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:''For fighter info, see [[Ness (SSB)]], [[Ness (SSBM)]], and [[Ness (SSBB)]].''
{{ArticleIcons|allgames=y}}
 
{{forfighter|SSB=y|SSBM=y|SSBB=y|SSB4=y|SSBU=y}}
{{Infobox Character General
{{Infobox Character General
|name        = Ness
|name        = Ness
|image        = [[Image:Ness.png|150px]]
|image        = [[File:Ness.png|225px]]
|caption      = Official artwork of Ness from ''EarthBound''.
|caption      = [[File:EarthboundSymbol.svg|50px|class=invert-dark]]
|universe    = ''[[EarthBound (universe)|EarthBound]]''
Official paper clay model of Ness from ''{{s|wikibound|Mother 2}}''.
|firstgame    = ''[[EarthBound (game)|EarthBound/Mother 2]]'' (1994 in Japan, 1995 in America)
|firstgame    = ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}'' (1994)
|games        = ''[[Super Smash Bros.|SSB]]''<br/>''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee|SSBM]]''<br/>''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|SSBB]]''
|lastappearance= ''{{s|wikibound|Mother 3}}'' (2006, cameo) {{Flag|Japan}}
|console      = [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
|console      = Super Nintendo Entertainment System
|species      = Human
|species      = Human
|gender      = Male  
|gender      = Male
|homeworld    = town of [[Onett]], country of [[Eagleland]]
|placeoforigin= [[Onett]], Eagleland
|hair        = Black
|eyes        = Brown (EarthBound Novel)
|height      =
|weight      =
|creator      = [[Shigesato Itoi]]
|creator      = [[Shigesato Itoi]]
|artist      =  
|voiceactor  = Makiko Ōmoto
|voiceactor  = Makiko Ōhmoto
|interwiki    = wikibound
|japanactor  = Makiko Ōhmoto
|interwikiname= WikiBound
|interwikipage= Ness
}}
}}
'''Ness''' ({{ja|ネス|Nesu}}, ''Ness'') is the main character of the cult classic SNES RPG ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}'', the most successful game in the [[EarthBound (universe)|''Mother''/''EarthBound'']] franchise. As a member of the "[[Fighter#"Perfect-attendance crew"|perfect-attendance crew]]", Ness has been featured as a playable character throughout the entire ''{{b|Super Smash Bros.|series}}'' series. He appears as the sole fighter of both the game and the series in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. He appears in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' alongside fellow ''EarthBound'' fighter [[Lucas]], who hails from ''[[Mother 3]]''. In all five games, Makiko Ōmoto voices Ness in English with a false American accent.


'''Ness''' (ネス, ''Nesu'') is the main character of the cult classic SNES RPG ''[[EarthBound (game)|EarthBound]]'', the most popular and successful game in the ''Mother'' franchise.  He appears as the sole representative of both the game and the series in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. He appears in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' alongside fellow ''Mother'' representative, [[Lucas]], who hails from ''[[Mother 3]]''.
==Origin==
[[File:NessSprite.gif|thumb|left|120px|Ness's in-game sprite from ''EarthBound'', the basis of his appearance in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'']]
In ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}'', Ness is a courageous, kind, and helpful boy from the fictional town of [[Onett]], located in north-western Eagleland. His {{s|wikibound|favorite food}} is steak and his signature PSI move, named for his favorite thing, is {{s|wikibound|PSI Rockin}}. He possesses strong psychic powers, and in the year 199X, utilizes his abilities to defeat an alien invasion by the forces of {{s|wikibound|Giygas}}, the villain of ''{{iw|wikibound|EarthBound Beginnings}}''. Ness is the successor to {{s|wikibound|Ninten}}, the hero of ''EarthBound Beginnings'', sharing a very similar design and some abilities; however, the two are distinct characters.


==Character description==
On a dark night in the year 199X, Ness gets woken up by a meteorite crash. He investigates the crash site, where he meets his neighbor [[Porky Minch]] and an alien named {{s|wikibound|Buzz Buzz}}. Buzz Buzz tells him that he is the boy who will save the world, and sends him on a mission to collect the {{s|wikibound|Eight Melodies}} that tie together the Earth's power. He is joined in this quest by [[Paula]], [[Jeff]], and [[Poo]]. By recording and collecting the Eight Melodies using his {{s|wikibound|Sound Stone}}, Ness gains access to the realm of [[Magicant]] within his mind and unlocks the power necessary to defeat Giygas.
[[Image:NessSprite.gif|100px|Ness|thumb|left]]
In ''[[EarthBound (game)|EarthBound]]'', Ness is a courageous boy from the fictional town of [[Onett]] located in north-western [[Eagleland]]. His favorite food is Salsbury steak and his favorite thing is Rockin' or Kiai (Fighting Spirit) (hence the name of his special move in ''EarthBound'', PSI Rockin' or PK Kiai). He possesses strong psychic powers called Psychokinesis (hence the abbreviation PK, called PSI in the American adaption), and in the year 199X, utilizes his abilities to defeat a vengeful alien known as Giygas (although Giygas's motivation for revenge is only known from playing ''[[Mother|MOTHER]]''). He is the successor of Ninten, the star of the original ''MOTHER'' (often called "''EarthBound Zero''"), the game in the [[EarthBound (universe)|''Mother'' series]] before ''[[EarthBound (game)|EarthBound]]'' and the first out of the trilogy. Some say Ninten and Ness are identical; however, the games take place in different settings, and there are several differences between the two boys. (Ninten knows no offensive PSI attacks, for example.)


On a dark night in 199X, Ness gets woken up by a meteorite crash. His natural curiosity leads him to investigate the crash site, where he meets his neighbor [[Porky Minch]] and an alien named Buzz Buzz. Buzz Buzz tells him that he is the boy who will save the world, and sends him on a mission to collect eight melodies that tie together the Earth's power. He eventually meets [[Paula Polestar|Paula]], a talented girl learned in PK attacks; the brilliant but shy boy scientist [[Jeff Andonuts]]; and [[Poo]], a mysterious prince. By recording and collecting the eight melodies using his Sound Stone, Ness draws the energy of the earth into himself and achieves the strength needed for the four of them to prevail with all their courage, wisdom and friendship. Five years after the release of ''[[EarthBound (game)|EarthBound]]'', Ness would make a surprise appearance in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and continue to be playable in the series, carrying his legacy.
Although capable of wielding several types of weapons, such as {{s|wikibound|slingshot}}s and {{s|wikibound|yo-yo}}s, Ness's signature weapon is a {{s|wikibound|baseball bat}}. Ness's PSI powers include [[PK Flash]], PSI Rockin, {{s|wikibound|Lifeup}}, and a variety of status moves. Several PSI techniques used by Paula and Poo ([[PK Fire]], [[PK Thunder]], [[PSI Magnet]], and [[PK Starstorm]]) would be borrowed by Ness for combat in the series.


Among many weapons, Ness wields slingshots, yo-yos, and most famous of all, Ness' signature baseball bat. Ness is also a master of the psychic powers called PSI, and knows attacks like [[PK Flash]], PK Rockin', PK Shield, Lifeup, Healing, Hypnosis, Paralysis and Teleport. Paula and Poo's moves ([[PK Fire]], [[PK Thunder]] [[PSI Magnet]], and [[PK Starstorm]]) would be borrowed by Ness for combat in the [[Super Smash Bros. (universe)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]].
Five years after the release of ''EarthBound'', Ness would make an unexpected appearance in ''Super Smash Bros.'' and continue to be playable in the series, carrying his legacy. Ness's appearances in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series have considerably boosted his public image. His appearance in the very first ''Super Smash Bros.'' took fans by surprise, but his inclusion was massively applauded; thus, he's been in every ''Smash'' installment since. Through the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, Ness became more or less a mainstream character in gaming culture rather than remaining a curious cult character of Nintendo's '90s days who would be known only to the highly devoted Nintendo fandom.
{{clrl}}


==In ''Super Smash Bros.''==
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''==
:''Main article: [[Ness (SSB)]]''
===As a playable character===
[[Image:NessSSB.gif|right|100px|thumb|Ness's official artwork in ''Super Smash Bros'']]
{{Main|Ness (SSB)}}
Ness was a bit of surprise addition to the roster for the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''Many players had never expected such an obscure character to turn up in the game, which seems to be reflected in-game as he is a secret character, unlocked by completing the 1P Game on a difficulty of Normal or higher, with three lives or less and using no continues. Strangely, none of Ness' special moves are his own; his special attacks, the [[PSI Magnet]], [[PK Fire]] and [[PK Thunder]], (B + Down, B and B + Up, respectively), were originally used by ally Paula in ''[[EarthBound (game)|EarthBound]]''. A possible explanation for this discrepancy is offered in the sequel to this game, ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', which states that Paula may have taught him these techniques.
[[File:Ness SSB.png|left|thumb|150px|Official artwork of Ness from ''Super Smash Bros.'']]
Ness was a bit of surprise addition to the roster for the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' Many players had never expected such an obscure character to turn up in the game, which seems to be reflected in-game; he is a secret character, unlocked by completing the 1P Game on a difficulty of Normal or higher, using three lives or less and no continues. Strangely, none of Ness's special moves are his own; his special attacks, the [[PSI Magnet]], [[PK Fire]], and [[PK Thunder]], (down special, neutral special, and up special, respectively), were originally used by one of his party allies, Paula in ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}''. A possible explanation for this discrepancy is offered in the sequel to this game, ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', which states that Paula may have taught him these techniques. Ness is ranked 10th out of 12 on the current [[tier list]].


In-game description:
In-game description:
:''Ness was a seemingly-average kid from Onett, but in truth, he was destined for much more. When a strange meteorite landed near his hometown, the little boy with psychic powers set out to save the world. Little has been said of Ness' character, and much remains hidden.''
:''Ness was a seemingly-average kid from [[Onett]], but in truth, he was destined for much more. When a strange meteorite landed near his hometown, the little boy with psychic powers set out to save the world. Little has been said of Ness' character, and much remains hidden.''


:Works:
:Works:
:*[[Earthbound|EarthBound]] (SNES)
:*{{b|EarthBound|game}} (SNES)
{{clr}}
 
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
===As a playable character===
{{Main|Ness (SSBM)}}
[[File:Ness SSBM.jpg|thumb|200px|Ness as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.]]
Ness returns in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', though this time as a default character. He keeps all of his special moves and, as all other veterans, gains a fourth one: [[PK Flash]], which is assigned as his neutral special move. PK Flash is Ness's first "true" special attack, as his other special moves were not used by him in ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}''. PK Fire was also changed to Ness's side special.
 
During the development of ''Melee'', Sakurai was going to remove Ness from the roster and include [[Lucas]] instead, despite ''Mother 3'' (Lucas' debut game) being unreleased at the time. However, due to ''Mother 3''{{'}}s release on the Nintendo 64 getting cancelled, Ness got to stay in the game.
 
Ness was mostly [[nerf]]ed from ''Smash 64'' to ''Melee'', similar to {{SSBM|Kirby}}, and {{SSBM|Pikachu}}, and arguably {{SSBM|Yoshi}}. One major reason is his very weak [[grab]] range. Though his nerfs were not as drastic as Kirby's, his tournament representation is weak and his viability is still poor. He is ranked 23rd out of 26 on the [[tier list]] in D tier, somewhat lower than his placement in the original ''Super Smash Bros.''
 
===Trophies===
{{Main|List of SSBM trophies (EarthBound series)}}
As a playable character, Ness has three trophies - a normal trophy won beating the {{SSBM|Classic Mode}} with Ness on any difficulty, and "Smash Red" and "Smash Blue" trophies are acquired by beating the Adventure and All-Star modes, respectively.
 
{{Trophy
|name=Ness
|image=Ness Trophy Melee.png
|mode=Classic
|desc=Ness is a young boy who's mastered the psychic power known as PSI. Ness was living a normal life in the suburbs of Onett until a meteor crashed into a nearby mountain and sent him on a wild adventure. Believing in the ultimate powers of wisdom, courage, and friendship, Ness proves that some heroes come in small packages.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|game1=EarthBound|release1=6/95}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|game1=EarthBound|release1=Not Released in Europe}}
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}
 
{{Trophy
|name=Ness
|image=Ness Trophy (Smash).png
|mode=Adventure
|desc=The key to mastering Ness is controlling his unique midair jump, which makes up for what he lacks in speed. <!--Double-space exists in trophy file--> His PK Flash attack may seem weak at first glance, but it grows more powerful the longer you hold down the B Button. To do a lot of damage with PK Fire, try to burn your opponent as many times as possible.
|gamelist=:B: PK Flash
:Smash B: PK Fire
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}
 
{{Trophy
|name=Ness
|image=Ness Trophy (Smash) 2.png
|mode=All Star
|desc=Ness's mind is his best weapon. PK Thunder is a PSI missile weapon that can be guided using the Control Stick, and if Ness hits himself with it, he turns into a living missile capable of doing massive damage. This move can also be used for recovery. PSI Magnet turns energy missile attacks into health; try out certain Pokémon for stamina replenishment.
|gamelist=:Up & B: PK Thunder
:Down & B: PSI Magnet
|game=Melee
}}
{{clrl}}
 
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
===As a playable character===
{{Main|Ness (SSBB)}}
[[File:Ness SSBB.jpg|thumb|200px|Ness as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''.]]
On January 20, 2008, Edible, a [[GameFAQs]] member, made a topic in the site's ''Brawl'' message board about an official trailer on the Japanese Wii website that leaked Ness (as well as {{SSBB|Lucario}} and {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}) being playable characters in the game. In [http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/3259/iup542612bd3.jpg this screenshot] taken of the video, a Ness icon can clearly be seen in the lower right hand corner when the Claus sticker is selected, confirming Ness's return as a playable character. The video in question can be viewed [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfuGSKXA20w here].
 
Ness returns as an unlockable fighter in ''Brawl'' after a brief stint as a starter character in ''Melee''. Ness was officially revealed to be a playable character in ''Brawl'' on February 1st, 2008, the day after ''Brawl'' came out in Japan.
 
Ness is ranked 26th on the [[tier list]] in D tier, being [[buff]]ed from ''Melee'', with a general increase in the power and speed of his attacks and a vastly superior grab. However, he gained a major flaw in the additional 10 frames of lag he gets when grab released, making him very vulnerable to [[grab release]] combos, most infamously the [[Zero-to-death combo|zero-to-death]] grab releases from {{SSBB|Marth}} and {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}.


==In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''==
===Trophy===
:''Main article: [[Ness (SSBM)]]''
{{Main|List of SSBB trophies (EarthBound series)}}
[[Image:Nessmelee.jpg|left|100px|thumb|Ness as he appears in ''[[Melee]]'']]
{{Trophy
Ness returns in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' as a default character. He keeps all of his special moves and, as all other veterans, gains a fourth one: [[PK Flash]], which is assigned as his B attack. PK Flash is Ness' first "true" special attack, as his other two offensive moves were not used by him in ''[[EarthBound (game)|EarthBound]]''. PK Fire was also changed to Ness' B + Forward. 
|name=Ness
|image=Ness - Brawl Trophy.png
|desc=An average boy whose life changed when he found a meteor and an alien on a nearby mountain. The alien warned him of a future threat, and adventure ensued. He can use psychic energy known as PSI and also wields a bat and yo-yo. This brave youth gives his all to defeat the evil Giygas.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=EarthBound|console2=N64|game2=Super Smash Bros.}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=EarthBound|release1=Japan and US Only|console2=N64|game2=Super Smash Bros.}}
|game=Brawl
}}
{{clrl}}


Unlike [[Captain Falcon]], who also made the transition from unlockable to default without being affected much, Ness appears to have been "nerfed"; that is, his fighting ability has been decreased, making him a much lower-quality character, much to the dismay of Ness fans.
===Sticker===
{| class="wikitable"
! Name
! Game
! Effect
! Fighter(s)
|-
| {{SSBB|Ness}}
| {{b|EarthBound|game}}
| {{TypeIcon|PK}} Attack +33
| {{StickerHead|Ness|Lucas}}
|}
{{StickerPicBox|Ness|EarthBound}}


==In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''==
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
:''Main article: [[Ness (SSBB)]]''
===As a playable character===
[[Image:NessBrawl.jpg|right|thumb|100px|Ness as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'']]
{{main|Ness (SSB4)}}
On January 20, 2008, Edible, a [[GameFAQs]] member, made a topic in the site's Brawl message board about an official trailer on the Japanese Wii website that apparently confirmed Ness (as well as [[Lucario]] and [[Jigglypuff]]) as playable characters in the game.  In [http://img341.imageshack.us/my.php?image=iup542612bd3.jpg this screenshot] taken of the video, a Ness icon can clearly be seen in the lower right hand corner when the [[Claus]] sticker is selected, suggesting that Ness is returning in playable form.  The video in question can be viewed [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfuGSKXA20w here].
[[File:Ness SSB4.png|thumb|Ness as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''.]]
'  
Ness was leaked as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' via the [[ESRB leak]], and later through twitch.tv streams. He remains an unlockable character in the 3DS game, but is part of the starting roster on Wii U, making it the first game since ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' where Ness appears as a starter character. He also sports an updated appearance and all new voice clips.
The intro for ''Brawl'' features Ness, reaffirming the fact that he is playable. He is a default character in [[Super Smash Bros. Melee|Melee]], but back as an unlockable in [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Brawl]]. Ness was revealed to be a confirmed playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' on Febuary 1st, 2008, the day after ''Brawl'' came out in Japan.


===Trophy Info===
Ness ranks 28th out of 54 on the [[tier list]] (being tied with {{SSB4|Lucas}}). He has been heavily buffed from his ''Brawl'' incarnation, with not only his extra grab release frames removed, but also the general changes brought about by ''SSB4'', such as the removal of [[hitstun]] cancelling and [[edge-hogging]], proving beneficial to him as well, as now he possesses an efficient and strong aerial combo game, and he can more easily recover with PK Thunder, since he can grab hold of an edge regardless of whether or not an opponent is hanging from it. Slamming into a wall during [[PK Thunder 2]] no longer leaves Ness immediately helpless, as he is now capable of initiating PK Thunder a second time, and PK Thunder's projectile now goes through opponents until its "tail" leaves Ness' body, improving his overall recovery further. Yet, his reliance on using PK Thunder to recover is still susceptible to being intercepted and foiled, especially by newcomers {{SSB4|Rosalina}} and {{SSB4|Villager}}. Nonetheless, as a result of his vast improvement from the three previous games, Ness has gained decent results in tournaments.
''An average boy whose life changed when he found a meteor and an alien on a nearby mountain. The alien warned him of a future threat, and adventure ensued. He can use energy known as PSI and also wields a bat and yo-yo. This brave youth gives his all to defeat the evil Giygas.''


* [[EarthBound (game)|EarthBound]] (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)
===Trophies===
* [[Super Smash Bros.]] ([[Nintendo 64]])
{{Main|List of SSB4 trophies (EarthBound series)}}
{{Trophy
|name=Ness
|image-3ds=NessTrophy3DS.png
|image-wiiu=NessTrophyWiiU.png
|desc-3ds-ntsc=Hailing from Onett, a small town in Eagleland, this young boy's ordinary looks hide his psychic powers. Ness fought against the evil Giygas in EarthBound, and in Smash Bros. he unleashes some of the same PSI moves. Watch out for PK Thunder, a guided attack that can also launch Ness like a rocket!
|desc-wiiu-ntsc=Hailing from Onett, a small town in Eagleland, this young boy sports ordinary looks that hide his psychic powers. Ness fought against the evil Giygas in EarthBound, and in Smash Bros. he unleashes some of the same PSI moves. Watch out for PK Thunder, a guided attack that can also launch Ness like a rocket!
|desc-pal=From Onett in Eagleland comes this young lad. He may not look like much, but he has powerful psychic abilities, and they really come in handy in EarthBound. They come in handy in this game, too. Did you know you can control his PK Thunder bolt? Aim it at Ness himself to send him flying, absolutely clobbering anyone in his path!
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=EarthBound|release1=06/1995}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=SFC|game1=EarthBound|release1=1994 (JP)|console2=GBA|game2={{iw|wikibound|Mother 1+2}}|release2=2003 (JP)}}
}}


{{Trophy
|name=Ness (Alt.)
|image-3ds=NessAltTrophy3DS.png
|image-wiiu=NessAltTrophyWiiU.png
|desc-3ds-ntsc=Ness may have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean he shies away from getting physical. His side smash packs a real punch if you hit enemies with the end of his bat, and it can even deflect projectiles! His up and down smashes also have a lot of range—Ness can land his strikes with ease!
|desc-wiiu-ntsc=Ness may have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean he shies away from getting physical. His side smash packs a real punch if you hit enemies with the end of his bat, and it can even deflect projectiles! His up and down smashes also have a lot of range—try giving them a spin!
|desc-pal=Ness may have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean he shies away from getting physical. His side smash packs a real punch if you hit enemies with the end of his bat, and it can even reflect projectiles! His up and down smashes also have a lot of range, meaning when you play as Ness, it's always easy to land hits on your foes!
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=EarthBound|release1=06/1995}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=SFC|game1=EarthBound|release1=1994 (JP)|console2=GBA|game2=Mother 1+2|release2=2003 (JP)}}
}}
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==
===As a playable character===
{{Main|Ness (SSBU)}}
[[File:Ness SSBU.png|thumb|Ness as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.]]
Ness returns as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''. Ness retains his status as an unlockable character like in ''SSB'', ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 3DS''. Many of his attacks now feature effects that are more reminiscent of the ''EarthBound'' games, such as PK Fire having diamond-shaped PSI effects. Paula and Poo now accompany him for his Final Smash. As the first character in {{SSBU|Kirby}}’s unlock tree, he can potentially be the first character to be unlocked.
Ness was greatly buffed in his transition to ''Ultimate'', with his speed and power increased. The return of directional [[air dodge]]s provides Ness with a reliable mixup in place of [[PK Thunder]] for a safer [[recovery]]. Not only do his up and down yo-yo smash attacks function the way they did prior to ''SSB4'', but they now also hang off [[ledge]]s providing him with a new powerful [[edge-guarding]] technique. His special moves have also been improved with [[PK Flash]] no longer making him helpless, [[PK Fire]] having less endlag, [[PK Thunder]] dealing more damage and knockback, and [[PSI Magnet]] receiving a damaging hitbox.
Overall, Ness has achieved some very positive tournament results in the early metagame of ''Ultimate'', with many professional players such as [[ESAM]], [[Marss]], and [[Void]] considering him to be a high tier character. Despite this, however, he is currently ranked as a upper mid-tier character in the B+ tier at the 40th place of 82 on the current tier list, although it is currently his highest placement in the series.
{{clr}}
===Spirit===
<center>
<gallery>
SSBU spirit Ness.png|563. '''''Ness'''''
</gallery>
</center>
==In other languages==
{{Langtable
|ja={{ja|ネス|Nesu}}, ''Ness''
|en=Ness
|fr=Ness
|de=Ness
|it=Ness
|zh= {{rollover|奈斯|Nàisī|?}}, ''Ness'' {{GameIcon|ssbu}} <br> {{rollover|内斯|Nèisī|?}} {{GameIcon|64}}
|ko={{rollover|네스|Neseu|?}}, ''Ness''
|nl=Ness
|ru={{rollover|Несс|Ness|?}}
|pt=Ness
}}
==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Ness's name may be a pun on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] or an anagram of the letters in its successor, the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]].
*Starting in ''Melee'', the texture on Ness' yo-yo says the release year, with ''Melee''{{'}}s saying "HALLAB NINTENDO 2001 DOLPHIN LOOP". From ''Brawl'' onward, this was changed to "SUPER NINTENDO (year) MOTHER", with year referring to the corresponding year the respective ''Smash'' game was released; 2008 for ''Brawl'', 2014 for ''SSB4'' and 2018 for ''Ultimate''.
*Oddly, Ness's trophy in ''Brawl'' has [[Super Smash Bros]] listed as one of the games he appears in.
*The "PK" (standing for "Psychokinesis") prefix in most of Ness's (as well as Lucas's) special moves originates from ''EarthBound Beginnings'', where it is used to denote PSI moves that directly inflict damage on an enemy. Moves that affect healing and PSI Point (PP) restoration instead start with "PSI", such as [[PSI Magnet]]. In the American localization for ''Earthbound'', however, translators changed this naming convention and all offensive moves start with "PSI" rather than "PK". Therefore, the names "PK Flash" and "PK Starstorm" (which did not appear in ''Earthbound Beginnings'') are actually different from what those moves are named in their only official English-language games from the ''Mother''/''Earthbound'' series.  
*Ness is the only secret character to appear in the opening of every Super Smash Bros. game.
*While Ness' game (''EarthBound'') was released in North America and takes place in a stand-in for America, his in-game voice in ''Smash Bros.'' has a Japanese accent, whereas Lucas, whose game (''[[Mother 3]]'') was released only in Japan, speaks using an American one.
*The blush circles on Ness's face have been slightly faded in ''Brawl''.
*Ness's "OK!" taunt is based on a voice line in ''EarthBound'', prompted once the player confirms a name given to something when creating a new save file, saying {{ja|OKですか|OK desuka}} (''Is it OK?''). The line was provided by Shigesato Itoi during the game's development, after his voice was being unknowingly recorded. It also appears in ''Mother 3'' with the exact same purpose.
*Although Ness's specials are called "PK (Name)" in the Super Smash Bros. series, they are called "PSI (Name)" in ''EarthBound''; however, the "PK" prefix was used in the game's Japanese incarnation, ''Mother 2'', and in all other ''EarthBound'' games in both English and Japanese.
*Ness was considered being replaced by [[Lucas]] in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', and [[Jigglypuff]] was also considered to be cut in those games,<ref>http://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/08/17/sakuraibrawlquestions/</ref> making them the only known members of the "Original 12" that were considered being cut at certain points in the development of subsequent games in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series.
*In ''Brawl'', his yo-yo has the words "Super Nintendo 2008, Mother" printed on it.
*Ness and [[Captain Falcon]] were the first characters to debut as unlockable characters before becoming starters in the next game.
*Ness along with Captain Falcon are the only two charecters to appear in every Super Smash Bro.s title but appeared twice as a unlockable charecter in SSB, and SSBB, but oce as a starter charecter in SSBM.
*Ness, Captain Falcon and [[Terry Bogard]] are the only characters to be voiced by Japanese actors and speak English in all language tracks.
*Whenever Ness is an unlockable character, he is always the first one to be unlocked from playing [[Vs. Mode]] (excluding ''Smash 64'', which does not feature this method of unlocking characters).
*Not counting ''Brawl''{{'}}s lineup, Ness is the only character to be unlockable in the first ''Smash'' game to appear in all the [[opening movie]]s.
*Ness, [[Lucas]], [[Min Min]], and [[Kazuya]] are the only characters to have a [[Reflection|reflector]] outside of [[special move]]s. Coincidentally, all (except Kazuya's) are a [[smash attack]].
 
==References==
{{reflist}}
 
{{Characters}}
{{Characters}}
{{EarthBound universe}}
{{EarthBound universe}}
[[Category:Characters]]
 
[[Category:EarthBound universe]]
[[Category:Ness| ]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBM)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-Wii U)]]
[[Category:Stickers]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[es:Ness]]

Latest revision as of 22:00, October 1, 2024

For fighter info, see Ness (SSB), Ness (SSBM), Ness (SSBB), Ness (SSB4), and Ness (SSBU).
Ness
Ness.png
EarthboundSymbol.svg

Official paper clay model of Ness from Mother 2.

Universe EarthBound
Debut EarthBound (1994)
Smash Bros. appearances SSB
Melee
Brawl
SSB4
Ultimate
Most recent non-Smash appearance Mother 3 (2006, cameo) Japan
Console/platform of origin Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Species Human
Gender Male
Place of origin Onett, Eagleland
Created by Shigesato Itoi
Voice actor Makiko Ōmoto
Article on WikiBound Ness

Ness (ネス, Ness) is the main character of the cult classic SNES RPG EarthBound, the most successful game in the Mother/EarthBound franchise. As a member of the "perfect-attendance crew", Ness has been featured as a playable character throughout the entire Super Smash Bros. series. He appears as the sole fighter of both the game and the series in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee. He appears in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Super Smash Bros. 4, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate alongside fellow EarthBound fighter Lucas, who hails from Mother 3. In all five games, Makiko Ōmoto voices Ness in English with a false American accent.

Origin[edit]

Ness's in-game sprite from EarthBound, the basis of his appearance in the original Super Smash Bros.

In EarthBound, Ness is a courageous, kind, and helpful boy from the fictional town of Onett, located in north-western Eagleland. His favorite food is steak and his signature PSI move, named for his favorite thing, is PSI Rockin. He possesses strong psychic powers, and in the year 199X, utilizes his abilities to defeat an alien invasion by the forces of Giygas, the villain of EarthBound Beginnings. Ness is the successor to Ninten, the hero of EarthBound Beginnings, sharing a very similar design and some abilities; however, the two are distinct characters.

On a dark night in the year 199X, Ness gets woken up by a meteorite crash. He investigates the crash site, where he meets his neighbor Porky Minch and an alien named Buzz Buzz. Buzz Buzz tells him that he is the boy who will save the world, and sends him on a mission to collect the Eight Melodies that tie together the Earth's power. He is joined in this quest by Paula, Jeff, and Poo. By recording and collecting the Eight Melodies using his Sound Stone, Ness gains access to the realm of Magicant within his mind and unlocks the power necessary to defeat Giygas.

Although capable of wielding several types of weapons, such as slingshots and yo-yos, Ness's signature weapon is a baseball bat. Ness's PSI powers include PK Flash, PSI Rockin, Lifeup, and a variety of status moves. Several PSI techniques used by Paula and Poo (PK Fire, PK Thunder, PSI Magnet, and PK Starstorm) would be borrowed by Ness for combat in the series.

Five years after the release of EarthBound, Ness would make an unexpected appearance in Super Smash Bros. and continue to be playable in the series, carrying his legacy. Ness's appearances in the Super Smash Bros. series have considerably boosted his public image. His appearance in the very first Super Smash Bros. took fans by surprise, but his inclusion was massively applauded; thus, he's been in every Smash installment since. Through the Super Smash Bros. series, Ness became more or less a mainstream character in gaming culture rather than remaining a curious cult character of Nintendo's '90s days who would be known only to the highly devoted Nintendo fandom.

In Super Smash Bros.[edit]

As a playable character[edit]

Main article: Ness (SSB)
Official artwork of Ness from Super Smash Bros.

Ness was a bit of surprise addition to the roster for the original Super Smash Bros. Many players had never expected such an obscure character to turn up in the game, which seems to be reflected in-game; he is a secret character, unlocked by completing the 1P Game on a difficulty of Normal or higher, using three lives or less and no continues. Strangely, none of Ness's special moves are his own; his special attacks, the PSI Magnet, PK Fire, and PK Thunder, (down special, neutral special, and up special, respectively), were originally used by one of his party allies, Paula in EarthBound. A possible explanation for this discrepancy is offered in the sequel to this game, Super Smash Bros. Melee, which states that Paula may have taught him these techniques. Ness is ranked 10th out of 12 on the current tier list.

In-game description:

Ness was a seemingly-average kid from Onett, but in truth, he was destined for much more. When a strange meteorite landed near his hometown, the little boy with psychic powers set out to save the world. Little has been said of Ness' character, and much remains hidden.
Works:

In Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]

As a playable character[edit]

Main article: Ness (SSBM)
Ness as he appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Ness returns in Super Smash Bros. Melee, though this time as a default character. He keeps all of his special moves and, as all other veterans, gains a fourth one: PK Flash, which is assigned as his neutral special move. PK Flash is Ness's first "true" special attack, as his other special moves were not used by him in EarthBound. PK Fire was also changed to Ness's side special.

During the development of Melee, Sakurai was going to remove Ness from the roster and include Lucas instead, despite Mother 3 (Lucas' debut game) being unreleased at the time. However, due to Mother 3's release on the Nintendo 64 getting cancelled, Ness got to stay in the game.

Ness was mostly nerfed from Smash 64 to Melee, similar to Kirby, and Pikachu, and arguably Yoshi. One major reason is his very weak grab range. Though his nerfs were not as drastic as Kirby's, his tournament representation is weak and his viability is still poor. He is ranked 23rd out of 26 on the tier list in D tier, somewhat lower than his placement in the original Super Smash Bros.

Trophies[edit]

As a playable character, Ness has three trophies - a normal trophy won beating the Classic Mode with Ness on any difficulty, and "Smash Red" and "Smash Blue" trophies are acquired by beating the Adventure and All-Star modes, respectively.

Ness's Classic Mode trophy in Melee
Ness
Ness is a young boy who's mastered the psychic power known as PSI. Ness was living a normal life in the suburbs of Onett until a meteor crashed into a nearby mountain and sent him on a wild adventure. Believing in the ultimate powers of wisdom, courage, and friendship, Ness proves that some heroes come in small packages.
NTSC
EarthBound (6/95)
PAL
EarthBound (Not Released in Europe)
Ness's Adventure Mode trophy in Melee
Ness SMASH
The key to mastering Ness is controlling his unique midair jump, which makes up for what he lacks in speed. His PK Flash attack may seem weak at first glance, but it grows more powerful the longer you hold down the B Button. To do a lot of damage with PK Fire, try to burn your opponent as many times as possible.
B: PK Flash
Smash B: PK Fire
Ness's All-Star Mode trophy in Melee
Ness SMASH
Ness's mind is his best weapon. PK Thunder is a PSI missile weapon that can be guided using the Control Stick, and if Ness hits himself with it, he turns into a living missile capable of doing massive damage. This move can also be used for recovery. PSI Magnet turns energy missile attacks into health; try out certain Pokémon for stamina replenishment.
Up & B: PK Thunder
Down & B: PSI Magnet

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

As a playable character[edit]

Main article: Ness (SSBB)
Ness as he appears in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

On January 20, 2008, Edible, a GameFAQs member, made a topic in the site's Brawl message board about an official trailer on the Japanese Wii website that leaked Ness (as well as Lucario and Jigglypuff) being playable characters in the game. In this screenshot taken of the video, a Ness icon can clearly be seen in the lower right hand corner when the Claus sticker is selected, confirming Ness's return as a playable character. The video in question can be viewed here.

Ness returns as an unlockable fighter in Brawl after a brief stint as a starter character in Melee. Ness was officially revealed to be a playable character in Brawl on February 1st, 2008, the day after Brawl came out in Japan.

Ness is ranked 26th on the tier list in D tier, being buffed from Melee, with a general increase in the power and speed of his attacks and a vastly superior grab. However, he gained a major flaw in the additional 10 frames of lag he gets when grab released, making him very vulnerable to grab release combos, most infamously the zero-to-death grab releases from Marth and Donkey Kong.

Trophy[edit]

Ness's trophy in Brawl
Ness
An average boy whose life changed when he found a meteor and an alien on a nearby mountain. The alien warned him of a future threat, and adventure ensued. He can use psychic energy known as PSI and also wields a bat and yo-yo. This brave youth gives his all to defeat the evil Giygas.
NTSC
SNES: EarthBound
N64: Super Smash Bros.
PAL
SNES: EarthBound (Japan and US Only)
N64: Super Smash Bros.

Sticker[edit]

Name Game Effect Fighter(s)
Ness EarthBound PK (type) Attack +33 Ness Lucas Ness (SSBB)Lucas (SSBB)
Brawl Sticker Ness (EarthBound).png
Ness
(EarthBound)

In Super Smash Bros. 4[edit]

As a playable character[edit]

Main article: Ness (SSB4)
Ness as he appears in Super Smash Bros. 4.

Ness was leaked as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. 4 via the ESRB leak, and later through twitch.tv streams. He remains an unlockable character in the 3DS game, but is part of the starting roster on Wii U, making it the first game since Super Smash Bros. Melee where Ness appears as a starter character. He also sports an updated appearance and all new voice clips.

Ness ranks 28th out of 54 on the tier list (being tied with Lucas). He has been heavily buffed from his Brawl incarnation, with not only his extra grab release frames removed, but also the general changes brought about by SSB4, such as the removal of hitstun cancelling and edge-hogging, proving beneficial to him as well, as now he possesses an efficient and strong aerial combo game, and he can more easily recover with PK Thunder, since he can grab hold of an edge regardless of whether or not an opponent is hanging from it. Slamming into a wall during PK Thunder 2 no longer leaves Ness immediately helpless, as he is now capable of initiating PK Thunder a second time, and PK Thunder's projectile now goes through opponents until its "tail" leaves Ness' body, improving his overall recovery further. Yet, his reliance on using PK Thunder to recover is still susceptible to being intercepted and foiled, especially by newcomers Rosalina and Villager. Nonetheless, as a result of his vast improvement from the three previous games, Ness has gained decent results in tournaments.

Trophies[edit]

Ness
NTSCSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS Hailing from Onett, a small town in Eagleland, this young boy's ordinary looks hide his psychic powers. Ness fought against the evil Giygas in EarthBound, and in Smash Bros. he unleashes some of the same PSI moves. Watch out for PK Thunder, a guided attack that can also launch Ness like a rocket!
NTSCSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U Hailing from Onett, a small town in Eagleland, this young boy sports ordinary looks that hide his psychic powers. Ness fought against the evil Giygas in EarthBound, and in Smash Bros. he unleashes some of the same PSI moves. Watch out for PK Thunder, a guided attack that can also launch Ness like a rocket!
SNES: EarthBound (06/1995)
PAL From Onett in Eagleland comes this young lad. He may not look like much, but he has powerful psychic abilities, and they really come in handy in EarthBound. They come in handy in this game, too. Did you know you can control his PK Thunder bolt? Aim it at Ness himself to send him flying, absolutely clobbering anyone in his path!
Super Famicom: EarthBound (1994 (JP))
GB Advance: Mother 1+2 (2003 (JP))
Ness (Alt.)'s trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Ness (Alt.)'s trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Ness (Alt.)
NTSCSuper Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS Ness may have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean he shies away from getting physical. His side smash packs a real punch if you hit enemies with the end of his bat, and it can even deflect projectiles! His up and down smashes also have a lot of range—Ness can land his strikes with ease!
NTSCSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U Ness may have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean he shies away from getting physical. His side smash packs a real punch if you hit enemies with the end of his bat, and it can even deflect projectiles! His up and down smashes also have a lot of range—try giving them a spin!
SNES: EarthBound (06/1995)
PAL Ness may have psychic powers, but that doesn't mean he shies away from getting physical. His side smash packs a real punch if you hit enemies with the end of his bat, and it can even reflect projectiles! His up and down smashes also have a lot of range, meaning when you play as Ness, it's always easy to land hits on your foes!
Super Famicom: EarthBound (1994 (JP))
GB Advance: Mother 1+2 (2003 (JP))

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

As a playable character[edit]

Main article: Ness (SSBU)
Ness as he appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Ness returns as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Ness retains his status as an unlockable character like in SSB, Brawl and Smash 3DS. Many of his attacks now feature effects that are more reminiscent of the EarthBound games, such as PK Fire having diamond-shaped PSI effects. Paula and Poo now accompany him for his Final Smash. As the first character in Kirby’s unlock tree, he can potentially be the first character to be unlocked.

Ness was greatly buffed in his transition to Ultimate, with his speed and power increased. The return of directional air dodges provides Ness with a reliable mixup in place of PK Thunder for a safer recovery. Not only do his up and down yo-yo smash attacks function the way they did prior to SSB4, but they now also hang off ledges providing him with a new powerful edge-guarding technique. His special moves have also been improved with PK Flash no longer making him helpless, PK Fire having less endlag, PK Thunder dealing more damage and knockback, and PSI Magnet receiving a damaging hitbox.

Overall, Ness has achieved some very positive tournament results in the early metagame of Ultimate, with many professional players such as ESAMMarss, and Void considering him to be a high tier character. Despite this, however, he is currently ranked as a upper mid-tier character in the B+ tier at the 40th place of 82 on the current tier list, although it is currently his highest placement in the series.

Spirit[edit]

In other languages[edit]

Language Name
Japan Japanese ネス, Ness
UK English Ness
France French Ness
Germany German Ness
Italy Italian Ness
China Chinese 奈斯, Ness Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
内斯 Super Smash Bros.
South Korea Korean 네스, Ness
Netherlands Dutch Ness
Russia Russian Несс
Portugal Portuguese Ness

Trivia[edit]

  • Starting in Melee, the texture on Ness' yo-yo says the release year, with Melee's saying "HALLAB NINTENDO 2001 DOLPHIN LOOP". From Brawl onward, this was changed to "SUPER NINTENDO (year) MOTHER", with year referring to the corresponding year the respective Smash game was released; 2008 for Brawl, 2014 for SSB4 and 2018 for Ultimate.
  • The "PK" (standing for "Psychokinesis") prefix in most of Ness's (as well as Lucas's) special moves originates from EarthBound Beginnings, where it is used to denote PSI moves that directly inflict damage on an enemy. Moves that affect healing and PSI Point (PP) restoration instead start with "PSI", such as PSI Magnet. In the American localization for Earthbound, however, translators changed this naming convention and all offensive moves start with "PSI" rather than "PK". Therefore, the names "PK Flash" and "PK Starstorm" (which did not appear in Earthbound Beginnings) are actually different from what those moves are named in their only official English-language games from the Mother/Earthbound series.
  • While Ness' game (EarthBound) was released in North America and takes place in a stand-in for America, his in-game voice in Smash Bros. has a Japanese accent, whereas Lucas, whose game (Mother 3) was released only in Japan, speaks using an American one.
  • Ness's "OK!" taunt is based on a voice line in EarthBound, prompted once the player confirms a name given to something when creating a new save file, saying OKですか (Is it OK?). The line was provided by Shigesato Itoi during the game's development, after his voice was being unknowingly recorded. It also appears in Mother 3 with the exact same purpose.
  • Ness was considered being replaced by Lucas in Melee and Brawl, and Jigglypuff was also considered to be cut in those games,[1] making them the only known members of the "Original 12" that were considered being cut at certain points in the development of subsequent games in the Super Smash Bros. series.
  • Ness and Captain Falcon were the first characters to debut as unlockable characters before becoming starters in the next game.
  • Ness, Captain Falcon and Terry Bogard are the only characters to be voiced by Japanese actors and speak English in all language tracks.
  • Whenever Ness is an unlockable character, he is always the first one to be unlocked from playing Vs. Mode (excluding Smash 64, which does not feature this method of unlocking characters).
  • Not counting Brawl's lineup, Ness is the only character to be unlockable in the first Smash game to appear in all the opening movies.
  • Ness, Lucas, Min Min, and Kazuya are the only characters to have a reflector outside of special moves. Coincidentally, all (except Kazuya's) are a smash attack.

References[edit]