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Duck Hunt: Difference between revisions

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(Do we just need a separate page for the disambig.?)
m (Undid edit by 60.89.15.78: while applicable to real-world ducks, I don't think that applies here)
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{{articleIcons|ssbm=y|ssb4=y}}
{{articleIcons|melee=y|brawl=y|ssb4=y|ultimate=y}}
{{forfighter|SSB4=y|SSBU=y}}
{{For|the stage|Duck Hunt (stage)}}
{{for|other meanings of "Duck Hunt"|Duck Hunt (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox Character General
{{Infobox Character General
|name        = Duck Hunt
|name        = Duck Hunt
|image        = [[File:Duck_Hunt_Dog_Duck.PNG|275px]]
|image        = [[File:SSBU spirit Duck Hunt.png|275px]]
|caption      = [[File:DuckHuntSymbol.png|50px]]
|caption      = [[File:DuckHuntSymbol.svg|50px|class=invert-dark]]
In-game sprite of the dog and a duck as they appear in ''{{s|wikipedia|Duck Hunt}}''.
Official artwork of the dog and a couple of ducks, as they appear in the Japanese and European cover of ''{{s|wikipedia|Duck Hunt}}''.
|universe      = {{uv|Duck Hunt}}
|universe      = {{uv|Duck Hunt}}
|firstgame    = ''{{s|wikipedia|Duck Hunt}}'' (1984)
|firstgame    = ''{{s|wikipedia|Duck Hunt}}'' (1984)
|lastappearence   = ''WarioWare D.I.Y.'' (2010)
|lastappearance   = ''{{s|mariowiki|WarioWare Gold}}'' (2018, cameo)
|games= ''[[SSB4]]''
|games= ''[[SSB4]]''<br>''[[Ultimate]]''
|console      = Nintendo Entertainment System
|console      = Nintendo Entertainment System
|species      = Dog (dog)<br/>Duck (duck)<br/>Presumably human (hunter)
|species      = Dog<br/>Duck
|gender      = Male (dog)<!--The tip for Duck Jump in Smash 4 refers to the dog as male: "The duck grabs the dog and carries him through the air. Once started, this move can't be stopped."--><br/>Unknown (duck)<br/>Varies (hunter)
|gender      = Male (Dog)<ref>Various sources, such as the tip for Duck Jump in ''SSB4'', refer to the dog as male: "The duck grabs the dog and carries him through the air. Once started, this move can't be stopped."</ref><br/>Unknown, possibly male (Duck)<ref>The duck has the appearance of a male mallard, but its actual gender is never specified.</ref>
|homeworld    = Unknown
|artist      = Hiroji Kiyotake<ref>[https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/feature/29565/making-of-a-myth-the-grueling-development-of-the-original-kid-icarus Making of a Myth: The Grueling Development of the Original Kid Icarus]</ref>
|interwiki   = wikipedia
|homeworld   = Earth
|interwikiname= Wikipedia
|interwikipage= Duck Hunt
}}
}}
:''For fighter info, see [[Duck Hunt (SSB4)]].<br/>For the stage, see [[Duck Hunt (stage)]].<br/>For the universe, see [[Duck Hunt (universe)]].''
'''Duck Hunt''' ({{ja|ダックハント|Dakkuhanto}}, ''Duckhunt''), known in [[PAL]] regions as '''Duck Hunt Duo''', is the name of a playable tag team composed of the player's hunting dog and a duck from the NES light gun game, ''{{iw|wikipedia|Duck Hunt}}''. After ducks made cameos as a trophy (with a passing reference to the hunting dog) in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and a sticker in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', both the hunting dog and a duck transitioned into playable characters as of ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''.
'''Duck Hunt''' (known in Europe as '''Duck Hunt Duo''' and in Japan as '''Duckhunt''') is a name used for the playable group of the dog, a duck, and the hunter from the NES light-gun title, ''Duck Hunt''. The hunter is off-screen at all times, just like in his origin game, and is involved in all of Duck Hunt's [[smash attack]]s, as well as Duck Hunt's neutral and side special moves.


==Origin==
==Origin==
The hunter is the playable character in all versions of ''Duck Hunt''. The hunter is never seen, as he is supposed to represent the player.
[[File:Duck_Hunt_Dog_Duck.PNG|thumb|100px|left|In-game sprite of the dog holding a duck in ''Duck Hunt'']] Throughout ''Duck Hunt'', the goal is to shoot all of the ducks with a limited amount of bullets and time. By plugging a controller into the player 2 slot in the NES, a duck can be controlled to a limited extent by another player.


Throughout ''Duck Hunt'', the goal is to shoot all of the ducks with a limited amount of bullets and time. By plugging a controller into the player 2 slot on the NES, a duck can be controlled to a limited extent by a human player.
The hunter is the playable character in all versions of ''Duck Hunt'' and is supposed to represent the player. Accompanying the player is a non-playable {{iw|wikipedia|scent hound}}, who flushes out the ducks for the hunter to shoot and picks up any ducks that are shot down by the player. If the player fails to shoot down any ducks, the dog infamously laughs at the player's misfortune (in a manner resembling the American cartoon character {{iw|wikipedia|Muttley}}, who has a large following in Japan) before slinking back down into the grass.


The player also owns a non-playable {{s|wikipedia|scent hound}} who would pick pick up any ducks that were shot down by the player; the opening cinematic of the game also shows that the dog is the one who finds the ducks in the first place. If the player failed to shoot down any ducks, the dog would infamously laugh at the player's misfortune before slinking back down into the grass; while the home version of the game did not allow players to shoot the dog, arcade versions of the game, as ''{{s|wikipedia|Vs. Duck Hunt}}'', could allow the player to shoot the dog in the bonus rounds, though they would receive no points from the round if they did so.
Although the home console version of ''Duck Hunt'' does not allow players to shoot the dog, the arcade version, ''[[wikipedia:Duck Hunt#Vs. Duck Hunt|Vs. Duck Hunt]]'', actually allows players to do so in the bonus rounds. However, successfully shooting the dog immediately ends the bonus round and yields no points.<ref>[http://uproxx.com/gammasquad/how-to-shoot-the-dog-and-other-facts-you-probably-dont-know-about-duck-hunt/2/ How To Shoot The Dog And Other Facts You Probably Don't Know About 'Duck Hunt']</ref>
{{clrl}}
 
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' marks the debut of the ''Duck Hunt'' universe within the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series. The universe is represented by a collectible [[trophy]] that consists of two ducks, and its description references both the hunting dog and the player as the hunter.


==In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''==
A concept similar to [[Assist Trophies]] was considered for ''Melee'', with one example being the ducks from ''Duck Hunt'' flying around the stage and interfering with characters. Due to developmental circumstances, however, the idea was scrapped.<ref>[http://www.sourcegaming.info/2016/01/31/dufl-sources/ The Definitive Unused Fighter List in Smash - Source Translations]. Source Gaming (January 31, 2016). Retrieved January 31, 2016.</ref>
[[File:Ducks Trophy Melee.png|thumb|100px|left|Ducks trophy in ''Melee'']]
While not an official universe and lacking significant representation, ''Duck Hunt'' did receive some recognition in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''. The Ducks from the game received as a collectible [[trophy]], and its description makes reference to both the hunter and the dog from ''Duck Hunt''.


'''Ducks'''<br>
===Trophy===
''These friendly fowl are the targets in the game Duck Hunt, which utilizes the Nintendo Zapper Light Gun. They appear and randomly fly about trying to escape after your faithful (if slightly clamorous) hunting dog flushes them out. Once you drop the ducks, your dog dutifully fetches them by the napes of their necks and grins at you.''
{{main|List of SSBM trophies (Others)}}
:*''[[Duck Hunt]]'', 10/85 (NES)
{{Trophy
|name=Ducks
|image=Ducks Trophy Melee.png
|desc=These friendly fowl are the targets in the game Duck Hunt, which utilizes the Nintendo Zapper Light Gun. They appear and randomly fly about trying to escape after your faithful (if slightly clamorous) hunting dog flushes them out. Once you drop the ducks, your dog dutifully fetches them by the napes of their necks and grins at you.
|gamelist={{Trophy games|game1=Duck Hunt|release1=10/85}}
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}
{{clrl}}


==In ''Super Smash Bros. 4''==
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
[[Image:Duck Hunt SSB4.png|thumbnail|left|Duck Hunt as they appear in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'']]
''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' marks the second appearance of the ''Duck Hunt'' universe. Instead of a trophy, the universe is represented with a [[sticker]] of a duck. Fittingly, the sticker can only be applied to the {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSBB|Pit}} and {{SSBB|R.O.B.}}, all of whom debuted in the 1980s like the hunting dog and ducks.
 
===Sticker===
{| class="wikitable"
! Name
! Game
! Effect
! Characters
|-
| [[Duck Hunt|Duck]]
| {{b|Duck Hunt|universe}}
| {{SortKey|SpecialLaunchResistance+020}}{{StickerIcon|Launch Resistance}} +20
| {{StickerHead|Ice Climbers|Mr. Game & Watch|Pit|R.O.B.}}
|}
{{StickerPicBox|Duck|Duck Hunt}}
 
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
===As playable characters===
{{Main|Duck Hunt (SSB4)}}
{{Main|Duck Hunt (SSB4)}}
Duck Hunt is an unlockable character in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. It consists of the dog with a duck on its back who fight together. Their [[special move]]s include gunmen from the NES title ''{{s|wikipedia|Wild Gunman}}'' and cans from ''{{s|wikipedia|Hogan's Alley}}'', both of which were also light gun games contemporary to ''Duck Hunt''. Their [[smash attack]]s are shots fired from the fourth wall by a "hunter". They are the final newcomer to be officially revealed.
[[File:Duck Hunt SSB4.png|thumb|Duck Hunt, as they appear in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''.]]
''Super Smash Bros. 4'' marks both the third appearance of the ''Duck Hunt'' universe (as well as the first appearance of the dog along with the ducks), and the debut of [[unlockable character]]s for said universe. [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]] creator [[Masahiro Sakurai]] stated that their playable inclusion was influenced by that respective game's worldwide sales numbers, and his feeling that the ''Duck Hunt'' universe had not been viable for such representation until ''SSB4''.<ref>[http://www.gamnesia.com/news/sakurai-explains-duck-hunts-inclusion-in-smash Sakurai Explains Duck Hunt's Inclusion in Smash]</ref> Although the hunting dog and a duck fight together as a team,<ref name=Blog>[https://www.smashbros.com/en_US/blog/index.html?category=cat02_fighter_59 Super Smash Blog | 59: Duck Hunt]</ref> they do not truly fall under the tag team archetype like the [[Ice Climbers]], {{SSB4|Olimar}}, and {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}}. Duck Hunt were the final [[newcomer]]s to be officially revealed for the base version of ''SSB4''.
 
Three of Duck Hunt's [[special move]]s also reference other "Light Gun Series" games contemporary to their home game. Neutral special involves a tin can from the "Trick Shot" game mode in ''{{iw|wikipedia|Hogan's Alley|video game}}''. Down special involves the gunmen from the NES game ''{{iw|wikipedia|Wild Gunman}}''. Lastly, their [[Final Smash]] collectively involves a flock of ducks from ''Duck Hunt'', the cardboard cutouts from the ''Hogan's Alley'', and the gunmen from ''Wild Gunman''. Outside of these moves, their smash attacks also make use of the {{iw|wikipedia|NES Zapper}}.
 
Duck Hunt's projectiles make them capable at stage control and zoning, with [[Trick Shot]] being the most useful because of its remote controllable property. They also have a good air game: sweetspotted neutral aerial, up aerial and sweetspotted back aerial are capable KOing options, while forward aerial is useful for [[edge-guarding]] and spacing. However, their KO potential is very inconsistent because of their very small number of KOing options; this is further compounded by their smash attacks' very awkward hitbox placements making them liable to fail at landing all of their hits.
 
Although [[Duck Jump]] is a maneuverable recovery move that grants a decent amount of vertical and horizontal distance, it is slow and unprotected; this leaves Duck Hunt wide open to edge-guarding, and forces them to use the dog's [[wall jump]] more often than not. Their reliance on projectiles is also highly ineffective against characters who can counteract them, such as those with [[reflect]]ors and especially against Rosalina & Luma, who can completely nullify their projectiles with [[Gravitational Pull]].
 
Despite having a small playerbase, Duck Hunt have nevertheless managed to achieve decent results at regional and national tournaments, thanks to {{Sm|Raito}}, {{Sm|Brood}}, {{Sm|You3}}, {{Sm|ImHip}} and {{Sm|Dandy Penguin}}. To reflect this, Duck Hunt are currently ranked 30th out of 55 on the [[tier list]]; in addition to placing them at the top of the D tier, this renders them as the highest ranking mid-tier characters.


===Trophies===
===Trophies===
===={{for3ds}} trophy descriptions====
{{main|List of SSB4 trophies (Duck Hunt series)}}
{{Trophy
|name-ntsc=Duck Hunt
|name-pal=Duck Hunt Duo
|image-3ds=DuckHuntTrophy3DS.png
|image-wiiu=DuckHuntTrophyWiiU.png
|desc-ntsc=You could call these two the stars of the NES 1985 launch title Duck Hunt. The goofy dog would chase down any ducks hit by the Zapper. In Smash Bros., these two work as a team to fight. When a can or a clay pigeon is in play, hit the button again to fire at it. Show your foes how the ducks felt!
|desc-pal=Back in 1987, when Duck Hunt came out, these two might not have had the best relationship. That all seems to have changed now, and this unlikely pair are here to fight together. After throwing a can or a clay pigeon, press the button again to have a little helper fire the NES Zapper for extra damage!
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Duck Hunt|release1=10/1985}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Duck Hunt|release1=08/1987}}
}}
{{clrl}}


:'''Duck Hunt'''
{{Trophy
::'''NA:''' ''You could call these two the stars of the NES 1985 launch title Duck Hunt. The goofy dog would chase down any ducks hit by the Zapper. In Smash Bros., these two work as a team to fight. When a can or a clay pigeon is in play, hit the button again to fire at it. Show your foes how the ducks felt!''
|name-ntsc=Duck Hunt (Alt.)
::'''PAL''' ''Back in 1987, when Duck Hunt came out, these two might not have had the best relationship. That all seems to have changed now, and this unlikely pair are here to fight together. After throwing a can or a clay pigeon, press the button again to have a little helper fire the NES Zapper for extra damage!''
|name-pal=Duck Hunt Duo (Alt.)
|image-3ds=DuckHuntAltTrophy3DS.png
|image-wiiu=DuckHuntAltTrophyWiiU.png
|desc-3ds-ntsc=Duck Jump, an up special, has the charming twosome float up in an adorable fashion. It also makes getting back to the stage much easier. Their side smash can hit up to three times at close range, depending on your shooting skills. By charging up the attack, you can increase the range even further!
|desc-wiiu-ntsc=Duck Jump, an up special, has the charming twosome float up in an adorable fashion. It also makes getting back to the stage much easier. Their side smash can hit up to three times at close range, depending on your shooting skills. By charging up the attack, you can increase the range even farther!
|desc-pal=Duck Jump Duo, an up special, has the charming twosome float up in an adorable fashion. It also makes getting back to the stage much easier. Their side smash can hit up to three times at close range, depending on your shooting skills, and by charging up the attack, you can increase the range even further!
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Duck Hunt|release1=10/1985}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Duck Hunt|release1=08/1987}}
}}
{{clrl}}


:'''Duck Hunt (Alt.)'''
{{Trophy
::'''NA:''' ''Duck Jump, an up special, has the charming twosome float up in an adorable fashion. It also makes getting back to the stage much easier. Their side smash can hit up to three times at close range, depending on your shooting skills. By charging up the attack, you can increase the range even further!''
|name=Dog
::'''PAL''' ''Duck Jump Duo, an up special, has the charming twosome float up in an adorable fashion. It also makes getting back to the stage much easier. Their side smash can hit up to three times at close range, depending on your shooting skills, and by charging up the attack, you can increase the range even further!''
|image=DogTrophyWiiU.png
|desc-ntsc=In the NES game Duck Hunt, the dog is your trusty hunting partner. He scares the ducks and then picks up the ones you hit. If you don't hit any, though, he'll laugh at you. So much for man's best friend... In the Duck Hunt stage in this game, he'll occasionally pop up in his 8-bit glory and let you use him as a platform!
|desc-pal=In the NES game Duck Hunt, the dog is your trusty hunting partner. He scares the ducks, then picks up the ones you hit. If you don't hit any, though, he'll laugh at you. So much for man's best friend, eh? In the Duck Hunt stage in this game, he'll occasionally pop up in his 8-bit glory and let you use him as a platform!
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Duck Hunt|release1=10/1985}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Duck Hunt|release1=08/1987}}
|game=ssb4-wiiu
}}
{{clrl}}
 
{{Trophy
|name-ntsc=Duck
|name-pal=Ducks
|image=DucksTrophyWiiU.png
|desc-ntsc=In the classic NES game Duck Hunt, you hunt, er...ducks. The dog flushes them into the air, and then you aim and fire. Taking down ducks gets you points in the Duck Hunt stage in this game too. It has no effect on the battle, but the alternative Duck Hunt action might be a refreshing change from constantly punching your friends in the face.
|desc-pal=In the classic NES game Duck Hunt, you...hunt, er...ducks. The dog chases them into the air, then you aim and fire. Taking down ducks gets you points in the Duck Hunt stage in this game, too. It has no effect on the battle, but the alternative Duck Hunt action might be a refreshing change to constantly punching your friends in the face.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Duck Hunt|release1=10/1985}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Duck Hunt|release1=08/1987}}
|game=ssb4-wiiu
}}
{{clrl}}
 
== In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==
===As playable characters===
{{Main|Duck Hunt (SSBU)}}
[[File:Duck Hunt SSBU.png|thumb|Duck Hunt, as they appear in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.]]
Duck Hunt return once again as unlockable characters in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''. In the transition to ''Ultimate'', Duck Hunt's once-infamously unreliable smash attacks connect much more reliably (though their final hits may still fail to connect in rare instances), thus significantly improving their once-notoriously inconsistent KO potential.
 
Each of Duck Hunt's special moves have also gained particular buffs. Trick Shot deals more damage and knockback, travels farther, has less ending lag, and can now be hit while it is in midair. Clay Shooting has improved combo potential, thanks to it keeping the opponent in place upon contact and having less ending lag. Duck Jump can now be canceled with an attack or air dodge after 50 frames, similarly to [[Winged Pikmin]]. Lastly, Wild Gunman deals more damage, fires faster, and has less ending lag.
 
Although Duck Hunt received some nerfs, most notably to their neutral infinite, clean neutral aerial, and down aerial, they have nevertheless managed to attain great results in competitive play in spite of their small playerbase: Wisdom and Ozone tied for 5th at [[Paradigm Shift 2019]], while Raito and Vintendo placed 5th and 25th, respectively, at [[EVO 2019]]. Despite these results, however, Duck Hunt is ranked much lower than in the current ''Smash 4'' tier list, currently ranking at 65th place out of 82 at the bottom of the C- tier.
 
===Spirits===
<center>
<center>
<gallery>
<gallery>
DuckHuntTrophy3DS.png|Classic
SSBU spirit Duck Hunt.png|974. '''''Duck Hunt'''''
DuckHuntAllStarTrophy3DS.png|Alt.
</gallery>
</gallery>
</center>
</center>
==Names in other languages==
{{langtable
|ja={{ja|ダックハント|Dakku Hanto}}, ''Duck Hunt''
|en_us=Duck Hunt
|en_gb=Duck Hunt Duo
|fr_ca=Duck Hunt
|fr_fr=Duo Duck Hunt
|es_la=Duck Hunt
|es_es=Dúo Duck Hunt
|de=Duck Hunt Duo
|it=Duo Duck Hunt
|nl=Duck Hunt-duo
|pt=Duo Duck Hunt
|ru={{rollover|Дуэт|Duet|?}} Duck Hunt
|ruM=Duck Hunt Duo
|ko={{rollover|덕 헌트|Deok Heonteu|?}}, ''Duck Hunt''
|zh_cn={{rollover|打猎|Dǎliè|?}}, ''Duck Hunt''
|zh_tw={{rollover|打獵|Dǎliè|?}}, ''Duck Hunt''
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Duck Hunt is the only newcomer in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' not to appear as a significant character in any games featured on Nintendo's 7th and 8th generation consoles other than the ''Smash Bros.'' series. The duck cameoed in ''Wii Play'' and the pair appeared in a microgame in ''WarioWare: Smooth Moves''.
*Despite being a tag team,<ref name=Blog/> Duck Hunt's reveal trailer showed an off-screen player using {{iw|wikipedia|NES Zapper}} in order to perform Duck Hunt's [[smash attack]]s, [[Trick Shot]], and [[Clay Shooting]]. This off-screen player makes Duck Hunt the second characters to have a direct connection to the real world, following [[R.O.B.]]
**Adding to the above, ''Smash 4'' is Duck Hunt's first non-cameo appearance in a game since ''Duck Hunt'', released 30 years prior, the longest gap for a ''Smash Bros.'' fighter.
*During {{SSBU|Banjo & Kazooie}}'s reveal trailer, Duck Hunt were used as a bait-and-switch to introduce them a la {{SSBU|King Dedede}} during {{SSBU|King K. Rool}}'s reveal trailer. This was likely done because of Duck Hunt also being a tag team that consists of a bird perched on a mammal's back, as well as in reference to a running gag among the ''Super Smash Bros.'' community in which Duck Hunt were perceived by fans as substitutes for the long-requested Banjo & Kazooie. Duck Hunt also have an [[alternate costume]] that bears a passing resemblance to Banjo & Kazooie's color scheme; this is referenced in the latter's {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} route, where Duck Hunt (using this costume) appear as the first opponents.
*The dog from Duck Hunt, [[Palutena]] and the [[Wii Fit Trainer]] are the only playable characters in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series that do not have a playable appearance in any other video game.
*Duck Hunt are the only characters to have a name difference in English between the NTSC and PAL regions.
**The duck and the hunter are the only playable characters from the trio, as the duck was playable in game A of the original ''Duck Hunt'', while the hunter was playable regardless.
 
*Duck Hunt is the oldest NES representative to be in the ''Smash'' series being slightly older than [[Ice Climbers]] and [[R.O.B]].
==References==
*The text in trophies implies the off-screen hunter doesn't count as part of the character Duck Hunt; the English language PAL version makes this more clear by calling the character Duck Hunt Duo instead.
{{reflist}}
**However, in [[Pit's Smash Taunt]] Palutena points out that while they appear to be a duo they are technically a trio.


{{Characters}}
{{Characters}}
{{Duck Hunt universe}}
{{Duck Hunt universe}}
[[Category:Duck Hunt| ]]
[[Category:Duck Hunt| ]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBM)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-Wii U)]]
[[Category:Stickers]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[es:Perro de Duck Hunt]]

Latest revision as of 11:07, July 22, 2024

For fighter info, see Duck Hunt (SSB4) and Duck Hunt (SSBU).
For the stage, see Duck Hunt (stage).
For other meanings of "Duck Hunt", see Duck Hunt (disambiguation).
Duck Hunt
SSBU spirit Duck Hunt.png
DuckHuntSymbol.svg

Official artwork of the dog and a couple of ducks, as they appear in the Japanese and European cover of Duck Hunt.

Universe Duck Hunt
Debut Duck Hunt (1984)
Smash Bros. appearances Melee (Duck only)
Brawl (Duck only)
SSB4
Ultimate
Most recent non-Smash appearance WarioWare Gold (2018, cameo)
Console/platform of origin Nintendo Entertainment System
Species Dog
Duck
Gender Male (Dog)[1]
Unknown, possibly male (Duck)[2]
Place of origin Earth
Designed by Hiroji Kiyotake[3]

Duck Hunt (ダックハント, Duckhunt), known in PAL regions as Duck Hunt Duo, is the name of a playable tag team composed of the player's hunting dog and a duck from the NES light gun game, Duck Hunt. After ducks made cameos as a trophy (with a passing reference to the hunting dog) in Super Smash Bros. Melee and a sticker in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, both the hunting dog and a duck transitioned into playable characters as of Super Smash Bros. 4.

Origin[edit]

In-game sprite of the dog holding a duck in Duck Hunt

Throughout Duck Hunt, the goal is to shoot all of the ducks with a limited amount of bullets and time. By plugging a controller into the player 2 slot in the NES, a duck can be controlled to a limited extent by another player.

The hunter is the playable character in all versions of Duck Hunt and is supposed to represent the player. Accompanying the player is a non-playable scent hound, who flushes out the ducks for the hunter to shoot and picks up any ducks that are shot down by the player. If the player fails to shoot down any ducks, the dog infamously laughs at the player's misfortune (in a manner resembling the American cartoon character Muttley, who has a large following in Japan) before slinking back down into the grass.

Although the home console version of Duck Hunt does not allow players to shoot the dog, the arcade version, Vs. Duck Hunt, actually allows players to do so in the bonus rounds. However, successfully shooting the dog immediately ends the bonus round and yields no points.[4]

In Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Melee marks the debut of the Duck Hunt universe within the Super Smash Bros. series. The universe is represented by a collectible trophy that consists of two ducks, and its description references both the hunting dog and the player as the hunter.

A concept similar to Assist Trophies was considered for Melee, with one example being the ducks from Duck Hunt flying around the stage and interfering with characters. Due to developmental circumstances, however, the idea was scrapped.[5]

Trophy[edit]

Main article: List of SSBM trophies (Others)
Ducks's trophy in Melee
Ducks
These friendly fowl are the targets in the game Duck Hunt, which utilizes the Nintendo Zapper Light Gun. They appear and randomly fly about trying to escape after your faithful (if slightly clamorous) hunting dog flushes them out. Once you drop the ducks, your dog dutifully fetches them by the napes of their necks and grins at you.
Duck Hunt (10/85)

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Brawl marks the second appearance of the Duck Hunt universe. Instead of a trophy, the universe is represented with a sticker of a duck. Fittingly, the sticker can only be applied to the Ice Climbers, Mr. Game & Watch, Pit and R.O.B., all of whom debuted in the 1980s like the hunting dog and ducks.

Sticker[edit]

Name Game Effect Characters
Duck Duck Hunt SpecialLaunchResistance+020StickerIconLaunchResistance.png +20 Ice Climbers Mr. Game & Watch Pit R.O.B. Ice Climbers (SSBB)Mr. Game & Watch (SSBB)Pit (SSBB)R.O.B. (SSBB)
Brawl Sticker Duck (Duck Hunt).png
Duck
(Duck Hunt)

In Super Smash Bros. 4[edit]

As playable characters[edit]

Main article: Duck Hunt (SSB4)
Duck Hunt, as they appear in Super Smash Bros. 4.

Super Smash Bros. 4 marks both the third appearance of the Duck Hunt universe (as well as the first appearance of the dog along with the ducks), and the debut of unlockable characters for said universe. Super Smash Bros. series creator Masahiro Sakurai stated that their playable inclusion was influenced by that respective game's worldwide sales numbers, and his feeling that the Duck Hunt universe had not been viable for such representation until SSB4.[6] Although the hunting dog and a duck fight together as a team,[7] they do not truly fall under the tag team archetype like the Ice Climbers, Olimar, and Rosalina & Luma. Duck Hunt were the final newcomers to be officially revealed for the base version of SSB4.

Three of Duck Hunt's special moves also reference other "Light Gun Series" games contemporary to their home game. Neutral special involves a tin can from the "Trick Shot" game mode in Hogan's Alley. Down special involves the gunmen from the NES game Wild Gunman. Lastly, their Final Smash collectively involves a flock of ducks from Duck Hunt, the cardboard cutouts from the Hogan's Alley, and the gunmen from Wild Gunman. Outside of these moves, their smash attacks also make use of the NES Zapper.

Duck Hunt's projectiles make them capable at stage control and zoning, with Trick Shot being the most useful because of its remote controllable property. They also have a good air game: sweetspotted neutral aerial, up aerial and sweetspotted back aerial are capable KOing options, while forward aerial is useful for edge-guarding and spacing. However, their KO potential is very inconsistent because of their very small number of KOing options; this is further compounded by their smash attacks' very awkward hitbox placements making them liable to fail at landing all of their hits.

Although Duck Jump is a maneuverable recovery move that grants a decent amount of vertical and horizontal distance, it is slow and unprotected; this leaves Duck Hunt wide open to edge-guarding, and forces them to use the dog's wall jump more often than not. Their reliance on projectiles is also highly ineffective against characters who can counteract them, such as those with reflectors and especially against Rosalina & Luma, who can completely nullify their projectiles with Gravitational Pull.

Despite having a small playerbase, Duck Hunt have nevertheless managed to achieve decent results at regional and national tournaments, thanks to Raito, Brood, You3, ImHip and Dandy Penguin. To reflect this, Duck Hunt are currently ranked 30th out of 55 on the tier list; in addition to placing them at the top of the D tier, this renders them as the highest ranking mid-tier characters.

Trophies[edit]

Main article: List of SSB4 trophies (Duck Hunt series)
Duck Hunt's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Duck Hunt's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
NtscDuck Hunt
PalDuck Hunt Duo
NTSC You could call these two the stars of the NES 1985 launch title Duck Hunt. The goofy dog would chase down any ducks hit by the Zapper. In Smash Bros., these two work as a team to fight. When a can or a clay pigeon is in play, hit the button again to fire at it. Show your foes how the ducks felt!
NES: Duck Hunt (10/1985)
PAL Back in 1987, when Duck Hunt came out, these two might not have had the best relationship. That all seems to have changed now, and this unlikely pair are here to fight together. After throwing a can or a clay pigeon, press the button again to have a little helper fire the NES Zapper for extra damage!
NES: Duck Hunt (08/1987)
Duck Hunt's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Duck Hunt's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
NtscDuck Hunt (Alt.)
PalDuck Hunt Duo (Alt.)
NTSCSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS Duck Jump, an up special, has the charming twosome float up in an adorable fashion. It also makes getting back to the stage much easier. Their side smash can hit up to three times at close range, depending on your shooting skills. By charging up the attack, you can increase the range even further!
NTSCSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U Duck Jump, an up special, has the charming twosome float up in an adorable fashion. It also makes getting back to the stage much easier. Their side smash can hit up to three times at close range, depending on your shooting skills. By charging up the attack, you can increase the range even farther!
NES: Duck Hunt (10/1985)
PAL Duck Jump Duo, an up special, has the charming twosome float up in an adorable fashion. It also makes getting back to the stage much easier. Their side smash can hit up to three times at close range, depending on your shooting skills, and by charging up the attack, you can increase the range even further!
NES: Duck Hunt (08/1987)
Dog's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Dog
NTSC In the NES game Duck Hunt, the dog is your trusty hunting partner. He scares the ducks and then picks up the ones you hit. If you don't hit any, though, he'll laugh at you. So much for man's best friend... In the Duck Hunt stage in this game, he'll occasionally pop up in his 8-bit glory and let you use him as a platform!
NES: Duck Hunt (10/1985)
PAL In the NES game Duck Hunt, the dog is your trusty hunting partner. He scares the ducks, then picks up the ones you hit. If you don't hit any, though, he'll laugh at you. So much for man's best friend, eh? In the Duck Hunt stage in this game, he'll occasionally pop up in his 8-bit glory and let you use him as a platform!
NES: Duck Hunt (08/1987)
Duck Hunt's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
NtscDuck
PalDucks
NTSC In the classic NES game Duck Hunt, you hunt, er...ducks. The dog flushes them into the air, and then you aim and fire. Taking down ducks gets you points in the Duck Hunt stage in this game too. It has no effect on the battle, but the alternative Duck Hunt action might be a refreshing change from constantly punching your friends in the face.
NES: Duck Hunt (10/1985)
PAL In the classic NES game Duck Hunt, you...hunt, er...ducks. The dog chases them into the air, then you aim and fire. Taking down ducks gets you points in the Duck Hunt stage in this game, too. It has no effect on the battle, but the alternative Duck Hunt action might be a refreshing change to constantly punching your friends in the face.
NES: Duck Hunt (08/1987)

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

As playable characters[edit]

Main article: Duck Hunt (SSBU)
Duck Hunt, as they appear in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Duck Hunt return once again as unlockable characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In the transition to Ultimate, Duck Hunt's once-infamously unreliable smash attacks connect much more reliably (though their final hits may still fail to connect in rare instances), thus significantly improving their once-notoriously inconsistent KO potential.

Each of Duck Hunt's special moves have also gained particular buffs. Trick Shot deals more damage and knockback, travels farther, has less ending lag, and can now be hit while it is in midair. Clay Shooting has improved combo potential, thanks to it keeping the opponent in place upon contact and having less ending lag. Duck Jump can now be canceled with an attack or air dodge after 50 frames, similarly to Winged Pikmin. Lastly, Wild Gunman deals more damage, fires faster, and has less ending lag.

Although Duck Hunt received some nerfs, most notably to their neutral infinite, clean neutral aerial, and down aerial, they have nevertheless managed to attain great results in competitive play in spite of their small playerbase: Wisdom and Ozone tied for 5th at Paradigm Shift 2019, while Raito and Vintendo placed 5th and 25th, respectively, at EVO 2019. Despite these results, however, Duck Hunt is ranked much lower than in the current Smash 4 tier list, currently ranking at 65th place out of 82 at the bottom of the C- tier.

Spirits[edit]

  • 974. Duck Hunt

    974. Duck Hunt

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japan Japanese ダックハント, Duck Hunt —
USA English (NTSC) Duck Hunt —
UK English (PAL) Duck Hunt Duo —
France French (PAL) Duo Duck Hunt —
Quebec French (NTSC) Duck Hunt —
Germany German Duck Hunt Duo —
Spain Spanish (PAL) Dúo Duck Hunt —
Mexico Spanish (NTSC) Duck Hunt —
Italy Italian Duo Duck Hunt —
China Chinese (Simplified) 打猎, Duck Hunt —
Taiwan Chinese (Traditional) 打獵, Duck Hunt —
South Korea Korean 덕 헌트, Duck Hunt —
Netherlands Dutch Duck Hunt-duo —
Russia Russian Дуэт Duck Hunt Duck Hunt Duo
Portugal Portuguese Duo Duck Hunt —

Trivia[edit]

  • Despite being a tag team,[7] Duck Hunt's reveal trailer showed an off-screen player using NES Zapper in order to perform Duck Hunt's smash attacks, Trick Shot, and Clay Shooting. This off-screen player makes Duck Hunt the second characters to have a direct connection to the real world, following R.O.B.
  • During Banjo & Kazooie's reveal trailer, Duck Hunt were used as a bait-and-switch to introduce them a la King Dedede during King K. Rool's reveal trailer. This was likely done because of Duck Hunt also being a tag team that consists of a bird perched on a mammal's back, as well as in reference to a running gag among the Super Smash Bros. community in which Duck Hunt were perceived by fans as substitutes for the long-requested Banjo & Kazooie. Duck Hunt also have an alternate costume that bears a passing resemblance to Banjo & Kazooie's color scheme; this is referenced in the latter's Classic Mode route, where Duck Hunt (using this costume) appear as the first opponents.
  • Duck Hunt are the only characters to have a name difference in English between the NTSC and PAL regions.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Various sources, such as the tip for Duck Jump in SSB4, refer to the dog as male: "The duck grabs the dog and carries him through the air. Once started, this move can't be stopped."
  2. ^ The duck has the appearance of a male mallard, but its actual gender is never specified.
  3. ^ Making of a Myth: The Grueling Development of the Original Kid Icarus
  4. ^ How To Shoot The Dog And Other Facts You Probably Don't Know About 'Duck Hunt'
  5. ^ The Definitive Unused Fighter List in Smash - Source Translations. Source Gaming (January 31, 2016). Retrieved January 31, 2016.
  6. ^ Sakurai Explains Duck Hunt's Inclusion in Smash
  7. ^ a b Super Smash Blog | 59: Duck Hunt


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