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{{Infobox Special Move
{{Infobox Special Move
|name=PK Flash
|name=PK Flash
|image=[[File:SSBUWebsiteNess3.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:Ness Neutral B SSBU.gif|300px]]
|caption={{SSBU|Ness}} using PK Flash in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
|caption={{SSBU|Ness}} using PK Flash in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''
|user=[[Ness]]
|user=[[Ness]]
Line 10: Line 10:
|interwikipage=PK Flash
|interwikipage=PK Flash
}}
}}
'''PK Flash''' ({{ja|PKフラッシュ|Pīkei Furasshu}}, ''PK Flash'') is [[Ness]]'s [[neutral special move]] since ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. It is a chargeable attack.
'''PK Flash''' ({{ja|PKフラッシュ|Pīkei Furasshu}}, ''PK Flash'') is [[Ness]]'s [[neutral special move]] since ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. It is a chargeable attack.
{{tabber|align=center
|title1=Melee|tab1={{cquote|''Hold {{Button|GCN|B}} to charge this powerful psychic attack.''|cite=Brawl's instruction manual.}}
|title2=Wii U|tab2={{cquote|''Hold B and tilt left stick left and right to move the explosive ball of light.''|cite=Smash for Wii U's foldout.}}
|title3=Ultimate|tab3={{cquote|''Blasts opponents with electrical energy after reaching full charge. Can be used before full charge for a weaker attack.''|cite=Description from ''Ultimate''{{'}}s Move List.}}
}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
{{cleanup|List KO% for each game, ideally with Mario in the center of Final Destination}}
[[File:Nessbmove.jpg|thumb|{{SSBM|Ness}} lands a fully charged PK Flash on {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}} in ''[[Melee]]'']]
[[File:Nessbmove.jpg|thumb|{{SSBM|Ness}} lands a fully charged PK Flash on {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}} in ''[[Melee]]'']]
When the move is initiated, Ness enters a hunched-over pose to prepare the attack. This causes a ball of green light to appear above him like so. As the special move button is held, the ball of light moves downwards and increases in power, until the special button is released, or until it is fully charged, at which point it explodes.
When the move is initiated, Ness enters a hunched-over pose and shouts "PK Flash!" A ball of green light then appears above him. As the special move button is held, the ball of light moves downwards in an arching motion and increases in power, until the special button is released or until it is fully charged, at which point it explodes.


PK Flash can be charged until it falls to the altitude from where Ness initiated the attack. It can be slightly moved horizontally and vertically by using the control stick. In ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', and ''Smash 4'', if the attack falls upon a platform or a higher level of a stage before it is detonated, it will disappear harmlessly. This can be a problem, especially in ''Brawl'', since it falls below Ness' height when fully charged (but nonetheless, it is still considered fully charged if the player lets go of the special button right before it hits the ground). The ball of light is easier to control in ''Brawl'' than it is in ''Melee''. In ''Ultimate'', it can cover more vertical distance than all other games, but it has slightly less kill power.
PK Flash can be charged until it falls to the altitude from where Ness initiated the attack. It can be steered horizontally by a considerable amount and vertically to a much lesser extent by using the control stick. In ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', and ''Smash 4'', if the attack falls upon a platform or a higher level of a stage before it is detonated, it will disappear harmlessly. This can be a problem, especially in ''Brawl'', since it falls below Ness' height when fully charged (but nonetheless, it is still considered fully charged if the player lets go of the special button right before it hits the ground). The ball of light is easier to control in was relatively difficult to control in ''Melee'', but was made easier to steer in future titles. In ''Ultimate'', it can cover more vertical distance than all other games, but it has slightly less kill power.


In all games except ''Ultimate'', when performed in the air, it puts Ness into a [[helpless]] falling animation. Fully charged, without the influence of special conditions, it deals a maximum damage of 39% with huge knockback.
In all games except ''Ultimate'', when performed in the air, it puts Ness into a [[helpless]] falling animation. At no charge, it deals 11%{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}/9%{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}} and when fully charged (without the influence of special conditions) it deals a maximum damage of 36%{{GameIcon|SSBM}}/37%{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}/27%{{GameIcon|SSBU}} with huge knockback. Of all projectiles, PK Flash has the highest knockback when fully or almost fully charged, and KOs as low as 60%. In ''SSB4'', PK Flash covers more range behind Ness, whereas in previous games PK Flash has reduced range if shifted behind.


Due to Ness's accent, many players mishear "PK Flash" as any of a variety of phrases, such as "PK Pulse" and "PK Cross", as the final "sh" sound is quieter than the rest of the yell. However, when [[Kirby]] copies Ness, he clearly says "PK Flash" when he uses it, despite both characters having the [[wikipedia:Makiko Ōmoto|same voice actress]]. In ''Super Smash Bros 4'', due to Ness's new voice clips, PK Flash is now heard correctly.
Prior to ''Ultimate'', due to the move's lag and the fact that it leaves Ness vulnerable, most players often avoid using this attack. However, it does have some niche utility. For example, it can be used for low percentage Star KOs when used on an opponent that is landing or as a risky but effective burst options on opponents recklessly jumping in. In addition, it can also be used for edgeguarding, attacking recovering opponents, and/or gimping their recoveries, though all of this is less effective compared to other moves. In ''Ultimate'', thanks to its improvements PK Flash has more utility, such as allowing players to use its uncharged variant to extend some combos and stall in the air as it does not leave Ness in a helpless animation anymore.


Of all projectiles, PK Flash has the highest knockback when fully or almost fully charged, and KOs as low as 60%. In ''SSB4'', PK Flash covers more range behind Ness, whereas in previous games, PK Flash has reduced range if shifted behind.
The move also has good uses in Team Battles. It can be absorbed three times (or once in ''SSB4'') by Mr. Game and Watch's [[Oil Panic]], giving him a OHKO. It can also be used for healing a Lucas, another Ness or a Mii Gunner by having them use [[PSI Magnet]] or [[Absorbing Vortex]], on it. Finally, Ness' teammate can grab his opponent, allowing Ness to use his fully charged PK Flash.
 
''Melee''{{'}}s PK Flash, used by both Ness and Kirby, can be [[PK Trap glitch|subcharged]] due to a [[glitch]] that occurs when characters transition between ground and air.


Originally, in ''Melee'', the attack is colored green, while in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'', it is given more of a blueish tint.
Originally, in ''Melee'', the attack is colored green, while in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'', it is given more of a blueish tint.


Due to the move's lag and the fact that it leaves Ness vulnerable, some players try to avoid using this attack. However, it does have some uses. For example, it can be used for low percentage Star KOs when used on an opponent that is landing. It can also be used for edgeguarding, attacking recovering opponents and/or gimping their recoveries.
Due to Ness's accent, many players mishear "PK Flash" as any of a variety of phrases, such as "PK Pulse" and "PK Cross", as the final "sh" sound is quieter than the rest of the yell. However, when [[Kirby]] copies Ness, he clearly says "PK Flash" when he uses it, despite both characters having the [[wikipedia:Makiko Ōmoto|same voice actress]]. In ''Smash 4'', due to Ness's new voice clips, PK Flash is now heard correctly.


The move also has good uses in Team Battles. It can be absorbed three times (or once in ''SSB4'') by Mr. Game and Watch's [[Oil Panic]], giving him a OHKO. It can also be used for healing a Lucas, another Ness or a Mii Gunner by having them use [[PSI Magnet]] or [[Absorbing Vortex]], on it. Finally, Ness' teammate can grab his opponent, allowing Ness to use his fully charged PK Flash.
==Instructional quotes==
{{InstructionalQuotes
|ssbmchar=Ness
|ssbmdesc=Hold {{Button|GCN|B}} to charge this powerful psychic attack.
|ssb4-uchar=Ness
|ssb4-udesc=Hold B and tilt left stick left and right to move the explosive ball of light.
|ssbuchar=Ness
|ssbudesc=Blasts opponents with electrical energy after reaching full charge. Can be used before full charge for a weaker attack.
}}


==Customization==
==Customization==
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# '''[[PK Freeze]]:''' Inflicts less damage, but freezes opponents. Works like [[Lucas]]'s neutral special, except with the same inertia as PK Flash. It is sky blue in color instead of green. Falls slightly slower and starts higher up than PK Flash.
# '''[[PK Freeze]]:''' Inflicts less damage, but freezes opponents. Works like [[Lucas]]'s neutral special, except with the same inertia as PK Flash. It is sky blue in color instead of green. Falls slightly slower and starts higher up than PK Flash.


 
==Glitches in ''[[Brawl]]''==
 
In ''Brawl'', if PK Flash is spammed when Ness is directly on top of a orange or green spring within a [[custom stage]], he can [[stall]] inside of the spring for short periods of time. After a short amount of time, however, he will bounce out of the spring as normal. This also works with [[PK Thunder]].
 


==Origin==
==Origin==
[[File:PK Flash EB.png|thumb|190px|right|Ness using PSI Flash Ω in ''EarthBound''.]]
[[File:PK Flash.gif|thumb|190px|Ness (named “Nass” by the player) using PSI Flash α in ''EarthBound''.]]
PK Flash (localized as PSI Flash in ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}'') first appeared in ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}'' and later appeared in ''{{s|wikibound|Mother 3}}''. In both games, the move involved using the character's psychic power to cause a strong flash. In ''EarthBound'', Ness learns PK Flash. There are four levels to this power, which are: α (Alpha), β (Beta), γ (Gamma), and Ω (Omega). PK Flash α will only cause enemies to cry or feel strange. PK Flash β can also cause enemies to feel numb or be instantly destroyed. PK Flash γ and Ω each increase the chance of more powerful effects and decrease the chance of weaker ones. When Ness uses PK Flash in ''Smash'', the player can either let PK Flash fully charge and "explode" or stop charging early for a less powerful explosion. PK Flash being weaker when less charged and most powerful when fully charged is likely a reference to the different levels of PK Flash in ''EarthBound''.
PK Flash (localized as PSI Flash in ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}'') first appeared in ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}'' and later appeared in ''{{s|wikibound|Mother 3}}''. In both games, the move involved using the character's psychic power to cause a strong flash of light that could affect all enemies. In ''EarthBound'', Ness learns PK Flash. There are four levels to this power, which are: α (Alpha), β (Beta), γ (Gamma), and Ω (Omega). PK Flash α will only cause enemies to cry or feel strange. PK Flash β can also cause enemies to feel numb or be instantly destroyed. PK Flash γ and Ω each increase the chance of more powerful effects and decrease the chance of weaker ones. When Ness uses PK Flash in ''Smash'', the player can either let PK Flash fully charge and "explode" or stop charging early for a less powerful explosion. PK Flash being weaker when less charged and most powerful when fully charged is likely a reference to the different levels of PK Flash in ''EarthBound'', considering there are four different audio cues the detinating portion of the move can make depending on the charge starting in ''Smash 4''.


In ''Mother 3'', [[Lucas]] would learn PK Flash after he was shocked by an electrical discharge. The PK Flash in ''Mother 3'' didn't have any levels, so PK Flash could deal minor status afflictions like crying or one-hit KOs at any point of the game.
In ''Mother 3'', [[Lucas]] would learn PK Flash after he was shocked by an electrical discharge. The PK Flash in ''Mother 3'' didn't have any levels, so PK Flash could deal minor status afflictions like crying or one-hit KOs at any point of the game.


==Glitches in ''[[Brawl]]''==
The high damage and knockback this attack possesses in the ''Smash'' series is most likely a reference to the instant defeat chance it has in its home series.
 
{{clr}}
In ''Brawl'', if PK Flash is spammed when Ness is directly on top of a orange or green spring within a [[custom stage]], he can [[stall]] inside of the spring for short periods of time. After a short amount of time, however, he will bounce out of the spring as normal. This also works with [[PK Thunder]].


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 64: Line 68:
File:PKFlashSSBU.png|{{SSB4|Ness}} using PK Flash in {{forwiiu}}
File:PKFlashSSBU.png|{{SSB4|Ness}} using PK Flash in {{forwiiu}}
File:Rising_PK_Flash_and_PK_Freeze.jpeg|Ness's custom variations of PK Flash in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''
File:Rising_PK_Flash_and_PK_Freeze.jpeg|Ness's custom variations of PK Flash in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''
Ness SSBU Skill Preview Neutral Special.png|PK Flash as shown by a Skill Preview in ''Ultimate''.
Ness SSBU Skill Preview Neutral Special.png|PK Flash as shown by the Move List in ''Ultimate''.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Names in other languages==
{{langtable
|ja={{ja|PKフラッシュ|Pīkei Furasshu}}, ''PK Flash''
|en=PK Flash
|fr=PSY flash
|es=Destello PSI
|de=PK-Blitz
|it=PsicoFlash
|nl=PK-flits
|ru={{rollover|ПК-вспышка|PK-vspyshka|?}}
|ko={{rollover|PK 플래시|PK Peullaesi|?}}, ''PK Flash''
|zh={{rollover|意念之光|Yìniàn Zhī Guāng|?}}
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*PK Flash is the only special move for Ness that he can also learn in ''EarthBound''.  
*PK Flash is the only special move for Ness that he can also learn in ''EarthBound''.  
*PK Flash is the only special move that [[Ness]] doesn't share with [[Lucas]].
*Despite effects such as [[Paralysis]] and instant defeat (in the case of Whack and Thwack) being purposefully implemented aspects of the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, PK Flash has never had the capability to cause either of them, contrary to its canonical side effects in its home series.


{{Special Moves|char=Ness}}
{{Special Moves|char=Ness}}
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[[Category:Ness (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Ness (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Ness (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Ness (SSBU)]]
[[es:Destello PSI]]

Latest revision as of 19:49, August 29, 2024

PK Flash
Ness Neutral B SSBU.gif
Ness using PK Flash in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
User Ness
Universe EarthBound
Article on WikiBound PK Flash

PK Flash (PKフラッシュ, PK Flash) is Ness's neutral special move since Super Smash Bros. Melee. It is a chargeable attack.

Overview[edit]

An icon for use on pages that need cleanup. This article or section may require a cleanup.
The editor who added this tag believes this page should be cleaned up for the following reason: List KO% for each game, ideally with Mario in the center of Final Destination
You can discuss this issue on the talk page or edit this page to improve it.
Ness lands a fully charged PK Flash on Captain Falcon in Melee

When the move is initiated, Ness enters a hunched-over pose and shouts "PK Flash!" A ball of green light then appears above him. As the special move button is held, the ball of light moves downwards in an arching motion and increases in power, until the special button is released or until it is fully charged, at which point it explodes.

PK Flash can be charged until it falls to the altitude from where Ness initiated the attack. It can be steered horizontally by a considerable amount and vertically to a much lesser extent by using the control stick. In Melee, Brawl, and Smash 4, if the attack falls upon a platform or a higher level of a stage before it is detonated, it will disappear harmlessly. This can be a problem, especially in Brawl, since it falls below Ness' height when fully charged (but nonetheless, it is still considered fully charged if the player lets go of the special button right before it hits the ground). The ball of light is easier to control in was relatively difficult to control in Melee, but was made easier to steer in future titles. In Ultimate, it can cover more vertical distance than all other games, but it has slightly less kill power.

In all games except Ultimate, when performed in the air, it puts Ness into a helpless falling animation. At no charge, it deals 11%Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate/9%Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4 and when fully charged (without the influence of special conditions) it deals a maximum damage of 36%Super Smash Bros. Melee/37%Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4/27%Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with huge knockback. Of all projectiles, PK Flash has the highest knockback when fully or almost fully charged, and KOs as low as 60%. In SSB4, PK Flash covers more range behind Ness, whereas in previous games PK Flash has reduced range if shifted behind.

Prior to Ultimate, due to the move's lag and the fact that it leaves Ness vulnerable, most players often avoid using this attack. However, it does have some niche utility. For example, it can be used for low percentage Star KOs when used on an opponent that is landing or as a risky but effective burst options on opponents recklessly jumping in. In addition, it can also be used for edgeguarding, attacking recovering opponents, and/or gimping their recoveries, though all of this is less effective compared to other moves. In Ultimate, thanks to its improvements PK Flash has more utility, such as allowing players to use its uncharged variant to extend some combos and stall in the air as it does not leave Ness in a helpless animation anymore.

The move also has good uses in Team Battles. It can be absorbed three times (or once in SSB4) by Mr. Game and Watch's Oil Panic, giving him a OHKO. It can also be used for healing a Lucas, another Ness or a Mii Gunner by having them use PSI Magnet or Absorbing Vortex, on it. Finally, Ness' teammate can grab his opponent, allowing Ness to use his fully charged PK Flash.

Melee's PK Flash, used by both Ness and Kirby, can be subcharged due to a glitch that occurs when characters transition between ground and air.

Originally, in Melee, the attack is colored green, while in Brawl and SSB4, it is given more of a blueish tint.

Due to Ness's accent, many players mishear "PK Flash" as any of a variety of phrases, such as "PK Pulse" and "PK Cross", as the final "sh" sound is quieter than the rest of the yell. However, when Kirby copies Ness, he clearly says "PK Flash" when he uses it, despite both characters having the same voice actress. In Smash 4, due to Ness's new voice clips, PK Flash is now heard correctly.

Instructional quotes[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Melee instruction booklet Ness (SSBM) Hold B to charge this powerful psychic attack.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U instruction booklet Ness (SSB4) Hold B and tilt left stick left and right to move the explosive ball of light.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Move List Ness (SSBU) Blasts opponents with electrical energy after reaching full charge. Can be used before full charge for a weaker attack.

Customization[edit]

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

1. PK Flash 2. Rising PK Flash 3. PK Freeze
PK Flash
Rising PK Flash
PK Freeze (Ness)
"An electrical blast that explodes after a while or when you release the button." "A PK Flash that just keeps rising. Lower on power and sideways motion." "Like PK Flash, but freezes opponents when it hits."
  1. PK Flash: Default.
  2. Rising PK Flash: The attack moves upward with minimal control. It has a larger hitbox at the cost of damage. It is magenta in color instead of green.
  3. PK Freeze: Inflicts less damage, but freezes opponents. Works like Lucas's neutral special, except with the same inertia as PK Flash. It is sky blue in color instead of green. Falls slightly slower and starts higher up than PK Flash.

Glitches in Brawl[edit]

In Brawl, if PK Flash is spammed when Ness is directly on top of a orange or green spring within a custom stage, he can stall inside of the spring for short periods of time. After a short amount of time, however, he will bounce out of the spring as normal. This also works with PK Thunder.

Origin[edit]

Ness (named “Nass” by the player) using PSI Flash α in EarthBound.

PK Flash (localized as PSI Flash in EarthBound) first appeared in EarthBound and later appeared in Mother 3. In both games, the move involved using the character's psychic power to cause a strong flash of light that could affect all enemies. In EarthBound, Ness learns PK Flash. There are four levels to this power, which are: α (Alpha), β (Beta), γ (Gamma), and Ω (Omega). PK Flash α will only cause enemies to cry or feel strange. PK Flash β can also cause enemies to feel numb or be instantly destroyed. PK Flash γ and Ω each increase the chance of more powerful effects and decrease the chance of weaker ones. When Ness uses PK Flash in Smash, the player can either let PK Flash fully charge and "explode" or stop charging early for a less powerful explosion. PK Flash being weaker when less charged and most powerful when fully charged is likely a reference to the different levels of PK Flash in EarthBound, considering there are four different audio cues the detinating portion of the move can make depending on the charge starting in Smash 4.

In Mother 3, Lucas would learn PK Flash after he was shocked by an electrical discharge. The PK Flash in Mother 3 didn't have any levels, so PK Flash could deal minor status afflictions like crying or one-hit KOs at any point of the game.

The high damage and knockback this attack possesses in the Smash series is most likely a reference to the instant defeat chance it has in its home series.

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name
Japan Japanese PKフラッシュ, PK Flash
UK English PK Flash
France French PSY flash
Germany German PK-Blitz
Spain Spanish Destello PSI
Italy Italian PsicoFlash
China Chinese 意念之光
South Korea Korean PK 플래시, PK Flash
Netherlands Dutch PK-flits
Russia Russian ПК-вспышка

Trivia[edit]

  • PK Flash is the only special move for Ness that he can also learn in EarthBound.
  • PK Flash is the only special move that Ness doesn't share with Lucas.
  • Despite effects such as Paralysis and instant defeat (in the case of Whack and Thwack) being purposefully implemented aspects of the Super Smash Bros. series, PK Flash has never had the capability to cause either of them, contrary to its canonical side effects in its home series.