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{{ArticleIcons|allgames=y}}
{{Infobox Special Move
{{Infobox Special Move
|name=Falcon Punch
|name=Falcon Punch
|image=[[File:Falcon Punch SSBB.jpg|240px]]
|image=[[File:Captain Falcon Neutral B SSBU.gif|300px]]
|caption=The Falcon Punch in ''Brawl''
|caption=Captain Falcon using the move in ''Ultimate''.
|user=[[Captain Falcon]]
|user=[[Captain Falcon]]
|universe=''Smash Bros.''
|universe={{uv|F-Zero}}
}}
}}


[[File:Falcon 180 punch.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Captain Falcon's reverse 180 Falcon Punch]]
'''Falcon Punch''' ({{ja|ファルコンパンチ|Farukon Panchi}}, ''Falcon Punch'') is [[Captain Falcon]]'s [[neutral special move]].
==Overview==
[[File:Falcon 180 punch.jpg|thumb|250px|Captain Falcon's reverse Falcon Punch in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.]]
Falcon Punch consists of Captain Falcon performing his iconic move: a slow but powerful punch wreathed in falcon-shaped [[flame]]s.


'''Falcon Punch''' is [[Captain Falcon]]'s [[neutral special move]].  
Throughout the ''{{b|Super Smash Bros.|series}}'' series, the Falcon Punch has consistently been one of the most powerful special attacks. However, its power is counterbalanced by its predictability, due to its slow start-up time, along with Captain Falcon loudly announcing "Falcon...PUNCH!" every time he uses it.


==Description==
Aesthetically, the move will cause Captain Falcon to kneel downward, charge up power during the delay, before punching forward while crouching. In ''Smash 64'', Captain Falcon will shake his fist above his head while charging (if in midair, he cowers away from his orientation instead). In ''Melee'', Captain Falcon's stance is straightened, with his arms lowered and his left hand out (in midair, he will also do a recovering inward turn after the punch). In ''Brawl'', ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate'', the animation is somewhat similar, but Captain Falcon punches his right fist into his left before charging, and his pose is slightly exaggerated as a result of animation improvements.
The move consists of Captain Falcon throwing a powerful punch, with his fist engulfed in flames shaped like a falcon. It is one of most powerful moves in all three [[Super Smash Bros. (universe)|Super Smash Bros.]] games, with the highest [[knockback]] of any of Falcon's attacks (including charged [[smash attack|smashes]]), and is his highest [[priority]] move in each game. This move is one of the few attacks in the game that is more powerful than the [[Home-Run Bat]] at high damages (and since Captain Falcon's home-run attack has an upward trajectory in ''SSBM'', it is always more useful), and thus players use it in Captain Falcon's world record [[Home-Run Contest]] strategies. The Falcon Punch is very slow, with a start-up time of 52 [[frames]]<ref>http://www.angelfire.com/games5/superdoodleman/Captain_Falcon_frames_11.6.05.txt SuperDoodleMan's frame data</ref>. It is also very loud and noisy, especially since Captain Falcon has to announce it every time he uses it, making it even more predictable.
[[File:FalconPunchKB.svg|thumb|300px|The knockback dealt by the Falcon Punch in each game, against a fighter with a weight of 98 ([[Mario]]'s weight from ''Brawl'' onwards)]]


The move is one of Captain Falcon's primary KO move in Super Smash Bros. It is best used when timed to match an opponents recovery, KOing them as they recover.
The charging is accompanied by visible shockwaves in ''Smash 64'', and fiery effects surrounding Captain Falcon's fist in every other installment. Each future game also improves the visuals of the move, starting from a simple fire falcon sprite in ''Smash 64'', to a full 3D model in ''Melee'', and from ''Brawl'' onward, realistic effects that form an enormous fiery falcon.


In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', Captain Falcon can turn around during the start-up of the punch, increasing its damage. This is a '''Reverse Falcon Punch''' (see second picture). It also has 42 frames in this game. The Reverse Falcon Punch does slightly more damage than a standard one, but has slightly more start-up time.
In ''Smash 64'' and ''Melee'', Falcon Punch is stronger in the air, having higher base knockback (and [[shield]] damage in ''Smash 64'') - although, from ''Brawl'' onwards, the aerial version is weaker, dealing less damage (and subsequently, less knockback) than the grounded version.


==Origin==
In ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', this move is one of the few attacks in the game that is more powerful than the [[Home-Run Bat]] at high damages, especially in the former game, due to his bat swing's upward trajectory. Thus, it is common for a Falcon Punch to be used in place of the Home-Run Bat for a finisher while attempting [[Home-Run Contest]] world records, especially since Captain Falcon's own unique forward smash attack with any battering weapon in ''Melee'' renders it impractical to use for this scenario.
The move is unique to the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, but Captain Falcon famously performed a Falcon Punch in the F-Zero animated series, ''F-Zero: Falcon Legend'' (adapted to Western markets as ''F-Zero: GP Legend''), where he uses it to defeat Black Shadow. (See [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFtw7qW7Vcw this video].) It has become quite memetic, as the clip makes it appear that the Falcon Punch causes an explosion that can be seen from space, when in reality, Captain Falcon is merely using the Falcon Punch to prevent Black Shadow from escaping said explosion. This is reinforced in a Subspace Emissary cutscene, when Captain Falcon performs a Falcon Punch on a giant R.O.B. in a very similar fashion to the clip from the animated series.
 
From ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' onward, Captain Falcon can turn around during the start-up of the punch to perform a '''Reverse Falcon Punch'''. This slightly increases its already high damage and knockback, at the cost of slightly more start-up time. Uses of the reverse Falcon Punch includes [[mindgame|mindgaming]] opponents, catching rolls, or simply making an offstage punish even more powerful. Although the move can be reversed in ''Melee'' like all neutral special moves, this does not change the damage or knockback dealt, nor does it make the move take longer to come out.
 
===In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''===
[[File:SSB64 Falcon Punch Combo.gif|thumb|A {{SSB|Captain Falcon}} combo, with a Falcon Punch being used as the combo finisher after an up aerial.]]
The Falcon Punch in ''Super Smash Bros.'' is the fastest version in the series, due to having much less [[start-up]] and [[ending lag]] than in the subsequent games. As a result of its speed, along with the game's lack of [[air dodge|air dodging]], high hitstun, and opponents only being able to affect it with [[SDI]], it is easier to combo with than in every other game. Falcon Punch can also be used for [[recovery]] when Falcon is recovering from high up, as it gives additional horizontal distance as well as minor vertical distance when angled up.
 
It is also used as a combo finisher; Common tactics include forward throw to Falcon Punch (48-72% on fast-fallers using various jump heights) and up aerial to Falcon Punch if immediately inputted after a platform land. It can also be combod out of down air depending on %.
 
===In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''===
[[File:Sacred Combo.gif|200px|thumb|{{Sm|Westballz}} performing the Sacred Combo.]]
 
In ''Melee'', the Falcon Punch was made much slower, which removes its use as a recovery and combo-finishing option. Due to Captain Falcon's down aerial being much slower than in ''Smash 64'', along with the lowered effectiveness of [[L-cancel]]ing and the introduction of DI, the Tapion Combo was made more unreliable and very uncommon in competitive play, although other combos exist as a result of gameplay changes. The move has also seen a reduction to its knockback scaling, making it weaker despite its sweetspot dealing more damage.
 
The move is also much more unsafe against shielding opponents. In ''Smash 64'', Falcon Punch caused immensely high shieldstun to the point where the move was frame positive on shield. In ''Melee'', however, with shieldstun/shield damage being significantly reduced, the move causes much less shieldstun and has become highly punishable if it lands against a shielding opponent.
 
One of the most famous combos is the '''Sacred Combo''', invented by {{Sm|Cort}}, which involves following up a [[Knee Smash]] into an aerial Falcon Punch. If performed successfully, this combo results in a [[KO]] in almost all cases, although by performing this combo, Captain Falcon may fail to recover back if he jumps too far off the edge. Additionally, the only reliable way to connect the two moves is if the opponent poorly [[DI]]s towards Captain Falcon. Regardless, KOing an opponent with the Sacred Combo is widely regarded as being one of the most stylish ways to do so. The Sacred Combo is also used to jokingly describe a common means of taking stocks at low to mid-level play, where fighters with powerful [[Back throw]]s will attempt to roll behind a cornered opponent and grab them, making for a relatively easy position to KO with a back throw at the [[ledge]].
 
The '''Tapion Combo''', a down aerial to Falcon Punch combo named after a Smasher that landed it consistently, is also possible, though only works at specific percents.
 
The '''G-Regulate combo''', named after {{Sm|G-regulate}}, is another combo that allows Captain Falcon to combo an L-canceled down aerial into a Falcon Punch except it is performed by doing a down aerial on top of a platform, works against some characters at specific percents. It can be avoided with DI.
 
===In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''===
[[File:Falcon Punch SSBB.jpg|thumb|Falcon Punch in ''Brawl''.]]
Besides the introduction of the "Reverse Falcon Punch", the Falcon Punch was nerfed (particularly the aerial version, which is now weaker than the grounded version). Falcon Punch has slightly lower knockback scaling, though this does not have a huge impact on the move since it can still KO as low as 55% from center-stage.
 
===In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''===
While retaining its ability to be reversed, Falcon Punch was nerfed from ''Brawl'', having significantly lower base knockback, slightly less knockback scaling, a smaller hitbox and more ending lag, causing it to be unsafe on hit at 0% and making it weaker than his fully-charged forward smash. However, the move now deals more consistent damage throughout: a standard grounded punch deals 25% damage through its duration, while a reversed punch deals 28%, with neither variant having any sourspots (although the maximum damage output of the standard punch was reduced by 2%).
 
Compared to ''Brawl'', Falcon Punch sees a little bit more utility due to air dodges having landing lag like in ''Melee''. It should also be noted that, when used in the air, the Falcon Punch deals 3% less damage, but if it is charged in the air and activates on the ground, this penalty does not apply.
 
===In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''===
Falcon Punch is significantly stronger than in ''Smash 4'', now being able to KO at around 60%, and being the safest version on hit at 0%. The non-reversed version also has slightly lower ending lag. However, the punch doesn't move Captain Falcon forward as much as before, hindering its range. Like many slow and powerful attacks, Falcon Punch causes [[Special Zoom]] if it lands.


As a testament to the move's popularity, it seems to have come full circle and crossed back over into ''F-Zero'' canon: it is mentioned in [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTDZa_7AKj8 ''F-Zero GX''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> ending song], specifically in the line "When a mighty illusion threatens your lunch / Falcon will be unleashing the Falcon Punch."
==Kirby's Falcon Punch==
[[File:Kirby Falcon Punch.jpg|thumb|Kirby [[Inhale (Kirby)|copying]] Falcon Punch in ''Brawl'' and the difference between the two punches.]]
Kirby's Falcon Punch is notable, as with the exception of ''Smash 4'', Kirby's Falcon Punch differs from Falcon's in every game.  


==General Strategies==
In ''Smash 64'', Kirby's Falcon Punch does not have a middle hit and its sweetspot is larger than Captain Falcon's. As a result, his 26% sweetspot is significantly easier to land compared to Falcon's. His aerial Falcon Punch, however, does not deal extra shield damage, unlike Falcon's.  
===In ''[[SSB]]''===
The Falcon Punch in ''SSB'' is more comboable than in Melee and Brawl due to it only having smash DI and this move being much quicker in ''SSB''. Common tactics include throws to Falcon Punch and down air/up air to Falcon Punch. Falcon Punch is also used by Falcon in this game to help him recover from far away as Falcon Punch causes Falcon to raise slightly vertically and also horizontally.


The Tapion Punch combo, named after [[Smasher:Tapion|Tapion]], is a two-hit [[combo]] that leads into Falcon Punch after an [[l-canceling|l-canceled]] [[down aerial]]. It works on [[Fox]] as low as 75% [[damage]], [[Falco]] as low as 78%, and another C. Falcon as low as 80%. It can be avoided with [[Directional Influence]].
In ''Melee'', Kirby's Falcon Punch does not have a middle hit and its sweetspot and sourspot are positioned differently from Falcon's (with Falcon's sweetspot being closer to him while Kirby's is further away from him).  


Another combo is the G-Regulate combo. Named after G-Regulate, this combo works similarly to the Tapion Punch Combo, but uses a [[platform]]. Captain Falcon must l-cancel a down aerial onto a platform so that it hits an enemy below him. Against some [[character]]s at some damages (notably [[Marth]] at 65%), Falcon can combo his down aerial into Falcon Punch. It can be avoided with Directional Influence.
In ''Brawl'', Kirby's Falcon Punch has smaller hitboxes than Falcon's; however, it retains its knockback values from ''Melee'', making it stronger than Falcon's. If Kirby uses the Falcon Punch immediately after a jump, he will get a large boost upward. This is most noticeable with his [[footstool]] jump, which goes nearly twice as high as normal. This is sometimes known as a footstool punch. Captain Falcon also has this vertical boost, although it is much smaller due to his higher falling speed.  


===In ''[[Melee]]''===
In ''Ultimate'', Kirby's Falcon Punch deals 1.2x more damage than Falcon's (as with most of Kirby's copy abilities), albeit with its knockback being compensated as a result. In the air, however, it receives an additional knockback reduction, and does not get stronger when reversed.
In ''SSBM'', the Falcon Punch was made slower, though the punch itself seems to be stronger and now has a full 3-D model, complete with better fire effects. Due to C. Falcon's dair being much slower than in ''SSB'', that combo was made more unreliable, but with L-Canceling, it's still possible.  
One of the more famous combos is the Sacred Combo. Originating in ''Melee'', it is a combo that uses Captain Falcon's Forward Aerial and the Falcon Punch. It is very hard to perform.


The combo itself is performed by knocking an opponent off the stage with Captain Falcon's [[forward aerial]] (the [[Knee Smash]]) and then jumping off the edge of the stage before striking the opponent with Falcon Punch, in mid-air. If performed successfully, this combo results in a [[KO]] in almost all cases, although by performing this combo, Captain Falcon may fail to recover back to the stage in ''Melee'' if he jumps too far off the edge to perform his Falcon Punch. In either cases, KOing an opponent with the Sacred Combo is widely regarded as being one of the most satisfying ways to remove an opponent's stock.
==Instructional quotes==
{{InstructionalQuotes
|ssbmchar=Captain Falcon
|ssbmdesc=Release a fiery blow after a brief charge.
|ssb4-3char=Captain Falcon
|ssb4-3desc=A splendid punch. Punch backward for more power.
|ssbuchar=Captain Falcon
|ssbudesc=Powers up for a moment then strikes with a flaming punch. Can change direction while charging.
}}


===In ''[[Brawl]]''===
==Customization==
One combo in ''Brawl'' is to double-jump facing away from the opponent and right before he falls, reverse Falcon Punch. The character can then tilt the motion towards the opponent to reduce the time it takes to charge on the ground, strengthen the punch by reversing it, and use the attack just as he hits the ground. Best to use it on off-guard opponents that are expecting the player to flee.
Special Move customization was added in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. These are the variations:
{{CustomSet|Falcon|Neutral|name1=Falcon Punch|desc1=Charge up for a moment, then strike. The direction can be changed while charging.|name2=Falcon Dash Punch|desc2=Dash forward and punch. Slightly weaker, and you're vulnerable just before striking.|name3=Mighty Falcon Punch|desc3=A bigger, more powerful Falcon Punch, but the buildup leaves you more open than ever.}}
# '''Falcon Punch''': Default Punch.
# '''Falcon Dash Punch''': After startup, Falcon dashes forward, dealing less damage than default punch. Has slightly more startup but not as much as Mighty Falcon Punch.
#:{{Main|Captain Falcon (SSB4)/Neutral special/Custom 1}}
# '''Mighty Falcon Punch''': Has a bigger, longer-lasting hitbox, but even longer startup. Contrary to its name and description, its damage and knockback are actually ''weaker'' than the default punch, especially on the late hit.
#:{{Main|Captain Falcon (SSB4)/Neutral special/Custom 2}}


One can also use it while running then [[RAR]] the Falcon Punch. In order to this one must run and tilt the control stick/d-pad back and jump at the same time. They'll jump while keeping their momentum forward, during this time, usually at the start of the jump, start the Falcon Punch and reverse it. Right when they land, they'll punch anything in front of the player. This technique also allows for more control over the distance traveled with the Punch. For instance, when a normal Falcon Punch is done from a jump, the distance traveled depends on how high the jump was. In contrast the "RAR'd" Falcon Punch allows one to basically, move either further (because of the forward momentum made if the forward direction is held) or even slightly behind (if the stick is tilted backwards after the punch is reversed in the air, the momentum will pull Captain Falcon slightly backwards). This may take quite some practice to master.
==Origin==
[[File:Falcon Punch Origin.gif|thumb|The Falcon Punch as seen in ''F-Zero: GP Legend''.]]
The Falcon Punch originated in the ''{{b|Super Smash Bros.|series}}'' series and is generally considered both a part of the {{uv|Super Smash Bros.}} universe and his falcon motif. The [[List of Super Smash Bros. references in other franchises|move made its ''F-Zero'' debut]] with a [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CJn69FgEko scene] from the episode {{s|fzerowiki|The Legend of Falcon}} in ''{{iw|fzerowiki|F-Zero: GP Legend|anime}}'', where it's used by Captain Falcon to prevent Black Shadow from escaping a reactor's explosion, defeating him. This version uses blue, electric effects rather than its trademark falcon-shaped flame. The explosion, large enough to be seen from outside the Milky Way Galaxy, is often misinterpreted as being caused by the Falcon Punch itself, consequently becoming memetic. Outside of ''Super Smash Bros.'', the move is often used to describe or add humor to powerful punch-based events as an imitation of its power in ''GP Legend'' and within the ''Super Smash Bros.'' games, often with voice clips or special effects inserted.


The above method can also be applied when hanging on an edge, albeit much more dangerous because of the likelihood of an SD. When hanging from the edge, one must jump, then tilt away from the edge (''this will not visibly make Captain Falcon turn, but he will be turned around in the game's registering''), then reverse Falcon Punch. When done at the tip of the edge jump, the punch will be thrown a little bit off the ground, so if one wants the punch to activate on the ground, then start the Reverse Falcon Punch a little after the tip of the jump. The hardest parts are making sure the game still registers Captain Falcon as facing away when performing the reverse, and also making sure one has stopped tilting away from the edge when starting the Reverse Falcon Punch. This method is slightly more difficult and a lot more frustrating when done incorrectly than the normal "RAR'd" Falcon Punch, but it can catch potential edgeguarders off guard.
In ''Smash'', the scene in ''GP Legend'' is seemingly referenced in a [[Subspace Emissary]] cutscene, where Captain Falcon performs a Falcon Punch on a giant {{SSBB|R.O.B.}} in a similar fashion, while unwittingly killing a number of {{SSBB|Olimar}}'s {{b|Pikmin|species}}. In ''Smash'', the move is referenced in [[Codec Conversations#Captain Falcon|Captain Falcon's Codec Conversation]] featuring [[Otacon]], who coincidentally shares the same Japanese voice actor with Captain Falcon in ''GP Legend''. Additionally, the crowd cheer for Captain Falcon consists of repeated chants of "Falcoooooon Punch!" in the English versions of ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate''.


If there's a fray happening without him involved, a good strategy is for the player to throw in a Falcon Punch, and it will have a good chance of hitting a least one person. To do this, Captain Falcon will have to double-jump at the edge of the fray, not the middle, or the punch will most likely be interrupted. If done right, he can hit all of the opponents in the fray, off the edge.
The move would once again be referenced in ''F-Zero'' with ''{{s|fzerowiki|F-Zero GX}}''{{'}}s [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq9mipSqeC4 ending song], specifically in the line "When myopic confusion threatens your lunch / Falcon will be unleashing a Falcon Punch."
{{clr}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Falcon Punch SSB.png|Falcon Punch in SSB
Falcon Punch SSB.png|Falcon Punch in ''SSB64''.
File:Falcon Punch SSBM.jpg|Falcon Punch in Melee
SSBMWebsiteCaptainFalcon4.jpg|Falcon Punch in ''Melee''.
File:Kirby Falcon Punch.jpg|Kirby [[Inhale#Kirby|copying]] Falcon Punch in Brawl
SSB4 - Captain Falcon Screen-2.jpg|Pre-release image of Falcon Punch in {{forwiiu}}.
File:FalconPunchSSB4.png|Captain Falcon charges a Falcon Punch in ''Smash 4''.
Falcon_Punch_SSB4.jpeg|A full view of the fiery falcon in {{forwiiu}}.
Captain Falcon SSBU Skill Preview Neutral Special.png|Falcon Punch as shown by the Move List in ''Ultimate''.
</gallery>
</gallery>
==In other languages==
{{Langtable
|ja={{ja|ファルコンパンチ|Farukon Panchi}}, ''Falcon Punch''
|en=Falcon Punch
|fr_fr=Poing Falcon (''Smash 64'')<br>Coup de poing Falcon (''Melee'' onwards)
|fr_frM=Falcon Fist (''Smash 64'')<br>Falcon Punch (''Melee'' onwards)
|fr_ca=Coup de poing Falcon
|de= Falcon-Punch
|it=Pugno Falcon
|es_es=Gancho de fuego
|es_esM=(Right) Hook of fire
|es_la= Puño Falcon
|nl=Falcon-stoot
|zh_cn={{rollover|飞隼拳|Fēisǔn Quán|?}}
|zh_tw={{rollover|飛隼拳|Fēisǔn Quán|?}}
|ko={{rollover|팔콘 펀치|Palkon Peonchi|?}}, ''Falcon Punch''
|ru={{rollover|Кулак Фэлкона|Kulak Felkona|?}}
|pt=
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*If used correctly, it can knock off all the bases of a [[Gamyga]].
*In ''Brawl'', there is a glitch in which if a player uses a Reverse Falcon Punch on [[Pit (SSBB)|Pit]] and Pit pulls out the [[Mirror Shield]] at the correct moment, Captain Falcon will be sent backwards a long way, longer than many stages. An example can be seen [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT-UhI3UFEg here]. The same can be done with Mario's [[Cape]] and Ganondorf's [[Warlock Punch]].
*There is a glitch where if a player uses a Reverse Falcon Punch on [[Pit (SSBB)|Pit]], and Pit pulls out the [[Mirror Shield]] at the correct moment, Captain Falcon will be sent backwards a long way, longer than many stages (but not all of them, so he won't necessarily die). Example can be seen [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT-UhI3UFEg here]. The same can be done with Mario's cape.
*In ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', if a Falcon Punch is performed, the echoing sound of a falcon screeching can be heard.
*If [[Kirby (SSBB)|Kirby]] uses the Falcon Punch immediately after a jump, he will get a large boost upward. This is most noticeable with his footstool jump, which goes nearly twice as high as normal. This is sometimes known as a footstool punch.
*In ''Brawl'', the falcon-shaped flames appear after the first hitbox, whereas in ''SSB64'' and ''Melee'' they appear at the same time.
 
*Captain Falcon always uses his right fist to perform the Falcon Punch. However, he uses his left fist during his appearance in the reveal trailer "[[List_of_Super_Smash_Bros._4_character_trailers#Robin and Lucina|By Book, Blade, and Crest of Flame]]", while Kirby will use either hand depending on what direction he is facing (since he always faces the screen).
{{Special Moves|char=Captain Falcon}}
==Technical details==
 
*[[Captain Falcon (SSB)/Neutral special]]
*[[Captain Falcon (SSBM)/Neutral special]]
*[[Captain Falcon (SSBB)/Neutral special]]
*[[Captain Falcon (SSB4)/Neutral special]]
*[[Captain Falcon (SSBU)/Neutral special]]
==See also==
==See also==
*[[Warlock Punch]]
*[[Warlock Punch]]


==External links==
==External links==
The following are two videos showing the Sacred Combo being performed:
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlGM0BFv3JU The Sacred Combo performed in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''].
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mRtuum-xng The sacred combo performed in Melee]
 
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuNE3KWBeCs The sacred combo performed in Brawl]
{{Special Moves|char=Captain Falcon}}
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJkP6_yedKQ The 360 sacred combo performed in Brawl, with a 360 turn (using a Reverse Falcon Punch)]
 
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Attacks]]
[[Category:Special Attacks]]
[[Category:F-Zero universe]]
[[Category:F-Zero universe]]
[[Category:Neutral Special Moves]]
[[Category:Neutral special moves]]
[[Category:Captain Falcon]]
[[Category:Captain Falcon (SSB)]]
[[Category:Captain Falcon (SSBM)]]
[[Category:Captain Falcon (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Captain Falcon (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Captain Falcon (SSBU)]]
[[es:Gancho de fuego]]

Latest revision as of 17:03, July 22, 2024

Falcon Punch
Captain Falcon Neutral B SSBU.gif
Captain Falcon using the move in Ultimate.
User Captain Falcon
Universe F-Zero

Falcon Punch (ファルコンパンチ, Falcon Punch) is Captain Falcon's neutral special move.

Overview[edit]

Captain Falcon's reverse Falcon Punch in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Falcon Punch consists of Captain Falcon performing his iconic move: a slow but powerful punch wreathed in falcon-shaped flames.

Throughout the Super Smash Bros. series, the Falcon Punch has consistently been one of the most powerful special attacks. However, its power is counterbalanced by its predictability, due to its slow start-up time, along with Captain Falcon loudly announcing "Falcon...PUNCH!" every time he uses it.

Aesthetically, the move will cause Captain Falcon to kneel downward, charge up power during the delay, before punching forward while crouching. In Smash 64, Captain Falcon will shake his fist above his head while charging (if in midair, he cowers away from his orientation instead). In Melee, Captain Falcon's stance is straightened, with his arms lowered and his left hand out (in midair, he will also do a recovering inward turn after the punch). In Brawl, Smash 4 and Ultimate, the animation is somewhat similar, but Captain Falcon punches his right fist into his left before charging, and his pose is slightly exaggerated as a result of animation improvements.

The knockback dealt by the Falcon Punch in each game, against a fighter with a weight of 98 (Mario's weight from Brawl onwards)

The charging is accompanied by visible shockwaves in Smash 64, and fiery effects surrounding Captain Falcon's fist in every other installment. Each future game also improves the visuals of the move, starting from a simple fire falcon sprite in Smash 64, to a full 3D model in Melee, and from Brawl onward, realistic effects that form an enormous fiery falcon.

In Smash 64 and Melee, Falcon Punch is stronger in the air, having higher base knockback (and shield damage in Smash 64) - although, from Brawl onwards, the aerial version is weaker, dealing less damage (and subsequently, less knockback) than the grounded version.

In Melee and Brawl, this move is one of the few attacks in the game that is more powerful than the Home-Run Bat at high damages, especially in the former game, due to his bat swing's upward trajectory. Thus, it is common for a Falcon Punch to be used in place of the Home-Run Bat for a finisher while attempting Home-Run Contest world records, especially since Captain Falcon's own unique forward smash attack with any battering weapon in Melee renders it impractical to use for this scenario.

From Super Smash Bros. Brawl onward, Captain Falcon can turn around during the start-up of the punch to perform a Reverse Falcon Punch. This slightly increases its already high damage and knockback, at the cost of slightly more start-up time. Uses of the reverse Falcon Punch includes mindgaming opponents, catching rolls, or simply making an offstage punish even more powerful. Although the move can be reversed in Melee like all neutral special moves, this does not change the damage or knockback dealt, nor does it make the move take longer to come out.

In Super Smash Bros.[edit]

A Captain Falcon combo, with a Falcon Punch being used as the combo finisher after an up aerial.

The Falcon Punch in Super Smash Bros. is the fastest version in the series, due to having much less start-up and ending lag than in the subsequent games. As a result of its speed, along with the game's lack of air dodging, high hitstun, and opponents only being able to affect it with SDI, it is easier to combo with than in every other game. Falcon Punch can also be used for recovery when Falcon is recovering from high up, as it gives additional horizontal distance as well as minor vertical distance when angled up.

It is also used as a combo finisher; Common tactics include forward throw to Falcon Punch (48-72% on fast-fallers using various jump heights) and up aerial to Falcon Punch if immediately inputted after a platform land. It can also be combod out of down air depending on %.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]

Westballz performing the Sacred Combo.

In Melee, the Falcon Punch was made much slower, which removes its use as a recovery and combo-finishing option. Due to Captain Falcon's down aerial being much slower than in Smash 64, along with the lowered effectiveness of L-canceling and the introduction of DI, the Tapion Combo was made more unreliable and very uncommon in competitive play, although other combos exist as a result of gameplay changes. The move has also seen a reduction to its knockback scaling, making it weaker despite its sweetspot dealing more damage.

The move is also much more unsafe against shielding opponents. In Smash 64, Falcon Punch caused immensely high shieldstun to the point where the move was frame positive on shield. In Melee, however, with shieldstun/shield damage being significantly reduced, the move causes much less shieldstun and has become highly punishable if it lands against a shielding opponent.

One of the most famous combos is the Sacred Combo, invented by Cort, which involves following up a Knee Smash into an aerial Falcon Punch. If performed successfully, this combo results in a KO in almost all cases, although by performing this combo, Captain Falcon may fail to recover back if he jumps too far off the edge. Additionally, the only reliable way to connect the two moves is if the opponent poorly DIs towards Captain Falcon. Regardless, KOing an opponent with the Sacred Combo is widely regarded as being one of the most stylish ways to do so. The Sacred Combo is also used to jokingly describe a common means of taking stocks at low to mid-level play, where fighters with powerful Back throws will attempt to roll behind a cornered opponent and grab them, making for a relatively easy position to KO with a back throw at the ledge.

The Tapion Combo, a down aerial to Falcon Punch combo named after a Smasher that landed it consistently, is also possible, though only works at specific percents.

The G-Regulate combo, named after G-regulate, is another combo that allows Captain Falcon to combo an L-canceled down aerial into a Falcon Punch except it is performed by doing a down aerial on top of a platform, works against some characters at specific percents. It can be avoided with DI.

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

Falcon Punch in Brawl.

Besides the introduction of the "Reverse Falcon Punch", the Falcon Punch was nerfed (particularly the aerial version, which is now weaker than the grounded version). Falcon Punch has slightly lower knockback scaling, though this does not have a huge impact on the move since it can still KO as low as 55% from center-stage.

In Super Smash Bros. 4[edit]

While retaining its ability to be reversed, Falcon Punch was nerfed from Brawl, having significantly lower base knockback, slightly less knockback scaling, a smaller hitbox and more ending lag, causing it to be unsafe on hit at 0% and making it weaker than his fully-charged forward smash. However, the move now deals more consistent damage throughout: a standard grounded punch deals 25% damage through its duration, while a reversed punch deals 28%, with neither variant having any sourspots (although the maximum damage output of the standard punch was reduced by 2%).

Compared to Brawl, Falcon Punch sees a little bit more utility due to air dodges having landing lag like in Melee. It should also be noted that, when used in the air, the Falcon Punch deals 3% less damage, but if it is charged in the air and activates on the ground, this penalty does not apply.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

Falcon Punch is significantly stronger than in Smash 4, now being able to KO at around 60%, and being the safest version on hit at 0%. The non-reversed version also has slightly lower ending lag. However, the punch doesn't move Captain Falcon forward as much as before, hindering its range. Like many slow and powerful attacks, Falcon Punch causes Special Zoom if it lands.

Kirby's Falcon Punch[edit]

Kirby copying Falcon Punch in Brawl and the difference between the two punches.

Kirby's Falcon Punch is notable, as with the exception of Smash 4, Kirby's Falcon Punch differs from Falcon's in every game.

In Smash 64, Kirby's Falcon Punch does not have a middle hit and its sweetspot is larger than Captain Falcon's. As a result, his 26% sweetspot is significantly easier to land compared to Falcon's. His aerial Falcon Punch, however, does not deal extra shield damage, unlike Falcon's.

In Melee, Kirby's Falcon Punch does not have a middle hit and its sweetspot and sourspot are positioned differently from Falcon's (with Falcon's sweetspot being closer to him while Kirby's is further away from him).

In Brawl, Kirby's Falcon Punch has smaller hitboxes than Falcon's; however, it retains its knockback values from Melee, making it stronger than Falcon's. If Kirby uses the Falcon Punch immediately after a jump, he will get a large boost upward. This is most noticeable with his footstool jump, which goes nearly twice as high as normal. This is sometimes known as a footstool punch. Captain Falcon also has this vertical boost, although it is much smaller due to his higher falling speed.

In Ultimate, Kirby's Falcon Punch deals 1.2x more damage than Falcon's (as with most of Kirby's copy abilities), albeit with its knockback being compensated as a result. In the air, however, it receives an additional knockback reduction, and does not get stronger when reversed.

Instructional quotes[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Melee instruction booklet Captain Falcon (SSBM) Release a fiery blow after a brief charge.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS case foldout Captain Falcon (SSB4) A splendid punch. Punch backward for more power.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Move List Captain Falcon (SSBU) Powers up for a moment then strikes with a flaming punch. Can change direction while charging.

Customization[edit]

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

1. Falcon Punch 2. Falcon Dash Punch 3. Mighty Falcon Punch
Falcon Punch
Falcon Dash Punch
Mighty Falcon Punch
"Charge up for a moment, then strike. The direction can be changed while charging." "Dash forward and punch. Slightly weaker, and you're vulnerable just before striking." "A bigger, more powerful Falcon Punch, but the buildup leaves you more open than ever."
  1. Falcon Punch: Default Punch.
  2. Falcon Dash Punch: After startup, Falcon dashes forward, dealing less damage than default punch. Has slightly more startup but not as much as Mighty Falcon Punch.
    Main article: Captain Falcon (SSB4)/Neutral special/Custom 1
  3. Mighty Falcon Punch: Has a bigger, longer-lasting hitbox, but even longer startup. Contrary to its name and description, its damage and knockback are actually weaker than the default punch, especially on the late hit.
    Main article: Captain Falcon (SSB4)/Neutral special/Custom 2

Origin[edit]

The Falcon Punch as seen in F-Zero: GP Legend.

The Falcon Punch originated in the Super Smash Bros. series and is generally considered both a part of the Super Smash Bros. universe and his falcon motif. The move made its F-Zero debut with a scene from the episode The Legend of Falcon in F-Zero: GP Legend, where it's used by Captain Falcon to prevent Black Shadow from escaping a reactor's explosion, defeating him. This version uses blue, electric effects rather than its trademark falcon-shaped flame. The explosion, large enough to be seen from outside the Milky Way Galaxy, is often misinterpreted as being caused by the Falcon Punch itself, consequently becoming memetic. Outside of Super Smash Bros., the move is often used to describe or add humor to powerful punch-based events as an imitation of its power in GP Legend and within the Super Smash Bros. games, often with voice clips or special effects inserted.

In Smash, the scene in GP Legend is seemingly referenced in a Subspace Emissary cutscene, where Captain Falcon performs a Falcon Punch on a giant R.O.B. in a similar fashion, while unwittingly killing a number of Olimar's Pikmin. In Smash, the move is referenced in Captain Falcon's Codec Conversation featuring Otacon, who coincidentally shares the same Japanese voice actor with Captain Falcon in GP Legend. Additionally, the crowd cheer for Captain Falcon consists of repeated chants of "Falcoooooon Punch!" in the English versions of Smash 4 and Ultimate.

The move would once again be referenced in F-Zero with F-Zero GX's ending song, specifically in the line "When myopic confusion threatens your lunch / Falcon will be unleashing a Falcon Punch."

Gallery[edit]

  • Falcon Punch in SSB64.

    Falcon Punch in SSB64.

  • Falcon Punch in Melee.

    Falcon Punch in Melee.

  • Pre-release image of Falcon Punch in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    Pre-release image of Falcon Punch in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • Captain Falcon charges a Falcon Punch in Smash 4.

    Captain Falcon charges a Falcon Punch in Smash 4.

  • A full view of the fiery falcon in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    A full view of the fiery falcon in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • Falcon Punch as shown by the Move List in Ultimate.

    Falcon Punch as shown by the Move List in Ultimate.

In other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japan Japanese ファルコンパンチ, Falcon Punch —
UK English Falcon Punch —
France French (PAL) Poing Falcon (Smash 64)
Coup de poing Falcon (Melee onwards)		 Falcon Fist (Smash 64)
Falcon Punch (Melee onwards)
Quebec French (NTSC) Coup de poing Falcon —
Germany German Falcon-Punch —
Spain Spanish (PAL) Gancho de fuego (Right) Hook of fire
Mexico Spanish (NTSC) Puño Falcon —
Italy Italian Pugno Falcon —
China Chinese (Simplified) 飞隼拳 —
Taiwan Chinese (Traditional) 飛隼拳 —
South Korea Korean 팔콘 펀치, Falcon Punch —
Netherlands Dutch Falcon-stoot —
Russia Russian Кулак Фэлкона —

Trivia[edit]

  • In Brawl, there is a glitch in which if a player uses a Reverse Falcon Punch on Pit and Pit pulls out the Mirror Shield at the correct moment, Captain Falcon will be sent backwards a long way, longer than many stages. An example can be seen here. The same can be done with Mario's Cape and Ganondorf's Warlock Punch.
  • In Melee and Brawl, if a Falcon Punch is performed, the echoing sound of a falcon screeching can be heard.
  • In Brawl, the falcon-shaped flames appear after the first hitbox, whereas in SSB64 and Melee they appear at the same time.
  • Captain Falcon always uses his right fist to perform the Falcon Punch. However, he uses his left fist during his appearance in the reveal trailer "By Book, Blade, and Crest of Flame", while Kirby will use either hand depending on what direction he is facing (since he always faces the screen).

Technical details[edit]

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

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