Editing Young Link (SSBM)
From SmashWiki, the Super Smash Bros. wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
Latest revision | Your text | ||
Line 14: | Line 14: | ||
'''Young Link''' ({{ja|こどもリンク|Kodomo Rinku}}, ''Young Link'') is a character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. He is a direct clone of {{SSBM|Link}}, with some minor differences. | '''Young Link''' ({{ja|こどもリンク|Kodomo Rinku}}, ''Young Link'') is a character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. He is a direct clone of {{SSBM|Link}}, with some minor differences. | ||
Young Link is voiced by {{s|wikipedia|Fujiko Takimoto}} in | Young Link is voiced by {{s|wikipedia|Fujiko Takimoto}}, who previously voiced him in ''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time'' and its sequel, ''The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask'', with her voice clips of the character sampled directly from those two games. | ||
He ranks 17th on the [[tier list]] in the C- tier, one place higher than Link. Young Link has a very good approach due to some low [[lag]] [[aerial]]s, a great [[SHFFL]] and a good [[wavedash]], as well as three [[projectile]]s and good mobility overall. Young Link also is a potent [[combo]]er due to his projectiles, and can also [[edgeguard]] and [[space]] well. However, Young Link's primary flaw is that he has trouble [[KO]]ing, due to the lack of an efficient quick KO move and having difficulty in hitting cleanly with his [[smash attack]]s (except his down smash). Additionally, like Link, Young Link has a slow and predictable [[recovery]], though his ability to [[wall jump]], [[bomb jump]] and use his [[hookshot]] give him some options. Young Link's recovery, however, is rather poor for his [[weight]] class. | He ranks 17th on the [[tier list]] in the C- tier, one place higher than Link. Young Link has a very good approach due to some low [[lag]] [[aerial]]s, a great [[SHFFL]] and a good [[wavedash]], as well as three [[projectile]]s and good mobility overall. Young Link also is a potent [[combo]]er due to his projectiles, and can also [[edgeguard]] and [[space]] well. However, Young Link's primary flaw is that he has trouble [[KO]]ing, due to the lack of an efficient quick KO move and having difficulty in hitting cleanly with his [[smash attack]]s (except his down smash). Additionally, like Link, Young Link has a slow and predictable [[recovery]], though his ability to [[wall jump]], [[bomb jump]] and use his [[hookshot]] give him some options. Young Link's recovery, however, is rather poor for his [[weight]] class. | ||
==How to unlock== | ==How to unlock== | ||
Young Link | For players to unlock Young Link, the Classic or Adventure Mode has to be completed with ten characters. | ||
Alternatively, the player can take part in 500 VS. matches. | |||
When fought, Young Link appears on [[Great Bay]], with ''Saria's Song'' playing in the background. | When fought, Young Link appears on [[Great Bay]], with ''Saria's Song'' playing in the background. | ||
Line 102: | Line 103: | ||
**{{buff|Back aerial is easier to connect than Link's.}} | **{{buff|Back aerial is easier to connect than Link's.}} | ||
*[[Down aerial]]: | *[[Down aerial]]: | ||
**{{buff|Down aerial has a hitbox on the sword's hilt that inflicts a powerful [[meteor smash]] with a fire effect (being the strongest meteor in the game | **{{buff|Down aerial has a hitbox on the sword's hilt that inflicts a powerful [[meteor smash]] with a fire effect (being the second strongest meteor in the game after Ganondorf's down aerial).}} | ||
**{{change|Down aerial gets stronger later in the attack, unlike Link's that gets weaker.}} | **{{change|Down aerial gets stronger later in the attack, unlike Link's that gets weaker.}} | ||
*[[Grab aerial]]: | *[[Grab aerial]]: | ||
Line 138: | Line 139: | ||
{{MovesetTable | {{MovesetTable | ||
|game=SSBM | |game=SSBM | ||
|neutralname= | |neutralname= | ||
|neutralcount=3 | |neutralcount=3 | ||
|neutralinf=y | |neutralinf=y | ||
Line 146: | Line 147: | ||
|neutralinfdmg=1% (loop) | |neutralinfdmg=1% (loop) | ||
|neutraldesc=Same as Link's; two initial slashes, and then it can be either a single launching stab if the [[A button]] is pressed just three times, or a barrage of stabs if it's pressed in quick succession. | |neutraldesc=Same as Link's; two initial slashes, and then it can be either a single launching stab if the [[A button]] is pressed just three times, or a barrage of stabs if it's pressed in quick succession. | ||
|ftiltname= | |ftiltname= | ||
|ftiltdmg=12% (tip), 11% (base), 10% (body) | |ftiltdmg=12% (tip), 11% (base), 10% (body) | ||
|ftiltdesc=Brings sword down, in an axe-like fashion. Considerably faster than Link's. | |ftiltdesc=Brings sword down, in an axe-like fashion. Considerably faster than Link's. | ||
|utiltname= | |utiltname= | ||
|utiltdmg=8% | |utiltdmg=8% | ||
|utiltdesc=Swings his sword in an arc above himself. Quick, leads into various air combos if the foe [[DI]]s wrong. Above average KO power beyond high damages, usually 120%+, but can KO faster than his up smash. | |utiltdesc=Swings his sword in an arc above himself. Quick, leads into various air combos if the foe [[DI]]s wrong. Above average KO power beyond high damages, usually 120%+, but can KO faster than his up smash. | ||
|dtiltname= | |dtiltname= | ||
|dtiltdmg=7% (tip), 9% (base), 10% (body) | |dtiltdmg=7% (tip), 9% (base), 10% (body) | ||
|dtiltdesc=Swipes sword whilst crouching. Can lead into various combos, though somewhat slow. Incredibly powerful [[meteor smash]] if used against a foe on the ledge; unlike Link's, the meteor smash hitbox is located on the tip of the sword, making it considerably more useful for [[edgeguarding]]. | |dtiltdesc=Swipes sword whilst crouching. Can lead into various combos, though somewhat slow. Incredibly powerful [[meteor smash]] if used against a foe on the ledge; unlike Link's, the meteor smash hitbox is located on the tip of the sword, making it considerably more useful for [[edgeguarding]]. | ||
|dashname= | |dashname= | ||
|dashdmg=11% (tip), 10% (body) | |dashdmg=11% (tip), 10% (body) | ||
|dashdesc=Slashes in front of himself and slows down. Surprisingly powerful for a dash attack, and it has the unusual property of Young Link charging forward. With the ability to KO starting at 95%, it is one of Young Link's most used finishers. | |dashdesc=Slashes in front of himself and slows down. Surprisingly powerful for a dash attack, and it has the unusual property of Young Link charging forward. With the ability to KO starting at 95%, it is one of Young Link's most used finishers. | ||
|fsmashname= | |fsmashname= | ||
|fsmashcount=2 | |fsmashcount=2 | ||
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|10}} | |fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|10}} | ||
|fsmash2dmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|9}} (tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|11}} (body), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|12}} (base & arm) | |fsmash2dmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|9}} (tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|11}} (body), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|12}} (base & arm) | ||
|fsmashdesc=Swings his sword in front once with low set knockback, and if the [[A button]] is pressed again, he will do a much more powerful slash to follow. The first hit easily chains into the second, though it can be DI'd out of. Very strong finisher, damage and knockback-wise. | |fsmashdesc=Swings his sword in front once with low set knockback, and if the [[A button]] is pressed again, he will do a much more powerful slash to follow. The first hit easily chains into the second, though it can be DI'd out of. Very strong finisher, damage and knockback-wise. | ||
|usmashname= | |usmashname= | ||
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|3}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|2}} (hit 2), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|7}}-{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|8}} (hit 3 clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|8}}-{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|9}} (hit 3 late) | |usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|3}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|2}} (hit 2), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|7}}-{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|8}} (hit 3 clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|8}}-{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|9}} (hit 3 late) | ||
|usmashdesc=Slashes in an upwards arc three consecutive times. Hits all usually follow into each other with the final hit having the most knockback, though DI makes it an unreliable finishing attack. Fully charged is usually the toughest time to get all hits successfully connecting. The last hit has the unusual property of being able to send opponents to the left or right side of him. | |usmashdesc=Slashes in an upwards arc three consecutive times. Hits all usually follow into each other with the final hit having the most knockback, though DI makes it an unreliable finishing attack. Fully charged is usually the toughest time to get all hits successfully connecting. The last hit has the unusual property of being able to send opponents to the left or right side of him. | ||
|dsmashname= | |dsmashname= | ||
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|13}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|7}} (front), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|12}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|6}} (back) | |dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|13}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|7}} (front), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|12}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|6}} (back) | ||
|dsmashdesc=Swings sword on both sides of himself on the ground. First hit comes out fast, though second hit has some lag. Deals less damage if the opponent hits the tip of Young Link's sword. | |dsmashdesc=Swings sword on both sides of himself on the ground. First hit comes out fast, though second hit has some lag. Deals less damage if the opponent hits the tip of Young Link's sword. | ||
|nairname= | |nairname= | ||
|nairdmg=12% (clean), 8% (late) | |nairdmg=12% (clean), 8% (late) | ||
|nairdesc=A standard [[sex kick]]. Stronger than Link's. | |nairdesc=A standard [[sex kick]]. Stronger than Link's. | ||
|fairname= | |fairname= | ||
|fairdmg=12%/11%/9% (clean), 8%/7%/5% (late) | |fairdmg=12%/11%/9% (clean), 8%/7%/5% (late) | ||
|fairdesc=Swings his sword twice in front of himself. Strangely, even though Young Link does two midair slashes, the move can only hit opponents once. | |fairdesc=Swings his sword twice in front of himself. Strangely, even though Young Link does two midair slashes, the move can only hit opponents once. | ||
|bairname= | |bairname= | ||
|bairdmg=7% (hits 1-2) | |bairdmg=7% (hits 1-2) | ||
|bairdesc=Two short-ranged kicks behind himself. More easier for both hits to connect compared to Link's version. | |bairdesc=Two short-ranged kicks behind himself. More easier for both hits to connect compared to Link's version. | ||
|uairname= | |uairname= | ||
|uairdmg=15% (clean), 12% (late) | |uairdmg=15% (clean), 12% (late) | ||
|uairdesc=Stabs his sword upwards. Not a good move for KOing, being better at juggling. | |uairdesc=Stabs his sword upwards. Not a good move for KOing, being better at juggling. | ||
|dairname= | |dairname= | ||
|dairdmg=14%/16% (early), 17%/21% (late), 8%/9% (after bounce) | |dairdmg=14%/16% (early), 17%/21% (late), 8%/9% (after bounce) | ||
|dairdesc=Very similar to Link's. Thrusts his sword down with massive damage, knockback, ending lag, and duration, and makes Young Link bounce after hitting a foe. If the opponent is positioned above or to the side of Young Link, they will be hit with an extremely powerful [[meteor smash]]. This is hard to perform as Young Link will most likely self-destruct. If the opponent is below Young Link, it results in considerable vertical knockback on the first hit, making it a great KO move. It is the strongest meteor smash in ''Melee'' (when the 21% hitbox connects) and is the most powerful aerial attack in the game, being even stronger than Ganondorf's down aerial, despite the latter having slightly superior knockback scaling. This is due to Young Link's down aerial having immensely high base knockback (70). Though it is very difficult to meteor smash opponents on a soft platform, it is capable of [[Star KO]]ing any grounded opponents (only if the characters are on the soft platform) under 150%. | |dairdesc=Very similar to Link's. Thrusts his sword down with massive damage, knockback, ending lag, and duration, and makes Young Link bounce after hitting a foe. If the opponent is positioned above or to the side of Young Link, they will be hit with an extremely powerful [[meteor smash]]. This is hard to perform as Young Link will most likely self-destruct. If the opponent is below Young Link, it results in considerable vertical knockback on the first hit, making it a great KO move. It is the strongest meteor smash in ''Melee'' (when the 21% hitbox connects) and is the most powerful aerial attack in the game, being even stronger than Ganondorf's down aerial, despite the latter having slightly superior knockback scaling. This is due to Young Link's down aerial having immensely high base knockback (70). Though it is very difficult to meteor smash opponents on a soft platform, it is capable of [[Star KO]]ing any grounded opponents (only if the characters are on the soft platform) under 150%. | ||
|zairname=[[Hookshot]] | |zairname=[[Hookshot]] | ||
|zairdmg=5% | |zairdmg=5% | ||
|zairdesc=Uses his Hookshot. The attack has the unusual property of not suffering from [[stale move negation]]. With low damage, knockback and hitstun, as well as long lag, the move has relatively little use outside of being used for recovery, though its long range can potentially catch opponents off-guard, and it benefits from Young Link's small short hop. This move has [[Priority#Transcendent_priority|transcendent priority]]. | |zairdesc=Uses his Hookshot. The attack has the unusual property of not suffering from [[stale move negation]]. With low damage, knockback and hitstun, as well as long lag, the move has relatively little use outside of being used for recovery, though its long range can potentially catch opponents off-guard, and it benefits from Young Link's small short hop. This move has [[Priority#Transcendent_priority|transcendent priority]]. | ||
|grabname=Hookshot | |grabname=Hookshot | ||
|grabdesc=Uses his hookshot to grab at foes from afar. It's the third longest grab in the game, behind {{SSBM|Link}}. | |grabdesc=Uses his hookshot to grab at foes from afar. It's the third longest grab in the game, behind {{SSBM|Link}}. | ||
|pummelname= | |pummelname= | ||
|pummeldmg=3% | |pummeldmg=3% | ||
|pummeldesc=Hits opponent with the hilt of his sword. | |pummeldesc=Hits opponent with the hilt of his sword. | ||
|fthrowname= | |fthrowname= | ||
|fthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 3% (throw) | |fthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 3% (throw) | ||
|fthrowdesc=Kicks foe forward. Can chaingrab against heavy foes, or can simply lead into a combo or follow-up attack. | |fthrowdesc=Kicks foe forward. Can chaingrab against heavy foes, or can simply lead into a combo or follow-up attack. | ||
|bthrowname= | |bthrowname= | ||
|bthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 3% (throw) | |bthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 3% (throw) | ||
|bthrowdesc=Takes foe and kicks them to his back. | |bthrowdesc=Takes foe and kicks them to his back. | ||
|uthrowname= | |uthrowname= | ||
|uthrowdmg=4% (hit 1), 2% (throw) | |uthrowdmg=4% (hit 1), 2% (throw) | ||
|uthrowdesc=Takes foe and swings his sword in an arc above, launching the foe above. Can lead into various combos, or simply his up aerial. At high percentage it can lead to his down aerial's meteor smash (up to 200%) if timed correctly. | |uthrowdesc=Takes foe and swings his sword in an arc above, launching the foe above. Can lead into various combos, or simply his up aerial. At high percentage it can lead to his down aerial's meteor smash (up to 200%) if timed correctly. | ||
|dthrowname= | |dthrowname= | ||
|dthrowdmg=2% (hit 1), 4% (throw) | |dthrowdmg=2% (hit 1), 4% (throw) | ||
|dthrowdesc=Suddenly grounds the foe and tackles them. This launches the foe temporarily in the air right in front of Young Link, and can lead into many combos, though being DI-able. | |dthrowdesc=Suddenly grounds the foe and tackles them. This launches the foe temporarily in the air right in front of Young Link, and can lead into many combos, though being DI-able. | ||
Line 229: | Line 230: | ||
|dsdmg=2-7% (contact), 2% (explosion hits 1-3) | |dsdmg=2-7% (contact), 2% (explosion hits 1-3) | ||
|dsdesc=Young Link takes out a bomb and can throw it like any other item. The bomb eventually explodes on its own, even being able to damage Young Link himself. Unlike Link's Bombs, Young Link's bombs deal multiple hits upon exploding. Oddly, anyone who comes in contact with the bomb will have an [[explosive]] effect on their bodies, despite the bomb not detonating. The explosion can grant Young Link an extra Spin Attack if used skillfully. | |dsdesc=Young Link takes out a bomb and can throw it like any other item. The bomb eventually explodes on its own, even being able to damage Young Link himself. Unlike Link's Bombs, Young Link's bombs deal multiple hits upon exploding. Oddly, anyone who comes in contact with the bomb will have an [[explosive]] effect on their bodies, despite the bomb not detonating. The explosion can grant Young Link an extra Spin Attack if used skillfully. | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 314: | Line 240: | ||
===[[Idle pose]]s=== | ===[[Idle pose]]s=== | ||
{{Idle | {{Idle | ||
|desc-1=Kicks the toes of his boots on the ground, as if knocking off | |desc-1=Kicks the toes of his boots on the ground, as if knocking off dirt. | ||
|desc-2=Looks around himself | |desc-2=Looks around himself. | ||
|image-1=Young Link Idle Pose Melee 1.gif | |image-1=Young Link Idle Pose Melee 1.gif | ||
|image-2=Young Link Idle Pose Melee 2.gif}} | |image-2=Young Link Idle Pose Melee 2.gif}} | ||
Line 341: | Line 267: | ||
<!--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 --> | <!--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 --> | ||
*{{Sm|Armada|Sweden}} - | *{{Sm|Armada|Sweden}} - Currently considered to be the second best Young Link player behind Axe, but was the best during the ''Brawl'' era. He developed Young Link only to fight {{SSBM|Jigglypuff}}, and later dropped him for {{SSBM|Fox}}. | ||
*{{Sm|Axe|USA}} - | *{{Sm|Axe|USA}} - Widely considered to be flashiest as well as the best Young Link player in the world. Uses him primarily as a counterpick, but also placed 25th at {{Trn|Smash Camp: End of Summer}} using only Young Link. | ||
*{{Sm|Bambi|USA}} - A notable Young Link main from the Tristate area who has been ranked on the [[New Jersey Power Rankings]] twice. Has placed 49th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2022}} and has taken sets off players such as {{Sm|Qerb}}, {{Sm|TheSWOOPER}}, {{Sm|JFlex}}, and {{Sm|Wally}}. | *{{Sm|Bambi|USA}} - A notable Young Link main from the Tristate area who has been ranked on the [[New Jersey Power Rankings]] twice. Has placed 49th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2022}} and has taken sets off players such as {{Sm|Qerb}}, {{Sm|TheSWOOPER}}, {{Sm|JFlex}}, and {{Sm|Wally}}. | ||
*{{Sm|Niklas2912|Norway}} - The best Young Link player in Europe and considered to be one of the best solo players with the character. | *{{Sm|Jash|USA}} - An old-school Young Link player who was considered one of the best in the United States during the Golden Age. He moved onto ''Brawl'' after it was released, and has since been inactive in the tournament scene. | ||
*{{Sm|Niklas2912|Norway}} - The best Young Link player in Europe and considered to be one of the best solo players with the character. Placed 5th at both {{Trn|Vivaldi Autumn 2019}} and {{Trn|Vivaldi Winter 2019}}, 9th at {{Trn|Vivaldi Spring 2019}}, 13th at {{Trn|Vivaldi Autumn}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Valhalla II}}. Ranked 14th on the [[Norwegian Power Rankings]]. | |||
*{{Sm|Rocket|Chile}} - Was the first solo Young Link to be ranked top 100, being ranked 98th on the [[SSBMRank 2022]]. He is considered one of the best solo players in the world, with a 17th place finish at {{Trn|Wavedash 2022}}, picking up a win over {{Sm|Suf}}. He also has taken sets from {{Sm|Spark}}. | *{{Sm|Rocket|Chile}} - Was the first solo Young Link to be ranked top 100, being ranked 98th on the [[SSBMRank 2022]]. He is considered one of the best solo players in the world, with a 17th place finish at {{Trn|Wavedash 2022}}, picking up a win over {{Sm|Suf}}. He also has taken sets from {{Sm|Spark}}. | ||
Line 350: | Line 277: | ||
Opinions on Young Link in the early metagame were largely pessimistic; he was frequently placed in the mid-low to low tiers, ranking as low as 20th on the seventh [[tier list]]. For a long time, he was considered inferior to {{SSBM|Link}} due to his adult counterpart having greater range, better KOing power, and just as good of a recovery. Young Link also suffered from a dearth of good representation at that time, with {{Sm|Jash}} and {{Sm|Kokiri Soldier}} (then known as Laijin) as his sole high-level representatives, while adult Link had several notable and influential players such as {{Sm|Aniki}}, {{Sm|The GERM}}, and later {{Sm|J666}} and {{Sm|Lord HDL}} pushing his metagame. | Opinions on Young Link in the early metagame were largely pessimistic; he was frequently placed in the mid-low to low tiers, ranking as low as 20th on the seventh [[tier list]]. For a long time, he was considered inferior to {{SSBM|Link}} due to his adult counterpart having greater range, better KOing power, and just as good of a recovery. Young Link also suffered from a dearth of good representation at that time, with {{Sm|Jash}} and {{Sm|Kokiri Soldier}} (then known as Laijin) as his sole high-level representatives, while adult Link had several notable and influential players such as {{Sm|Aniki}}, {{Sm|The GERM}}, and later {{Sm|J666}} and {{Sm|Lord HDL}} pushing his metagame. | ||
Link's perceived superiority continued well into and after the MLG era; however, it was around this time that players began to notice Young Link's potential against [[floaty]] characters. His playerbase recognized that he was one of the best {{SSBM|Peach}} answers in the game, due to his ability to defeat defensive Peaches with his speed and projectiles. Even so, high-level players greatly underestimated how significant this advantage was, particularly because they also thought that adult Link was not too far behind in the Peach matchup. They surmised that this seemingly small advantage that Young Link had over Link was not enough to justify placing him higher than Link on the tier list. This still allowed him to rise to just one spot short of Link on the tenth tier list, among other considerations such as Young Link faring slightly better against {{SSBM|Sheik}}. | Link's perceived superiority continued well into and after the MLG era; however, it was around this time that players began to notice Young Link's potential against [[floaty]] characters. His playerbase recognized that he was one of the best {{SSBM|Peach}} answers in the game, due to his ability to defeat defensive Peaches with his speed and projectiles. Even so, high-level players greatly underestimated how significant this advantage was, particularly because they also thought that adult Link was not too far behind in the Peach matchup. This is reflected in the 2010 matchup chart, where both Young Link and Link share a -1 matchup against Peach. They surmised that this seemingly small advantage that Young Link had over Link was not enough to justify placing him higher than Link on the tier list. This still allowed him to rise to just one spot short of Link on the tenth tier list, among other considerations such as Young Link faring slightly better against {{SSBM|Sheik}}. | ||
It would not be until the next year where all preconceived notions of Young Link would be called into serious question, as {{Sm|Armada}} shocked the world by unveiling his Young Link at several supermajors such as {{Trn|Pound V}}, {{Trn|GENESIS 2}}, and most infamously {{Trn|Apex 2012}}. At these events, he defeated {{Sm|Hungrybox}}'s {{SSBM|Jigglypuff}} decisively in three out of their four encounters, with his only loss being a narrow 2-3. He demonstrated that Young Link was one of the best answers to not only Peach, but other | It would not be until the next year where all preconceived notions of Young Link would be called into serious question, as {{Sm|Armada}} shocked the world by unveiling his Young Link at several supermajors such as {{Trn|Pound V}}, {{Trn|GENESIS 2}}, and most infamously {{Trn|Apex 2012}}. At these events, he defeated {{Sm|Hungrybox}}'s {{SSBM|Jigglypuff}} decisively in three out of their four encounters, with his only loss being a narrow 2-3. He demonstrated that Young Link was one of the best answers to not only Peach, but other floaties such as Jigglypuff as well, due to his superior movement that allowed for a devastating hit-and-run strategy that adult Link would not be able to replicate. The two would meet again at {{Trn|Apex 2013}}, where Hungrybox attempted to avoid the matchup entirely by playing {{SSBM|Ness}} for two games, before being forced to switch back after losing those games. The fact that Young Link had the potential to be so oppressive to floaties, that world-class players like Hungrybox would go to such lengths to avoid playing the matchup, finally convinced ''Melee'' Back Room panelists that Young Link was a superior meta-call to Link. Reflecting this, he moved above Link for the first time in the eleventh tier list. | ||
Over time, Hungrybox adapted back to Armada's Young Link play, with the latter not enjoying the character enough to push the matchup any further | Over time, Hungrybox adapted back to Armada's Young Link play, with the latter not enjoying the character enough to push the matchup any further. Nonetheless, Armada and many other top players still acknowledge that Young Link has real, top-level potential against Jigglypuff and other floaties, a sentiment that has since been widely accepted. Modern opinions of Link have plateaued as well, with many players arguing that his sluggish ground movement has finally caught up to him in a more optimized metagame, and that many of his advantages in the past came from abusing player error with his more immediate power. The majority of players consider Young Link's movement and incredible prowess against floaties to overwhelm Link's harder hitting disjoints in those matchups. | ||
However, in more recent times, players such as {{Sm|Mew2King}} and {{Sm|Armada}} now consider Link to be slightly better overall due to Young Link's greater struggle against non-floaty characters. Players such as {{Sm|Sixx}} and {{Sm|Aklo}} have also showcased tournament results as solo Link in more recent years that remain to be matched by his younger counterpart. He is thus viewed as a fringe yet viable secondary, with {{Sm|Axe}} being considered the best among them. While Young Link is expected to remain in the mid-low tiers due to his lack of solo viability | However, in more recent times, players such as {{Sm|Mew2King}} and {{Sm|Armada}} now consider Link to be slightly better overall due to Young Link's greater struggle against non-floaty characters. Players such as {{Sm|Sixx}} and {{Sm|Aklo}} have also showcased tournament results as solo Link in more recent years that remain to be matched by his younger counterpart. He is thus viewed as a fringe yet viable secondary, with {{Sm|Axe}} being considered the best among them. While Young Link is expected to remain in the mid-low tiers due to his arguable lack of solo viability, he holds a very respected niche in top-level ''Melee'' that is still recognized in modern competitive play. | ||
==In 1-P Mode== | ==In 1-P Mode== |