Sora (SSBU): Difference between revisions

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However, Sora is not without flaws. His biggest weakness is his range; while swordsmen are typically characterized by sacrificing frame data in favor of having more range, Sora possesses one of the shortest effective ranges for a swordsman in the roster while still maintaining typical swordsman flaws, which makes spacing much harder for him than other characters of his archetype. This is compounded by his suboptimal air speed, floatiness, and slow double jump, making it challenging for him to weave in and out of enemy threat range while throwing out attacks, as well as escaping disadvantage. Sora is also a [[Weight|lightweight]], and thus susceptible to being KO'd at early percentages by stronger characters. His special attacks, despite their well-rounded traits, have a few inconvenient quirks that the player has to circumvent; these include Magic needing to cycle through each of its spells instead being able to be used freely (with Thundaga in particular being a weaker move to use in neutral), Counterattack not being able to be [[B-reverse|B-reversed]] or detect attacks behind Sora (outside of an incoming hitbox overshooting and thus activating it) and its reflector being situational, and Sonic Blade losing range when it is shielded.
However, Sora is not without flaws. His biggest weakness is his range; while swordsmen are typically characterized by sacrificing frame data in favor of having more range, Sora possesses one of the shortest effective ranges for a swordsman in the roster while still maintaining typical swordsman flaws, which makes spacing much harder for him than other characters of his archetype. This is compounded by his suboptimal air speed, floatiness, and slow double jump, making it challenging for him to weave in and out of enemy threat range while throwing out attacks, as well as escaping disadvantage. Sora is also a [[Weight|lightweight]], and thus susceptible to being KO'd at early percentages by stronger characters. His special attacks, despite their well-rounded traits, have a few inconvenient quirks that the player has to circumvent; these include Magic needing to cycle through each of its spells instead being able to be used freely (with Thundaga in particular being a weaker move to use in neutral), Counterattack not being able to be [[B-reverse|B-reversed]] or detect attacks behind Sora (outside of an incoming hitbox overshooting and thus activating it) and its reflector being situational, and Sonic Blade losing range when it is shielded.


Although Sora's early representation was sporadic, he saw a rise in results courtesy of significant placements by top players, such as {{Sm|Kameme}}, {{Sm|HIKARU}} and {{Sm|Raarchyor}}. Overall, Sora is considered a respectable fighter at a competitive level who must exercise care in his defensive play to reap the rewards of his high overall damage output, extensive combo potential, and potent KO potential.
Overall, Sora is considered a respectable fighter at a competitive level who must exercise care in his defensive play to reap the rewards of his high overall damage output, extensive combo potential, and potent KO potential. Although initial results were lukewarm outside of some strong performances that took place right after his release, Sora has since gained a sizeable playerbase and several noteworthy performances thanks to dedicated players such as {{Sm|Kameme}}.


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
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|dsmashname= 
|dsmashname= 
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|15.2}} (near), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14.2}} (far)
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|15.2}} (near), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14.2}} (far)
|dsmashdesc=Hops and then thrusts the Kingdom Key into the ground, emitting a shockwave. The sweetspot is near the Kingdom Key, whereas the sourspot is the remainder of the shockwave. Like {{SSBU|King K. Rool}}, {{SSBU|Ridley}} and {{SSBU|Incineroar}}'s down smashes, Sora's hurtbox shifts upward during his hop, allowing him to evade attacks with low hitboxes. It also renders Sora [[intangible]] upon startup, making it even easier to evade opposing attacks. However, the hop makes the attack slow to start, thus making it more effective for edge getups or reads. The sweetspot is powerful enough to KO Mario at 82% while near the edge and inflicts considerable shield damage. To match its animation, the Kingdom Key's hitbox actually enters the ground upon hitting it, which allows it to hit through shallow surfaces. On the other hand, the sourspot is less effective for KOing. It heavily resembles the {{iw|khwiki|Finishing Leap}}.
|dsmashdesc=Hops and then thrusts the Kingdom Key into the ground, emitting a shockwave. The sweetspot is near the Kingdom Key, whereas the sourspot is the remainder of the shockwave. Like {{SSBU|King K. Rool}}, {{SSBU|Ridley}} and {{SSBU|Incineroar}}'s down smashes, Sora's hurtbox shifts upward during his hop, allowing him to evade attacks with low hitboxes. It also renders Sora [[intangible]] upon startup, making it even easier to evade opposing attacks. However, the hop makes the attack slow to start, thus making it more effective for edge getups or reads. The sweetspot is powerful enough to KO Mario at 82% while near the edge and inflicts considerable shield damage. To match its animation, the Kingdom Key's hitbox actually enters the ground upon hitting it, which allows it to hit through shallow surfaces. On the other hand, the sourspot is less effective for KOing. It heavily resembles two similar downward plunging attacks from his home series, namely {{iw|khwiki|Finishing Leap}} and {{iw|khwiki|Land Crash}}.
|naircount=3
|naircount=3
|nairname= 
|nairname= 
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|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|9.8}} (hit), 5.5% (landing)
|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|9.8}} (hit), 5.5% (landing)
|dairdesc=[[khwiki:Hurricane Winder|Backflips rapidly and repeatedly while holding the Kingdom Key horizontally in front of himself in order to perform a buzzsaw-like series of strikes]]. Upon landing, Sora poses with the Kingdom Key against his shoulder. It is a [[stall-then-fall]] and has a long-lasting hitbox. Sora can recover if he uses the move offstage, so long as he does not initiate it at the edge. As a result, the move is an effective yet risky edge-guarding option, since Sora can go extremely deep offstage with it and then use his double jump, Aerial Sweep, and/or Sonic Blade in order to recover. KOs Mario at 154% while at ground level.
|dairdesc=[[khwiki:Hurricane Winder|Backflips rapidly and repeatedly while holding the Kingdom Key horizontally in front of himself in order to perform a buzzsaw-like series of strikes]]. Upon landing, Sora poses with the Kingdom Key against his shoulder. It is a [[stall-then-fall]] and has a long-lasting hitbox. Sora can recover if he uses the move offstage, so long as he does not initiate it at the edge. As a result, the move is an effective yet risky edge-guarding option, since Sora can go extremely deep offstage with it and then use his double jump, Aerial Sweep, and/or Sonic Blade in order to recover. KOs Mario at 154% while at ground level.
|grabname= 
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabdesc=Reaches out with one hand. Sora's grab range is poor, even compared to other swordfighters. However, it has quick startup.
|grabdesc=Reaches out with one hand. Sora's grab range is poor, even compared to other swordfighters. However, it has quick startup.
|pummelname= 
|pummelname=Grab Hilt Strike ({{ja|つかみ柄なぐり|Tsukami Tsuka Naguri}}, ''Grab Hilt/Grip Punching'')
|pummeldmg=1.3%
|pummeldmg=1.3%
|pummeldesc=Hits the opponent with the Kingdom Key's hilt.
|pummeldesc=Hits the opponent with the Kingdom Key's hilt. Average power and speed.
|fthrowname= 
|fthrowname= 
|fthrowdmg=5% (hit), 3% (throw)
|fthrowdmg=5% (hit), 3% (throw)
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|djump = 40
|djump = 40
|rdjump = 12-14
|rdjump = 12-14
|ellag = 4
|rellag = 2-75
}}
}}


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===[[Crowd cheer]]===
===[[Crowd cheer]]===
<div class="tabber">
<div class="tabbertab" title="English, Japanese/Chinese, Italian, Dutch, French">
{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"
{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"
|-
|-
!{{{name|}}}
!{{{name|}}}
!Cheer (English)
!Cheer (All versions)
!Cheer (Japanese/Chinese)
!Cheer (Italian)
!Cheer (Dutch)
!Cheer (French)
|-
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Sora Cheer Dutch & English SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Sora Cheer Italian & Japanese SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Sora Cheer Italian & Japanese SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Sora Cheer Dutch & English SSBU.ogg|center]]||{{NTSC}} [[File:Sora Cheer French NTSC SSBU.ogg|center]] <br> {{PAL}} [[File:Sora Cheer French PAL & German SSBU.ogg|center]]
|[[File:Sora Cheer SSBU.ogg|center]]
|-
|-
! scope="row"|Description
! scope="row"|Description
|Soooo - ra! || Soooo - ra! || Soooo - ra! || Soooo - ra! || Soooo - ra!
|Soooo - ra!
|}
|}
</div>
<div class="tabbertab" title="German, Spanish, Russian, Korean">
{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"
|-
!{{{name|}}}
!Cheer (German)
!Cheer (Spanish)
!Cheer (Russian)
!Cheer (Korean)
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Sora Cheer French PAL & German SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Sora Cheer Spanish SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Sora Cheer Korean & Russian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Sora Cheer Korean & Russian SSBU.ogg|center]]
|-
! scope="row"|Description
|Soooo - ra! || Soooo - ra! || Soooo - ra! || Soooo - ra!
|}
</div>
</div>


===[[Victory pose]]s===
===[[Victory pose]]s===
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''See also: [[:Category:Sora players (SSBU)]]''
''See also: [[:Category:Sora players (SSBU)]]''
*{{Sm|kameme|Japan}} - The best Sora player of all-time who has came closest to winning a major, most notably placing 2nd at both {{Trn|Seibugeki 13}} and {{Trn|Wave 4}} and 3rd at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 13}}.
 
*{{Sm|komorikiri|Japan}} - The second-best Sora player in Japan, though his tournament activity remains largely in Kansai due to his studies. He has a string of strong superregionals, including 3rd at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 22}}, 4th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 27}}, and 5th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 35}}.
*{{Sm|kameme|Japan}} - The greatest Sora player of all-time, who was able to get out of a career slump after picking up Sora, seeing a string of consistency and great performances with the character that was reminiscent of his performances with {{SSBU|Mega Man}} and {{SSBU|Wario}} in the early metagame. Although he has never won a major, he came close at several events, including placing 2nd at both {{Trn|Seibugeki 13}} and {{Trn|Wave 4}}. In addition, his performances with Sora internationally, including placing 2nd at {{Trn|Glitch - Regen}} and 4th at {{Trn|Battle of BC 5}}, helped improve Sora's perception in the west.
*{{Sm|Raarchyor|France}} - The best Sora player in Europe, co-maining the character alongside {{SSBU|Greninja}}. He notably won {{Trn|Cora Smash Cup @Massy}} after double-eliminating {{Sm|Glutonny}}, and has also placed 9th at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2023}}.
*{{Sm|komorikiri|Japan}} - Although his tournament activity is largely relegated to {{b|Kansai|region}} as a result of his studies, at his peak in 2021 and 2022, he was considered the second-best Sora player in Japan, achieving multiple high finishes at Kansai events, including 3rd at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 22}}, 4th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 27}}, and 7th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 32}}.  
*{{Sm|Zackray|Japan}} - Although having only played Sora for a few weeks after the character's release, he is currently the only Sora player to win a major, doing so at {{Trn|Kagaribi 5}}.
*{{Sm|Raarchyor|France}} - The best ''Ultimate'' player from Africa, though he moved to [[France]] in the post-[[COVID-19 pandemic]] metagame and is known for his performances while living there. He co-mains Sora alongside {{SSBU|Greninja}}, and is considered the best Sora player in Europe, initially achieving global recognition for defeating {{Sm|Glutonny}} 6-0 to win {{Trn|Cora Smash Cup @Massy}} and placing 9th at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2023}}. He has since become a regular threat at European events, notably placing 7th at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2024}} and becoming the first African player to place top 8 at a [[LumiRank]] A-tier.
*{{Sm|Zackray|Japan}} - Although better known for playing many other characters, he was the first Sora player to achieve global recognition, doing so by winning {{Trn|Kagaribi 5}} just two weeks after Sora was released, the fastest a DLC character won a major after their release as well as the only major/supermajor win from a Sora player. However, outside of Kagaribi 5 and a 2nd place finish at [https://www.start.gg/tournament/winner-4/details WINNER! #4], Zackray's performances with Sora were mostly underwhelming, and he dropped Sora by December of the same year.


===Tier placement and history===
===Tier placement and history===
Initial perceptions towards Sora were rather positive, with many top players pointing out his potent combo potential from his neutral and forward aerials, as well as his versatile recovery. Initial results matched these perceptions thanks to the efforts of {{Sm|Zackray}}, who notably won {{Trn|Kagaribi 5}} two weeks after the character was released. As a result, many players were confident that Sora had the potential to be a high-tier fighter.
Initial perceptions towards Sora were rather positive, with many top players pointing out his potent combo potential from his neutral and forward aerials, as well as his versatile recovery. Initial results matched these perceptions thanks to the efforts of {{Sm|Zackray}}, who notably won {{Trn|Kagaribi 5}} two weeks after the character was released. As a result, many players were confident that Sora had the potential to be a high-tier fighter.


However, no other Sora player has yet to match Zackray's achievement. In fact, most of Zackray's other results with Sora were more mixed, while a couple of other players who tried to main Sora, including {{Sm|Aaron|p=Florida}}, saw limited success; both players have since dropped Sora. In North America, despite confidence from players such as {{Sm|Maister}} and {{Sm|Dabuz}}, Sora garnered a reputation for being pulled out and used unsuccessfully in last-ditch efforts at majors, and both players have since saw little success when using the character.  
Since Kagaribi 5, no other Sora player has been able to win another major, leading many to initially question whether Zackray's win was due to character inexperience rather than the character actually being high-tier. In fact, most of Zackray's other results with Sora were more mixed, while a couple of other players who tried to main Sora, including {{Sm|Aaron|p=Florida}}, saw limited success; both players eventually dropped Sora. In North America, despite players such as {{Sm|Maister}} and {{Sm|Dabuz}} believing in Sora's potential, he gained a reputation for being an unsuccessful top-level "Hail Mary" pick at majors, and both players have also seen little success when using the character.
 
On the other hand, despite Zackray dropping the character, Sora saw continued success in Japan thanks to the efforts of {{Sm|Kameme}}, who began playing Sora when the character was released and became a regular threat at majors. Kameme's success with the character, especially after placing 2nd at {{Trn|Glitch - Regen}}, also improved Sora's reputation in North America, with more players believing he was a viable, yet uncommon character in the metagame. As such, Sora was ranked 31st on the first tier list in the lower end of high-tier.


On the other hand, despite Zackray dropping the character, Sora saw continued success in Japan thanks to the efforts of {{Sm|kameme}}, who by mid-2022 had achieved multiple top 8 placements with the character, and {{Sm|komorikiri}}, who has achieved respectable placements regionally despite being semi-active. kameme especially was able to travel to North America for several tournaments and placed top 8 at almost all of them. kameme's success with the character helped improve Sora's reputation in North America: currently, the general perception of Sora is that he is a viable, yet unpopular character in the metagame with {{Sm|ESAM}} and kameme both ranking him in top tier, though time will tell how he fares in the long run. He was ranked 31st on the first tier list, but thanks to the efforts of his playerbase, Sora rose to 18th on the second and current tier list, landing in the A Tier.
Following the first tier list, Sora's reputation only grew as Kameme began seeing even more success with the character; although he was never able to win a major with Sora, he had come close many times. In addition, several other Sora players began rising in the metagame, most notably {{Sm|Raarchyor}}, who made his name known globally after double-eliminating {{Sm|Glutonny}} at {{Trn|Cora Smash Cup @Massy}} and placing 9th at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2023}}. Thanks to his improved representation, Sora rose significantly on the second tier list, now ranking 18th in the A-tier.


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: The Light That Clears the Darkness==
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: The Light That Clears the Darkness==
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==Role in [[World of Light]]==
==Role in [[World of Light]]==
[[File:WoL-82Sora.jpg|thumb|The message that shows Sora's availability in World of Light|left]]
[[File:WoL-82Sora.jpg|thumb|The message that shows Sora's availability in World of Light|left]]
Due to his status as downloadable content, Sora does not have a legitimate role in World of Light. Instead, he is unlocked for use in the mode after freeing ten fighters from [[Galeem]]'s control. If loading an existing save file that meets this condition before downloading Sora, he is immediately unlocked.
Due to his status as downloadable content, Sora does not have a legitimate role in World of Light. Instead, he is unlocked for use in the mode after freeing 10 fighters from [[Galeem]]'s control. If loading an existing save file that meets this condition before downloading Sora, he is immediately unlocked.
{{clrl}}
{{clrl}}


==[[Spirit]]s==
==[[Spirit]]s==
Sora's default 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 Sora has been downloaded. Unlocking Sora in World of Light allows the player to preview the first 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 ''Kingdom Hearts II'', ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'', ''Kingdom Hearts III'', and Timeless River outfits have fighter spirits of their own, available through the shop. Each fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces them with their artwork in ''Ultimate''.
Sora's default fighter spirit can be obtained by completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} as Sora. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Sora has been downloaded. Unlocking Sora in World of Light allows the player to preview the first 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 ''Kingdom Hearts II'', ''Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance'', ''Kingdom Hearts III'', and Timeless River outfits have fighter spirits of their own, available through the shop. Each fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces them with their artwork in ''Ultimate''.


<center>
<center>
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*Sora is referred to within the game files with the codename "trail".
*Sora is referred to within the game files with the codename "trail".
*Sora's moveset was designed primarily to emphasize the aerial combat and tightly timed combos within the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series.<ref>[https://twitter.com/KodyNOKOLO/status/1450859017685848067 Kody NOKOLO on Twitter: "Sora’s playstyle in his games emphasizes aerial combat and tight timing for combos. It doesn’t exactly translate 1 to 1, but you might be able to get some of that feeling in Smash."]</ref>
*Sora's moveset was designed primarily to emphasize the aerial combat and tightly timed combos within the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series.<ref>[https://twitter.com/KodyNOKOLO/status/1450859017685848067 Kody NOKOLO on Twitter: "Sora’s playstyle in his games emphasizes aerial combat and tight timing for combos. It doesn’t exactly translate 1 to 1, but you might be able to get some of that feeling in Smash."]</ref>
*According to [[Masahiro Sakurai]], Sora and Challenger Pack 11 as a whole were not originally planned for Fighters Pass Vol. 2. The decision to extend Fighters Pass Vol. 2 from five Challenger Packs to six was made after a chance meeting with a Disney executive at a "certain game award venue" and successfully negotiating Sora's inclusion.<ref>https://twitter.com/pushdustin/status/1450855113015267339</ref>
*Several of Sora's promotional images contain references to the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series:
*Several of Sora's promotional images contain references to the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series:
**Sora appearing on [[Tortimer Island]] is a reference to his birthplace, the {{iw|khwiki|Destiny Islands}}.
**Sora appearing on [[Tortimer Island]] is a reference to his birthplace, the {{iw|khwiki|Destiny Islands}}.
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