Greninja (SSB4): Difference between revisions

|name         = Greninja

|image       = [[File:Greninja SSB4.png|250px|Greninja]]

|game         = SSB4

:{{cquote|Greninja Makes a Splash!|cite=Introduction Tagline}}

'''Greninja''' ({{ja|ゲッコウガ|Gekkōga}}, ''Gekkōga'') or known as ''Dat Boi'' or ''OSFrog'' is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. It was revealed during the April 1st, 2014 [[Nintendo Direct|Super Smash Bros. Direct]], alongside fellow ''Pokémon'' representative {{SSB4|Charizard}}. Greninja is voiced by Billy Bob Thompson in English and Yūji Ueda in Japanese. Like numerous other Pokémon, it has different voice actors in the French and German versions due to name changes, similarly to {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}}.  

Greninja is currently ranked 26th out of 55 on the [[tier list]], placing it in the C tier. Greninja's greatest strength is its overall mobility: its [[walk]]ing speed, [[dash]]ing speed, [[air speed]], [[jump]] and [[double jump]] are each among the top 10 within their respective categories. It also has an impressive combo game courtesy of a number of moves, most notably its up and down tilts, its neutral and up aerials, and its down throw, all of which are decently fast. Its recovery is also above average, with [[Shadow Sneak]] being able to cover a noticeable amount of horizontal distance, while [[Hydro Pump]] is decently fast and maneuverable like [[Quick Attack]].

Despite these strengths, Greninja has a number of flaws. It has rather high ending lag on many of its attacks (with its aerials being notorious in this regard), requiring Greninja players to know when they can safely use such attacks. Greninja's recovery is also decent at best, as despite having a number of options, [[Hydro Pump]] and [[Shadow Sneak]] can both be predictable. Furthermore, while Greninja does boast a number of powerful KO moves, they are difficult to sweetspot due to their unusual hitbox placements, and some of them are slow and unsafe to use in a neutral situation.  

Fittingly for a ninja-inspired character, Greninja fits the "hit-and-run" archetype alongside the likes of {{SSB4|Sonic}}, {{SSB4|Sheik}} and {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}}. This is clearly evident in regard to its mobility: it has the fourth fastest [[walking]] speed, the sixth fastest [[dash]]ing speed, the eighth fastest [[air speed]] and the second highest [[jump]]s. It also possesses the ability to both [[wall jump]] and [[wall cling]]. Unlike said characters, however, Greninja's KO power is more consistent overall, which is evident in its up smash, forward aerial and up throw, all of which are powerful relative to ''SSB4'''s cast. As such, Greninja can be considered a good mix of speed and power.

Greninja's [[Character customization|custom moves]] are rather polarizing, as the majority of them are inferior to their regular versions, while only very few are very useful. One example of this involves its versions of Water Shuriken. Stagnant Shuriken is a very poor alternative due to it only staying in front of Greninja. However, Shifting Shuriken is extremely useful in that while it slightly detracts from Greninja's already poor range, it addresses its combo game's issues: when uncharged, it launches opponents straight up, and when charged, launches opponents toward Greninja. Shadow Dash and especially Shadow Strike are both somewhat inferior to Shadow Sneak. High-Capacity Pump does not do much to improve Greninja's already excellent recovery, while Single-Shot Pump is significantly inferior due to it being very linear and lacking any edgeguarding potential due to it only propelling Greninja straight up. Although Substitute Ambush may make it even easier to intercept, it gives the player more time to pick a direction and also does high shield damage. However, Exploding Attack is a superior option to both due to being more practical, powerful, and easier to hit with, though sacrificing the range and recovery potential.

Overall, Greninja is a quick-footed yet somewhat unorthodox combo-oriented fighter, balancing respectable combo ability with stronger yet more punishable KO potential. True to its name, mastering Greninja requires the art of deception through mastering its unique special moves along with knowledge of its unusual combo and KO setups, while minimizing openings due to the ending lag of its attacks and sluggish grab game. While Greninja's learning curve only gives it an average amount of representation, players such as {{Sm|iStudying}} have spearheaded its metagame and shown Greninja's strengths in competitive play.

Greninja has received a mix of buffs and nerfs from game updates. Update [[1.0.4]] notably nerfed Greninja by weakening a number of its attacks by lowering their damage outputs, reducing their hitboxes' sizes, and removing the Shadow Sneak glitch that allowed it to cancel the lag off of its aerials. Greninja's hurtbox size at the top of its head was also increased in 1.0.4, making it easier to hit and rendering its once-decent [[crouch]] nearly useless. However, these nerfs were slightly compensated for as Shadow Sneak was buffed to a degree. Like 1.0.4, [[List of updates (SSB4-3DS)#1.0.5|1.0.5]] removed another exploitable glitch, the running Shadow Sneak glitch.

However, Greninja has also seen some improvements in later updates. [[1.0.8]] noticeably improved its forward tilt's follow-up potential. Update [[1.1.0]] gave Greninja a mix of buffs and nerfs, though the former was more prevalent than the latter. While its down throw's damage output was decreased and Water Shuriken no longer stalls Greninja in the air after a jump, its down throw's ending lag was reduced while Water Shuriken's start-up was decreased. In addition to its ending lag, down throw's damage nerf indirectly improved its combo potential, with one notable combo being into its forward aerial for a KO confirm around 140%. Update [[1.1.1]] improved its neutral and back aerials' hitbox timings, though at the expense of slower start-up, while Shadow Dash had its ending lag decreased.

However, the changes to the shield mechanics brought about by updates 1.1.0 and 1.1.1 were also mixed for Greninja: its attacks for the most part possess low damage outputs and [[hitlag]], while its poor [[out of shield]] game was weakened further. A notable exception to this is its forward aerial, which has become a much more useful move due to its safety on shield while providing relatively lenient spacing.

Update [[1.1.3]] buffed the knockback to Greninja's smash attacks and all variations of Shadow Sneak, which helps compensate for 1.0.4's weakening of its KO potential. Lastly, update [[1.1.5]] decreased Greninja's forward and back aerials' landing lag, decreasing its dash attack's and standing grab's start-up lag, and considerably improved Hydro Pump's reliability by tweaking its angle to avoid it from "headbonking".

*{{nerf|Fixed a glitch where Greninja could run before using Shadow Sneak. This hinders its approach and mindgame potential.}}

*{{buff|Forward tilt deals 0.75% more damage|6.5%|7.25% and its ending lag decreased: frame 42 → 33, improving its spacing potential.}}

 

*{{buff|Down throw deals 1% less damage|6%|5% and its ending lag decreased: frame 49 → 42, significantly improving its combo potential.}}

*{{buff|Water Shuriken's start-up lag decreased|frame 25|20.}}

*{{nerf|Fixed a glitch where Water Shuriken stalled Greninja in midair after a jump. This removes its recovery potential.}}

*Greninja is able to [[Crawling|crawl]], [[wall cling]] and [[wall jump]].

|uthrowdesc=Heaves the opponent upward. Possibly Greninja's most useful throw, as it can be followed up with up smash at low percents, up aerial at medium percents and can KO around 150%-200%, the latter of which depends on the opponent's DI and weight.  

|dthrowdmg=6%

|nsdefdmg=3%-11% (uncharged), 0.7% (fully charged loop), 9% (fully charged last)

|nsc1dmg=1%-1.2% (uncharged loop), 1.5% (fully charged loop 1), 2% (fully charged loop 2), 3% (fully charged last)

|nsc1desc=The shuriken stays in place, but deals less damage at varying charges.

|nsc2dmg=3%

|nsc2desc=Uncharged shurikens deal strong upward knockback, while charged ones pierce opponents. Damage stays the same regardless of charge.

|ssdefdesc=Silently prepares to [[bulbapedia:Shadow Sneak (move)|teleport to a moving shadow]], which activates when either attack button is released. The shadow moves relative to Greninja's position, and while it is being prepared, Greninja cannot run, shield, grab or attack, but can walk, jump and taunt. If the shadow is in front of the opponent, Greninja performs a handstand-initiated backflip kick. If the shadow is behind the opponent, Greninja dropkicks them instead. The latter strike is slightly stronger than the former, making it a deceptively strong finishing move, especially if used off-stage. Can be used to extend Greninja's recovery as it does not cause [[helpless|helplessness]]. If used with the correct timing, Greninja can escape some multi-hitting moves, but the ending lag will leave it in a vulnerable state.

|ssc1desc=The shadow moves slower and farther while the attack is much stronger. Additionally, Greninja takes longer to reappear.

|usdefdesc=[[bulbapedia:Hydro Pump (move)|Shoots two streams of water]] from one of its hands in the opposite direction of travel, propelling Greninja in the input directions. Functions similarly to [[Quick Attack]], though it can be used twice in the same direction. Each water stream has a [[push]] effect, allowing it to be used as an unorthodox edgeguarding technique; on the ground, Greninja can also fire a single spurt of water in one direction and then cancel it by aiming downward. While it offers excellent distance, Greninja will immediately start falling once the second water stream ends, making it easy to underestimate vertical distance gained. Unlike other up specials, Greninja's up special input will trigger a Shadow Sneak charge instead if the Control Stick is angled to the side enough.  

|usc1desc=The water streams are more controllable, but deal no damage.

|usc2desc=Only one water stream is fired, though it is slightly more powerful.

|dsdefdmg=14%/13%/11%/13%/14% (based on position)

|dsdefdesc=Assumes a defensive stance. If attacked, Greninja disappears and [[counterattack]]s while leaving a [[bulbapedia:Substitute (move)|plush doll]] or a log in its place before counterattacking with a flying kick upon reappearing. The kick's direction can be inputted while Greninja has vanished, which can result mindgames due to the kick being able to function as a vertical KOing option, a semi-spike or even a meteor smash. It is unique as a counterattack due to its fixed damage, along with Greninja being vulnerable during the retaliating hit, allowing multi-hit moves to interrupt the counterattack.

|dsc1desc=Vanishes and reappears with an explosion around itself instead of counterattacking.

|dsc2dmg=18%/17%/15%/17%/18% (based on position)

|fsdesc=Launches opponents into the air with [[bulbapedia:Mat Block (move)|Mat Block]], its signature move in the ''Pokémon'' games. It then proceeds to slash them several times in midair while a moonlit backdrop appears, and then finally spikes them down to the stage with a downward knifehand strike.

|desc-up=Strikes a pose, then rises slightly more upright to strike a ninjutsu pose.

|desc-side=Shakes head from side to side, causing its tongue to whip out in the same directions.

|desc-down=Poses upright and holds out arms to either side, releasing fountains of water from its palms. The water fountains deal 1%-2% with vertical knockback to nearby opponents. It can even KO, though only at extremely high percents (in the 400%-600% range for most characters).<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-0l0s5nKrc What Percentage Does Greninja's Taunt Kill At in Super Smash Bros Wii U]</ref> However, it is the only attack it can still use during [[Shadow Sneak]]. It is surprisingly effective in [[Multi-Man Smash]].}}

|desc-2=Performs a few ninjutsu hand signs that emit small bursts of water and then strikes a ninjutsu pose similar to its up taunt.

|desc-3=Performs a flip and then crosses its arms after landing. It resembles one of its attack animations in [[bulbapedia:Pokémon X and Y|''Pokémon X'' and ''Y'']].

===Notable players===

<!--If you are planning to add a player you consider to be notable, please provide tournament results in some shape or form. Winning tournaments without notable players present is generally not enough to warrant a spot.-->

*{{Sm|BT-Mac|USA}} - The best active Midwest Greninja player. Most known for defeating {{Sm|Salem}} in the Greninja ditto at Midwest Mayhem 10. Has sets over players such as {{Sm|Mystearica}} and {{Sm|Marshall}}.

*{{Sm|Some|Japan}} - The best Greninja player in Japan and one of the best in the world. Ranked 35th on the [[JAPAN Power Rankings]]. Placed 9th at [[Frostbite 2017]], the highest placement of any Greninja at a US National Tournament after the release of patch 1.1.6. Has wins over {{Sm|Captain Zack}}, {{Sm|Kameme}}, {{Sm|Fatality}}, {{Sm|Abadango}}, and {{Sm|KEN}}.

*{{Sm|Stroder|USA}} - The best Greninja player in North America and one of the best in the world. Ranked 3rd on the [[Arizona Smash 4 Power Rankings]], placed 13th at [[2GGC: West Side Saga]] (where he defeated {{Sm|Nairo}}) and 33rd at [[2GGT: Abadango Saga]].

 

*{{Sm|aMSa|Japan}} - Placed 9th at [[Apex 2015]], 33rd at [[EVO 2015]], and 65th at [[EVO 2017]]. Retired following [[EVO Japan 2018]]. Continues to play ''Melee''.

*{{Sm|Techei|USA}} - Formerly ranked 16th on the [[MD/VA Power Rankings#Smash_4_Rankings|MD/VA Smash 4 Power Rankings]], placed 33rd at [[Glitch 2*

*{{Sm|Shinjoebi|USA}} - The best Greninja in the Midwest, and is currently not active.

 

 

Despite its slightly rare results, Greninja was ranked 22nd on the third tier list, and is seen to be a viable option in tournaments, while also being backed by excellent tournament representation. After Some placed 9th at [[Frostbite 2017]], however, Greninja's results dropped once again. Greninja was once again thought to not be as great as initially, esecially after [[2GGC: Greninja Saga]] saw it placing rather inconsistently (this is largely attributed to the Greninja players eliminating themselves during the top 48 part of the bracket). Despite an explosion of Greninja's results appearing recently in tournaments, voting for its tier placement was already done, resulting on Greninja being ranked at 26th on the fourth and current tier list, its lowest placement so far. Regardless, it is generally agreed that this burst of good tournament results could cause Greninja's placement on a future tier list to rise, although this remains to be seen.

<youtube>xEJBPMcbRkk</youtube>

==Trophies==

:'''Greninja'''

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''This Water/Dark-type Pokémon is the fully evolved form of Froakie. It's just as fast and dangerous as any other ninja, and the throwing stars it can make out of water can shear metal. In Smash Bros., as well as being a graceful, speedy fighter, it can also use moves like Hydro Pump that let it travel through the air and avoid falling.''

::{{flag|pal}} ''This Water- and Dark-type Pokémon is the fully evolved form of Froakie. It is just as fast and dangerous as its name suggests, and the throwing stars it can make out of water can shear metal. In this game, as well as being a graceful, speedy fighter, it can also use moves like Hydro Pump to let it move through the air and avoid falling.''

 

{{Trophy games|console1=3DS|game1=Pokémon X and Pokémon Y (10/2013)}}

 

:'''Greninja (Alt.)'''

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Greninja's Substitute down special lets you teleport to dodge attacks and then strike back, making it an effective and hard-to-predict way to counterattack. You can also control where you reappear by inputting directions. When you vanish, sometimes you'll be replaced by a log, other times by a cuddly toy.''

 

 

{{Trophy games|console1=3DS|game1=Pokémon X and Pokémon Y (10/2013)}}

 

::''In Greninja's Final Smash, it uses its Mat Block move to flip opponents into the air. It then slices them repeatedly in front of the bright moon before smacking them back down to the ground and launching them. The initial Mat Block flip doesn't have much range, but should it hit home, the rest of the attack is unavoidable.''

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''In Greninja's Final Smash, it uses its Mat Block move to flip an opponent into the air. It then slices them repeatedly in front of the shining moon, before smacking them down to the ground so hard they get launched. The initial Mat Block flip doesn't have much range, but if it hits home, there's no evading the rest of the attack.''

 

GreninjaTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

*From December 9, 2014 to January 29, 2015, Japanese players of [[bulbapedia:Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|''Pokémon Omega Ruby'' and ''Alpha Sapphire'']] were able to gain a serial code to download a Greninja based on this Greninja, complete with a moveset consisting of ''SSB4'' Greninja's special moves, an {{s|bulbapedia|Original Trainer}} listed as スマブラ (''[[Super Smash Bros. (series)|SmaBra]]'') and the [[bulbapedia:Ability#Hidden Abilities|Hidden Ability]] {{s|bulbapedia|Protean}}.<ref>[http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/List_of_Japanese_region_serial_code_event_Pok%C3%A9mon_distributions_in_Generation_VI#Super_Smash_Bros._Greninja List of Japanese region serial code event Pokémon distributions]</ref>

**Prior to the release of ''Pokémon Omega Ruby'' and ''Alpha Sapphire'', [[bulbapedia:Water Shuriken (move)|Water Shuriken]] was also one of Greninja's signature moves. However, [[bulbapedia:Accelgor (Pokémon)|Accelgor]] later gained access to Water Shuriken in ''Omega Ruby'' and ''Alpha Sapphire'', albeit via {{s|bulbapedia|Move Reminder}}.

*Greninja knows six official Pokémon {{s|bulbapedia|move}}s, all of which it can legally learn in the ''Pokémon'' {{s|bulbapedia|core series}}. In addition to Water Shuriken, [[bulbapedia:Shadow Sneak (move)|Shadow Sneak]], [[bulbapedia:Hydro Pump (move)|Hydro Pump]], and [[bulbapedia:Substitute (move)|Substitute]], it uses [[bulbapedia:Mat Block (move)|Mat Block]] as initiate [[Secret Ninja Attack]], and [[bulbapedia:Double Team (move)|Double Team]] during one of its [[victory pose]]s.

*Greninja's color palette of its official artwork and in-game appearance are actually slightly different. For its in-game appearance, its body and legs are a slightly darker shade of blue, while its webbings, face, and chest are cream instead of beige.

*Despite being a partial [[bulbapedia:Dark (type)|Dark type]] Pokémon, none of Greninja's attacks have the [[darkness]] [[effect]]. However, this is largely a result of the Dark type in ''Pokémon'' being associated with deception and underhanded fighting tactics (which is reflected in it being called the Evil type in Japanese), instead of literal darkness and shadows, which are characteristics associated with the [[bulbapedia:Ghost (type)|Ghost type]] instead.

**Coincidentally, its side special move, Shadow Sneak, is a Ghost type attack. It is also a variation of [[Quick Attack]] in its home series, which is another move Greninja can learn naturally via level up.

*During Greninja's reveal trailer, several people [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJMCIt9Zz9g mistakenly] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dfszq4OBYA believed] that Greninja was [[Mewtwo]], even despite the fact that the [[Water Shuriken]] was clearly shown (with that being mistaken for Mewtwo's [[Shadow Ball]]); while Mewtwo [[Mewtwo (SSB4)|did eventually appear in ''SSB4'' as a DLC character]], at the time, the community had countless discussions about whether or not Mewtwo would be in the final roster.

*Due to being considered a very strong character at the time, Greninja was [[nerf]]ed in patch 1.0.4, and later received a bugfix in patch 1.0.5, which was also conceived as a nerf. This started the "Better Nerf Greninja" meme, where Greninja was photoshopped with {{s|wikipedia|Nerf}} products with the caption "Better Nerf Greninja". It was inspired by the similarly named "Better Nerf Irelia" meme from the ''{{s|wikipedia|League of Legends}}'' community, which was started under similar circumstances.

[[Category:Greninja (SSB4)]]