Leaf Shield
Leaf Shield | |
---|---|
File:MegaManLeafShield.png Mega Man activating his Leaf Shield | |
User | Mega Man |
Universe | Mega Man |
The Leaf Shield (リーフシールド, Rīfushīrudo) is Mega Man's down special move in SSB4.
Overview
In this move, Mega Man activates a moving shield, consisting of four leaves circling around him. These leaves act as one-use damaging barriers, damaging enemies/items and blocking projectiles it comes in contact with at the cost of one leaf, making for a short-term damaging protection around Mega Man. The move can also be thrown directly forwards as a potentially long-range attack (it may disappear before the maximum distance is traveled). The Leaf Shield will last either 3 seconds or until all 4 leaves are used up. Unlike the game of its origin, Mega Man can move around with the shield intact; however, it does change all of his Attack/Special inputs to be "throw Shield".
Due to the, albeit small, spaces between leaves leaving undefended areas and being only able to use Throw Shield, Grab, Pummel, and Shield while the Leaf Shield is active, there may be unexpected risk when using this move.
Customization
Leaf Shield can be customized into two variations: Plant Barrier and Skull Barrier. Plant Barrier summons spotted leaves to surround Mega Man. It is currently unknown how the move differs from Leaf Shield. Skull Barrier summons skulls to surround Mega Man, and is capable of reflecting projectiles.
Origin
The Leaf Shield first appeared in Mega Man 2, as the special weapon of Wood Man. These "leaves" are actually shaped pieces of ceratanium, which have been sharpened around the edges. They are able to levitate due to electromagnetism. In Mega Man 2, Mega Man would have to stay still to use this weapon. When staying still, the shield will not leave Mega Man, and will protect him from all attacks. When Mega Man does move, the shield flies off in which ever direction Mega Man started walking in. The Leaf Shield also serves as Air Man's weakness by clogging his fan with the leaves generated. When used on any other boss besides Air Man, the leaves will do 0 damage.
One of the move's variations, Plant Barrier, first appeared in Mega Man 6, as the power of Plant Man. The "flower petals" are created from condensed energy to protect Mega Man from attacks. It vanishes when hit, but unlike some shield-based powers, it cannot be thrown. It does not vanish if it hits an invulnerable or shielded enemy; however, it can bypass shields and inflict damage. Plant Barrier is the weakness of Tomahawk Man.
The other variation, Skull Barrier, first appeared in Mega Man 4, as the power of Skull Man. The energy shield, which takes the shape of skulls, shuts off when hit. Mega Man can move while the Skull Barrier is active, but he cannot throw this shield. Skull Barrier is the weakness of Dive Man.
Gallery
The Leaf Shield blocking Luigi's Fireball.
Leaf Shield in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.
Plant Barrier in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.