Max Malicious Moonsault

Max Malicious Moonsault
Incineroar using Max Malicious Moonsault on Ken.
User	Incineroar
Universe	Pokémon
Article on Bulbapedia	Malicious Moonsault (move)

Max Malicious Moonsault (ハイパーダーククラッシャー改, Hyper Dark Crusher Modified) is Incineroar's Final Smash in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Overview

Incineroar dropkicking Fox during Max Malicious Moonsault.

Incineroar rushes forward and grabs an opponent. If it connects, Incineroar will throw its opponent into a fighting ring and assault them with an uppercut, a dropkick and another uppercut before splashing them down with a headbutt, causing a giant explosion. In Sakurai's own words, it's even faster and fiercer than the Z-Move it's based on. While the move can only connect on a single opponent, subjecting them to the damage from Incineroar's attacks, the fiery explosion will damage anyone caught in the blast radius after the cutscene has ended.

Origin

Incineroar using Malicious Moonsault in Pokémon Sun and Moon.

Z-Moves are a mechanic introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon. They are an exceptionally powerful variant of the move they are based on. To use a Z-Move, a Pokémon must be holding the Z-Crystal corresponding to the intended move, and their trainer must have a Z-Ring. All Pokémon are capable of using type-dependent Z-Moves, but a select group of Pokémon have signature Z-Moves.

Malicious Moonsault is a Dark-type Z-Move exclusive to Incineroar, which acts as a powered-up version of its signature move, Darkest Lariat. The animation of the move has Incineroar leaping high into the air and landing on the opponent stomach first, creating a massive explosion that engulfs the ring. Contrary to its English name, it is not a moonsault, hence the attack in the Final Smash landing headfirst. Its base power is 180, although its damage output is doubled if its target has used Minimize. Like other Z-Moves, it has a PP of 1.

When initiating the attack, the Incinium Z will flash on the screen. This reflects how it, along with other Z-Crystals, shows on-screen in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon when the Z-Move is activated.

Incineroar's special moves

Neutral special	Darkest Lariat
Side special	Alolan Whip
Up special	Cross Chop
Down special	Revenge
Final Smash	Max Malicious Moonsault