Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. 4
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Blaster (Falco): Difference between revisions

From SmashWiki, the Super Smash Bros. wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
 
(16 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 18: Line 18:
The attack consists of firing shots from a laser gun to [[damage]] far away opponents.
The attack consists of firing shots from a laser gun to [[damage]] far away opponents.


The '''Blaster''' is Falco's neutral special move in his ''Melee'' incarnation, where he fires laser shots from his gun. It is significantly different from [[Blaster (Fox)|Fox's version]]: the Blaster has a slower firing rate and increased ending lag (though it fires faster in the air, albeit not to the same extent as Fox's), and each beam stuns the opponent in addition to doing damage. Falco's Blaster is functionally similar to Fox's Blaster as it appeared in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' The ending lag can be skipped if used during a [[short hop]]. Falco's Blaster is mainly used from long range to build damage for later KO attempts and as an aid in approaching. It has [[set knockback]]. It is also used for setting up KOs, especially versus {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSBM|Ganondorf}}, since it can be fired numerous times off the ledge to force these characters to recover each time.
The '''Blaster''' is Falco's neutral special move in his ''Melee'' incarnation, where he fires laser shots from his gun. It is significantly different from [[Blaster (Fox)|Fox's version]]: the Blaster has a slower firing rate and increased ending lag (though it fires faster in the air, albeit not to the same extent as Fox's), and each beam stuns the opponent in addition to doing damage. Falco's Blaster is functionally similar to Fox's [[Blaster Shot]] as it appeared in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' The ending lag can be skipped if used during a [[short hop]]. Falco's Blaster is mainly used from long range to build damage for later KO attempts and as an aid in approaching. It has [[set knockback]]. It is also used for setting up KOs, especially versus {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSBM|Ganondorf}}, since it can be fired numerous times off the ledge to force these characters to recover each time.


In ''Brawl'', the lasers from Falco's Blaster travel farther than the ones from Fox's, and they are blue instead of red. They now also have an [[electric]] effect as well. They are very similar to Fox's lasers from ''Super Smash Bros.'' outside of doing less damage. It is considered to be one of the best projectiles in the game, as it has transcendent priority and disrupts the approach of a majority of the cast. This is by exploiting short hop double lasers to shoot one laser in the air and one close to the ground. Combined with [[Falco Phantasm]], throws, and his dash attack, this is a common Falco approach. It is often also used to [[lock]] after a jab cancel, or "combo" at various damage percentages into a [[DACUS]] or [[forward smash]]. Also, much like in ''Melee'' but to a lesser extent, Falco's lasers can also be used to set up edgeguards.
In ''Brawl'', the lasers from Falco's Blaster travel farther than the ones from Fox's, and they are blue instead of red. They now also have an [[electric]] effect as well. They are very similar to Fox's lasers from ''Super Smash Bros.'' outside of doing less damage. It is considered to be one of the best projectiles in the game, as it has transcendent priority and disrupts the approach of a majority of the cast. This is by exploiting short hop double lasers to shoot one laser in the air and one close to the ground. Combined with [[Falco Phantasm]], throws, and his dash attack, this is a common Falco approach. It is often also used to [[lock]] after a jab cancel, or "combo" at various damage percentages into a [[DACUS]] or [[forward smash]]. Also, much like in ''Melee'' but to a lesser extent, Falco's lasers can also be used to set up edgeguards.


In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', the move now has [[landing lag]] and cannot be fired as frequently, rendering the short hop laser technique much less viable. Additionally, the lasers travel more slowly, and have reduced travel distance.
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', the move now has [[landing lag]] and cannot be fired as frequently. Consecutive shots are much slower in midair, rendering the short hop laser technique much less viable. Additionally, the lasers travel more slowly, and have reduced travel distance. The nerfs to Falco's Blaster is one of the key reasons he is considered a low tier in ''Smash 4'', as it gives him significantly more difficulty with approaching or contesting against them.


In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', Falco's Blaster is functionally similar to its ''SSB4'' incarnation, but it has reduced startup and ending lag. Additionally, Falco can now fire a single laser in a short hop while only experiencing six frames of landing lag, and the grounded version fires more quickly, resulting in the aerial version's increase in firing rate now becoming largely marginal as a result.
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', Falco's Blaster is functionally similar to its ''SSB4'' incarnation, but it has reduced startup and ending lag. Additionally, Falco can now fire a single laser in a short hop while only experiencing six frames of landing lag, and the grounded version fires more quickly, resulting in the aerial version's increase in firing rate now becoming largely marginal as a result. These changes once again allow Falco's Blaster to serve as a good approach and disrupting tool, though not to the oppressive degree of ''Brawl''.


===Laser lock===
===Laser lock===
{{Main|Laser lock}}
{{Main|Laser lock}}
In ''Brawl'', characters can become trapped in a lying-down animation, called Laser Lock, if hit repeatedly with Falco's Blaster once they hit the ground. The laser lock may also be done after a [[down aerial]] by Falco toward the ground if the opponent does not roll off the floor. The laser lock does not work on all characters. The thinner characters will lie under the laser just barely.
In ''Brawl'', characters can become trapped in a repeating [[lock]], called a '''Laser Lock''', if hit repeatedly with Falco's Blaster once they hit the ground. The laser lock may also be done after a [[down aerial]] by Falco toward the ground if the opponent does not roll off the floor. The laser lock does not work on all characters, as thinner characters will lie under the laser just barely.


In ''Ultimate'', Falco can laser lock much like in ''Brawl'', but opponents can only be locked two times before an automatic reset occurs.
In ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate'', Falco can laser lock much like in ''Brawl'', but opponents can only be locked several times before an automatic reset occurs (3 in ''Smash 4'', 2 in ''Ultimate'').


===Laser glitch===
===Laser glitch===
{{Main|Laser glitch}}
{{Main|Laser glitch}}
In Brawl, a [[laser glitch|small glitch]] with Falco's Blaster is that if used at the right range, the shots will stick into some platforms and remain damaging until it expires. It can most easily be done on New Pork City (or any custom stage with a specific type of ramp), when the player stands where the bridge begins and fires at the platform to the left. It can also be done in ''Brawl's'' [[Temple]], on the ramp to the far upper-right of the stage, if the player stands in a certain spot and fires; and in [[Corneria]] if the player stands on the engines, jumps, and fires at the tip of the wing.
In ''Brawl'', a [[laser glitch|glitch]] with Falco's Blaster occurs if used at the right range on certain platforms: its shots will stick into them and remain damaging until it expires. It can most easily be done on [[New Pork City]] (or any custom stage with a specific type of ramp), when the player stands where the bridge begins and fires at the platform to the left. It can also be done in ''Brawl's'' [[Temple]], on the ramp to the far upper-right of the stage, if the player stands in a certain spot and fires; and in [[Corneria]] if the player stands on the engines, jumps, and fires at the tip of the wing.
{{clr}}
{{clr}}


==Instructional quotes==
==Instructional quotes==
{{InstructionalQuotes
{{InstructionalQuotes
|ssbmtrophychar=Falco
|ssbmtrophychar=Falco
Line 62: Line 61:


==Throws==
==Throws==
[[File:Falco Down Throw.jpg|thumb|320px|right|Falco's down throw in ''Brawl''.]]
[[File:Falco Down Throw.jpg|thumb|320px|Falco's down throw in ''Brawl''.]]
Falco uses his Blaster in his back, up, and down [[throw]]s; in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', he fires three laser shots during each of these throws, much like Fox, but instead fires a single powerful shot during them in ''SSB4'' and ''Ultimate''.
Falco uses his Blaster in his back, up, and down [[throw]]s; in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', he fires three laser shots during each of these throws, much like Fox, but instead fires a single powerful shot during them in ''SSB4'' and ''Ultimate''.


Line 122: Line 121:


==Origin==
==Origin==
[[File:Fox Second.jpg|thumb|200px|Fox's official artwork in ''Star Fox 64'' depicts him with a blaster.]]
[[File:Fox Star Fox 64.jpg|thumb|200px|Fox's official artwork in ''Star Fox 64'' depicts him with a blaster.]]
Fox first uses a blaster in ''[[Star Fox 64]]'''s multiplayer and is depicted with one in artwork and screenshots. Falco, [[Slippy Toad|Slippy]], and [[Peppy Hare|Peppy]] also use blasters in the game's multiplayer while on the ground. Their blasters were not officially named Blasters in the ''Star Fox'' series until ''Star Fox: Assault'', in which it is the default weapon for all playable characters while on foot.
Fox first uses a blaster in ''[[Star Fox 64]]'''s multiplayer and is depicted with one in artwork and screenshots. Falco, [[Slippy Toad|Slippy]], and [[Peppy Hare|Peppy]] also use blasters in the game's multiplayer while on the ground. Their blasters were not officially named Blasters in the ''Star Fox'' series until ''Star Fox: Assault'', in which it is the default weapon for all playable characters while on foot.
{{clear}}
{{clr}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 140: Line 139:
|ja={{ja|ブラスター|Burasutā}}, ''Blaster''
|ja={{ja|ブラスター|Burasutā}}, ''Blaster''
|en=Blaster
|en=Blaster
|fr_ca=Blaster
|fr=Blaster
|es_la=Blaster
|es=Blaster
|de=Laserschuss
|de=Laserschuss
|it=Blaster
|it=Blaster
Line 153: Line 152:
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cywX3x_rQUI Unused animation data in ''Brawl''] suggests there was a planned mechanic where overusing Falco's Blaster would cause it to overload or misfire.
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cywX3x_rQUI Unused animation data in ''Brawl''] suggests there was a planned mechanic where overusing Falco's Blaster would cause it to overload or misfire.
*In Falco's introductory scene in [[Subspace Emissary]], he is shown wielding two Blasters to destroy [[Bowser]]'s [[Dark Cannon]]. However, Falco has never been seen wielding two Blasters in gameplay.


==See also==
==See also==
Line 169: Line 169:
[[Category:Falco (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Falco (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Falco (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Falco (SSBU)]]
[[es:Blaster (Falco)]]

Latest revision as of 23:52, December 13, 2024

For the other neutral special moves of the same name, see Blaster (Fox) and Blaster (Wolf).
Blaster
Falco Neutral B SSBU.gif
Falco's Blaster in Ultimate.
User Falco
Universe Star Fox
Article on Lylat Wiki Blaster

Blaster (ブラスター, Blaster) is Falco's neutral special move throughout the Super Smash Bros. series.

Overview[edit]

Falco's Blaster being used in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

The attack consists of firing shots from a laser gun to damage far away opponents.

The Blaster is Falco's neutral special move in his Melee incarnation, where he fires laser shots from his gun. It is significantly different from Fox's version: the Blaster has a slower firing rate and increased ending lag (though it fires faster in the air, albeit not to the same extent as Fox's), and each beam stuns the opponent in addition to doing damage. Falco's Blaster is functionally similar to Fox's Blaster Shot as it appeared in the original Super Smash Bros. The ending lag can be skipped if used during a short hop. Falco's Blaster is mainly used from long range to build damage for later KO attempts and as an aid in approaching. It has set knockback. It is also used for setting up KOs, especially versus Captain Falcon and Ganondorf, since it can be fired numerous times off the ledge to force these characters to recover each time.

In Brawl, the lasers from Falco's Blaster travel farther than the ones from Fox's, and they are blue instead of red. They now also have an electric effect as well. They are very similar to Fox's lasers from Super Smash Bros. outside of doing less damage. It is considered to be one of the best projectiles in the game, as it has transcendent priority and disrupts the approach of a majority of the cast. This is by exploiting short hop double lasers to shoot one laser in the air and one close to the ground. Combined with Falco Phantasm, throws, and his dash attack, this is a common Falco approach. It is often also used to lock after a jab cancel, or "combo" at various damage percentages into a DACUS or forward smash. Also, much like in Melee but to a lesser extent, Falco's lasers can also be used to set up edgeguards.

In Super Smash Bros. 4, the move now has landing lag and cannot be fired as frequently. Consecutive shots are much slower in midair, rendering the short hop laser technique much less viable. Additionally, the lasers travel more slowly, and have reduced travel distance. The nerfs to Falco's Blaster is one of the key reasons he is considered a low tier in Smash 4, as it gives him significantly more difficulty with approaching or contesting against them.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Falco's Blaster is functionally similar to its SSB4 incarnation, but it has reduced startup and ending lag. Additionally, Falco can now fire a single laser in a short hop while only experiencing six frames of landing lag, and the grounded version fires more quickly, resulting in the aerial version's increase in firing rate now becoming largely marginal as a result. These changes once again allow Falco's Blaster to serve as a good approach and disrupting tool, though not to the oppressive degree of Brawl.

Laser lock[edit]

Main article: Laser lock

In Brawl, characters can become trapped in a repeating lock, called a Laser Lock, if hit repeatedly with Falco's Blaster once they hit the ground. The laser lock may also be done after a down aerial by Falco toward the ground if the opponent does not roll off the floor. The laser lock does not work on all characters, as thinner characters will lie under the laser just barely.

In Smash 4 and Ultimate, Falco can laser lock much like in Brawl, but opponents can only be locked several times before an automatic reset occurs (3 in Smash 4, 2 in Ultimate).

Laser glitch[edit]

Main article: Laser glitch

In Brawl, a glitch with Falco's Blaster occurs if used at the right range on certain platforms: its shots will stick into them and remain damaging until it expires. It can most easily be done on New Pork City (or any custom stage with a specific type of ramp), when the player stands where the bridge begins and fires at the platform to the left. It can also be done in Brawl's Temple, on the ramp to the far upper-right of the stage, if the player stands in a certain spot and fires; and in Corneria if the player stands on the engines, jumps, and fires at the tip of the wing.

Instructional quotes[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Melee trophy description Falco (SSBM) Although [Falco's] Blaster lacks rapid-fire capabilities, it strikes with shocking force. Unlike Fox, Falco can stop enemies in their tracks with his Blaster fire.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Move List Falco (SSBU) Fires Blaster shots less rapidly than Fox, but his makes enemies flinch.

Customization[edit]

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

1. Blaster 2. Explosive Blaster 3. Burst Blaster
Blaster (Falco)
Explosive Blaster
Burst Blaster
"A blaster shot that can't be fired very rapidly but makes enemies flinch." "Fires a shot that slows down as it travels and explodes just before it stops." "Fires faster shots, but the power and range are decreased."
  1. Blaster: Default.
  2. Explosive Blaster: Pushes opponents away (usually to the position where the projectile is going to explode), then starts hitting multiple times. The distance of the move is reduced, but it stays on stage longer. This move can potentially send opponents toward Falco, allowing for follow-ups, but the final hit's knockback is rather low, so it has almost no KO potential on its own. Also, Falco can't fire more than one laser blast, and he suffers from slightly longer ending lag while putting away his Blaster.
  3. Burst Blaster: Functions identically to Fox's Blaster, having rapid fire capabilities, but the lasers deal flinchless damage, and the damage dealt decreases as the laser travels farther from Falco.
  • Note: Unusually, Falco's custom move Explosive Blaster affects the Blaster shots in his back, up, and down throws. By contrast, Fox's throws are unaffected by his choice of Blaster.

Throws[edit]

Falco's down throw in Brawl.

Falco uses his Blaster in his back, up, and down throws; in Melee and Brawl, he fires three laser shots during each of these throws, much like Fox, but instead fires a single powerful shot during them in SSB4 and Ultimate.

In Melee, during his down throw, Falco will throw his opponent to the ground, and shoot them with his Blaster. The throw meteor smashes the opponent into the ground, which allows Falco to tech-chase, possibly leading into Shine combos. The throw will deal 4% to 5% damage. In Brawl, the throw deals more damage (a total of 9%) but throws the opponent in a weak horizontal trajectory. It is particularly notorious for being a highly effective chain throw in Brawl that can chain grab most characters, with strong follow up capability into high percents. In SSB4, it can start combos both in the air and on the ground at lower percentages, or a back aerial at medium percentages. In Ultimate, the throw has a new animation where Falco gently lays the opponent on the floor before firing a laser shot from his Blaster at them.

In Melee, for his back throw, Falco will turn around and throw his opponent backwards in a horizontal trajectory, while simultaneously shooting them rapidly with his Blaster. The Blaster deals 7% damage. In Brawl, the throw inflicts 8% in damage. The throw inflicts high base knockback, but extremely low knockback scaling, preventing it from ever being able to KO. In SSB4, the laser can KO around 150% near an edge.

Falco's up throw involves him throwing the opponent up, while then following up with rapid Blaster shots. In Melee, the throw deals up to 7% in damage, and is highly effective at setting up aerial follow ups. In Brawl, the throw deals up to 8% in damage, but increased base knockback and Brawl's hitstun canceling mechanic has hindered its capability at setting up aerial follow ups. In SSB4 and Ultimate, it is reliable in initiating aerial combos until higher percentages.

Interestingly, the lasers shot for all three of the throws can be reflected and absorbed, much like Mewtwo's forward throw.

Throw damage dealt in Melee[edit]

Throw Damage %
Up 7.46%
Back 7.46%
Down 4.73%

Throw damage dealt in Brawl[edit]

Falco's up, back and down throws deal damage from both the actual throw and the lasers fired after the opponent is thrown.

Throw Fling Laser Total
Up 2% 2%(x3) 8%
Back 2% 2%(x3) 8%
Down 3% 2%(x3) 9%

Throw damage dealt in SSB4[edit]

Throw Fling Laser Total
Up 4% 4% 8%
Back 6% 3% 9%
Down 3% 2% 5%

Throw damage dealt in Ultimate[edit]

Throw Fling Laser Total
Up 4% 4% 8%
Back 6% 3% 9%
Down 2% 3% 5%

Origin[edit]

Fox's official artwork in Star Fox 64 depicts him with a blaster.

Fox first uses a blaster in Star Fox 64's multiplayer and is depicted with one in artwork and screenshots. Falco, Slippy, and Peppy also use blasters in the game's multiplayer while on the ground. Their blasters were not officially named Blasters in the Star Fox series until Star Fox: Assault, in which it is the default weapon for all playable characters while on foot.

Gallery[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name
Japan Japanese ブラスター, Blaster
UK English Blaster
France French Blaster
Germany German Laserschuss
Spain Spanish Blaster
Italy Italian Blaster
China Chinese (Simplified) 光束枪
Taiwan Chinese (Traditional) 光束槍
South Korea Korean 블래스터, Blaster
Netherlands Dutch Blaster
Russia Russian Бластер

Trivia[edit]

  • Unused animation data in Brawl suggests there was a planned mechanic where overusing Falco's Blaster would cause it to overload or misfire.
  • In Falco's introductory scene in Subspace Emissary, he is shown wielding two Blasters to destroy Bowser's Dark Cannon. However, Falco has never been seen wielding two Blasters in gameplay.

See also[edit]