Pikachu: Difference between revisions

Pikachu's debut in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series is as one of the eight [[starter]] characters. Just like in its home series, Pikachu is a small, fast character whose playstyle is prominently dependent on its speed and powerful [[electric]]al attacks. Pikachu's [[neutral special]] move, [[Thunder Jolt]], emits a bolt of electricity that bounces along the stage. [[Quick Attack]] is Pikachu's [[up special]] move and while it's not capable of damaging, it grants a huge recovery distance. Lastly, its [[down special]] move, {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}, involves Pikachu striking itself with a thunderbolt that blasts anyone else standing in the way.

 

Pikachu is considered the best character among the ''Smash 64'' competitive community and is ranked 1st on the [[tier list]], placing it in the S tier.

Pikachu returns as a starter character. While its playstyle is still incredibly similar to its first appearance, Pikachu was [[Nerf|nerfed]] in ''Melee'' but still holds up at 9th out of 26 on the [[tier list]], ranking at C tier. It has gained [[Skull Bash]] as a [[side special]] move, and possesses a respectable mix of speed and power.  

Pikachu returns as a starter character in ''Brawl''. Visually, Pikachu has barely changed at all from its ''Melee'' design, only being touched up slightly. While it's position on the tier list isn't much of an improvement from ''Melee'', Pikachu was considered to have been [[Buff|buffed]] in ''Brawl'', becoming more powerful and gaining many new techniques such as [[Quick Attack cancel]]ing and two [[chain grab]]s in exchange for mianly weaker knockback in its attacks. Pikachu is ranked 8th on the [[tier list]], placing it in the B tier. Like the rest of ''Brawl''{{'}}s cast, Pikachu possesses a [[Final Smash]], a new kind of special attack that debuted in ''Brawl''. In Pikachu's case, its Final Smash is called [[Volt Tackle]], which involves it generating a giant ball of electricity around itself that can be controlled by the player in order to slam into and/or shock the opponent.

Pikachu is ranked 15th on the ''SSB4'' [[tier list]]. Pikachu received some [[nerf]]s in the transition from ''Brawl'', such as its powerful down throw and forward throw chain grabs (which were a large part of Pikachu's previous success in ''Brawl'') being removed, and lower damage outputs on some moves. In return, Pikachu benefits from the changes to [[hitstun]] canceling, which improve its combo game by enabling its attacks to chain together easier. Some of its attacks' ranges and KO potentials were also improved. However, Pikachu suffers from poor endurance, and has a general lack of reliable KO options. Despite having a small playerbase in the competitive scene, Pikachu still gained a bit of success in the metagame from a few players.