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:''For fighter info, see [[Wolf O'Donnell(SSBB)]].''
{{ArticleIcons|melee=y|brawl=y|ssb4=y|ultimate=y}}
 
{{forfighter|Wolf|SSBB=y|SSBU=y}}
{{Infobox Character General
{{Infobox Character General
|name         = Wolf O'Donnell
|name = Wolf O'Donnell
|image       = [[Image:Wolf O' Donnell.jpg|Wolf O'Donnell]]
|image = {{tabber|width=265px|title1=Zero|content1=[[File:Wolf Zero.jpg|x250px]]|title2=Assault|content2=[[File:Wolf Assault.png|x300px]]}}
|caption     = Official artwork of Wolf O'Donnell.
|caption = [[File:StarFoxSymbol.svg|50px|class=invert-dark]]<br>Official artworks of Wolf O'Donnell from ''{{s|lylatwiki|Star Fox Zero}}'' and ''{{s|lylatwiki|Star Fox Assault}}''.
|universe    = ''[[Star Fox (universe)|Star Fox]]''
|universe = {{uv|Star Fox}}
|firstgame   = ''[[Star Fox 64]]'' (1997)
|firstgame = ''[[Star Fox 64]]'' (1997)
|games       = ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|SSBB]]''
|games = ''[[Brawl]]''<br>''[[Ultimate]]''
|console     = [[Nintendo 64]]
|lastappearance= ''{{s|lylatwiki|Starlink: Battle for Atlas}}'' (2018, Nintendo Switch)
|gender       = Male
|console = [[Nintendo 64]]
|voiceactor  = Grant Goodeve (''Star Fox: Assault'')
|species = Wolf
|japanactor   = Hisao Egawa (''Star Fox 64'')<br/>Mahito Ōba (''Star Fox: Assault'')
|gender = Male
|homeworld = {{s|lylatwiki|Lylat System}}
|creator = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]<ref name=SF2>[https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/interview-star-fox-2 Star Fox & Star Fox 2 Developer Interview]</ref><br>Takaya Imamura<ref name=SF2/>
|artist = Takaya Imamura<ref name=SF2/>
|englishactor = Jay Ward
|japanactor = Mahito Ōba (''Brawl''/[[Lylat Cruise]] smash taunt)<br>Kōsuke Takaguchi (''Ultimate'')
|interwiki = lylatwiki
|interwikiname = Lylat Wiki
|interwikipage = Wolf O'Donnell
}}
}}
'''Wolf O'Donnell''' ({{ja|ウルフ・オドネル|Urufu Odoneru}}, ''Wolf O'Donnell'') is a character from the [[Star Fox (universe)|''Star Fox'' series]]. Wolf is the leader of {{s|lylatwiki|Star Wolf}}, an infamous team of skilled mercenaries that have crossed paths with {{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox|team}} on several occasions, and is the mutual rival of Star Fox's leader, [[Fox McCloud]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/nintendoamerica/status/722537990208294912 Nintendo of America: "The cast of #StarFoxZero prepares for its upcoming intergalactic adventure. Are you Team Star Fox or Team Star Wolf?"]</ref><ref name=AssaultCharacters/>
After making a cameo in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' during one of its [[opening movie]]'s cutscenes, Wolf transitioned into an [[unlockable character]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. He returned in that capacity in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' after being absent from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''.
==Origin==
Wolf was originally going to appear in ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox 2}}'' for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). In ''Star Fox 2'', Star Wolf is introduced as a team of mercenaries consisting of its leader Wolf and his wingmates [[Leon Powalski]], {{iw|lylatwiki|Pigma Dengar}} and {{iw|lylatwiki|Algy}}.<ref name=SF2manual>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clvs/manuals/starfox2/html/USen/character.html Star Fox 2 digital manual: Characters]</ref> Due to the team's tenacious and unscrupulous methods, they have become feared throughout the Lylat System, with Wolf in particular being noted as someone who is willing to betray anyone for the right price.<ref name=SF2manual/> In order to ensure that his second attempt at conquering the Lylat System succeeds, [[Andross]] hires Star Wolf to intercept and kill Star Fox.<ref name=SF2manual/>
Although ''Star Fox 2'' was completely finished, it was canceled because of the [[Nintendo 64]]'s impending launch and said system being more cost effective in regard to developing polygonal games.<ref name=SF2/> Despite this, some of ''Star Fox 2''{{'}}s features were carried over to ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox 64}}'' (and ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox Zero}}'' by extension), including Star Wolf, while ''Star Fox 2'' itself would later be included as part of the SNES Classic Edition in 2017.<ref name=SF2/>


'''Wolf O'Donnell''' (ウルフ オドネル, ''Urufu Odoneru'') is a character from the [[Star Fox (universe)|''Star Fox'' series]] who is the leader of the Star Wolf team, the rival of Star Fox. He has been confirmed, via screenshot as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. Wolf made his first canon appearance in ''[[Star Fox 64]]''. Very little is known about Wolf's past, or how he recieved his "eyepatch". Many have viewed Wolf to be an anti-hero instead of a villain.
Wolf made his proper debut in ''Star Fox 64'', a remake of the first ''Star Fox'' game. As in ''Star Fox 2'', he is both an elite pilot and the leader of Star Wolf. Unlike in ''Star Fox 2'', however, Wolf sports an eyepatch on his left eye instead of a large scar on his right eye. Another noticeable difference is that Wolf's personality has more depth. In the past, he had a rivalry with {{iw|lylatwiki|James McCloud}}, and it's because of this feud that Wolf wants to combat his son, a gifted pilot by the name of [[Fox McCloud]], and sought to prove himself as being just as capable as Fox. The official Japanese guide for ''Star Fox 64'' also mentions that, despite his villainous ways, he is also a "man of integrity" and a "magnanimous" character. It's implied it's because of this that Pigma was able to take advantage of him and manipulate him into forming Star Wolf to do his and Andross' bidding. <ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starfox/comments/y8cwc9/finally_got_around_to_doing_translations/ STAR FOX 64 Official Game Guide Japan]</ref>


==Character Description==
Shortly before the {{iw|lylatwiki|Lylat Wars}}, Andross hired Pigma to persuade Wolf, as well as Leon, to form Star Wolf to assist his [[lylatwiki:Venomian Army|army]] and, as a last resort, defend key routes to his base of operations on [[Venom]]. In addition to payment, Andross, along with Pigma, custom engineered each member of Star Wolf a [[Wolfen]], an advanced model of fighter craft. However, Andross also forced Pigma to place his nephew, {{iw|lylatwiki|Andrew Oikonny}}, onto Star Wolf in order to provide the team with technological and financial support. <ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/starfox/comments/y8cwc9/finally_got_around_to_doing_translations/ STAR FOX 64 Official Game Guide Japan]</ref>  Throughout the game, the player can battle Star Wolf up to two times, though there are three different battles with them overall, depending on which routes are taken on the map.


Wolf made his first canon appearance in ''Star Fox 64''. He, along with [[Leon Powalski]], Andrew Oikonny, and Pigma Dengar formed team [[Star Wolf]] and were hired by [[Andross]] to destroy the [[Star Fox]] team led by [[Fox McCloud]]. Throughout the game, the player battles Star Wolf a total of two times, though there are three different battles with them overall.
Shortly after Andross' defeat on Venom, Star Wolf abandoned the Venomian Army and resumed their roles as mercenaries willing to accept any mission, regardless of legality. However, Andrew was kicked out of the team shortly after the Lylat Wars<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/starfox/comments/ysr1ip/behold_translations_of_characters_stages_bosses/</ref>, due to his poor piloting skills and arrogance regarding his heritage towards his deceased uncle who he no longer had the backing of, which prompted him to take control of the remainder of the Venomian Army and follow in Andross' footsteps by staging a rebellion against Corneria.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/StarFoxAssaultInstructionBooklet/page/n3/mode/2up Star Fox Assault instruction booklet: The History of Star Fox]</ref> At another point in time, Pigma was also expelled from Star Wolf, owing to his unreliability and insatiable greed.<ref name=AssaultCharacters>[https://archive.org/details/StarFoxAssaultInstructionBooklet/page/n17/mode/2up Star Fox Assault instruction booklet: Characters]</ref>


Nine years after the events of ''Star Fox 64'', in ''Star Fox: Assault'', Wolf became known as ''Lord O'Donnell'' among criminals at the Sargasso Space Hideout. When team Star Fox went looking for Pigma (who stole a Core Memory earlier in the game), Star Wolf (now consisting of [[Panther Caruso]], Leon, and Wolf) went to destroy team Star Fox for invading Wolf's organization. Star Wolf was defeated in the battle. When the threat of the Aparoids was rising, Wolf arrived on Corneria to save [[Fox]] from the Aparoids (Wolf said the only reason he saved Fox was so he could destroy Fox himself). After that event, Star Wolf provided backup to Team Star Fox two more times in the game, including the final battle. After the Aparoid Homeworld exploded, team Star Wolf were nowhere to be found. Although, Fox speculated they were alive. This is later proven in ''Star Fox: Command''.
Nine years after the events of ''Star Fox 64'', Wolf reappeared in ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox: Assault}}''. During these intervening years, Wolf assumed control over the {{iw|lylatwiki|Sargasso Space Zone}}, an illegal hub for criminals and former members of the Venomian Army. He also recruited [[Panther Caroso]], a top-class pilot, to replace Andrew and Pigma.<ref name=AssaultCharacters/> When Star Fox searched for Pigma in order to retrieve a {{iw|lylatwiki|Core Memory}} that he stole earlier, Star Wolf proceeded to face Star Fox in a dogfight over what Wolf presumed to be an invasion of his territory.


After the events of ''Star Fox: Assault'', Team Star Wolf was confirmed to be alive, and continued their lives of crime. However, they were noticed by the Cornerian Military. As a response to their crimes, a bounty reward was set for each member. (Wolf had the highest bounty set at $3,000,000). To avoid attention, they set up a base on Fichina. After this they sought to remove their bounties and were tired of being seen as villains. Star Wolf then began to plot out a way to defeat the Anglar Empire. Afterwards, the team split up. While Leon and Panther went to Katina, Wolf was presumably researching a device that [[Andross]] built that would neutralize the toxicity of the Venom Sea allowing them to infiltrate the enemy base. Team [[Star Fox]] found the device on Titania first, however, but Star Wolf made the enemy flee from Venom, allowing Star Fox to finish the enemies off. Star Wolf was not seen again until the ending, where Krystal requests Fox to remove the bounties off of their head.
Upon being defeated, Wolf called off their dogfight, but would later arrive on Corneria alongside Leon and Panther in order to save Fox from the rising threat of the Aparoids. Although Wolf said the only reason for doing this was so he could defeat Fox himself, Wolf's advice and grudging respect toward Fox nevertheless signaled his transition from a full-fledged villain into an honorable, albeit still unlawful, anti-hero. Following this incident, Star Wolf provided backup to Star Fox at the {{iw|lylatwiki|Beltino Orbital Gate}} and the {{iw|lylatwiki|Aparoid Homeworld}}. After Star Fox successfully destroyed the Homeworld, Star Wolf was nowhere to be found. During [[Krystal]]'s acknowledgement of their sacrifice as being among the many lives lost during the conflict, Fox speculated that Wolf, Leon, and Panther might have still been alive, following their discovery of Peppy and ROB 64 surviving the suicide charge that allowed Star Fox to destroy the Aparoid Queen at the cost of the Great Fox.


In Star Fox 64, Wolf spoke in an accent in which he sounded like an English narcissist; in Star Fox: Assault, his voice differs in which he speaks in an normal accent, and an persona similar to a pirate.
In ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox Command}}'', Fox's assumption of Star Wolf's survival was proven correct. Following the destruction of the Aparoids, Star Wolf resumed their status as mercenaries. In response, the Cornerian Military placed a bounty for each member, with Wolf having the highest bounty set at $30,000. To avoid attention, Star Wolf set up a base on {{iw|lylatwiki|Fichina}} before hatching a plan to simultaneously remove their bounties and improve their reputations. Soon after, Wolf recruited Krystal into Star Wolf following her expulsion from Star Fox, which was caused by Fox's fear of her dying while a part of the team like his father.
 
With the advent of the {{iw|lylatwiki|Anglar Empire}}, Star Wolf sought to remove their bounties by plotting a way to defeat them, which reaffirmed their status as anti-heroes. Although ''Command'' features multiple branching storylines that see Star Wolf achieve varying degrees of success in their bid to stop the Anglar Empire, ''Command''{{'}}s director Dylan Cuthbert stated that none of them represent the true ending as it's effectively up to the player to decide how the game truly ends, based on their preferences and choices in the story. <ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/nintendo/comments/63w1lw/im_dylan_cuthbert_ive_been_making_games_since/ibwzvl7/?context=3 I’m Dylan Cuthbert. I’ve been making games since 1982 but you might know me from Star Fox, PixelJunk and The Tomorrow Children. Pushing the boundaries of technology and alternative gameplay design has always been what drives me. AMA!]</ref>
 
In ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox Zero}}'', a reimagining of ''Star Fox 64'', Wolf and his team are depicted almost identically to their portrayals in that title. Despite this, Wolf's portrayal in particular received a few noticeable alterations. The Sector β mission can result either in him shooting down Fox's mentor and teammate, {{iw|lylatwiki|Peppy Hare}}, or retreating after he receives a sufficient amount of damage (in reference to his appearance in ''Star Fox 2''). The Wolfens are also capable of assuming a wolf-like Hunter mode to counter the Arwing's bipedal Walker mode.
 
In the Nintendo Switch version of Ubisoft's ''Starlink: Battle for Atlas'', exclusive ''Star Fox'' content features a crossover story that occurs some time after the events of ''Star Fox Zero''.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm0QWwK6ZLk Starlink Battle for Atlas - Star Fox Launch Trailer - Nintendo Switch]</ref> In ''Starlink'', Wolf decides to fly solo in search of additional firepower to use for himself in the power vacuum caused by Andross' defeat. His journey ultimately leads him to the Atlas star system to acquire a Spin Drive for his conquest of the Lylat System. Soon after arriving in Atlas, Wolf forged alliances with several Outlaws, most notably Cash Guavo, Zonna Vangore and Koval Grimm.
 
In response, Star Fox pursue Wolf to Atlas in order to thwart his plans, and forge an alliance with the Starlink Initiative on the common ground of protecting Atlas.<ref>[https://starlink.ubisoft.com/game/en-us/starlink/pilots/fox-mccloud Fox McCloud - Pilot - Starlink: Battle for Atlas | Ubisoft (US)]</ref> Wolf's hideout is eventually discovered by Star Fox and Starlink, at which point they proceed to stop him. After Wolf's initial plans are foiled, he reforms Star Wolf alongside Leon, Pigma and Andrew in order to gain revenge.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhPf8anO-aQ Starlink: Battle for Atlas: Crimson Moon - Announce trailer - Nintendo Switch]</ref> After Leon, Pigma and Andrew's individual plans are foiled, they regroup with Wolf and ally with numerous Outlaws in a final attempt to defeat Star Fox and the Starlink Initiative. Although Star Wolf are almost successful in their attempt to steal Starlink's flagship, the Equinox, by using a battleship armed with tractor beams, they are ultimately defeated by the combined efforts of Star Fox and Starlink, and are launched into a wormhole that sends them back to the Lylat System.


==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
In the opening sequence to the game, there is a short moment where [[Fox McCloud]] - piloting his [[Arwing]], crosses paths with Wolf in his [[Wolfen]]. A mugshot of the two characters in their cockpits is briefly seen. In early days of the game's release, this led to much speculation of Wolf playing a role in the game - perhaps as a playable character. However, this was not the case.
[[File:Wolf in Melee.jpg|thumb|150px|left|Wolf, as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.]]


The aircraft of choice for team [[Star Wolf]], the Wolfen, appear on the [[stage|stages]] [[Corneria]] and [[Venom]], seemingly doing battle with Star Fox in their Arwings.
In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''{{'}}s [[opening movie]], there is a brief cutscene where {{SSBM|Fox}}, piloting his [[Arwing]], crosses paths with Wolf in his [[Wolfen]], which then concludes by quickly featuring mugshots of the two characters in their cockpits. Wolf is also mentioned in the Wolfen's [[trophy]] description. While the aforementioned cutscene led to very early fan speculation of Wolf having a role in the game, perhaps as a playable character, [[Smabura-Ken]] confirmed that this was not the intended purpose of his cameo.<ref>[https://sourcegaming.info/2016/04/29/duflupdate/ The Definitive List of Unused Fighters in Smash]</ref>
 
The Wolfens also appear as platforms in [[Corneria]] and [[Venom]], seemingly doing battle with the Arwings.
{{clrl}}


==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
:''Main article: [[Wolf O'Donnell (SSBB)]]
===As a playable character===
{{Main|Wolf (SSBB)}}
[[File:Wolf SSBB.jpg|thumb|200px|Wolf, as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''.]]
Wolf appears as a [[newcomer]] in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''. He can be [[Unlockable character|unlocked]] by playing 450 VS. Mode matches, clearing [[Boss Battles Mode]] with {{SSBB|Fox}} or {{SSBB|Falco}}, or entering a secret door in [[The Ruins]] after completing [[The Subspace Emissary]]. Like Fox and Falco, Wolf sports a modified version of his design in ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox: Assault}}'' and ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox Command}}''.
 
According to [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]] creator [[Masahiro Sakurai]], Wolf's inclusion was highly requested by fans because of his popularity within his home series.<ref name=BrawlSource>{{cite web|url=https://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/08/17/sakuraibrawlquestions/|title=Sakurai answers some (old) questions – about Brawl!|work=Source Gaming}}</ref> Although [[Krystal]], another highly requested ''Star Fox'' character, was also a candidate for a roster spot, Sakurai said that the combination of time constraints and using Fox and Falco as source materials resulted in Wolf having much better potential to be a fully realized fighter in comparison to her.<ref name=BrawlSource/>
 
Compared to his fellow ''Star Fox'' fighters, Wolf both derives and deviates from them in a variety of ways. Like Fox and Falco, Wolf's [[walk]]ing and [[falling speed]]s are both very fast, and his [[gravity]] is very high in spite of his size. However, Wolf is taller, heavier, and overall stronger than they are.<ref name=BrawlBio>{{cite web|url=https://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/characters/hidden12.html|title=Smash Bros. DOJO!! - Wolf}}</ref> By extension, he has the slowest [[dash]]ing speed among them (especially compared to Fox's), yet his [[air speed]] is drastically faster in comparison. Unlike Fox and Falco, Wolf uses a feral fighting style; in addition to keeping his basic stance low to the ground in spite of his taller height, it results in the majority of his moveset noticeably differing from theirs aesthetically and mechanically.<ref name=BrawlBio/>
 
Despite having [[special move]]s similar to Fox and Falco's in regard to both naming and mechanics, Wolf's respective versions nevertheless deviate in very noticeable ways. His {{b|Blaster|Wolf}} fires shots one at a time like [[Blaster (Falco)|Falco's]], yet features a bayonet that damages opponents if they are close enough.<ref name=BrawlBio/> [[Fire Wolf]] hits multiple times like [[Fire Fox]] and [[Fire Bird]], yet lacks a [[flame]] [[effect]] and consists of a flying kick instead of a headfirst dash. [[Wolf Flash]] quickly propels Wolf, similarly to [[Fox Illusion]] and [[Falco Phantasm]]; it is also capable of [[meteor smash]]ing like the latter when sweetspotted.<ref name=BrawlBio/> However, it propels Wolf diagonally instead of horizontally.<ref name=BrawlBio/>
 
Compared to Fox and Falco's Reflectors, Wolf's {{b|Reflector|Wolf}} has a lower damage multiplier and higher travel speed multiplier when used against projectiles. Unlike theirs, it can also function as a pseudo-[[counterattack]] because of the significant number of [[intangibility]] frames it produces, while the barrier itself is ovoid instead of hexagonal.<ref name=BrawlBio/> Finally, Wolf's [[Landmaster]] has greater firepower and mobility at the cost of a shorter duration.<ref name=BrawlBio/> It also features a red and gray color scheme akin to the Wolfen's, instead of the standard blue and white.<ref name=BrawlBio/>
 
Due to Wolf's excellent aerial mobility, fast and long-ranged attacks, and plethora of options, his overall [[matchup]] spread is slightly favorable. Most notably, this includes a manageable matchup against {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} despite being soft countered by Meta Knight. However, Wolf has a poor recovery and a severe susceptibility to [[chain grab]]bing, the latter of which results in him being countered by a few characters, most notoriously {{SSBB|King Dedede}}. Overall, Wolf's strengths and respectable tournament success have resulted in him being currently ranked 14th out of 38 on the [[tier list]]. This places him at the top of the C tier, and posits him as a mid tier character.


''Wolf O'Donnell'' is a secret character in [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]] who can be unlocked by playing 450 VS. Mode matches, clearing Boss Mode with Fox, or a secret door in the Subspace Emmisary
===Trophy===
{{main|List of SSBB trophies (Star Fox series)}}
{{Trophy
|name=Wolf
|image=Wolf - Brawl Trophy.png
|desc-ntsc=A pilot whose real name is Wolf O'Donnell. He leads a group of mercenaries called Star Wolf. He's crossed paths with Fox many times, and each acknowledges the other as a competent rival. Wolf's constant interference with Fox is a result of Wolf's history with Fox's dad, James. Wolf's long history of criminal enterprise has resulted in a large bounty on his head.
|desc-pal=A pilot whose full name is Wolf O'Donnell. He leads a group of mercenaries called Star Wolf. He's crossed paths with Fox many times, and each acknowledges the other as a competent rival. Wolf's constant interference with Fox is a result of Wolf's history with Fox's dad, James. Wolf's long history of criminal enterprise has resulted in a large bounty on his head.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=N64|game1=Star Fox 64|console2=GCN|game2=Star Fox: Assault}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=N64|game1=Lylat Wars|console2=GCN|game2=Star Fox: Assault}}
|game=Brawl
}}
{{clrl}}


Wolf seems to based loosely on his rival pilots [[Fox]] and [[Falco]], but his attacks are mostly new, with the exception of his Final Smash.  All of his A moves are quite different, which involves the use of his claws or legs. Most of Wolf's attacks are slightly stronger than Fox's or Falco's, but he is slower. His special moves are also similar. His [[Blaster (Wolf)|Blaster]] shoots a ball of energy that is stronger than Falco's [[Blaster (Falco)|Blaster]] but has limited range.  His [[Wolf Illusion|Side B]] attack is like [[Fox Illusion|Fox]]'s, but it moves vertically at an angle rather than horizontally.  If this move connects at the apex, it also inflicts more damage and can be used as a meteor smash.  His [[Reflector (Wolf)|Reflector]] is different in that it only works on the sides, not on top, unlike [[Reflector (Fox)|Fox]]'s.  Finally, his [[Fire Wolf|Up B]] is a kicking attack that scores multiple hits on the opponent and is an effective recovery technique. Unlike [[Fire Fox|Fox's]] [[Up B]] move, Wolf's has no fire effect and charges a bit faster.
===Stickers===
{| class="wikitable"
! Name
! Game
! Effect
! Fighter(s)
|-
| {{s|lylatwiki|Wolf}}
| {{s|lylatwiki|Star Fox Command}}
| {{TypeIcon|Energy}} Attack +27
| {{AllChars|SSBB|s=16}}
|-
| {{s|lylatwiki|Wolf}}
| [[Star Fox: Assault]]
| {{TypeIcon|Hand|l=Arm}}{{TypeIcon|Foot|l=Leg}} Attack +15
| {{StickerHead|Fox|Falco|Wolf}}
|}
{{StickerPicBox|Wolf|Star Fox Command}}
{{StickerPicBox|Wolf|Star Fox: Assault}}


==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
Unlike {{SSB4|Fox}} and {{SSB4|Falco}}, Wolf does not return as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. His only direct appearances are as a [[trophy]] in [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS|both]] [[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U|versions]] of ''SSB4'', and via [[Lylat Cruise]]'s [[Star Fox Smash Taunt|Smash Taunt]]. Outside of these cameos, [[Wolf Flash]] is one of [[Fox Illusion]]'s [[Character customization|custom variations]]. On a related note, [[List of SSB4 Music (Star Fox series)|Star Wolf's three songs]] can also be played on [[Corneria]], [[Orbital Gate Assault]], and Lylat Cruise.


== "Explaining Online Popularity" ==
===Trophy===
{{main|List of SSB4 trophies (Star Fox series)}}
{{Trophy
|name=Wolf O'Donnell
|image-3ds=WolfTrophy3DS.png
|image-wiiu=WolfTrophyWiiU.png
|desc-ntsc=Wolf used to fight in Andross's army, tangling with Star Fox in battle after battle. After Andross's exile, he went his own way and formed a mercenary team called Star Wolf. He and his eternal rival, Fox, have even fought on the same side from time to time...but inevitably, they always meet again as enemies.
|desc-pal=Wolf used to fight in Andross's army, where he tangled with Star Fox in many a dogfight. After Andross's exile, he went his own way and formed a mercenary team called Star Wolf. He and his eternal rival Fox have even fought on the same side from time to time...but inevitably, they always meet again as enemies.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=N64|game1=Star Fox 64|release1=07/1997|console2=GCN|game2=Star Fox: Assault|release2=02/2005}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=N64|game1=Lylat Wars|release1=10/1997|console2=GCN|game2=Star Fox: Assault|release2=04/2005}}
}}
{{clrl}}


Wolf is quickly becoming a favorite character in online pick-up games. An effective projectile and a F. Smash that covers three character lengths allow Wolf to be highly effective in lag-heavy games. Because of this, some players regard Wolf as a "cheap" character. The technique of simply spamming these two moves is known  as the Wolf Technique, this is sometimes uses to describe other characters performing the same general technique.
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==
===As a playable character===
{{Main|Wolf (SSBU)}}
[[File:Wolf SSBU.png|thumb|Wolf, as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.]]
Wolf returns as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''. He was formally announced alongside the rest of the cast via ''Ultimate''{{'}}s E3 2018 trailer on June 12th, 2018.<ref name=UltimateE3/><ref>[https://www.smashbros.com/en_US/blog/index.html?category=cat02_fighter_44 Super Smash Blog | 44: Wolf]</ref> Jay Ward reprises his role as Wolf's voice actor for the overseas versions, while Kōsuke Takaguchi now voices him in the Japanese version.


== External Links ==
Like {{SSBU|Fox}} and {{SSBU|Falco}}, Wolf's design has been updated to reflect his appearance in ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox Zero}}''.<ref name=UltimateE3>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - E3 2018 - Nintendo Switch]</ref> In Wolf's case, he has a longer snout and a normal eyepatch, while his visible eye is slightly larger and has a red iris. Unlike Fox and Falco, however, Wolf's attire is entirely original to ''Ultimate''.
[http://www.gamehiker.com/entry.php?id=13&ser=fox Gamehiker Article]
{{clr}}
 
===Spirit===
<center>
<gallery>
SSBU spirit Wolf O'Donnell.png|384. '''''Wolf O'Donnell'''''
</gallery>
</center>
 
==Names in other languages==
{{langtable
|ja={{ja|ウルフ|Urufu}}, ''Wolf''
|en=Wolf
|fr=Wolf
|de=Wolf
|it=Wolf
|es=Wolf
|nl=Wolf
|pt=Wolf
|ru={{rollover|Вульф|Vulf|?}}
|ko={{rollover|울프|Ulpeu|?}}, ''Wolf''
|zh_cn={{rollover|沃鲁夫|Wòlǔfū|?}}, ''Wolf''
|zh_tw={{rollover|沃爾夫|Wòērfū|?}}, ''Wolf''
}}
 
==Trivia==
*In both ''Brawl'' and ''Ultimate'', Wolf has a slower running speed than Falco, who in turn has a slower running speed than Fox. However, in the Versus mode of ''Star Fox: Assault'', which predates Wolf's playable ''Smash'' debut, the speed differences are the opposite, with Wolf being the fastest.
 
==References==
{{reflist}}


{{Characters}}
{{Characters}}
 
{{Star Fox universe}}
[[Category:Star Fox universe]]
[[Category:Wolf| ]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-Wii U)]]
[[Category:Stickers]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[es:Wolf O'Donnell]]

Latest revision as of 00:47, June 22, 2024

For fighter info, see Wolf (SSBB) and Wolf (SSBU).
Wolf O'Donnell
Wolf Zero.jpg
Wolf Assault.png

StarFoxSymbol.svg
Official artworks of Wolf O'Donnell from Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Assault.
Universe Star Fox
Debut Star Fox 64 (1997)
Smash Bros. appearances Melee
Brawl
SSB4
Ultimate
Most recent non-Smash appearance Starlink: Battle for Atlas (2018, Nintendo Switch)
Console/platform of origin Nintendo 64
Species Wolf
Gender Male
Place of origin Lylat System
Created by Shigeru Miyamoto[1]
Takaya Imamura[1]
Designed by Takaya Imamura[1]
English voice actor Jay Ward
Japanese voice actor Mahito Ōba (Brawl/Lylat Cruise smash taunt)
Kōsuke Takaguchi (Ultimate)
Article on Lylat Wiki Wolf O'Donnell

Wolf O'Donnell (ウルフ・オドネル, Wolf O'Donnell) is a character from the Star Fox series. Wolf is the leader of Star Wolf, an infamous team of skilled mercenaries that have crossed paths with Star Fox on several occasions, and is the mutual rival of Star Fox's leader, Fox McCloud.[2][3]

After making a cameo in Super Smash Bros. Melee during one of its opening movie's cutscenes, Wolf transitioned into an unlockable character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. He returned in that capacity in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate after being absent from Super Smash Bros. 4.

Origin[edit]

Wolf was originally going to appear in Star Fox 2 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). In Star Fox 2, Star Wolf is introduced as a team of mercenaries consisting of its leader Wolf and his wingmates Leon Powalski, Pigma Dengar and Algy.[4] Due to the team's tenacious and unscrupulous methods, they have become feared throughout the Lylat System, with Wolf in particular being noted as someone who is willing to betray anyone for the right price.[4] In order to ensure that his second attempt at conquering the Lylat System succeeds, Andross hires Star Wolf to intercept and kill Star Fox.[4]

Although Star Fox 2 was completely finished, it was canceled because of the Nintendo 64's impending launch and said system being more cost effective in regard to developing polygonal games.[1] Despite this, some of Star Fox 2's features were carried over to Star Fox 64 (and Star Fox Zero by extension), including Star Wolf, while Star Fox 2 itself would later be included as part of the SNES Classic Edition in 2017.[1]

Wolf made his proper debut in Star Fox 64, a remake of the first Star Fox game. As in Star Fox 2, he is both an elite pilot and the leader of Star Wolf. Unlike in Star Fox 2, however, Wolf sports an eyepatch on his left eye instead of a large scar on his right eye. Another noticeable difference is that Wolf's personality has more depth. In the past, he had a rivalry with James McCloud, and it's because of this feud that Wolf wants to combat his son, a gifted pilot by the name of Fox McCloud, and sought to prove himself as being just as capable as Fox. The official Japanese guide for Star Fox 64 also mentions that, despite his villainous ways, he is also a "man of integrity" and a "magnanimous" character. It's implied it's because of this that Pigma was able to take advantage of him and manipulate him into forming Star Wolf to do his and Andross' bidding. [5]

Shortly before the Lylat Wars, Andross hired Pigma to persuade Wolf, as well as Leon, to form Star Wolf to assist his army and, as a last resort, defend key routes to his base of operations on Venom. In addition to payment, Andross, along with Pigma, custom engineered each member of Star Wolf a Wolfen, an advanced model of fighter craft. However, Andross also forced Pigma to place his nephew, Andrew Oikonny, onto Star Wolf in order to provide the team with technological and financial support. [6] Throughout the game, the player can battle Star Wolf up to two times, though there are three different battles with them overall, depending on which routes are taken on the map.

Shortly after Andross' defeat on Venom, Star Wolf abandoned the Venomian Army and resumed their roles as mercenaries willing to accept any mission, regardless of legality. However, Andrew was kicked out of the team shortly after the Lylat Wars[7], due to his poor piloting skills and arrogance regarding his heritage towards his deceased uncle who he no longer had the backing of, which prompted him to take control of the remainder of the Venomian Army and follow in Andross' footsteps by staging a rebellion against Corneria.[8] At another point in time, Pigma was also expelled from Star Wolf, owing to his unreliability and insatiable greed.[3]

Nine years after the events of Star Fox 64, Wolf reappeared in Star Fox: Assault. During these intervening years, Wolf assumed control over the Sargasso Space Zone, an illegal hub for criminals and former members of the Venomian Army. He also recruited Panther Caroso, a top-class pilot, to replace Andrew and Pigma.[3] When Star Fox searched for Pigma in order to retrieve a Core Memory that he stole earlier, Star Wolf proceeded to face Star Fox in a dogfight over what Wolf presumed to be an invasion of his territory.

Upon being defeated, Wolf called off their dogfight, but would later arrive on Corneria alongside Leon and Panther in order to save Fox from the rising threat of the Aparoids. Although Wolf said the only reason for doing this was so he could defeat Fox himself, Wolf's advice and grudging respect toward Fox nevertheless signaled his transition from a full-fledged villain into an honorable, albeit still unlawful, anti-hero. Following this incident, Star Wolf provided backup to Star Fox at the Beltino Orbital Gate and the Aparoid Homeworld. After Star Fox successfully destroyed the Homeworld, Star Wolf was nowhere to be found. During Krystal's acknowledgement of their sacrifice as being among the many lives lost during the conflict, Fox speculated that Wolf, Leon, and Panther might have still been alive, following their discovery of Peppy and ROB 64 surviving the suicide charge that allowed Star Fox to destroy the Aparoid Queen at the cost of the Great Fox.

In Star Fox Command, Fox's assumption of Star Wolf's survival was proven correct. Following the destruction of the Aparoids, Star Wolf resumed their status as mercenaries. In response, the Cornerian Military placed a bounty for each member, with Wolf having the highest bounty set at $30,000. To avoid attention, Star Wolf set up a base on Fichina before hatching a plan to simultaneously remove their bounties and improve their reputations. Soon after, Wolf recruited Krystal into Star Wolf following her expulsion from Star Fox, which was caused by Fox's fear of her dying while a part of the team like his father.

With the advent of the Anglar Empire, Star Wolf sought to remove their bounties by plotting a way to defeat them, which reaffirmed their status as anti-heroes. Although Command features multiple branching storylines that see Star Wolf achieve varying degrees of success in their bid to stop the Anglar Empire, Command's director Dylan Cuthbert stated that none of them represent the true ending as it's effectively up to the player to decide how the game truly ends, based on their preferences and choices in the story. [9]

In Star Fox Zero, a reimagining of Star Fox 64, Wolf and his team are depicted almost identically to their portrayals in that title. Despite this, Wolf's portrayal in particular received a few noticeable alterations. The Sector β mission can result either in him shooting down Fox's mentor and teammate, Peppy Hare, or retreating after he receives a sufficient amount of damage (in reference to his appearance in Star Fox 2). The Wolfens are also capable of assuming a wolf-like Hunter mode to counter the Arwing's bipedal Walker mode.

In the Nintendo Switch version of Ubisoft's Starlink: Battle for Atlas, exclusive Star Fox content features a crossover story that occurs some time after the events of Star Fox Zero.[10] In Starlink, Wolf decides to fly solo in search of additional firepower to use for himself in the power vacuum caused by Andross' defeat. His journey ultimately leads him to the Atlas star system to acquire a Spin Drive for his conquest of the Lylat System. Soon after arriving in Atlas, Wolf forged alliances with several Outlaws, most notably Cash Guavo, Zonna Vangore and Koval Grimm.

In response, Star Fox pursue Wolf to Atlas in order to thwart his plans, and forge an alliance with the Starlink Initiative on the common ground of protecting Atlas.[11] Wolf's hideout is eventually discovered by Star Fox and Starlink, at which point they proceed to stop him. After Wolf's initial plans are foiled, he reforms Star Wolf alongside Leon, Pigma and Andrew in order to gain revenge.[12] After Leon, Pigma and Andrew's individual plans are foiled, they regroup with Wolf and ally with numerous Outlaws in a final attempt to defeat Star Fox and the Starlink Initiative. Although Star Wolf are almost successful in their attempt to steal Starlink's flagship, the Equinox, by using a battleship armed with tractor beams, they are ultimately defeated by the combined efforts of Star Fox and Starlink, and are launched into a wormhole that sends them back to the Lylat System.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]

Wolf, as he appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee's opening movie, there is a brief cutscene where Fox, piloting his Arwing, crosses paths with Wolf in his Wolfen, which then concludes by quickly featuring mugshots of the two characters in their cockpits. Wolf is also mentioned in the Wolfen's trophy description. While the aforementioned cutscene led to very early fan speculation of Wolf having a role in the game, perhaps as a playable character, Smabura-Ken confirmed that this was not the intended purpose of his cameo.[13]

The Wolfens also appear as platforms in Corneria and Venom, seemingly doing battle with the Arwings.

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

As a playable character[edit]

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

Wolf appears as a newcomer in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. He can be unlocked by playing 450 VS. Mode matches, clearing Boss Battles Mode with Fox or Falco, or entering a secret door in The Ruins after completing The Subspace Emissary. Like Fox and Falco, Wolf sports a modified version of his design in Star Fox: Assault and Star Fox Command.

According to Super Smash Bros. series creator Masahiro Sakurai, Wolf's inclusion was highly requested by fans because of his popularity within his home series.[14] Although Krystal, another highly requested Star Fox character, was also a candidate for a roster spot, Sakurai said that the combination of time constraints and using Fox and Falco as source materials resulted in Wolf having much better potential to be a fully realized fighter in comparison to her.[14]

Compared to his fellow Star Fox fighters, Wolf both derives and deviates from them in a variety of ways. Like Fox and Falco, Wolf's walking and falling speeds are both very fast, and his gravity is very high in spite of his size. However, Wolf is taller, heavier, and overall stronger than they are.[15] By extension, he has the slowest dashing speed among them (especially compared to Fox's), yet his air speed is drastically faster in comparison. Unlike Fox and Falco, Wolf uses a feral fighting style; in addition to keeping his basic stance low to the ground in spite of his taller height, it results in the majority of his moveset noticeably differing from theirs aesthetically and mechanically.[15]

Despite having special moves similar to Fox and Falco's in regard to both naming and mechanics, Wolf's respective versions nevertheless deviate in very noticeable ways. His Blaster fires shots one at a time like Falco's, yet features a bayonet that damages opponents if they are close enough.[15] Fire Wolf hits multiple times like Fire Fox and Fire Bird, yet lacks a flame effect and consists of a flying kick instead of a headfirst dash. Wolf Flash quickly propels Wolf, similarly to Fox Illusion and Falco Phantasm; it is also capable of meteor smashing like the latter when sweetspotted.[15] However, it propels Wolf diagonally instead of horizontally.[15]

Compared to Fox and Falco's Reflectors, Wolf's Reflector has a lower damage multiplier and higher travel speed multiplier when used against projectiles. Unlike theirs, it can also function as a pseudo-counterattack because of the significant number of intangibility frames it produces, while the barrier itself is ovoid instead of hexagonal.[15] Finally, Wolf's Landmaster has greater firepower and mobility at the cost of a shorter duration.[15] It also features a red and gray color scheme akin to the Wolfen's, instead of the standard blue and white.[15]

Due to Wolf's excellent aerial mobility, fast and long-ranged attacks, and plethora of options, his overall matchup spread is slightly favorable. Most notably, this includes a manageable matchup against Meta Knight despite being soft countered by Meta Knight. However, Wolf has a poor recovery and a severe susceptibility to chain grabbing, the latter of which results in him being countered by a few characters, most notoriously King Dedede. Overall, Wolf's strengths and respectable tournament success have resulted in him being currently ranked 14th out of 38 on the tier list. This places him at the top of the C tier, and posits him as a mid tier character.

Trophy[edit]

Wolf's trophy in Brawl
Wolf
NTSC A pilot whose real name is Wolf O'Donnell. He leads a group of mercenaries called Star Wolf. He's crossed paths with Fox many times, and each acknowledges the other as a competent rival. Wolf's constant interference with Fox is a result of Wolf's history with Fox's dad, James. Wolf's long history of criminal enterprise has resulted in a large bounty on his head.
N64: Star Fox 64
GameCube: Star Fox: Assault
PAL A pilot whose full name is Wolf O'Donnell. He leads a group of mercenaries called Star Wolf. He's crossed paths with Fox many times, and each acknowledges the other as a competent rival. Wolf's constant interference with Fox is a result of Wolf's history with Fox's dad, James. Wolf's long history of criminal enterprise has resulted in a large bounty on his head.
N64: Lylat Wars
GameCube: Star Fox: Assault

Stickers[edit]

Name Game Effect Fighter(s)
Wolf Star Fox Command Energy (type) Attack +27 RandomHeadSSBB.png
Wolf Star Fox: Assault Hand (type)Foot (type) Attack +15 Fox Falco Wolf Fox (SSBB)Falco (SSBB)Wolf (SSBB)
Brawl Sticker Wolf (Star Fox Command).png
Wolf
(Star Fox Command)
Brawl Sticker Wolf (Star Fox Assault).png
Wolf
(Star Fox: Assault)

In Super Smash Bros. 4[edit]

Unlike Fox and Falco, Wolf does not return as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. 4. His only direct appearances are as a trophy in both versions of SSB4, and via Lylat Cruise's Smash Taunt. Outside of these cameos, Wolf Flash is one of Fox Illusion's custom variations. On a related note, Star Wolf's three songs can also be played on Corneria, Orbital Gate Assault, and Lylat Cruise.

Trophy[edit]

Wolf O'Donnell's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Wolf O'Donnell's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Wolf O'Donnell
NTSC Wolf used to fight in Andross's army, tangling with Star Fox in battle after battle. After Andross's exile, he went his own way and formed a mercenary team called Star Wolf. He and his eternal rival, Fox, have even fought on the same side from time to time...but inevitably, they always meet again as enemies.
N64: Star Fox 64 (07/1997)
GameCube: Star Fox: Assault (02/2005)
PAL Wolf used to fight in Andross's army, where he tangled with Star Fox in many a dogfight. After Andross's exile, he went his own way and formed a mercenary team called Star Wolf. He and his eternal rival Fox have even fought on the same side from time to time...but inevitably, they always meet again as enemies.
N64: Lylat Wars (10/1997)
GameCube: Star Fox: Assault (04/2005)

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

As a playable character[edit]

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

Wolf returns as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. He was formally announced alongside the rest of the cast via Ultimate's E3 2018 trailer on June 12th, 2018.[16][17] Jay Ward reprises his role as Wolf's voice actor for the overseas versions, while Kōsuke Takaguchi now voices him in the Japanese version.

Like Fox and Falco, Wolf's design has been updated to reflect his appearance in Star Fox Zero.[16] In Wolf's case, he has a longer snout and a normal eyepatch, while his visible eye is slightly larger and has a red iris. Unlike Fox and Falco, however, Wolf's attire is entirely original to Ultimate.

Spirit[edit]

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name
Japan Japanese ウルフ, Wolf
UK English Wolf
France French Wolf
Germany German Wolf
Spain Spanish Wolf
Italy Italian Wolf
China Chinese (Simplified) 沃鲁夫, Wolf
Taiwan Chinese (Traditional) 沃爾夫, Wolf
South Korea Korean 울프, Wolf
Netherlands Dutch Wolf
Russia Russian Вульф
Portugal Portuguese Wolf

Trivia[edit]

  • In both Brawl and Ultimate, Wolf has a slower running speed than Falco, who in turn has a slower running speed than Fox. However, in the Versus mode of Star Fox: Assault, which predates Wolf's playable Smash debut, the speed differences are the opposite, with Wolf being the fastest.

References[edit]