Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. 4
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Fire Breath: Difference between revisions

From SmashWiki, the Super Smash Bros. wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
(Noted Kirby's variation in more detail. I'm pretty sure that wraps the entire thing up, although I'll see what I can do about replacing the old tutorial video. Also attempted to improve its "In Smash" section.)
mNo edit summary
 
(43 intermediate revisions by 21 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
{{Infobox Special Move
{{Infobox Special Move
|name=Fire Breath
|name=Fire Breath
|image=[[File:BowserFireBreathUltimate.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:Bowser Neutral B SSBU.gif|300px]]
|caption=Fire Breath in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.
|caption=Fire Breath in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.
|user=[[Bowser]]<br>[[Giga Bowser]]
|user=[[Bowser]]<br>[[Giga Bowser]]
|universe=''{{uv|Mario}}''
|universe={{uv|Mario}}
|interwiki=mariowiki
|interwiki=mariowiki
|interwikiname=Super Mario Wiki
|interwikiname=Super Mario Wiki
|interwikipage=Fire Breath
|interwikipage=Fire Breath
}}
}}
{{tabber|align=center|title1=Melee|tab1=
{{cquote|''The fire flows while you hold [[File:GCN BButton.png|24px]], but it weakens over time.''|cite=''Melee'''s instruction manual}}
|title2=Brawl|tab2=
{{cquote|''Hold down B to belch a stream of flame. Weakens over time.''|cite=''Brawl'''s instruction manual}}
|title3=3DS|tab3=
{{cquote|''Breathe fire. Change the direction with {{button|3DS|Circle Pad}}.''|cite=Description from ''Smash for 3DS'''s foldout}}
|title4=Wii U|tab4=
{{cquote|''Breathe fire. Change the direction with {{button|Wii U|Control Stick}}.''|cite={{forwiiu}} manual description}}
|title5=Ultimate|tab5=
{{cquote|''Breathes fire. The range decreases if used too much. The angle can be controlled a little bit.''|cite=Description from ''Ultimate''{{'}}s Move List}}}}


'''Fire Breath''' ({{ja|クッパブレス|Kuppa Buresu}}, ''Koopa Breath'') is [[Bowser]]'s [[neutral special move]].
'''Fire Breath''' ({{ja|クッパブレス|Kuppa Buresu}}, ''Koopa Breath'') is [[Bowser]]'s [[neutral special move]].


==Overview==
==Overview==
While holding the B button, Bowser continuously exhales a stream of fire in front of him, which gradually decreases in length over time. In ''[[Brawl]]'', the flames can also be angled up and down, and they will never completely recede, as they will in ''[[Melee]]'', where Bowser will eventually begin to exhale smoke instead.
While holding the special button, Bowser continuously exhales a stream of fire in front of him, which gradually decreases in length over time. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' onwards, the flames can be angled up and down and will never completely recede, unlike in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', where Bowser will eventually begin to exhale smoke instead.


==Origin==
In general, Fire Breath's long duration is useful for staving off opponents and preventing their return to the stage, while also assisting with defensive play in [[neutral]] while dealing heavy damage. Unfortunately, an opponent using [[DI]] can escape the flames fairly easily in most directions, although as time has gone on this issue has become much less prevalent. For example, in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', opponents can rarely escape without taking an upwards of 25%. If used too much, however, Bowser will have to recharge his breath, punishing players for overuse and requiring it to be used carefully. The fire will flow off of floors and walls, and can actually split in two directions if the angle is perpendicular, allowing for interesting mixups on walled stages.  
[[File:Fire Breath - Super Mario 64.png|thumb|left|Official artwork of Bowser breathing fire at [[Mario]] from ''Super Mario 64''.]]
 
[[File:Bowsersfirebreath.png|thumb|Bowser's Fire Breath in most ''Mario'' games.]]
This special attack is shared by [[Giga Bowser]], both in his boss and [[Giga Bowser (Final Smash)|playable appearances]]. There is no time limit to how long the attack can be held in his ''Melee'' or ''Ultimate'' incarnations, and the range is much longer.  
Bowser's ability to breathe fire has been demonstrated in many games he's appeared in, including his debut in ''{{s|supermariowiki|Super Mario Bros.}}'', where he would shoot fireballs at [[Mario]]. These fireballs are also the inspiration for Fire Shot, one of his customizable moves in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. However, it wasn't until ''{{s|supermariowiki|Super Mario 64}}'' and many games after that he was shown to breathe continuous streams of fire.
{{clear}}


==In ''Smash''==
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
:{{Main|Bowser (SSBM)/Neutral special}}
[[File:Fire breath melee.jpg|thumb|Fire Breath in ''Melee''.]]
[[File:Fire breath melee.jpg|thumb|Fire Breath in ''Melee''.]]
In general, Fire Breath's long duration is useful for staving off opponents and preventing their return to the stage, assisting with defensive play in [[neutral]] while dealing heavy damage. Unfortunately, an opponent using [[DI]] can escape the flames fairly easily in most directions, although as time has gone on this issue has improved. If used too much, Bowser will have to recharge his breath, punishing players for overuse. Thus, the player has to think before using it. The fire will flow off of floors and walls, and can actually split in two directions, if the angle is perpendicular, allowing for interesting mixups on walled stages.  
In ''Melee'', Fire Breath originated as a defensive maneuver for Bowser to make use of. However, its slow startup made it a very risky move to use, with it requiring 28 frames just to start coming out. However, it greatly made up for this in its formidable range and large amounts of hitboxes. It was easy to [[SDI]], however, making it overall one of the worst projectiles in the game. This was due to characters being able to SDI towards Bowser, escape it, and punish Bowser for virtually free due to the 30 frames of endlag. Flame canceling helped the move, but [[List_of_regional_version_differences_(SSBM)|was removed after NTSC 1.1]], leaving it out of the tournament standard. Thus, as a result of it being easy to react to and its endlag, Bowser's Fire Breath was solidified as one of the worst special moves in the game. Strangely, {{SSBM|Kirby}} is still able to make use of flame canceling in all versions of ''Melee'' if he [[Copy Ability|copies]] Bowser's ability.
{{clr}}
 
===Flame cancelling===
[[File:Flamecancel.gif|thumb|200px|Comparing a regular Fire Breath and flame cancelled Fire Breath.]]
'''Flame canceling''' is an [[advanced technique]] exclusive to {{SSBM|Bowser}}'s [[Fire Breath]] in [[List_of_regional_version_differences_(SSBM)|NTSC versions 1.0 and 1.1]] of ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. By extension, it applies to [[Giga Bowser]] and {{SSBM|Kirby}} if Fire Breath is copied.


In ''Melee'', Fire Breath originated as a defensive maneuver for Bowser to make use of. However, its slow startup made it a very risky move to use, with it requiring 28 frames just to start coming out. However, it greatly made up for this in its formidable range and large amounts of hitboxes. It was easy to [[SDI]] however, making it overall one of the worst projectiles in the game.  
This technique is not possible with Bowser or Giga Bowser in the NTSC 1.2 and PAL versions, and is thus not legal in most tournaments; however, Kirby can still utilise it. Flame cancelling returned in its entirety [[Project M]], though it was removed in version 3.6; additionally, [[Project+]] replaced Fire Breath with a new special move entirely.  


''[[Brawl]]'' enhanced the move's utility, making it more centered around being a neutral tool than in ''Meleee''. It was much faster as well. The ability to angle the move has also improved its versatility as well, furthering its use as a neutral tool. This allowed Bowser to have more options against aerial approaches, rather than having to commit to stop them. It was also made into a formidable tool at the ledge, with characters like {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}} having no chance of recovering if this move was used in the correct spot.
====How to perform====
Due to odd frame conversion between an aerial and grounded Fire Breath, the game skips the startup and goes straight to the attacking animation of Fire Breath. Effectively, Fire Breath will become a frame 1 option if done optimally. Thanks to this broad requirement, landing with Fire Breath at any point prior to the attack coming out will cause a flame cancel. Naturally, landing as close to the ground as possible gives the best chance of an optimal flame cancel. The sole limitation to the amount of frames saved is human error, making it near-effortless to learn.
{{clr}}


In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', Fire Breath gained improved speed and reach, but it stopped making foes [[flinch]] when being hit by the outer part of the fire. However, the buffs greatly outweighed the nerfs, with it being combined with his formidable grab game and [[forward aerial]] to create a tough selection of attacks for an opponent to escape. Players could simply stop Fire Breath early to prevent the non-flinching area from ever coming up, and react to the opponent's response accordingly.  
====Usage====
[[File:GigaBowserFlameCancel.gif|thumb|300px|Giga Bowser performing a frame perfect flame cancel through [[hacking]].]]
[[File:KirbyFlameCancel.gif|thumb|300px|Kirby performing a flame cancel in the PAL version of ''Melee''.]]
Since landing with Fire Breath in general will cause a Flame cancel to occur, there are many opportunities to utilize flame canceling. Through Flame canceling, it's possible to get some unique [[mindgames]] with Bowser, as being in the air in neutral inherently carries the risk of a flame cancel for the opponent. It's also possible to initiate it through dropping through platforms, or it could be used during [[tech]] situations with 1 frame to act. It also makes Fire Breath a slightly less situational [[edgeguard]] tool. It's also possible to jump from the ledge and initiate the tech on a platform. In this context, Bowser can get out of some difficult ledgetrap situations, which is vital given his large hurtbox. Thus, he doesn't have to always rely on his great [[edge attack]].


''[[Ultimate]]'' has greatly improved the damage output of the move, frequently dealing 30% in the correct situations, building on Smash 4's foundation of the move and making it a mainstay in his defensive toolkit.  
While it is possible to [[SDI]] towards Bowser and exploit the minimal hitstun to punish him in the endlag, the lack of time to react can arguably lower the risk of this, allowing Fire Breath's tendency to be punishable on hit less of a problem. However, this doesn't mean it isn't, which makes using it against experienced players risky. As a result, whether the tech actually salvages Fire Breath is debatable.  


This special attack is shared by [[Giga Bowser]], both in his boss appearance in ''Melee'' and in his [[Giga Bowser (Final Smash)|playable appearance]] in ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4''. There is no time limit to how long the attack can be held in his ''Melee'' incarnation.
It is also possible for [[Giga Bowser]] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBuFMZFXTh0 to flame cancel], though this was also patched out in NTSC 1.2. Giga Bowser arguably uses it better due to his very low [[short hop]], shorter [[jumpsquat]] frames, and non-depleting Fire Breath, allowing for much quicker access than Bowser. If a player uses Giga Bowser through [[hacking]], it is possible to set up [[edgeguard]]s with Fire Breath quite quickly, as it goes quite far off-stage. As a result, it is possible to KO opponents very efficiently through the use of this tech in conjunction with his large hitboxes; most notably his [[down tilt]], which goes exceptionally far off-stage.  


===Customization===
Strangely, Flame cancelling remains possible with [[List of Copy Abilities|Kirby]] throughout [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYIo0DMb02Y all versions of ''Melee''], likely an oversight by the developers. Due to his [[air speed]] and high short hop, however, it is difficult to make effective use of the tech; it tends to be easier just to use it normally. Regardless, it can be used when [[tomahawk]]ing or with a turnaround special as a mixup option in the matchup. It can also be a useful landing option, which is important when considering Kirby's vulnerability to [[juggling]]. It can be used as a ledge option as well, much like with Bowser.
Special Move customization was added in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. These are the variations:
 
{{CustomSet|Bowser|Neutral|name1=Fire Breath|desc1=Breathes fire. Power decreases if used too much. You can control the angle a little bit.|name2=Fire Shot|desc2=Spit out a fireball. Power won't change even if used in rapid succession.|name3=Fire Roar|desc3=More powerful than Fire Breath, but it runs out quickly and takes longer to recharge.}}
{{#widget:YouTube|id=FFzRrSZpoAM}}
# '''Fire Breath''': Default.
{{clr}}
# '''Fire Shot''': Releases a large fireball, that travels far and passes through enemies. Does 6% early, 5% late. Unlike Fire Breath, Fire Shot will not weaken over time, and it has [[priority|transcendent priority]]. Can be held, but there is a noticeable delay between each shot. It is possible to end the move earlier than with the default.
 
# '''Fire Roar''': A much stronger variation of Fire Breath that loses range much quicker, and takes longer to recharge. It reaches to approximately halfway of Battlefield, and does 2.7% damage per hit sweetspotted, but only 1.8% sourspotted. The sourspot doesn't cause flinching. The minimum amount of time Bowser must use the move for is increased.
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
:{{Main|Bowser (SSBB)/Neutral special}}
[[File:FireBreath.jpg|thumb|Fire Breath in ''Brawl''.]]
''[[Brawl]]'' enhanced Fire Breath's utility dramatically, making it more centered around being a neutral tool than in ''Melee''. It was much faster as well. The ability to angle the move has also improved its versatility as well, furthering its use as a neutral tool. This allowed Bowser to have more options against aerial approaches, rather than having to commit to stop them. It was also made into a formidable tool at the ledge, with characters like {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}} having no chance of recovering if the move was used in the correct spot. However, Fire Breath's horizontal range was reduced, making it slightly more difficult to use it defensively.  


==Flame Cancelling==
{{clr}}
[[image:Flamecancel.gif|thumb|Comparing a normal and flame cancelled Fire Breath]]
In NTSC versions 1.0 and 1.1 of ''Melee'', Bowser can cancel the startup lag of this move if he lands during its initial frames, in a manner similar to the [[spacies]]' [[short hop laser]]. This technique is not possible with Bowser in the NTSC 1.2 and PAL versions, and is thus not legal in most tournaments. Flame Cancelling results from the frame conversion between aerial and grounded Fire Breath. Thus, landing in general will trigger it.


Through Flame Cancelling, it's possible to get some unique movement with Bowser; including some options such as jumping from the ledge and initiating the tech. In this context, Bowser can get out of some difficult ledgetrap situations, which is vital given his large hurtbox. Given landing as a whole will cause a Flame Cancel to occur, it's possible to initiate it through dropping through platforms, simply landing with it, and more. As a result, there are a plethora of options the tech provides, giving Bowser an edge he otherwise wouldn't have.
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
:{{Main|Bowser (SSB4)/Neutral special}}
[[File:Fire Breath SSB4 WiiU.jpg|thumb|Fire Breath in {{forwiiu}}.]]
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', Fire Breath gained improved speed and reach, but the outermost hitboxes could no longer [[flinch]] foes. However, the buffs greatly outweighed the nerfs, with it being combined with his formidable grab game and [[forward aerial]] to create a tough selection of attacks for an opponent to escape. Players could simply stop Fire Breath early to prevent the non-flinching area from ever coming up, and react to the opponent's response accordingly. The non-flinching hitboxes can be used to rack up damage after [[shield break]]ing an opponent or punishing a missed [[Rest]] as well, making it have additional functionality as an offensive option, unlike its previous incarnations.


It is also possible for [[Giga Bowser]] to Flame Cancel, although this was also patched out at the same time. Giga Bowser arguably uses it better due to his very small [[short hop]], allowing for quicker access than Bowser. If a player uses Giga Bowser through [[hacking]], it is possible to set up [[edgeguard]]s with Fire Breath quite quickly, as it goes quite far off-stage. As a result, it is possible to KO opponents very efficiently through the use of this tech in conjunction with his large hitboxes (most notably his [[down tilt]]).
{{clr}}


Strangely, Flame Cancelling remains possible with [[List of Copy Abilities|Kirby]] throughout all versions of ''Melee'', likely an oversight by the developers. Due to his air speed however, it is difficult to make effective use of the tech: it tends to be easier just to use it normally. However, it can be used during [[tomahawk]]ing situations or with a turnaround special as a mixup option in the matchup. It can also be a useful landing option, which is important given Kirby's vulnerability to it.  
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==
:{{Main|Bowser (SSBU)/Neutral special}}
''Ultimate'' dramatically increased the damage output of the move, which, when combined with the increased 1.2x damage in 1v1s, allows it to consistently deal around 30% at close range before running out, making it an extremely potent punish and a mainstay in his toolkit. Opponents are more inclined to panic due to this drastic increase in damage, allowing Bowser to bait out worse options and punish them harder than ever before. Acting as a strong jump-in mixup and a strong deterrent to the opponent's in addition to this, Fire Breath's identity is somewhat warped around its improved damage output, making it by far its best incarnation in the series.
{{clr}}


===Video===
==Instructional quotes==
{{#widget:YouTube|id=Hdoz-RnvMiI}}
{{InstructionalQuotes
{{#widget:YouTube|id=gBuFMZFXTh0}}
|ssbmchar=Bowser
{{#widget:YouTube|id=RYIo0DMb02Y}}
|ssbmdesc=The fire flows while you hold {{Button|GCN|B}}, but it weakens over time.
|ssbbchar=Bowser
|ssbbdesc=Hold down B to belch a stream of flame. Weakens over time.
|ssb4-3char=Bowser
|ssb4-3desc=Breathe fire. Change the direction with {{button|3DS|Circle Pad}}.
|ssbuchar=Bowser
|ssbudesc=Breathes fire. The range decreases if used too much. The angle can be controlled a little bit.
}}
 
==Customization==
Special Move customization was added in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. These are the variations:
{{CustomSet|Bowser|Neutral|name1=Fire Breath|desc1=Breathe fire. Power decreases if used too much. You can control the angle a little bit.|name2=Fire Shot|desc2=Spit out a fireball. Power won't change even if used in rapid succession.|name3=Fire Roar|desc3=More powerful than Fire Breath, but it runs out quickly and takes longer to recharge.}}
# '''Fire Breath''': Default.
# '''Fire Shot''': Releases a large fireball that travels far and passes through enemies. Does 6% early, 5% late. Unlike Fire Breath, Fire Shot will not weaken over time, and it has [[priority|transcendent priority]]. Can be held, but there is a noticeable delay between each shot. It is possible to end the move earlier than with the default.
# '''Fire Roar''': A much stronger variation of Fire Breath that loses range much quicker, and takes longer to recharge. It reaches to approximately halfway of Battlefield, and does 2.7% damage per hit sweetspotted, but only 1.8% sourspotted. The sourspot doesn't cause flinching. The minimum amount of time Bowser must use the move for is increased.
 
==Origin==
[[File:Fire_Breath_-_Super_Mario_64.png|thumb|Bowser's Fire Breath in ''{{s|mariowiki|Super Mario 64}}'' official artwork.]]
Bowser's ability to breathe fire has been demonstrated in many games he's appeared in, including his debut in ''{{s|supermariowiki|Super Mario Bros.}}'', where he would shoot fireballs at [[Mario]]. These fireballs are also the inspiration for Fire Shot, one of his customizable moves in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. However, it wasn't until ''{{s|supermariowiki|Super Mario 64}}'' and many games after that he was shown to breathe continuous streams of fire.
{{clr}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
BowserFireBreathMarioSportsSuperstars.jpg|Bowser breathing fire in ''Mario Sports Superstars'' after getting an Eagle in golf.
FireBreath.jpg|Fire Breath in ''Brawl''.
Bowser Midair Fire.png|Fire Breath used in midair in ''Brawl''.
Bowser Midair Fire.png|Fire Breath used in midair in ''Brawl''.
Bowser weak fire.png|Fire Breath losing power when held for too long.
Bowser weak fire.png|Fire Breath losing power when held for too long.
Line 77: Line 100:
Bowser Fireball.jpg|Fire Shot variation.
Bowser Fireball.jpg|Fire Shot variation.
Bowser FlashFire.jpg|Fire Roar variation.
Bowser FlashFire.jpg|Fire Roar variation.
Fire Breath SSB4 WiiU.jpg|Fire Breath in {{forwiiu}}.
BowserVictoryPose3SSBU.gif|Fire Breath in one of Bowser's victory poses in ''Ultimate''.
BowserVictoryUltimate.jpg|Fire Breath in one of Bowser's victory poses in ''Ultimate''.
Bowser SSBU Skill Preview Neutral Special.png|Fire Breath as shown by the [[Move List]] in ''Ultimate''.
Bowser SSBU Skill Preview Neutral Special.png|Fire Breath as shown by a Skill Preview in ''Ultimate''.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Names in other languages==
{{langtable
|ja={{ja|クッパブレス|Kuppa Buresu}}, ''Koopa Breath''
|en=Fire Breath
|fr_ca=Soue de feu (''Smash 4'') <br> Souffle de feu (''Ultimate'')
|es_=Aliento de fuego
|de=Feuerodem
|it=Soffio di fuoco
|nl=Vurige Adem
|ru={{rollover|Огненное дыхание|Ognennoye dykhaniye|?}}
|ko={{rollover|쿠파 브레스|Kupa Beureseu|?}}, ''Koopa Breath''
|zh_cn={{rollover|酷霸王吐息|Kùbàwáng Tùxī|?}}
|zh_tw={{rollover|庫巴吐息|Kùbā Tǔxī|?}}
}}
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*This move shares names with [[Piranha Plant]]'s [[back aerial]].
*This move shares its name with [[Piranha Plant]]'s [[back aerial]].
*This move is also similar to [[Charizard]]'s [[Flamethrower]] in both appearance and function.
*This move is also similar to [[Charizard]]'s [[Flamethrower]] in both appearance and function.
{{clear}}
 
{{Special Moves|char=Bowser}}
{{Special Moves|char=Bowser}}


Line 95: Line 133:
[[Category:Bowser (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Bowser (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Bowser (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Bowser (SSBU)]]
[[es:Aliento de fuego]]

Latest revision as of 04:27, December 29, 2023

Fire Breath
Bowser Neutral B SSBU.gif
Fire Breath in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
User Bowser
Giga Bowser
Universe Mario
Article on Super Mario Wiki Fire Breath

Fire Breath (クッパブレス, Koopa Breath) is Bowser's neutral special move.

Overview[edit]

While holding the special button, Bowser continuously exhales a stream of fire in front of him, which gradually decreases in length over time. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl onwards, the flames can be angled up and down and will never completely recede, unlike in Super Smash Bros. Melee, where Bowser will eventually begin to exhale smoke instead.

In general, Fire Breath's long duration is useful for staving off opponents and preventing their return to the stage, while also assisting with defensive play in neutral while dealing heavy damage. Unfortunately, an opponent using DI can escape the flames fairly easily in most directions, although as time has gone on this issue has become much less prevalent. For example, in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, opponents can rarely escape without taking an upwards of 25%. If used too much, however, Bowser will have to recharge his breath, punishing players for overuse and requiring it to be used carefully. The fire will flow off of floors and walls, and can actually split in two directions if the angle is perpendicular, allowing for interesting mixups on walled stages.

This special attack is shared by Giga Bowser, both in his boss and playable appearances. There is no time limit to how long the attack can be held in his Melee or Ultimate incarnations, and the range is much longer.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]

Main article: Bowser (SSBM)/Neutral special
Fire Breath in Melee.

In Melee, Fire Breath originated as a defensive maneuver for Bowser to make use of. However, its slow startup made it a very risky move to use, with it requiring 28 frames just to start coming out. However, it greatly made up for this in its formidable range and large amounts of hitboxes. It was easy to SDI, however, making it overall one of the worst projectiles in the game. This was due to characters being able to SDI towards Bowser, escape it, and punish Bowser for virtually free due to the 30 frames of endlag. Flame canceling helped the move, but was removed after NTSC 1.1, leaving it out of the tournament standard. Thus, as a result of it being easy to react to and its endlag, Bowser's Fire Breath was solidified as one of the worst special moves in the game. Strangely, Kirby is still able to make use of flame canceling in all versions of Melee if he copies Bowser's ability.

Flame cancelling[edit]

Comparing a regular Fire Breath and flame cancelled Fire Breath.

Flame canceling is an advanced technique exclusive to Bowser's Fire Breath in NTSC versions 1.0 and 1.1 of Super Smash Bros. Melee. By extension, it applies to Giga Bowser and Kirby if Fire Breath is copied.

This technique is not possible with Bowser or Giga Bowser in the NTSC 1.2 and PAL versions, and is thus not legal in most tournaments; however, Kirby can still utilise it. Flame cancelling returned in its entirety Project M, though it was removed in version 3.6; additionally, Project+ replaced Fire Breath with a new special move entirely.

How to perform[edit]

Due to odd frame conversion between an aerial and grounded Fire Breath, the game skips the startup and goes straight to the attacking animation of Fire Breath. Effectively, Fire Breath will become a frame 1 option if done optimally. Thanks to this broad requirement, landing with Fire Breath at any point prior to the attack coming out will cause a flame cancel. Naturally, landing as close to the ground as possible gives the best chance of an optimal flame cancel. The sole limitation to the amount of frames saved is human error, making it near-effortless to learn.

Usage[edit]

Giga Bowser performing a frame perfect flame cancel through hacking.
Kirby performing a flame cancel in the PAL version of Melee.

Since landing with Fire Breath in general will cause a Flame cancel to occur, there are many opportunities to utilize flame canceling. Through Flame canceling, it's possible to get some unique mindgames with Bowser, as being in the air in neutral inherently carries the risk of a flame cancel for the opponent. It's also possible to initiate it through dropping through platforms, or it could be used during tech situations with 1 frame to act. It also makes Fire Breath a slightly less situational edgeguard tool. It's also possible to jump from the ledge and initiate the tech on a platform. In this context, Bowser can get out of some difficult ledgetrap situations, which is vital given his large hurtbox. Thus, he doesn't have to always rely on his great edge attack.

While it is possible to SDI towards Bowser and exploit the minimal hitstun to punish him in the endlag, the lack of time to react can arguably lower the risk of this, allowing Fire Breath's tendency to be punishable on hit less of a problem. However, this doesn't mean it isn't, which makes using it against experienced players risky. As a result, whether the tech actually salvages Fire Breath is debatable.

It is also possible for Giga Bowser to flame cancel, though this was also patched out in NTSC 1.2. Giga Bowser arguably uses it better due to his very low short hop, shorter jumpsquat frames, and non-depleting Fire Breath, allowing for much quicker access than Bowser. If a player uses Giga Bowser through hacking, it is possible to set up edgeguards with Fire Breath quite quickly, as it goes quite far off-stage. As a result, it is possible to KO opponents very efficiently through the use of this tech in conjunction with his large hitboxes; most notably his down tilt, which goes exceptionally far off-stage.

Strangely, Flame cancelling remains possible with Kirby throughout all versions of Melee, likely an oversight by the developers. Due to his air speed and high short hop, however, it is difficult to make effective use of the tech; it tends to be easier just to use it normally. Regardless, it can be used when tomahawking or with a turnaround special as a mixup option in the matchup. It can also be a useful landing option, which is important when considering Kirby's vulnerability to juggling. It can be used as a ledge option as well, much like with Bowser.

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

Main article: Bowser (SSBB)/Neutral special
Fire Breath in Brawl.

Brawl enhanced Fire Breath's utility dramatically, making it more centered around being a neutral tool than in Melee. It was much faster as well. The ability to angle the move has also improved its versatility as well, furthering its use as a neutral tool. This allowed Bowser to have more options against aerial approaches, rather than having to commit to stop them. It was also made into a formidable tool at the ledge, with characters like Donkey Kong having no chance of recovering if the move was used in the correct spot. However, Fire Breath's horizontal range was reduced, making it slightly more difficult to use it defensively.

In Super Smash Bros. 4[edit]

Main article: Bowser (SSB4)/Neutral special
Fire Breath in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

In Super Smash Bros. 4, Fire Breath gained improved speed and reach, but the outermost hitboxes could no longer flinch foes. However, the buffs greatly outweighed the nerfs, with it being combined with his formidable grab game and forward aerial to create a tough selection of attacks for an opponent to escape. Players could simply stop Fire Breath early to prevent the non-flinching area from ever coming up, and react to the opponent's response accordingly. The non-flinching hitboxes can be used to rack up damage after shield breaking an opponent or punishing a missed Rest as well, making it have additional functionality as an offensive option, unlike its previous incarnations.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

Main article: Bowser (SSBU)/Neutral special

Ultimate dramatically increased the damage output of the move, which, when combined with the increased 1.2x damage in 1v1s, allows it to consistently deal around 30% at close range before running out, making it an extremely potent punish and a mainstay in his toolkit. Opponents are more inclined to panic due to this drastic increase in damage, allowing Bowser to bait out worse options and punish them harder than ever before. Acting as a strong jump-in mixup and a strong deterrent to the opponent's in addition to this, Fire Breath's identity is somewhat warped around its improved damage output, making it by far its best incarnation in the series.

Instructional quotes[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Melee instruction booklet Bowser (SSBM) The fire flows while you hold B, but it weakens over time.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl instruction booklet Bowser (SSBB) Hold down B to belch a stream of flame. Weakens over time.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS case foldout Bowser (SSB4) Breathe fire. Change the direction with Circle Pad.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Move List Bowser (SSBU) Breathes fire. The range decreases if used too much. The angle can be controlled a little bit.

Customization[edit]

Special Move customization was added in Super Smash Bros. 4. These are the variations:

1. Fire Breath 2. Fire Shot 3. Fire Roar
Fire Breath
Fire Shot
Fire Roar
"Breathe fire. Power decreases if used too much. You can control the angle a little bit." "Spit out a fireball. Power won't change even if used in rapid succession." "More powerful than Fire Breath, but it runs out quickly and takes longer to recharge."
  1. Fire Breath: Default.
  2. Fire Shot: Releases a large fireball that travels far and passes through enemies. Does 6% early, 5% late. Unlike Fire Breath, Fire Shot will not weaken over time, and it has transcendent priority. Can be held, but there is a noticeable delay between each shot. It is possible to end the move earlier than with the default.
  3. Fire Roar: A much stronger variation of Fire Breath that loses range much quicker, and takes longer to recharge. It reaches to approximately halfway of Battlefield, and does 2.7% damage per hit sweetspotted, but only 1.8% sourspotted. The sourspot doesn't cause flinching. The minimum amount of time Bowser must use the move for is increased.

Origin[edit]

Bowser's Fire Breath in Super Mario 64 official artwork.

Bowser's ability to breathe fire has been demonstrated in many games he's appeared in, including his debut in Super Mario Bros., where he would shoot fireballs at Mario. These fireballs are also the inspiration for Fire Shot, one of his customizable moves in Super Smash Bros. 4. However, it wasn't until Super Mario 64 and many games after that he was shown to breathe continuous streams of fire.

Gallery[edit]

  • Fire Breath used in midair in Brawl.

    Fire Breath used in midair in Brawl.

  • Fire Breath losing power when held for too long.

    Fire Breath losing power when held for too long.

  • Giga Bowser using Fire Breath in Brawl.

    Giga Bowser using Fire Breath in Brawl.

  • Fire Shot variation.

    Fire Shot variation.

  • Fire Roar variation.

    Fire Roar variation.

  • Fire Breath in one of Bowser's victory poses in Ultimate.

    Fire Breath in one of Bowser's victory poses in Ultimate.

  • Fire Breath as shown by the Move List in Ultimate.

    Fire Breath as shown by the Move List in Ultimate.

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name
Japan Japanese クッパブレス, Koopa Breath
UK English Fire Breath
Quebec French (NTSC) Soue de feu (Smash 4)
Souffle de feu (Ultimate)
Germany German Feuerodem
Italy Italian Soffio di fuoco
China Chinese (Simplified) 酷霸王吐息
Taiwan Chinese (Traditional) 庫巴吐息
South Korea Korean 쿠파 브레스, Koopa Breath
Netherlands Dutch Vurige Adem
Russia Russian Огненное дыхание

Trivia[edit]

Retrieved from "https://www.ssbwiki.com/index.php?title=Fire_Breath&oldid=1848074"