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|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]] | |availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]] | ||
|tier = D+ | |tier = D+ | ||
|ranking = | |ranking = 69 | ||
}} | }} | ||
:{{Cquote|Isabelle Turns Over A New Leaf!|cite=Introduction tagline}} | :{{Cquote|''Isabelle Turns Over A New Leaf!''|cite=Introduction tagline}} | ||
'''Isabelle''' ({{ja|しずえ|Shizue}}, ''Shizue'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. She was announced as a newcomer at the end of the September 13, 2018 [[Nintendo Direct]] in tandem with the then-untitled ''{{iw|nookipedia|Animal Crossing: New Horizons}}''. Despite sharing many moves with {{SSBU|Villager}}, Isabelle is not classified as an [[Echo Fighter]] and instead functions as a semi-clone. As a result, Isabelle is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #68]]. | '''Isabelle''' ({{ja|しずえ|Shizue}}, ''Shizue'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. She was announced as a newcomer at the end of the September 13, 2018 [[Nintendo Direct]] in tandem with the then-untitled ''{{iw|nookipedia|Animal Crossing: New Horizons}}''. Despite sharing many moves with {{SSBU|Villager}}, Isabelle is not classified as an [[Echo Fighter]] and instead functions as a semi-clone. As a result, Isabelle is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #68]]. | ||
Although Isabelle speaks {{iw|nookipedia|Animalese}} within her home series and reveal trailer, she is completely mute in ''Ultimate''. | Although Isabelle speaks {{iw|nookipedia|Animalese}} within her home series and reveal trailer, she is completely mute in ''Ultimate''. | ||
Isabelle is ranked | Isabelle is ranked 69th out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing her at the end of the D+ tier. Isabelle possesses good defensive play, and excellent [[Ledgetrapping|ledge trapping]]; owing to her slingshot, [[Special move|special moves]], and fast close-range moves. Isabelle also has a good [[juggle]], making it difficult for the opponent’s to safely land via her [[up aerial]], [[up tilt]], and aforementioned traits. Isabelle is considered to have better close-range moves than Villager, such as Jab, Forward Tilt, and Up Tilt, the latter of which is an excellent combo starter. Somewhat akin to [[Sonic]]'s perception in ''Ultimate'', Isabelle is often considered to be frustrating to play against, particularly for her tendency to avoid unsafe interactions in some matchups. This can cause opponent's to make risky approaches, providing opportunities for Isabelle to [[punish]]. Notably, Isabelle's unique [[jab]] gives her the ability to perform the "Wobbelle" technique, which can trap opponents at the ledge up to KO percentages. | ||
However, Isabelle has numerous drawbacks. Some include poor offense, low [[damage]] output, sluggish movement, low [[weight]], a slow [[grab]], and a difficulty in closing [[stock|stocks]]. In addition, both [[Lloid Trap]] and [[Fishing Rod]] have significant flaws that hinder their reliability. Isabelle’s Lloid Trap can be easily destroyed by many characters, causing a explosion that uniquely hurts the user. Furthermore, if the trap hasn’t been set off or destroyed within ten seconds, it will disappear entirely. Fishing Rod will sometimes disconnect if a [[platform]] obstructs Isabelle’s ability to reel in her line. In addition, what happens when this occurs is rather unpredictable; ranging from breaking off immediately, to bringing her catch in, without performing a [[throw]]. While the latter can be desirable, the effect is neither common nor controllable. Losing her catch often results in no [[Punishment|punish]], and can leave her vulnerable to a counter attack. | However, Isabelle has numerous drawbacks. Some include poor offense, low [[damage]] output, sluggish movement, low [[weight]], a slow [[grab]], and a difficulty in closing [[stock|stocks]]. In addition, both [[Lloid Trap]] and [[Fishing Rod]] have significant flaws that hinder their reliability. Isabelle’s Lloid Trap can be easily destroyed by many characters, causing a explosion that uniquely hurts the user. Furthermore, if the trap hasn’t been set off or destroyed within ten seconds, it will disappear entirely. Fishing Rod will sometimes disconnect if a [[platform]] obstructs Isabelle’s ability to reel in her line. In addition, what happens when this occurs is rather unpredictable; ranging from breaking off immediately, to bringing her catch in, without performing a [[throw]]. While the latter can be desirable, the effect is neither common nor controllable. Losing her catch often results in no [[Punishment|punish]], and can leave her vulnerable to a counter attack. | ||
Overall, Isabelle's weaknesses hold her back in [[Competitive play|competitive play]] and she is considered unviable in the current metagame. However, her standing and results have nevertheless improved since the launch of the game, due to buffs in balance patches and efforts from players such as {{sm|Jaka}}, {{Sm|Nery}}, and {{Sm|Rokki}}. | |||
==How to unlock== | ==How to unlock== | ||
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==Attributes== | ==Attributes== | ||
Isabelle is a | Isabelle is a relatively short and floaty [[weight|lightweight]] with slow overall mobility. As a semi-[[clone]] of her fellow {{Uv|Animal Crossing}} fighter {{SSBU|Villager}}, both characters have several similarities to each other. However, Isabelle is characterized by a lighter weight, floatier physics and lacks the ability to [[wall jump]]. Aside from her slower [[falling speed]], she demonstrates marginally quicker mobility, both on the ground and in the air. In turn, Isabelle sports the 12th slowest [[dash]]ing speed (although she has a decent [[initial dash]]ing speed), slightly above-average [[walk]]ing speed, average [[air speed]], below-average [[air acceleration]], the 6th lowest [[gravity]] (tied with {{SSBU|Peach}}, {{SSBU|Daisy}} and {{SSBU|Steve}}), is tied with {{SSBU|Wii Fit Trainer}} and {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}} for the 10th slowest falling speed, an average [[jump]]ing height, and the 5th highest [[traction]] (tied with {{SSBU|Ness}}, Villager and {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}). Moreover, Isabelle also has multiple attacks that are unique to her (such as all of her smash attacks), and even the moves she shares with Villager have different animations and mechanics. | ||
Isabelle's grounded moves have their utility mainly due to their range and low startup, as all of her standard grounded moves have less than 10 frames of startup. [[Neutral attack]] is Isabelle's fastest grounded move, and while it is a weak single-hit move, it can be used to combo into her [[smash attack]]s at high percentages and is a reliable [[jab lock]]. [[Forward tilt]] is useful when spaced thanks to its decent knockback and range, while also serving as a situational KO option at higher percentages. [[Up tilt]]'s disjointed hitbox makes it an effective anti-air attack and juggling option, while its low knockback and relatively fast speed also make it a useful combo move. [[Down tilt]] possesses decent range as well, while the sweetspot close to her is strong enough to KO at high percentages. | Isabelle's grounded moves have their utility mainly due to their range and low startup, as all of her standard grounded moves have less than 10 frames of startup. [[Neutral attack]] is Isabelle's fastest grounded move, and while it is a weak single-hit move, it can be used to combo into her [[smash attack]]s at high percentages and is a reliable [[jab lock]]. [[Forward tilt]] is useful when spaced thanks to its decent knockback and range, while also serving as a situational KO option at higher percentages. [[Up tilt]]'s disjointed hitbox makes it an effective anti-air attack and juggling option, while its low knockback and relatively fast speed also make it a useful combo move. [[Down tilt]] possesses decent range as well, while the sweetspot close to her is strong enough to KO at high percentages. | ||
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[[Dash attack]] is a [[projectile]] that can be used on platforms against opponents on the ground or on lower platforms, and it can also be used near the ledge for [[edgeguarding]] or potentially as a [[2 frame punish]]. Her smash attacks also have some utility as well: [[forward smash]] is her strongest KO option if sweetspotted; [[up smash]] hits twice and is her best vertical KO move while also comboing into up aerial at low percentages; and [[down smash]] is a [[semi-spike]] that can be used for KOing near the ledge, edgeguarding, and 2 frame punishes. | [[Dash attack]] is a [[projectile]] that can be used on platforms against opponents on the ground or on lower platforms, and it can also be used near the ledge for [[edgeguarding]] or potentially as a [[2 frame punish]]. Her smash attacks also have some utility as well: [[forward smash]] is her strongest KO option if sweetspotted; [[up smash]] hits twice and is her best vertical KO move while also comboing into up aerial at low percentages; and [[down smash]] is a [[semi-spike]] that can be used for KOing near the ledge, edgeguarding, and 2 frame punishes. | ||
Isabelle's aerials [[autocancel]] in a short hop | Isabelle's aerials [[autocancel]] in a short hop. [[Neutral aerial]] is Isabelle's fastest aerial and typically her best out of shield option, and has [[sex kick]] properties that enable it to combo into Isabelle's other moves or break out of combos. [[Forward aerial|Forward]] and [[back aerial]]s involve her firing slingshot pellets that are useful for approaching, spacing and edgeguarding; back aerial has slower startup but less ending lag than forward aerial, and is stronger as well. Finally, [[Up aerial|up]] and [[down aerial]]s have her always swing two turnips as opposed to also one or three like Villager, making them more consistent overall. With her ability to maintain offstage presence, due to her floaty nature, Isabelle's mix of fast and long-ranged aerials make edgeguarding one of the focal points of her strengths. | ||
Isabelle's [[grab]] game also has some utility. Isabelle uses a net as part of her tether grab, which has a longer range than normal grabs, but more startup and ending lag as a result; however, Isabelle does not have a grab aerial in spite of said long-ranged grab. Isabelle can notably use her grab to pocket items. [[Down throw]] can be used to initiate aerial combos, [[forward throw]] can setup edgeguards rather effectively, and [[back throw]] is a potent KO throw, being among the strongest back throws in the game. [[Up throw]] deals decent damage, but its lack of utility otherwise makes it Isabelle's least useful throw. | Isabelle's [[grab]] game also has some utility. Isabelle uses a net as part of her tether grab, which has a longer range than normal grabs, but more startup and ending lag as a result; however, Isabelle does not have a grab aerial in spite of said long-ranged grab. Isabelle can notably use her grab to pocket items. [[Down throw]] can be used to initiate aerial combos, [[forward throw]] can setup edgeguards rather effectively, and [[back throw]] is a potent KO throw, being among the strongest back throws in the game. [[Up throw]] deals decent damage, but its lack of utility otherwise makes it Isabelle's least useful throw. | ||
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In addition, Lloid has other forms of utility; it can combo into up aerial if Isabelle is close enough, making it a KO confirm at higher percentages. Lloid also has the niche application known as "Glyroid"; when manually detonating Lloid during her initial dash, Isabelle will quickly slide a short distance, allowing it to be used as a movement mix-up for approaching. Her side special, [[Fishing Rod]], allows her to grab and throw opponents from distances farther than her grab can, while it also functions as a [[tether recovery]] and an edgeguarding tool, as the fact that it can hang offstage allows her to catch opponents with slower recoveries. Her up special, [[Balloon Trip]], provides vast vertical and horizontal distance, though it travels a slightly shorter distance than Villager's version. This, in addition to her Fishing Rod's great horizontal distance, makes Isabelle notoriously difficult to [[gimp]]. | In addition, Lloid has other forms of utility; it can combo into up aerial if Isabelle is close enough, making it a KO confirm at higher percentages. Lloid also has the niche application known as "Glyroid"; when manually detonating Lloid during her initial dash, Isabelle will quickly slide a short distance, allowing it to be used as a movement mix-up for approaching. Her side special, [[Fishing Rod]], allows her to grab and throw opponents from distances farther than her grab can, while it also functions as a [[tether recovery]] and an edgeguarding tool, as the fact that it can hang offstage allows her to catch opponents with slower recoveries. Her up special, [[Balloon Trip]], provides vast vertical and horizontal distance, though it travels a slightly shorter distance than Villager's version. This, in addition to her Fishing Rod's great horizontal distance, makes Isabelle notoriously difficult to [[gimp]]. | ||
However, Isabelle | However, Isabelle does have her flaws, one of the most notable being her disadvantage state. Due to her floatiness and low weight, she struggles to return to the ground safely, which makes her more vulnerable to juggling and early knockouts. Additionally, Isabelle’s aerials offer limited coverage beneath her. Her options for mixing up movement are limited, with B-reversing Pocket and committal directional air dodges being among the few options available. | ||
Many of her special moves have major flaws. While her Fishing Rod is a versatile command grab with a very good range, it is flawed in many ways. Unlike all other grabs in the game, it is unusually capable of being shielded and suffers from a lot of ending lag, making it very punishable. Lloid Trap is also very flawed; planting Lloid leaves her vulnerable and takes 51 frames to be active, it disappears after only 10 seconds and can easily be destroyed due to it only having 8% of HP, and in some cases the resulting explosion will damage Isabelle herself and some characters can even run through it without getting affected. While Isabelle's recovery is very long-distanced, she has no way to defend herself while using Balloon Trip, due to the move lacking a hitbox, and popping the balloons will render her helpless, meaning that despite her recovery being fairly good on paper, it is among the most easily edgeguarded in practice. Finally, Isabelle notably lacks some of Villager's most important tools for zoning in the neutral game, namely [[Lloid Rocket]] and [[Timber]], making her noticeably worse at zoning than her counterpart. | Many of her special moves have major flaws. While her Fishing Rod is a versatile command grab with a very good range, it is flawed in many ways. Unlike all other grabs in the game, it is unusually capable of being shielded and suffers from a lot of ending lag, making it very punishable. Lloid Trap is also very flawed; planting Lloid leaves her vulnerable and takes 51 frames to be active, it disappears after only 10 seconds and can easily be destroyed due to it only having 8% of HP, and in some cases the resulting explosion will damage Isabelle herself and some characters can even run through it without getting affected. While Isabelle's recovery is very long-distanced, she has no way to defend herself while using Balloon Trip, due to the move lacking a hitbox, and popping the balloons will render her helpless, meaning that despite her recovery being fairly good on paper, it is among the most easily edgeguarded in practice. Finally, Isabelle notably lacks some of Villager's most important tools for zoning in the neutral game, namely [[Lloid Rocket]] and [[Timber]], making her noticeably worse at zoning than her counterpart. | ||
Overall, Isabelle is a more | Overall, Isabelle is a more risk adverse character than Villager, having inferior zoning and camping ability, but greater punish options and more reliable stage control. This is partially due to her special attacks having notable flaws, as well as possessing inferior endurance due to her lighter weight and slower falling speed. Some of her benefits are directly tied to being in an advantageous game state, despite having a worse neutral than Villager, making her strengths less accessible. | ||
==Update history== | ==Update history== | ||
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|dtiltname=Weed Pluck ({{ja|草ぬき|Kusa Nuki}}) | |dtiltname=Weed Pluck ({{ja|草ぬき|Kusa Nuki}}) | ||
|dtiltdmg=13% (close), 8% (far) | |dtiltdmg=13% (close), 8% (far) | ||
|dtiltdesc=Uproots some {{iw|nookipedia|weed}}s. It has noticeably less ending lag than Villager's version, but a shorter hitbox duration compared to his. The move's damage output is also more polarized | |dtiltdesc=Uproots some {{iw|nookipedia|weed}}s. It has noticeably less ending lag than Villager's version, but a shorter hitbox duration compared to his. The move's damage output is also more polarized as the sweetspot deals slightly more damage, whereas the sourspot deals much less damage. | ||
|dashname=Jar ({{ja|つぼ|Tsubo}}) | |dashname=Jar ({{ja|つぼ|Tsubo}}) | ||
|dashdmg=10% (beginning), 6% (pot) | |dashdmg=10% (beginning), 6% (pot) | ||
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==In [[competitive play]]== | ==In [[competitive play]]== | ||
===Most historically significant players=== | ===Most historically significant players=== | ||
<!--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 --> | ||
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''See also: [[:Category:Isabelle players (SSBU)]]'' | ''See also: [[:Category:Isabelle players (SSBU)]]'' | ||
*{{Sm|Axel~|USA}} - | *{{Sm|Axel~|USA}} - One of the best Isabelle players in North America, with most of their activity being in the post-online metagame. They have some of the best Isabelle placement at American events, including 25th at the supermajor {{Trn|Double Down 2022}} and 33rd at the major {{Trn|The Big House 10}}. | ||
*{{Sm| | *{{Sm|Jaka|Switzerland}} - The best solo-Isabelle player in the world and the first solo-Isabelle ranked globally, ranking 100th on the [[OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse]] due to strong superregional results such as 4th at {{Trn|Smash Contest: DoKomi 2021}} and 7th at {{Trn|VCA 2021}}. He continues to be a top 50 player in Europe and places highly at many European events, including 17th at the supermajor {{Trn|Tera}}. | ||
*{{Sm|kept|Japan}} - Plays Isabelle alongside {{SSBU|Villager}} and {{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} and is the best Isabelle player in Japan until 2023, having defeated players such as {{Sm|KEN}} and {{Sm|Tsubotsubo}} with Isabelle. Placement-wise, he notably placed 13th at {{Trn|VCA 2022}} using Isabelle to defeat {{Sm|Tarik}}. | |||
*{{Sm| | *{{Sm|Nery|Mexico}} - One of the best Isabelle players in North America ever since the early metagame, regularly placing highly at Mexican events including 9th at {{Trn|Smash Fest to the Sky}}, 13th at {{Trn|BIT MASTER MTY 6}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Delfino Maza 2023}}. He has been ranked top 20 in Mexico a few times, with his highest being 14th. | ||
*{{Sm|Rokki|Japan}} - Known for having a large character pool and has used Isabelle at several notable events, including winning the superregional {{Trn|KOWLOON 8}}, using Isabelle for all of top 8 and defeating {{Sm|Hero|p=Japan}} along the way. Rokki has also used Isabelle to place 2nd at {{Trn|Midobura SP 3}} and 13th at {{Trn|ITSUKUSHIMA 1}}. | |||
===Tier placement and history=== | |||
In the early metagame, Isabelle was seen as an inferior version of her semi-clone {{SSBU|Villager}} due to her special moves having notable flaws, her camping and zoning game being weaker, and her lighter weight and slower falling speed giving her worse endurance. With Villager himself being considered a weak character, opinions on Isabelle have therefore been worse, and she was widely considered a low tier, with many also calling her one of the worst in the game. | |||
A few positive developments have since helped Isabelle's perception in the community. For one, update 4.0.0. introduced her neutral attack's "Wobbelle" technique, which can trap the opponent at an edge reliably with her neutral attack until KO percentages. In addition, although Isabelle's overall representation remains rather low, she still has several dedicated players who have performed well with her, either as a solo-main (notably {{Sm|Jaka}} and {{Sm|Nery}}) or as a secondary/co-main (notably {{Sm|kept}} and {{Sm|Rokki}}). In fact, Isabelle's representation has been consistently better than Villager's since January 2022, due to her posessing a higher and more skilled playerbase than Villager. As such, although she remained a low tier, she is no longer considered one of the worst characters in the game, and was ranked 73rd on the first tier list at the top of the low tier and 4 spots behind Villager. Following that list, Isabelle's results continued to improve, especially with Jaka's consistency in Europe as well as Rokki's victory at {{Trn|KOWLOON 8}}, which has led many players, especially in Japan, to believe she was better than Villager. As such, Isabelle rose to 69th on the second and current tier list, ranking at the top of D-tier and 3 spots ahead of Villager. | |||
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Best in Show== | =={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Best in Show== |
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