Edge momentum shifting

The cape glide, also known as the CG or aerial cape extension, is an advanced technique used for Mario in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. It is the act of Mario dashing off an edge and using his running momentum with his cape to reach great distances off the edge.

How to cape glide

At first, cape gliding can be a challenge to perform consistently, but, once mastered, can be used as a vital edge-guarding tool. To start a cape glide, first dash towards the edge, then just as Mario goes over the edge, initiate the cape. The result should be that Mario glides a long horizontal distance off the edge, all while preserving his mid-air jump. If performed incorrectly, Mario will either stop moving if done early, or stall in the air if executed late.

Applications

There are multiple known combat applications for the cape glide, most of them being useful for edge-guarding. Any aerial move can be executed after using a cape glide off an edge (assuming Mario does not land on another platform immediately after), but the most useful of them would likely be a cape glide off the stage followed by a forward aerial meteor smash, because, with correct timing, the player can almost always return to the stage using Mario's recovery moves. Mario can also use the cape-to-cape dash, which is cape gliding on-stage. This is done by performing a reverse side special in conjunction with a cape glide, reversing Mario's direction before he glides off-stage. This is only possible on some platforms.

Another use that is more challenging to use reliably, yet a decisive edge guard technique is to do what is called a "F.L.U.D.D. Wall". This is done by fully charging F.L.U.D.D., cape gliding off an edge, then activating F.L.U.D.D. in conjunction with a mid-air jump. This will cause Mario to spray a vertical stream of water off the edge, creating a large water hitbox which pushes enemies away from the stage and is thus a potent edge-guarding move. Recovering from the use of this technique off-stage is challenging, however; the player must use Mario's up special to avoid self-destructing. In addition to using F.L.U.D.D.'s hitbox to push people away from the stage, the cape glide by itself can be used as a situational edge-guarding technique, as the cape glide does not negate the cape's ability to reverse an opponent's motion.

Additionally, the technique is also useful for quick maneuverability on levels with midair platforms such as Battlefield.

Similar techniques

Donkey Kong can use his side special in such a way that he glides off edges for a short horizontal distance. Like the cape glide, this is done by running toward an edge and performing a side special when DK passes the edge. Though DK does not end up going as far off the edge as if he were to perform the cape glide, the technique still has edge-guarding use, mainly in Headbutt's meteor smash hitbox. Additionally, the "Invincicopter" allows Donkey Kong to glide across a stage or platform without taking damage.

Video

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