Boomerang
| Boomerang | |
|---|---|
 Link's boomerang in Melee. | |
| Users | Link Young Link Toon Link |
| Universe | The Legend of Zelda |
| Article on Zelda Wiki | Boomerang |
| “ | Tap File:GCN ControlStick R S.png for longer range and tilt up or down to throw it. | ” |
| “ | Increase range by tapping the Control Stick to the right. Control the angle of his throw with the Control Stick. | ” |
The Boomerang is a special move used by Link, Young Link, and Toon Link. In Super Smash Bros., it is Link's neutral special move, while in Super Smash Bros. Melee, it is Link and Young Link's side special move. Toon Link uses the Boomerang in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as well.
One can tap the control stick while doing this move to increase its range, and tilt the stick up or down to aim it towards those directions. If the player dodges the Boomerang as it comes back to them, it will continue going, arcing in the direction they dodged in. Link can only have one Boomerang on screen at any time; trying the attack again while a boomerang is out only results in Link doing his boomerang throwing animation without actually throwing anything.
Boomerangs have been a staple weapon since the very first The Legend of Zelda game; while generally inferior to the Bow as a means of indirect attack, it is reusable and capable of pulling items back to Link. The design used in Melee is based on its design in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. However, Adult Link in the game couldn't use the Boomerang; only Young Link could.
In Super Smash Bros. Melee (version 1.1), there is a glitch with Link's Boomerang. It causes the Boomerang to get stuck to his arm, causing Link to lose the ability to throw it again.
Gale Boomerang
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Link no longer uses the standard Boomerang, but taking after Twilight Princess, the Gale Boomerang, which pulls enemies towards the player as it returns to Link. Toon Link still uses a normal boomerang, as in Wind Waker.
The Gale Boomerang has the exactly same use as the normal Boomerang. When it comes back, it additionally drags opponents towards Link. However, when the boomerang is returning it does no damage at all. If used properly, the player can string a number of different attacks following the boomerang's retrieving tornado. Link's side standard smash would be the most favorable attack of choice, as it would cancel the knockback allowing the second hit to connect. Link's down smash - if used with correct timing - can also damage opponents with both hits, causing a significantly larger amount of damage (up to 48% charged). Care has to be taken with this technique though, as the Gale Boomerang doesn't do damage while dragging opponents, the opponent can also take the chance to prepare their own attack while being drawn towards Link. The Gale Boomerang can also throw large items forward and can bring small items toward Link.
If reflected, the Gale Boomerang automatically enters the second phase of its attack, meaning Link cannot be hurt by it, only pushed away by it.
The move can be used to perform Gale Guarding. If timed perfectly, one can literally ride on the Gale Boomerang.
Interestingly, the Gale Boomerang seems to cancel the landing lag from any of Link's aerial attacks if it returns to Link while he is on the ground after an aerial attack, most noticeably, his down aerial.
Origin
The Boomerang is one of Link's main weapons the The Legend of Zelda series. It is typically used to stun enemies, retrieve items, and trigger switches, making it more of a tool than a true offensive weapon. Some weak enemies could be defeated using the boomerang, and in some games the boomerang was capable of cutting down objects. In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, the traditional Boomerang is replaced by the Gale Boomerang, which had the ability to summon tornado-like gales. The Gale Boomerang has the same uses as the traditional Boomerangs from the other Zelda games, but the Gale Boomerang could additionally turn fans and put out fires.
Gallery
Link using the Gale Boomerang in Twilight Princess.
A diagram of aiming the boomerang in SSB.
Young Link's boomerang (Melee).
Toon Link's boomerang (Brawl).
