Cheap

"Cheap" is a word that has been used to complain about almost any aspect of a game. Because of this, it has no clear meaning. Possible definitions include:

• A character/technique/move that is seemingly impossible to find a way around.
• A character/strategy/move that is seen as unfair or in poor sportsmanship to use.
• A character/strategy/move that produces equal success compared to a more complex/difficult character/strategy/move, requiring less effort to reach the same success.

A common example of a strategy many players consider "cheap" is Kirbycide (specifically Swallowcide), because many players consider the Kirby player to not be doing any "true" fighting, and it produces a KO much easier than any other technique. In addition, many characters have few ways to deal with it, mainly characters without projectiles, and must approach to damage Kirby, at the risk of getting swallowed.

As the concept of "cheapness" is subjective (for example, many new players see edge-hogging as cheap, whereas high-level players see it as legit), there are generally no rules banning a character/tactic/move in tournament play on the basis of it being "cheap". If a character/tactic/move is truly strong enough to be banned, it is typically regarded as being broken instead of cheap.

The Cheap Shot bonus in SSB is awarded for overusing a single move, an action that is commonly regarded as cheap. The Cheap KO bonus in Melee is rewarded for KOing an opponent from behind, which has little gameplay effect in Super Smash Bros.

See also

• John