SmashWiki

Ken (SSBU): Difference between revisions

Article Discussion

Ken (SSBU) (edit)

Revision as of 20:18, December 6, 2024

669 bytes added ,  3 months ago
→‎Spirit
Tag: Mobile edit
(97 intermediate revisions by 45 users not shown)
Line 6: Line 6:
|game = SSBU
|game = SSBU
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|tier = B-
|ranking = 45
}}
}}
:{{cquote|Ken Turns Up the Heat!|cite=Introduction tagline}}
:{{cquote|''Ken Turns Up the Heat!''|cite=Introduction tagline}}
'''Ken''' ({{ja|ケン|Ken}}, ''Ken'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He is the third fighter from [[Capcom]] after {{SSBU|Mega Man}} and {{SSBU|Ryu}}. He was announced as a newcomer during the November 1st, 2018 [[Nintendo Direct|Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Direct]], alongside {{SSBU|Incineroar}} and {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}}. Ken is {{SSBU|Ryu}}'s [[Echo Fighter]] and was the final Echo Fighter to be revealed, thus being classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #60<sup>ε</sup>]].
'''Ken''' ({{ja|ケン|Ken}}, ''Ken'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He is the third fighter from [[Capcom]] after {{SSBU|Mega Man}} and {{SSBU|Ryu}}. He was announced as a newcomer during the November 1st, 2018 [[Nintendo Direct|Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Direct]], alongside {{SSBU|Incineroar}} and {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}}. Despite being a semi-clone, Ken is Ryu's [[Echo Fighter]] (and was the final Echo Fighter to be revealed), thus being classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #60<sup>ε</sup>]].


{{s|wikipedia|Reuben Langdon}}, Ken's English voice actor since ''Street Fighter IV'', reprises his role in the overseas versions. His Japanese voice actor since ''Street Fighter III: Third Strike'', {{s|wikipedia|Yuji Kishi}}, reprises his role in the Japanese version.
{{iw|wikipedia|Reuben Langdon}}, Ken's English voice actor from ''Street Fighter IV'' and ''Street Fighter V'', reprises his role in the overseas versions, including the Chinese and Korean versions. His Japanese voice actor since ''Street Fighter III: Third Strike'', {{iw|wikipedia|Yuji Kishi}}, reprises his role exclusively in the Japanese version. ''Ultimate'' is the last game where {{iw|wikipedia|Reuben Langdon}} voices Ken in English, as {{iw|wikipedia|David Matranga}} is his current English voice actor in ''Street Fighter 6''.
 
Ken is ranked 45th out of 82 on the current tier list, placing him in the B- tier. Ken is known as the more aggressive [[shoto]], being able to dish out huge amounts of damage from his multitude of combos and strings, finishing off his opponents with strong KO confirms into his [[Shoryuken]]. Like his fellow ''Street Fighter'' friend, Ken has a lot of good frame data on his moves and the distinction of having the auto-turnaround mechanic which allows him to perform his combos easier and more reliably. His Shoryuken in particular is great as an anti-air with high knockback growth when the last hit connects or when all hits on the ground connect with each other.
 
However, Ken shares nearly the same amount of weaknesses as Ryu, being fairly easy to combo reliably and easily edgeguarded if one reads his linear recovery route. In addition, unlike Ryu, Ken is vulnerable to some of his moves being able to be escaped via SDI, such as his Shoryuken and Tatsumaki Senpukyaku, allowing his opponent to punish him for landing those moves. Finally, Ken is forced to approach in a lot of matchups with his limited amount of approach options, making him linear overall.
 
Overall, Ken is seen as a capable and viable fighter in the right hands with his strong advantage state and combo ability, and players can choose to play either Ken or Ryu, depending on the matchup or mood. For example, if the matchup requires an aggressive game plan, then Ken is the optimal choice. As such, many players who play Ken also play Ryu, although there are several successful players dedicated to just Ken, such as {{Sm|Jahzz0}} and {{Sm|takera}}.


==How to unlock==
==How to unlock==
Line 32: Line 40:
Complementing Ken's moveset and combo potential is his wide array of powerful finishers; some of his held tilts, smash attacks and aerials are very capable KO moves due to their high speed. Held up tilt grants upper body [[intangibility]] on frames 4-10 while hitting on frame 7, making it deceptively safe for KOs when combined with its speed and tapped up tilt setups. Up smash makes an effective substitute for held up tilt as a finisher, and its wide hitbox can catch aerial approaches. Ken's forward smash has long range, fast startup and is his strongest standard ground attack, making it useful for hard punishes. Back aerial is Ken's strongest aerial, and is fast and has good range despite its small hitbox. Forward aerial also serves as a decent KO move, enhancing its already impressive utility. Finally, down aerial is a powerful [[meteor smash]] with fast start-up and long duration, making it a deadly edgeguarding tool. Combined with his excellent combo ability, Ken's punish game is incredibly effective and versatile, being able to rack up damage or KO very easily after connecting with almost any attack.
Complementing Ken's moveset and combo potential is his wide array of powerful finishers; some of his held tilts, smash attacks and aerials are very capable KO moves due to their high speed. Held up tilt grants upper body [[intangibility]] on frames 4-10 while hitting on frame 7, making it deceptively safe for KOs when combined with its speed and tapped up tilt setups. Up smash makes an effective substitute for held up tilt as a finisher, and its wide hitbox can catch aerial approaches. Ken's forward smash has long range, fast startup and is his strongest standard ground attack, making it useful for hard punishes. Back aerial is Ken's strongest aerial, and is fast and has good range despite its small hitbox. Forward aerial also serves as a decent KO move, enhancing its already impressive utility. Finally, down aerial is a powerful [[meteor smash]] with fast start-up and long duration, making it a deadly edgeguarding tool. Combined with his excellent combo ability, Ken's punish game is incredibly effective and versatile, being able to rack up damage or KO very easily after connecting with almost any attack.


Ken's signature special moves are also effective in their own ways. [[Hadoken]] is a large ''ki'' projectile, with three travel speeds based on input method; the standard version is capable of [[lock]]ing, while the input variation deals more damage. [[Tatsumaki Senpukyaku]] propels Ken forward, hitting multiple times throughout the attack, and potentially leading to followups, but the non-input version is unsafe on hit. While Ken's signature [[Shoryuken]] serves as his main vertical recovery move, it is most well-known for its offensive utility, due to its sweetspot's high knockback, multiple powerful hitboxes, and brief intangibility (frame 5), making it both a powerful KO option and a potent anti-air. The input version of Shoryuken has increased KO power, even longer intangibility (frames 4-6, with arm intangibility frames 1-14), and lower landing lag, and can easily be chained into from Ken's other moves. [[Focus Attack]] grants Ken [[armor|heavy armor]] against a single hit, and incapacitates opponents when at least half charged, allowing for followups. It can also be canceled on hit, after tanking a blow, or even while charging, allowing Ken to fake out with a shuffle that also provides horizontal recovery distance. His close held neutral attack, first two hits of tapped neutral attack, close tapped forward tilt, distant taped forward tilt, down smash, held down tilt, and all aerials can be canceled into special moves, allowing Ken to combo into Shoryuken for KOs, Tatsumaki Senpukyaku for extending combos, and Focus Attack for mixups and safety.
Ken's signature special moves are also effective in their own ways. [[Hadoken]] is a large ki projectile, with three travel speeds based on input method; the standard version is capable of [[lock]]ing, while the input variation deals more damage. [[Tatsumaki Senpukyaku]] propels Ken forward, hitting multiple times throughout the attack, and potentially leading to followups, but the non-input version is unsafe on hit. While Ken's signature [[Shoryuken]] serves as his main vertical recovery move, it is most well-known for its offensive utility, due to its sweetspot's high knockback, multiple powerful hitboxes, and brief intangibility (frame 5), making it both a powerful KO option and a potent anti-air. The input version of Shoryuken has increased KO power, even longer intangibility (frames 4-6, with arm intangibility frames 1-14), and lower landing lag, and can easily be chained into from Ken's other moves. [[Focus Attack]] grants Ken [[armor|heavy armor]] against a single hit, and incapacitates opponents when at least half charged, allowing for followups. It can also be canceled on hit, after tanking a blow, or even while charging, allowing Ken to fake out with a shuffle that also provides horizontal recovery distance. His close held neutral attack, first two hits of tapped neutral attack, close tapped forward tilt, distant taped forward tilt, down smash, held down tilt, and all aerials can be canceled into special moves, allowing Ken to combo into Shoryuken for KOs, Tatsumaki Senpukyaku for extending combos, and Focus Attack for mixups and safety.


Outside of the standard special moves, Ken also has access to the Oosoto Mawashi Geri roundhouse kick and the Nata Otoshi Geri crescent kick using inputs only. The former is a powerful KO option at the edge with much more safety than his other special moves, while the latter is a combo extender that leads into either a forward smash, a down smash, or even a Shoryuken with proper reading. Furthermore, both attacks can be cancelled into Inazuma Kick, which deals heavy shield damage, further complementing his ability to pressure and deplete shields with his lengthy blockstrings.
Outside of the standard special moves, Ken also has access to the Oosoto Mawashi Geri roundhouse kick and the Nata Otoshi Geri crescent kick using inputs only. The former is a powerful KO option at the edge with much more safety than his other special moves, while the latter is a combo extender that leads into either a forward smash, a down smash, or even a Shoryuken with proper reading. Furthermore, both attacks can be cancelled into Inazuma Kick, which deals heavy shield damage, further complementing his ability to pressure and deplete shields with his lengthy blockstrings.
Line 45: Line 53:


Overall, Ken is a combo-oriented fighter with a fearsome offensive potential, as his unique mechanics deliberately give him access to powerful true combos essential to the competitive success of most characters; his ability to trap opponents in hitstun or shield pressure, multiple options for escaping or negating combos, and dependable recovery all make Ken very rewarding and unpredictable. However, his polarized movement, mediocre vertical recovery, and lacking approach make him difficult to play optimally. His high learning curve in particular is perhaps his biggest issue; much practice is generally required for his input specials to use them reliably and consistently, rather than accidentally inputting the wrong move.
Overall, Ken is a combo-oriented fighter with a fearsome offensive potential, as his unique mechanics deliberately give him access to powerful true combos essential to the competitive success of most characters; his ability to trap opponents in hitstun or shield pressure, multiple options for escaping or negating combos, and dependable recovery all make Ken very rewarding and unpredictable. However, his polarized movement, mediocre vertical recovery, and lacking approach make him difficult to play optimally. His high learning curve in particular is perhaps his biggest issue; much practice is generally required for his input specials to use them reliably and consistently, rather than accidentally inputting the wrong move.
In spite of his weaknesses and high learning curve, Ken's results and representation are more notable than Ryu's. Some players choose to utilize both accordingly to play to the other's strengths, whether it be reliable damage and zoning or massive combo opportunities and options.


==Differences from {{SSBU|Ryu}}==
==Differences from {{SSBU|Ryu}}==
Ken is considered the original "Echo Fighter" in fighting game history, but unlike other Echo Fighters in the game, Ken's differences extend beyond visual changes and damage distribution, using the gameplay differences from ''Super Street Fighter II Turbo'' onward to distinguish him from his mirror character, {{SSBU|Ryu}}. He primarily trades Ryu's stronger knockback from single hits and zoning capabilities in exchange for more combo routes and damage-racking capabilities, similar to their differences in their home series. His grounded movement is slightly faster than that of Ryu's, and a handful of his attacks have entirely different properties as well.
Ken is considered the original "Echo Fighter" in fighting game history, but unlike other Echo Fighters in the game, Ken's differences extend beyond visual changes and damage distribution, using the gameplay differences from ''Super Street Fighter II Turbo'' onward to distinguish him from his mirror character, {{SSBU|Ryu}}. He primarily trades Ryu's stronger knockback from single hits and zoning capabilities in exchange for more combo routes and damage-racking capabilities, similar to their differences in their home series. His grounded movement is slightly faster than that of Ryu's, and a handful of his attacks have entirely different properties as well.


Since Ken has multiple entirely different moves from Ryu, he is near-universally accepted to be the most unique Echo Fighter, being the only Echo Fighter that is a semi-clone. As such, he, much like fellow Echo Fighters {{SSBU|Chrom}} and {{SSBU|Lucina}}, is not expected to share a [[tier list]] spot with his base fighter, and are allowed to be used with his base fighter in [[Squad Strike]].
Since Ken has multiple entirely different moves from Ryu, he is near-universally accepted to be the most unique Echo Fighter, being the only Echo Fighter that is a semi-clone. As such, he, much like fellow Echo Fighters {{SSBU|Chrom}} and {{SSBU|Lucina}}, is ranked separately from his base fighter on [[tier list]]s, and is allowed to be used with his base fighter in [[Squad Strike]].


===Aesthetics===
===Aesthetics===
Line 62: Line 68:
===Attributes===
===Attributes===
*{{buff|Ken's walking (0.75 → 0.825), dashing (1.6 → 1.76) and initial dash (1.76 → 1.936) speeds are 1.1× faster than those of Ryu, with his initial dash and run speeds being identical to those of {{SSBU|Mario}}.}}
*{{buff|Ken's walking (0.75 → 0.825), dashing (1.6 → 1.76) and initial dash (1.76 → 1.936) speeds are 1.1× faster than those of Ryu, with his initial dash and run speeds being identical to those of {{SSBU|Mario}}.}}
**{{buff|Ken's shield jump height is marginally lower than Ryu's, resulting in him landing 1 frame sooner.}}
**{{buff|Ken's shield jump height is marginally lower than Ryu's (45.5 → 44.1), resulting in him landing 1 frame sooner.}}


===Ground Attacks===
===Ground Attacks===
Line 124: Line 130:
*[[Tatsumaki Senpukyaku]]:
*[[Tatsumaki Senpukyaku]]:
**{{change|Tatsumaki Senpukyaku hits multiple times, as opposed to Ryu's single hit.}}
**{{change|Tatsumaki Senpukyaku hits multiple times, as opposed to Ryu's single hit.}}
**{{change|Aesthetically, Ken slowly spins faster during Tatsumaki Senpukyaku.}}
**{{change|Aesthetically, Ken spins faster during Tatsumaki Senpukyaku however he moves at the same speed as Ryu.}}
**{{buff|Compared to Ryu's, Ken's Tatsumaki Senpukyaku does not lose its hitbox on hit due to its multi-hit nature. Ken can also reliably cross up shields with his version, making it safer on shield.}}
**{{buff|Compared to Ryu's, Ken's Tatsumaki Senpukyaku does not lose its hitbox on hit due to its multi-hit nature. Ken can also reliably cross up shields with his version, making it safer on shield.}}
**{{nerf|Tatsumaki Senpukyaku deals less damage than the late hit of Ryu's version, even if all hits connect.}}
**{{nerf|Tatsumaki Senpukyaku deals less damage than the late hit of Ryu's version, even if all hits connect.}}
Line 132: Line 138:
**{{nerf|Tatsumaki Senpukyaku deals significantly less knockback compared to Ryu's, removing its KO potential.}}
**{{nerf|Tatsumaki Senpukyaku deals significantly less knockback compared to Ryu's, removing its KO potential.}}
**{{nerf|The grounded version does not grant intangibility to Ken's attacking leg.}}
**{{nerf|The grounded version does not grant intangibility to Ken's attacking leg.}}
**{{nerf|The grounded version (both command input and normal input) travels a shorter distance than Ryu’s (5-9 training stage blocks depending on charge → 4-7) however the aerial version travels the same distance.}}


*[[Shoryuken]]:
*[[Shoryuken]]:
Line 143: Line 150:


*[[Focus Attack]]:
*[[Focus Attack]]:
**{{change|Ken performs a spinning kick in his Focus Attack instead of a straight punch. The hitbox comes out 1 frame later for all variants, albeit with its total duration unchanged, allowing Ken to act 1 frame earlier on hit.}}
**{{change|Ken performs a spinning kick in his Focus Attack instead of a straight punch, much like in the various iterations of ''Street Fighter IV''. The hitbox comes out 1 frame later for all variants, albeit with its total duration unchanged, allowing Ken to act 1 frame earlier on hit.}}
**{{change|Focus Attack launches at a lower angle (60 → 45), and the uncharged version has slightly more base knockback (100 → 110), hindering its followup potential but aiding its ability to set up edgeguards.}}
**{{change|Focus Attack launches at a lower angle (60 → 45), and the uncharged version has slightly more base knockback (100 → 110), hindering its followup potential but aiding its ability to set up edgeguards.}}
***{{buff|The lowered angle improves the fully-charged version's KO potential on aerial opponents.}}
***{{buff|The lowered angle improves the fully-charged version's KO potential on aerial opponents.}}
**{{nerf|Ken does not lunge forward as far in his Focus Attack, slightly hindering its range.}}
**{{nerf|Ken does not lunge forward as far in his Focus Attack, slightly hindering its range.}}
**{{buff|Ken's Focus Attack has him kicking at a lower elevation than Ryu's punch, which makes him capable of hitting certain downed opponents that Ryu cannot (such as {{SSBU|Zelda}}).}}
**{{buff|Ken's Focus Attack has him kicking at a lower elevation than Ryu's punch, which makes him capable of hitting certain downed opponents that Ryu cannot (such as {{SSBU|Zelda}}).}}
===Misc.===
*{{change|{{SSBU|Palutena}}'s [[Autoreticle]] aims lower when targeting Ken than Ryu (y offset: 1 → 0).}}
*{{buff|Ken jumps slightly higher when escaping from {{SSBU|Steve}}'s [[Minecart]] (initial velocity: 2.5 → 2.55), slightly helping him to recover if sent off stage.}}


*{{change|Like Ryu, Ken has two unique Final Smashes, [[Shinryuken]] and [[Shippu Jinraikyaku]], with the Final Smash activated depending on how far Ken is from his opponent(s). '''Shinryuken''' produces a giant pillar of fire with immense vertical range, which is similar to its appearance in the ''Marvel vs. Capcom'' series, which reused ''Street Fighter Alpha'' sprites in its 2D-era games. Meanwhile, '''Shippu Jinryaikyaku''' has Ken furiously kicking opponents before ending in a devastating series of hurricane kicks, much like his Guren Senpukyaku Ultra Combo II from ''Super Street Fighter IV'' and the ending of his Guren Enjinkyaku Critical Art from ''Street Fighter V'', but is ultimately based on his Shippu Jinraikyaku Super Art from ''Street Fighter III''. Shippu Jinraikyaku occurs when Ken initiates his Final Smash near an opponent. Otherwise, he will perform Shinryuken.}}
*{{change|Like Ryu, Ken has two unique Final Smashes, [[Shinryuken]] and [[Shippu Jinraikyaku]], with the Final Smash activated depending on how far Ken is from his opponent(s). '''Shinryuken''' produces a giant pillar of fire with immense vertical range, which is similar to its appearance in the ''Marvel vs. Capcom'' series, which reused ''Street Fighter Alpha'' sprites in its 2D-era games. Meanwhile, '''Shippu Jinryaikyaku''' has Ken furiously kicking opponents before ending in a devastating series of hurricane kicks, much like his Guren Senpukyaku Ultra Combo II from ''Super Street Fighter IV'' and the ending of his Guren Enjinkyaku Critical Art from ''Street Fighter V'', but is ultimately based on his Shippu Jinraikyaku Super Art from ''Street Fighter III''. Shippu Jinraikyaku occurs when Ken initiates his Final Smash near an opponent. Otherwise, he will perform Shinryuken.}}
Line 177: Line 188:


==Moveset==
==Moveset==
*Ken always turns around to face his opponent in one-on-one matches or when only two players are left standing in a free for all.
*Ken always turns around to face his opponent when one is left standing, counting teammates as opponents if [[Team Attack]] is on.
*A small flash will appear whenever Ken does the input command version of one of his Special Moves instead of the standard B input.
*A small flash will appear whenever Ken does the input command version of one of his Special Moves instead of the standard B input.
*Sound effects from the ''Street Fighter II'' series, albeit heavily modified, are used when Ken hit an opponent instead of the standard knockback sound effects. The intensity of the sound depends on the power of the move. Ken also uses a unique sound effect when he performs a parry, which is based on the parry sound effect from the ''Street Fighter III'' series. Ken shares this trait with {{SSBU|Ryu}}.
*Sound effects from the ''Street Fighter II'' series, albeit heavily modified, are used when Ken hit an opponent instead of the standard knockback sound effects. The intensity of the sound depends on the power of the move. Ken also uses a unique sound effect when he performs a parry, which is based on the parry sound effect from the ''Street Fighter III'' series. Ken shares this trait with {{SSBU|Ryu}}.
Line 186: Line 197:
|neutralcount=3
|neutralcount=3
|neutralinf=y
|neutralinf=y
|neutralname=Jab ({{ja|ジャブ|Jabu }}) / Body Blow ({{ja|ボディーブロー|Bodī Burō}}) / Hook ({{ja|フック|Fukku}})<br/> Inazuma Kick{{ref|a}} (Held-Far)<br/> Upper ({{ja|アッパー|Appā}}) (Held-Close)  
|neutralname=Jab ({{ja|ジャブ|Jabu }}) / Body Blow ({{ja|ボディーブロー|Bodī Burō}}) / Hook ({{ja|フック|Fukku}})<br/> Inazuma Kick {{ja|稲妻かかと割り|Inazuma Kakato Wari}}{{ref|a}} (Held-Far)<br/> Upper ({{ja|アッパー|Appā}}) (Held-Close)  
|neutral1dmg=1.5% (hits 1 and 2)
|neutral1dmg=1.5% (hits 1 and 2)
|neutral2dmg=5%
|neutral2dmg=5%
|neutral3dmg=6% (hit 1), 10% (hit 2) (held-far)
|neutral3dmg=6% (hit 1), 10% (hit 2) (held-far)
|neutralinfdmg=12% (held-close)
|neutralinfdmg=12% (held-close)
|neutraldesc= ''Tapped'': A jab, followed by a {{s|wikipedia|short straight-punch}}, followed by a hook. The second hit is based on Ken's ''Street Fighter III'' close medium punch. The first and second hits can be special-canceled, and are also able to jab lock.
|neutraldesc= ''Tapped'': A jab, followed by a body blow, followed by a hook. The second hit is based on Ken's ''Street Fighter III'' close medium punch. The first and second hits can be special-canceled, and are also able to jab lock.


''Held (far)'': Ken performs his Inazuma Kick: a double-hitting axe kick. It is somewhat hard to land both hits, as the range tends to overlap with his close variant. This move causes Ken to slightly move forward, and deals a good amount of shield damage, making it useful for shield pressure. Cannot be special-canceled.
''Held (far)'': Ken performs his Inazuma Kick: a double-hitting axe kick. It is somewhat hard to land both hits, as the range tends to overlap with his close variant. This move causes Ken to slightly move forward, and deals a good amount of shield damage, making it useful for shield pressure. Cannot be special-canceled.
Line 198: Line 209:
|ftiltname=Side Kick ({{ja|横蹴り|Yoko Geri}}) (Tapped-Far)<br/> Hook ({{ja|フック|Fukku}}) (Tapped-Close)<br/> Fist Thrust ({{ja|正拳突き|Seikentsuki}}) (Held)
|ftiltname=Side Kick ({{ja|横蹴り|Yoko Geri}}) (Tapped-Far)<br/> Hook ({{ja|フック|Fukku}}) (Tapped-Close)<br/> Fist Thrust ({{ja|正拳突き|Seikentsuki}}) (Held)
|ftiltdmg=6.8% (tapped, far), 6% (tapped, close), 5% (arm), 10% (fist)
|ftiltdmg=6.8% (tapped, far), 6% (tapped, close), 5% (arm), 10% (fist)
|ftiltdesc=''Tapped (far)'': The tsumasaki geri{{ref|b}}, a kick used in Karate. It launches the opponent diagonally upward. It is good for following up with a dash attack or forward aerial at low percents, and grants intangibility on his entire leg from frames 7-12. Cannot be special-cancelled.
|ftiltdesc=''Tapped (far)'': The yoko geri, a kick used in traditional karate. It launches the opponent diagonally upward. It is good for following up with a dash attack or forward aerial at low percents, and grants intangibility on his entire leg from frames 7-12. Cannot be special-cancelled.


''Tapped (close)'': An inward hook. The move causes the opponent to slightly shift towards Ken. It can lock, and can also be special-canceled.
''Tapped (close)'': An inward hook. The move causes the opponent to slightly shift towards Ken. It can lock, and can also be special-canceled.
Line 241: Line 252:
|dairdesc=A downward-angled cross. Against aerial opponents, the sweetspot on Ken's fist is a [[meteor smash]] that launches opponents at a rather diagonal angle, akin to a [[spike]]. It can be special-canceled.
|dairdesc=A downward-angled cross. Against aerial opponents, the sweetspot on Ken's fist is a [[meteor smash]] that launches opponents at a rather diagonal angle, akin to a [[spike]]. It can be special-canceled.
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabdesc=Reaches out with his hand.
|grabdesc=Reaches out. Ken's overall grab range is short.
|pummelname=Hizageri{{ref|h}} ({{ja|ひざ蹴り|Hizageri}})
|pummelname=Hizageri{{ref|h}} ({{ja|ひざ蹴り|Hizageri}})
|pummeldmg=1.3%
|pummeldmg=1.3%
|pummeldesc=A knee strike while holding the opponent in the {{s|wikipedia|collar-and-elbow}} position. It is based on his Tsukami Hizageri ({{ja|つかみ膝蹴り|Tsukami Hizageri}}, "Grasping Knee Kick") throw in the ''Street Fighter Alpha/Zero'' games.
|pummeldesc=A knee strike while holding the opponent in the {{s|wikipedia|collar-and-elbow}} position. Average power, and its lower hitlag makes it faster compared to other similar pummels, being only marginally slower than {{SSBU|Kirby}}. As a result, it is very useful for racking up damage. It is based on his Tsukami Hizageri ({{ja|つかみ膝蹴り|Tsukami Hizageri}}, "Grasping Knee Kick") throw in the ''Street Fighter Alpha/Zero'' games.
|fthrowname=Seoi Throw ({{ja|背負い投げ|Seoi Nage}})
|fthrowname=Seoi Throw ({{ja|背負い投げ|Seoi Nage}})
|fthrowdmg=9%
|fthrowdmg=9%
Line 271: Line 282:
|nsname=Hadoken
|nsname=Hadoken
|nsdmg=4.5%, 5%, 5.5% (Standard), 5.625%, 6.25%, 6.875% (Input)
|nsdmg=4.5%, 5%, 5.5% (Standard), 5.625%, 6.25%, 6.875% (Input)
|nsdesc=Quickly cups his hands to his side and then thrusts them forward to launch a blue ''ki'' blast from his cupped hands that deals low damage and knockback, and may cause tripping at low percents. As in the original games, Ken's Hadoken is weaker than Ryu's version. Since Ken does not have access to Shakunetsu Hadoken, he can only do two versions of the move: a small blue Hadoken (special button only), and a minutely stronger (1.25× damage) and larger inputted Hadoken (↓ ↘ → + attack/special). Combos well out of his tapped tilt attacks and aerials, and is mainly used to rack up damage due to its low damage outputs, knockback and slow speed. Both variants can cancel into his Final Smash. Like in the original ''Street Fighter II'', Ken's Hadoken contains an image of his hands.
|nsdesc=Quickly cups his hands to his side and then thrusts them forward to launch a blue ''ki'' blast from his cupped hands that deals low damage and knockback, and may cause tripping at low percents. As in the original games, Ken's Hadoken is weaker than Ryu's version. Since Ken does not have access to Shakunetsu Hadoken, he can only do two versions of the move: a small blue Hadoken (special button only), and a minutely stronger (1.25× damage) and larger inputted Hadoken (↓ ↘ → + attack/special/side taunt). Combos well out of his tapped tilt attacks and aerials, and is mainly used to rack up damage due to its low damage outputs, knockback and slow speed. Both variants can cancel into his Final Smash. Like in the original ''Street Fighter II'', Ken's Hadoken contains an image of his hands.
|ssname=Tatsumaki Senpukyaku
|ssname=Tatsumaki Senpukyaku
|ssdmg=3% (Standard, ground, hits 1 - 4), 3.48% (Input, ground, hits 1 - 4), 3% (Standard, midair, hit 1), 2% (Standard, midair, hits 2 - 4), 3.48% (Input, midair, hit 1), 2.32% (Input, midair, hits 2 - 4)
|ssdmg=3% (Standard, ground, hits 1 - 4), 3.48% (Input, ground, hits 1 - 4), 3% (Standard, midair, hit 1), 2% (Standard, midair, hits 2 - 4), 3.48% (Input, midair, hit 1), 2.32% (Input, midair, hits 2 - 4)
|ssdesc=A jumping, spinning crescent kick. Unlike Ryu's version of the move, Ken's version hits multiple times, has less endlag, and the grounded version does not grant intangibility on his leg. Also, Ken will announce the move by name whether he uses the input or not (Ryu only announces the move if it was performed via input). The command-input version (↓ ↙ ← + attack/special) deals 1.16× damage. Even if all hits connect, the move deals less damage than the late hit of Ryu's version. The multi-hits can also drag opponents offstage at low percents, making it effective against characters with poor recoveries. However, Ken's Tatsumaki Senpukyaku deals significantly less knockback than Ryu's, repurposing the move from a KOing option into a combo starter and combo extender. Any of the hits can be canceled into his Final Smash.
|ssdesc=A jumping, spinning crescent kick. Unlike Ryu's version of the move, Ken's version hits multiple times, has less endlag, and the grounded version does not grant intangibility on his leg. Also, Ken will announce the move by name whether he uses the input or not (Ryu only announces the move if it was performed via input). The command-input version (↓ ↙ ← + attack/special/side taunt) deals 1.16× damage. Even if all hits connect, the move deals less damage than the late hit of Ryu's version. The multi-hits can also drag opponents offstage at low percents, making it effective against characters with poor recoveries. However, Ken's Tatsumaki Senpukyaku deals significantly less knockback than Ryu's, repurposing the move from a KOing option into a combo starter and combo extender. Any of the hits can be canceled into his Final Smash.
|usname=Shoryuken
|usname=Shoryuken
|usdmg=13% (Standard, fast tap), 8%/6% (Standard, mid-fast tap; hits 1/2), 15.6% (Input, fast tap), 9.6%/7.2% (Input, mid-fast tap; hits 1/2), 2.2%/8%/6.5% (Heavy, Standard; hits 1/2/3), 2.64%/9.6%/7.8% (Heavy, Input; hits 1/2/3)
|usdmg=13% (Standard, fast tap), 8%/6% (Standard, mid-fast tap; hits 1/2), 15.6% (Input, fast tap), 9.6%/7.2% (Input, mid-fast tap; hits 1/2), 2.2%/8%/6.5% (Heavy, Standard; hits 1/2/3), 2.64%/9.6%/7.8% (Heavy, Input; hits 1/2/3)
|usdesc=A leaping uppercut. Ken's Shoryuken deals less knockback than Ryu's equivalent and hits at a slightly more horizontal angle. However, it deals more damage and has powerful hitboxes throughout the move (in contrast to Ryu's Shoryuken, which loses strength the longer it is out). Shoryuken can also drag enemies upwards, letting it kill earlier when close to the top. Depending on how long the button is pressed, Ken's Shoryuken will hit a different amount of times: tapping the button fast causes it to hit once, tapping the button at a mid-fast speed causes it to hit twice, and holding the button performs Heavy Shoryuken: a flaming Shoryuken that hits 3 times. It grants him intangibility on frame 5. The command-input variant (→ ↓ ↘ + attack/special) deals 1.2× more damage, has 2/3rds the landing lag, and grants intangibility to his arm from frames 1 to 14. Can cancel into his Final Smash.
|usdesc=A leaping uppercut. Ken's Shoryuken deals less knockback than Ryu's equivalent and hits at a slightly more horizontal angle. However, it deals more damage and has powerful hitboxes throughout the move (in contrast to Ryu's Shoryuken, which loses strength the longer it is out). Shoryuken can also drag enemies upwards, letting it kill earlier when close to the top. Depending on how long the button is pressed, Ken's Shoryuken will hit a different amount of times: tapping the button fast causes it to hit once, tapping the button at a mid-fast speed causes it to hit twice, and holding the button performs Heavy Shoryuken: a flaming Shoryuken that hits 3 times. It grants him intangibility on frame 5. The command-input variant (→ ↓ ↘ + attack/special/side taunt) deals 1.2× more damage, has 2/3rds the landing lag, and grants intangibility to his arm from frames 1 to 14. Can cancel into his Final Smash.
|dsname=Focus Attack
|dsname=Focus Attack
|dsdmg=12% (Level 1), 10% (Level 2), 17% (Level 3)
|dsdmg=12% (Level 1), 10% (Level 2), 17% (Level 3)
Line 294: Line 305:
===Canceling===
===Canceling===
Ken can perform a special move out of certain normal attacks, a mechanic known in his home series as special-cancelling. By pressing the special button or doing the command input after connecting with a normal attack on hit or on shield, Ken will cancel the endlag of the normal attack and perform the move. The normal attacks that can be canceled include the first two hits of neutral attack, tapped and held down-tilt, tapped up-tilt, and proximity forward-tilt, held neutral attack and down smash. He is also capable of doing so with his aerials. Special-cancelling allows Ken to perform blockstrings and hit confirms into Shoryuken for a kill, Tatsumaki for a combo, Hadoken for safety and pressure, and his roundhouse kicks for mixups and KOs at the edge. He can also bait the opponent out with a special cancel into a Focus Attack, further increasing mixup potential.
Ken can perform a special move out of certain normal attacks, a mechanic known in his home series as special-cancelling. By pressing the special button or doing the command input after connecting with a normal attack on hit or on shield, Ken will cancel the endlag of the normal attack and perform the move. The normal attacks that can be canceled include the first two hits of neutral attack, tapped and held down-tilt, tapped up-tilt, and proximity forward-tilt, held neutral attack and down smash. He is also capable of doing so with his aerials. Special-cancelling allows Ken to perform blockstrings and hit confirms into Shoryuken for a kill, Tatsumaki for a combo, Hadoken for safety and pressure, and his roundhouse kicks for mixups and KOs at the edge. He can also bait the opponent out with a special cancel into a Focus Attack, further increasing mixup potential.
===Stats===
{{Attributes
| cast=89
| weight=103 | rweight=27-28
| dash=1.936 | rdash=38-43
| run=1.76 | rrun=37-41
| walk=0.825 | rwalk=79
| trac=0.11 | rtrac=39-47
| airfric=0.015 | rairfric=9-30
| air=1.12 | rair=31-32
| baseaccel=0.01 | rbaseaccel=15-87
| addaccel=0.025 | raddaccel=85-86
| gravity=0.12 | rgravity=15-20
| fall=1.6 | rfall=43-47
| ff=2.24 | rff=66-67
| jumpsquat=3 | rjumpsquat=1-88
| jumpheight=26 | rjumpheight=81-83
| shorthop=15 | rshorthop=60-61
| djump=29.5 | rdjump=71-72
}}


===[[Announcer]] call===
===[[Announcer]] call===
Line 299: Line 332:
<gallery>
<gallery>
Ken English Announcer SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese
Ken English Announcer SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese
Ken French Announcer SSBU.wav|French
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 308: Line 342:


===[[Taunt]]s===
===[[Taunt]]s===
*'''Up Taunt''': Gives a thumbs up, saying "Yeah!". Based off of his ''Street Fighter Alpha'' winpose.
*'''Up Taunt''': Gives a thumbs up, saying "Yeah!". Based on his ''Street Fighter Alpha'' winpose.
*'''Side Taunt''': Bumps his fists together, holds his fist out and says "Get serious!" ({{ja|本気出しなよ。|Honki dashi na yo.}}, ''Give it your all.'') Based off of one of his Personal Actions in ''Street Fighter IV''.
*'''Side Taunt''': Bumps his fists together, holds his fist out, and says "Get serious!" ({{ja|本気出しなよ。|Honki dashi na yo.}}, ''Give it your all.'') Based off of one of his Personal Actions in ''Street Fighter IV''. Nearly identical to {{SSBU|Ryu}}'s side taunt.
*'''Down Taunt''': Does a beckoning gesture with his hand, saying "Bring it on!" ({{ja|かかってきな！|Kakatte ki na!}}, ''Bring it on!'') Based off of his introduction in ''Street Fighter IV''.
*'''Down Taunt''': Does a beckoning gesture with his hand, saying "Bring it on!" ({{ja|かかってきな！|Kakatte ki na!}}, ''Bring it on!'') Based on his introduction in ''Street Fighter IV''.
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSBUKenTaunt1.gif|Ken's up taunt.
SSBUKenTaunt1.gif|Ken's up taunt.
Line 321: Line 355:
*Wriggles the fingers on both hands, then crosses his arms and pumps them.
*Wriggles the fingers on both hands, then crosses his arms and pumps them.
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSBUKenIdle1.gif|Ken's first idle pose
SSBUKenIdle1.gif|Ken's first idle pose.
SSBUKenIdle2.gif|Ken's second idle pose
SSBUKenIdle2.gif|Ken's second idle pose.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 374: Line 408:


==In [[competitive play]]==
==In [[competitive play]]==
In the early stages of ''Ultimate'', Ken and his original fighter {{SSBU|Ryu}} barely had any representation. This was due to their high technical learning curve thanks to their fighting style inputs, and problems with approaching due to their mobilities and issues against projectiles. Due to the perception of Ryu at the time being lackluster from the nerfs he received from ''Smash 4'', Ken was viewed more positively as he had access to his input kicks and slightly better mobility, though he was nonetheless perceived as a mid-tier at the time.
Patches slowly improved the perceptions of both Ryu and Ken, with most of their current buffs being shared between them. Patch 3.1.0. granted Ken some noteworthy buffs to encourage his close-quarters fighting style, with his held jab being retooled into an excellent combo starter, and giving more leeway for him to input special moves from many of his attacks. Ken's buffs widened the gap between his counterpart Ryu and significantly improved his perception in the metagame in comparison to him, as they granted Ken a newfound, formidable combo/damage racking ability that could end stocks from a single string of attacks. As a result, Ken gained more representation and was seen as a high tier character.
Following that, patch 7.0.0. gave Ken even more buffs, with Tatsumaki Senpukyaku having intangibility on the legs and being able to cancel down smash into any special. Considering Ken's already high perception, this further improved him in the eyes of professionals, and he is often considered a dark horse candidate for a top tier or upper high tier. As with previous patches, Ken was commonly considered significantly better than Ryu due to his access to better mobility, a wider array of combos, a useful Tatsumaki Senpukyaku (which could initiate combos) and a feared KO tool in Shoryuken, which could KO as early as 90% and was easy to combo into. As a result of this, Ken has consistently been granted widespread representation from professionals especially when compared to Ryu, with players such as {{Sm|Riddles}}, {{Sm|Nito}}, {{Sm|Venom}}, {{Sm|Sandstorm}}, and {{Sm|takera}} earning good results with the character. More recently, however, his standing relative to Ryu has become more debatable, following metagame developments and buffs exclusive to Ryu coming in update 13.0.1; many Ken players have since picked up Ryu as a co-main and rank both fighters very close. Regardless, Ken remains a solid high-tier character in the eyes of most professionals.
===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 -->


''Any number following the Smasher name indicates placement on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]], which recognizes the official top 50 players in the world in [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]] from July 13th, 2019 to December 15th, 2019.''
''See also: [[:Category:Ken players (SSBU)]]''


''See also: [[:Category:Ken professionals (SSBU)]]''
*{{Sm|AndresFn|Spain}} - Known for playing all four FGC characters but primarily played Ken in 2021 and most of 2022. He is the best Ken player in Europe and is best known for winning {{Trn|Glory 2.0}} with mostly Ken, defeating {{Sm|Flow|p=France}} and {{Sm|Tarik}} twice. He has since relegated the character to a secondary, pulling out the character to defeat {{Sm|Supahsemmie}} at {{Trn|Tera}} and {{Sm|Bloom4Eva}} at {{Trn|Shonen WAR 2}}.
*{{Sm|Jahzz0|USA}} - The best Ken player in the world since 2024, first known for winning {{Trn|Santa Paws 1}} over {{Sm|Anathema}} and defeating {{Sm|Glutonny}} at {{Trn|Smash Ultimate Summit 5}}. He is since known for many other performances, including placing 7th at {{Trn|Patchwork 2024}}, 13th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 9}} defeating {{Sm|Shuton}} and 9th at {{Trn|Rise 'N Grind 2023}} defeating {{Sm|Riddles}}.
*{{Sm|takera|Japan}} - One of the best Ken players in the world, spearheading Ken's rise in the metagame after placing 5th at {{Trn|EGS Cup 3}} and 7th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 11}} in the early metagame, defeating {{Sm|KEN}} and {{Sm|Zackray}} in the former event and marking some of the best Ken results of all-time. Although notoriously inconsistent since then, he still remained the only Ken player with multiple top 8 finishes at majors, placing 5th at several events including {{Trn|DELTA 4}} and {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 13}}.
*{{Sm|Vendetta|USA}} - One of the best Ken players in North America and one of the best Ken players in the world in the first half of 2022. He is the first American Ken player to top 8 a major, doing so at {{Trn|Glitch - Infinite}} after defeating {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|WaDi}}, and {{Sm|Goblin}}. His other notable performances include placing 17th at both {{Trn|MomoCon 2022}} and {{Trn|GENESIS 9}}, defeating {{Sm|Cosmos}} and {{Sm|LeoN}} in the latter event.


*{{Sm|AndresFn|Spain}} - The best Ken player in Europe. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Glory 2.0}}, 2nd at {{Trn|Safe On Shield II}} and 5th at both {{Trn|Tizona}} and {{Trn|Temple: Hermès Edition}}. Currently ranked 7th on the [[Spanish Power Rankings]].  Online placed 3rd at {{Trn|Wi-Fi is SS-Tier}}, 5th at {{Trn|Meteor 1}}, and 17th at {{Trn|SWT: Europe Ultimate Online Qualifier}}.
===Tier placement and history===
*{{Sm|Beek|Germany}} - Placed 1st at {{Trn|Unismash 7: Ultimate Birthday}} and 9th at {{Trn|BOILINGPOINT BRAWL}}. Currently ranked 10th on the [[German Power Rankings]].
In the early stages of ''Ultimate'', Ken and his original fighter {{SSBU|Ryu}} had poor representation due to their high technical learning curve and problems with approaching due to their slow mobility and vulnerability to projectiles. Due to the perception of Ryu at the time being lackluster from the nerfs he received from ''Smash 4'', Ken was viewed more positively as he had access to his input kicks and slightly better mobility, though he was nonetheless perceived as a mid-tier at the time. Future patches to both characters granted them noteworthy buffs that enhanced their close-quarters fighting style, notably giving them a retooled jab that became an excellent combo starter and giving them more leeway to input special moves from many of his attacks. Players initially believed the buffs were more beneficial to Ken, as Ken had a wider array of combos and better mobility and damage-racking capabilities compared to Ryu, leading to Ken to drastically improve in representation in the second half of 2019. This representation was spearheaded by {{Sm|takera}}, who finished top 8 finishes at a few majors during this time, and also included a few good major performances from {{Sm|Sandstorm}}, some notable secondary usage from {{Sm|Riddles}}, and several strong regional-level players such as {{Sm|Nito}} and {{Sm|Venom}}. As such, players widely considered Ken to not only superior than Ryu, but also a high tier, with this perception being maintaned following further buffs to Ken in 7.0.0.
*{{Sm|kel|Canada|p=Canada}} - One of the best Ken players in Canada. Placed 4th at {{Trn|LAN ETS 2020}}, 5th at {{Trn|Frostfire 2020}}, 13th at both {{Trn|DreamHack Montreal 2019}} and {{Trn|The Amuka Smash Cup}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Shine 2019}} with wins over players like {{Sm|Riddles}} and {{Sm|Pelca}}. Currently ranked 8th on the [[Montreal Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros Ultimate rankings|Montreal Ultimate Power Rankings]].
 
*{{Sm|Maeda|France}} - The best Ken player in France. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Salty Arena Cup Ultimate 5}}, 2nd at {{Trn|4 Seasons Tournament: Winter 2020}}, 4th at {{Trn|European SEL Clash}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} with wins over {{Sm|Glutonny}}, {{Sm|Jeda}}, and, {{Sm|Otakuni}}. Currently ranked 45th on the [[European Smash Rankings]].
This perception began to change in 2021, as not only did Ryu receive buffs exclusive to him, but many Ken players also began picking up Ryu as a co-main. As such, the representation between the two characters began closing, which was most apparent in 2022: although it marked one of the most successful years for Ken thanks to strong performances from  {{Sm|Vendetta}} in the first half of the year and {{Sm|Jahzz0}} towards the end of the year, it also marked the meteoric rise of {{Sm|Asimo}}, whose results with Ryu eclipsed all results from Ken players during that time. This was reflected in the first tier list, with Ken ranking 34th as a high tier and two spots above Ryu. Following the first tier list, Ken's results at the top level took a hit, as takera remained notoriously inconsistent and Jahzz0's performances were rather low-key save a few high peaks. With Asimo remaining a consistent threat to place high at majors, the community began believing that Ryu was a better character than Ken. As such, Ken slipped to 45th on the second tier list in the B- tier, now ranking thirteen spots below Ryu and tying with {{SSBU|Roy}} and {{SSBU|Chrom}} for the largest drop between the two lists. Following the second tier list, Jahzz0 saw a more consistent period in being able to place highly at majors, such as his placings at {{Trn|Patchwork 2024}} and {{Trn|Riptide 2024}}, as well as  recent wins over {{Sm|Kola}} and {{Sm|Riddles}}. As a result, some players believe Ken's steep fall between the first and second tier lists should be reevaluated, with some believing Ken deserves to be ranked higher. Currently, Ken is considered to be inferior to his Echo Fighter, Ryu; however, the extent of how inferior is still up for debate.
*{{Sm|Nito|USA}} - The best Ken player in [[SoCal]]. Placed 4th at {{Trn|2GG: SoCal Chronicles 2020}}, 13th at {{Trn|Get in the Game! 2020}}, 25th at {{Trn|2GG: SwitchFest 2019}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|2GG: Kongo Saga}} with wins over players like {{Sm|Puppeh}}, {{Sm|KiraFlax}}, and {{Sm|Taternator}}. Currently ranked 9th on the [[SoCal Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Sandstorm|USA}} - Co-mains {{SSBU|Ryu}} and is one of the best Ken players in the United States. Placed 5th at both  {{Trn|Save Point: The PA State Championship}} and {{Trn|DreamHack Montreal 2019}}, 9th at {{Trn|Low Tier City 7}}, 17th at {{Trn|Glitch 8 - Missingno}} and 25th at {{Trn|Shine 2019}}. Currently ranked 1st on the [[Central Pennsylvania Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|takera|Japan}} - The best Ken player in Japan. Placed 5th at {{Trn|EGS Cup 3}}, 7th at both {{Trn|Sumabato SP 11}} and {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 1}}, 13th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 10}}, and 25th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}}. Currently ranked 60th on the [[Japan Player Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Vendetta|USA}} - The best Ken player in the United States. Placed 4th at {{Trn|Clash Of The Carolinas III}}, 5th at {{Trn|Dare 2 Dair}}, and 13th at {{Trn|Just Roll With It! 12}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|RFang}}, {{Sm|Sonido}}, and {{Sm|Fatality}}. Currently ranked 7th on the [[Georgia Power Rankings]]. Online, placed 1st at {{Trn|SWT: NA Southeast Ultimate Online Qualifier}} and 9th at {{Trn|The Box: Lunch Box 1}} while defeating {{Sm|ESAM}}.
*{{Sm|Venom|Canada}} - The best Ken player in Canada. Placed 1st at {{Trn|LAN ETS 2020}}, 9th at both {{Trn|Rising Stars at EGLX 2019}} and {{Trn|DreamHack Montreal 2019}}, 17th at {{Trn|Defend the North 2019}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2019}} with wins over {{Sm|Fwed}}, {{Sm|Jw}}, and {{Sm|Smokk}}.
*{{Sm|Zuzuba|Japan}} - One of the best Ken players in Japan before switching to {{SSBU|Kazuya}}. Placed 25th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 5}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Umebura SP 2}}, {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2019}}, and {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Atelier}}, {{Sm|RAIN}}, and {{Sm|Songn}}.


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Red-Hot Rivalry==
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Red-Hot Rivalry==
Line 412: Line 438:
|4||{{CharHead|Link|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Black}}||[[Temple]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Great Temple / Temple}}''||Represents [[Dark Link]].
|4||{{CharHead|Link|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Black}}||[[Temple]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Great Temple / Temple}}''||Represents [[Dark Link]].
|-
|-
|5||{{CharHead|Luigi|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Mario Bros.]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Underground Theme - Super Mario Bros.}}''||
|5||{{CharHead|Luigi|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Mario Bros.]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Underground Theme - Super Mario Bros.}}''||References how players can compete with each other in ''{{iw|mariowiki|Mario Bros.|game}}'' It also aligns with [[Sakurai]]'s statement that Luigi could be considered the "original Echo Fighter".<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fccgHnBQ0YM&t=225</ref>
|-
|-
|6||{{CharHead|Ryu|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Suzaku Castle]] ([[Ω form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ryu Stage}}''||References Ken's rivalry with Ryu.
|6||{{CharHead|Ryu|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Suzaku Castle]] ([[Ω form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ryu Stage}}''||References Ken's rivalry with Ryu.
Line 451: Line 477:
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ken Stage}}''
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ken Stage}}''
|}
|}
{{clear}}
{{clr}}


==[[Spirit]]==
==[[Spirit]]==
Ken's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}}. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Ken has been unlocked. Unlocking Ken in World of Light allows the player to preview the spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a fighter spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. His fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces it with his artwork in ''Ultimate''.
Ken's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} as Ken. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Ken has been unlocked. Unlocking Ken in World of Light allows the player to preview the spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a fighter spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. His fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces it with his artwork in ''Ultimate''.


<center>
<center>
Line 462: Line 488:
</center>
</center>


==In Spirit battles==
==In Spirit Battles==
===As the main opponent===
===As the main opponent===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
Line 588: Line 614:
SSBUWebsiteKen5.jpg|Using [[Hadoken]] on {{SSBU|Luigi}} on [[Mario Galaxy]].
SSBUWebsiteKen5.jpg|Using [[Hadoken]] on {{SSBU|Luigi}} on [[Mario Galaxy]].
SSBUWebsiteKen6.jpg|Unleashing [[Shinryuken]] on {{SSBU|Final Destination}}.
SSBUWebsiteKen6.jpg|Unleashing [[Shinryuken]] on {{SSBU|Final Destination}}.
SSBUWebsiteKazuya4.jpg|Fighting alongside [[Ryu]], [[Terry]] and [[Kazuya]] on Mishima Dojo.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 594: Line 621:


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{ImageCaption|Image:KenHeadSSBU.png|Image:KenHeadSSBUWebsite.png|width1=64px|width2=64px|caption=Left: Ken's standard head icon.<br/>Right: ''Ultimate'' official website variant.}}
*On the [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Official Site|official website for ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'']], Ken's head icon is slightly different than how it appears in-game, as it lacks the red marks to indicate the color of his gi, and has an additional gray outline on top of the standard black.
*Ken's pose in his official artwork is much like the pose in his ''Street Fighter III'' artwork.
*Ken's pose in his official artwork is much like the pose in his ''Street Fighter III'' artwork.
**It also resembles {{SSB4|Ryu}}'s pose in his ''Smash 4'' artwork, only mirrored.
**It also resembles {{SSB4|Ryu}}'s pose in his ''Smash 4'' artwork, only mirrored.
*Ken's attack on Wario's motorcycle in the character showcase video is a reference to the car smashing mini-game from the ''Street Fighter II'' games.
*Ken's attack on Wario's motorcycle in the character showcase video is a reference to the car smashing mini-game from the ''Street Fighter II'' games.
*Ken's inclusion makes {{uv|Street Fighter}} the second third-party universe to have more than one fighter, after {{uv|Castlevania}} and preceding {{uv|Final Fantasy}}.
**Ken is also the second third-party Echo Fighter.
**Additionally, Ken is the first Echo Fighter based on a third-party veteran, as {{SSBU|Richter}} debuted alongside {{SSBU|Simon}}.
**Ken is the second clone to debut in their home series in the same game as the base fighter, after {{SSBM|Falco}} in ''Melee'', who debuted in ''Star Fox'' alongside {{SSBM|Fox}}.
*Ken's Classic Mode route is vaguely similar to {{SSBU|Falco}}'s, as both of their routes fight "dark" forms/rivals of main characters as opponents, and both of their routes have the same opponents in some rounds.
*Ken's Classic Mode route is vaguely similar to {{SSBU|Falco}}'s, as both of their routes fight "dark" forms/rivals of main characters as opponents, and both of their routes have the same opponents in some rounds.
**Ken and Falco are the only two fighters who fight a solo {{SSBU|Crazy Hand}} as their final boss in Classic Mode under Intensity 7.0.
**Ken and Falco are the only two fighters who fight a solo {{SSBU|Crazy Hand}} as their final boss in Classic Mode under Intensity 7.0.
*Ken is the second newcomer in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' to be from a franchise that had its first character introduced in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'', and is one of two to be from a DLC-introduced franchise. His inclusion also makes ''Street Fighter'' the second franchise with a single character in ''Smash 4'' to receive another playable character, the first for both instances being ''Animal Crossing''.
*Ken is the first character revealed for ''Ultimate'' to share a reveal trailer with a character not from the same franchise, having been revealed in the same trailer as {{SSBU|Incineroar}}.
*Ken is the first character revealed for ''Ultimate'' to share a reveal trailer with a character not from the same franchise, having been revealed in the same trailer as {{SSBU|Incineroar}}.
*Ken's showcase of Shippu Jinraikyaku after a successful parry in his reveal trailer is a reference to "{{s|wikipedia|Evo Moment 37}}" (sometimes referred to as the "Daigo Parry"), a famous portion of an EVO 2004 match between top ''Street Fighter III'' players Justin Wong and Daigo Umehara, where Umehara's Ken successively parried each hit of Wong's Houyoku-sen as Chun-Li before following with the Shippu Jinraikyaku to win the match.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzS96auqau0]</ref>
*Ken's showcase of Shippu Jinraikyaku after a successful parry in his reveal trailer is a reference to "{{s|wikipedia|Evo Moment 37}}" (sometimes referred to as the "Daigo Parry"), a famous portion of an EVO 2004 match between top ''Street Fighter III'' players Justin Wong and Daigo Umehara, where Umehara's Ken successively parried each hit of Wong's Houyoku-sen as Chun-Li before following with the Shippu Jinraikyaku to win the match.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzS96auqau0]</ref>
**The moment is more directly referenced in a development image posted on [[Masahiro Sakurai]]'s Twitter account, which features Ken parrying {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}}'s forward tilt.<ref>https://twitter.com/Sora_Sakurai/status/1221266927147839489</ref> Within ''Ultimate'', Zero Suit Samus is used to represent Chun-Li in her Spirit Battle. This picture was also posted during the timeframe of {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}}, which Sakurai attended.
**The moment is more directly referenced in a development image posted on [[Masahiro Sakurai]]'s Twitter account, which features Ken parrying {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}}'s forward tilt.<ref>https://twitter.com/Sora_Sakurai/status/1221266927147839489</ref> Within ''Ultimate'', Zero Suit Samus is used to represent Chun-Li in her Spirit Battle. This picture was also posted during the timeframe of {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}}, which Sakurai attended.
*One of gameplay showcase in Ken's reveal trailer depicts him taunting to {{SSBU|Zelda}} at [[New Donk City Hall]] before attacked by {{SSBU|Link}}; ironically, in Ken's home series, he has a girlfriend (who later becomes his wife) named [https://streetfighter.fandom.com/wiki/Eliza_Masters Eliza].
*One of the gameplay showcases in Ken's reveal trailer depicts him taunting {{SSBU|Zelda}} at [[New Donk City Hall]] before being attacked by {{SSBU|Link}}; ironically, in Ken's home series, he has a girlfriend (who later becomes his wife) named [https://streetfighter.fandom.com/wiki/Eliza_Masters Eliza].
*Ken and {{SSBU|Richter}} are the only Echo Fighter newcomers with a CGI trailer as well as the only one with CGI footage for their splash art. {{SSBU|Daisy}} did not have either, while {{SSBU|Chrom}} and {{SSBU|Dark Samus}} had only gameplay footage for their trailers and their official artwork for their splash arts.
*Ken and {{SSBU|Richter}} are the only Echo Fighter newcomers with a CGI trailer as well as the only ones with CGI footage for their splash art. {{SSBU|Daisy}} did not have either, while {{SSBU|Chrom}} and {{SSBU|Dark Samus}} had only gameplay footage for their trailers and their official artwork for their splash arts.
**Unlike Richter, Ken's trailer can be played on his fighter page on the [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Official Site]].
**Unlike Richter, Ken's trailer can be played on his fighter page on the [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Official Site]].
*Interestingly, Ken's appearance in ''Ultimate'' marks the fourth time in any game where his eye color is blue opposing to the usual brown after ''Street Fighter X Tekken'' and ''Street Fighter IV''.
*Interestingly, Ken's appearance in ''Ultimate'' marks the fourth time in any game where his eye color is blue opposing to the usual brown after ''Street Fighter X Tekken'' and ''Street Fighter IV''.
*Ken is one of the few characters who has a unique line while [[teetering]]: he voices a surprised "Uh oh!".
*Ken is one of the few characters who has a unique line while [[teetering]]: he voices a surprised "Uh oh!".
*Ken is the only character who speaks when he [[grab release]]s an opponent, voicing a quick "Whoops!" ({{ja|やるな...!|Yaru na...!}}, ''You're good...!'').
*Ken is the only character who speaks when he [[grab release]]s an opponent, voicing a quick "Whoops!" ({{ja|やるな...!|Yaru na...!}}, ''You're good...!'').
*Ken has the third highest amount of voice clips for any character in the game, with 62 clips. {{SSBU|Kirby}} and {{SSBU|Joker}} are the only characters who have a higher amount, with 97 and 98 total clips, respectively (counting the clips from the Phantom Thieves of Hearts).
**Strangely, his [[Star KO]] clip is missing in his sound library, making him the only fighter with this distinction.
**Strangely, his [[Star KO]] clip is missing in his sound library, making him the only fighter with this distinction.
*Ken and {{SSBU|Mario}} are the only characters that possess the Neutral typing when unlocking them in World of Light.
*Ken and {{SSBU|Mario}} are the only characters that possess the Neutral typing when unlocking them in World of Light.
*Ken, {{SSBU|Ivysaur}}, {{SSBU|Greninja}}, {{SSBU|Little Mac}}, {{SSBU|Ryu}} and {{SSBU|Olimar}} are the only characters to never appear as minions in any Spirit Battles.
*If Ken is set as a CPU-opponent in [[Training Mode]], all three CPUs will always face the player, much like on 1-on-1 matches. He shares this distinction with {{SSBU|Ryu}}, {{SSBU|Terry}}, and {{SSBU|Kazuya}}.
*Like with Ryu, Ken uses ''Street Fighter'' sound effects for his attacks.
**This also happens if Ken faces a single opponent in a team consisting of two or more characters in [[Team Battle]]s with [[Team Attack]] off, and in [[All-Star Mode]] when he appears.
*If Ken is set as a CPU-opponent in [[Training Mode]], all three CPUs will always face the player, much like on 1-on-1 matches. He shares this distinction with Ryu, {{SSBU|Terry}}, and {{SSBU|Kazuya}}.
*A few of Ken's attacks where he uses his legs or feet to attack, such as Focus Attack, are coded as arm or fist [[type]] attacks. This is likely a result of his attacks being copied from Ryu, as many of Ken's leg/foot attacks that are wrongly coded as arm/fist attacks are arm/fist attacks for Ryu.
**This also happens if Ken faces a single opponent in a team consisting of two or more characters in [[Team Battle]]s, and in [[All-Star Mode]] when he appears.
*In the [[results screen]] after a [[team battle]], if the winning team consists of {{SSBU|Villager}} in the front and Ken behind him to the left, Villager's net will clip through Ken's arm.
*While Ken's Classic Mode route features opponents who are rivals to their main characters, Luigi is the only fighter not fought in his rival's Classic Mode route (being {{SSBU|Mario}}'s).
**{{SSBU|Meta Knight}} and {{SSBU|Wario}} are the only rivals who do not appear in Ken's Classic Mode route.
*Ken's [https://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/detail/ken-amiibo-super-smash-bros-series/ description] on the North American amiibo website is based on his description from Super Smash Blog.
*Ken, {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBU|R.O.B.}}, {{SSBU|Duck Hunt}}, {{SSBU|Cloud}}, and Daisy are only non-DLC characters who don't appear in more than one Spirit Battle from their home series. {{SSBU|Dr. Mario}} doesn't appear in any ''Mario'' Spirit Battles at all. This is not counting Olimar, who appears only in Mockiwi spirit Battle as himself, but is fought in other Spirit Battles as Alph.
**While the {{SSBU|Mii Fighter}}s technically represent the {{uv|Super Smash Bros.}} universe, they appear in most of Mii-related Spirit Battles.
*A few of Ken's attack where he uses his legs or feet to attack, such as Focus Attack, are coded as arm or fist [[type]] attacks. This is likely a result of his attacks being copied from Ryu, as many of Ken's leg/foot attacks that are wrongly coded as arm/fist attacks are arm/fist attacks for Ryu.


==Notes==
==Notes==
Diddy Kongstar
9,822

edits

Retrieved from "https://www.ssbwiki.com/Special:MobileDiff/1705417...1939406"