being {{SSB4|Mega Man}}) who does not speak in-game, despite having been voiced in his own series. | *Pac-Man is one of only two third-party characters (the other being {{SSB4|Mega Man}}) who does not speak in-game, despite having been voiced in his own series. | ||