Reverse angle boomerang

This article or section may require a cleanup. You can discuss this issue on the talk page or edit this page to improve it.

This article could use additional or higher-quality animated images or videos. If you have a good animated image for this article, upload it here. If you have a good video for this article, link to it or embed it with the {{#widget:YouTube|id=}} tag.

The Reverse Angle Boomerang, named by Maryland smasher B-Run, is a trick used with Link's and Young Link's side special move. While there is a wider range of reverse angles available to Young Link, a Link player may still find the occasional use for the reverse angle's unique game mechanics. The point of the reverse angle boomerang is to use the fact that when the boomerang is on its return path, it passes through every substance in the game, solid or not solid. Using this method properly can grant additional damage in situations where there is no other way of hitting the opponent as well as grant a degree of psychological control over the enemy player.

Execution

The simplest way for a Young Link player to execute a reverse angle, is to throw his boomerang at as close as an angle as possible to directly down, the boomerang will bounce up and instead of being caught by Young Link, will continue over his head in a wide arch. Link may also perform this type of reverse angle when the ground is uneven or slopes up in front of him at particular angles, but those are very few and much less reliable than Young Link's downward reverse angle. For Young Link, however, this method's ease of use and predictable boomerang path, combined with the speed of the execution, will make this the most useful form of the reverse angle boomerang.

A version which is the most reliable for Link, and is a shared angle for both the Heroes of Time, is performed by throwing the boomerang in the opposite direction one wants it to go, then jumping over or falling under the boomerang as it returns, thus keeping it from being caught and continuing its reverse angle path. This version is less reliable than Young Link's downward reverse angle, but is more versatile. Depending on whether the boomerang passes below or above Link, the boomerang may arch upward or downward during the reverse angle. The resulting angles possible are almost limitless, which makes the technique valuable for edgeguarding. The major downside to this reverse angle is the time required for it to become effective as one has to wait for the boomerang to complete it's regular interval in order to dodge it on its reverse angle path.

There is no reverse angle which Link can perform that Young Link cannot.

Use of the Reverse Angle Boomerang is required to complete Young Link's Break the Targets.

Weaknesses

The most major weakness of the reverse angle is the fact that while the boomerang is out, one cannot use another one. In many cases this can prove to be a hindrance, especially when the boomerang is off of the visible screen and one attempts to use it on accident. The boomerang, after passing Link, should take another three or four seconds before it disappears.

Another weakness is in fast paced fights, especially against characters such as Sheik, the reverse angle boomerang can quickly cause Link to be vulnerable to attack. The animation is not a short one, and in most cases, Link will be facing the opposite direction of his opponent while performing the reverse angle, leaving the only defensive possibilities to blocking, dodging, or rolling to avoid getting hit.

Reverse Angle Basics

When starting out with the reverse angle, the only time one should use it is when the opponent is out of reach for their attacks. This way Link can safely perform the reverse angle without any fear of retaliation during his attack. This is where the reverse angle can do the most mind games. The reverse angle can hit many camping characters; conversely, players can camp while throwing reverse angles to play mindgames against opponents.

The floor of Onett is a dangerous place to be, especially on the far right side. However, using the downward reverse angle, a player can annoy and do damage to the person trying to keep Link on the bottom of the stage. Link can also use the minimal stun when he is hit to get himself out of the corner.

Intermediate Use

After one is comfortable with the timing and directions of the reverse angle, the player may start performing it with an opponent within attacking range of Link If done successfully in distracting him properly, one can lead the boomerang on its reverse angle directly into the foe which could break one of his combos or start a new one.

Another place to use Young Link's exclusive downward reverse angle is when one means to thrown a regular boomerang but as soon as Link begins to start the animation, one realizes that the enemy is approaching from too high of an angle to hit. By quickly jamming down, the attack can be forced into a downward reverse angle and stun the opponent, breaking his attack, right before he lands on Link. This can save Link from many high and top tier characters's spike-started combos and actually makes use medium length animation for throwing the boomerang by giving time to adjust and catching the opponent off-guard.

Advanced Reverse Angles

Advanced reverse angles come in all shapes and sizes, requiring use of a multitude of angles to perform well. Often in battles, improvising a reverse angle is needed to meet the specific needs. When moving from platform to platform or while raising or dropping levels, players should move careful with a reverse angle. This catches a lot of players off guard and can lead to a wide range of opportunities; however, this is mainly done defensively. It requires Link's boomerang to intersect with the enemy's path at a specific time for it to work. By becoming efficient at the reverse angle, it is possible to keep a constant source of damage on Link's opponent. Controlling the flow of battle is the number one way to play any character. In order to best do this, one needs to be able to have a boomerang ready whenever he or she may need it, not just when its a preplanned and set up reverse angle. Being able to visualize the path of the reverse angle as it changes before and after it passes the player is key. There are also two distances to throw one's boomerang: the longer, standing throw, or the shorter, in motion throw. This can greatly effect the resulting angle.

After mastering the timing of the boomerang's animation, try to learn to cut it short by landing on the edge a platform instantly after the boomerang leaves Link's hand then falling from the edge thus breaking the animation. This will severely cut down on the lag and can help move right into a combo from any boomerang attack, not just a reverse angle. The particular advantage this has for the reverse angle boomerang is the fact that one's intention is rarely to attack the opponent directly in the first place when using it therefore if they are close they have an opening to attack, this method severely reduces the risk but limits the usage of the reverse angle. However, when it fits, it becomes a very effective way to move and attack quickly and unpredictably.