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Reflector

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This article is about the down special move of the characters from the Star Fox universe. For the general principle, see reflector.
Reflector
Fox's "Reflector device" in Brawl.
User Fox, Falco, and Wolf
Universe Star Fox

The Reflector, also called the Shine, is Fox's, Falco's and Wolf's down special move. When used, the user creates a blue or purple hexagonal energy field which acts as a shield, and deflects any projectile from any angle (with the exception of Final Smashes). It can also be used to damage enemies in close proximity to the user when activated. If this shield deflects too many projectiles in one use, or if its user attempts to reflect a projectile of sufficient power (such as a constantly reflected Red or Green Shell), it will shatter, like a normal shield, and leave the user stunned. In Brawl, the Reflector does not shatter. Rather, it simply ceases reflecting projectiles. It was revealed that the shield originates from a small device the user carries. How it is used and its effects depends on the user.

Origin

Like most of Fox's moves, the Reflector is unique to the Super Smash Bros. series, but may have been inspired by the Arwing's ability to deflect enemy fire by doing a Barrel Roll. As revealed in Brawl, Slippy is the Reflector's original designer, and provided Fox and Falco with this special equipment for the occasion of fighting.

Character Differences

Fox

 
Fox's Reflector in Brawl.

Fox's Reflector creates a blue hexagonal shield around himself. Fox can keep the Reflector active for as long as he wants, and using it in midair slows his falling speed (this works by reducing his air speed and resetting his downwards acceleration). If he used the Reflector rapidly and repeatedly in midair, Fox can negate all downward momentum and stall in one place in midair. The reflector multiplies a projectile's damage and knockback by 1.5 when reflected. If the projectile is reflected several times, his reflector may break, similar to a shield breaking. The Reflector is often used for shine spikes, which involve using the Reflector's damaging properties to knock recovering enemies downwards. It is also extremely useful against bosses, considering most of their attacks are projectiles.

In Super Smash Bros and Super Smash Bros. Melee, the Reflector caused a sound effect identical to the sound effect used for picking up items. Because of this, Fox made a different sound when he grabbed items. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Reflector's sound effect was changed.

While in the shine, Fox's falling speed is altered: Fox falls and accelerates more slowly. This is the reason that Chillin Dashing works. In Brawl, Fox can effectively hover in the air by repeatedly using his reflector. The slowed falling speed, mixed with the damaging aspect of the Reflector, can prevent Fox being juggled. Fox can also turn in midair when spamming his shine. However, shine-spiking in Brawl is much less useful due to a combination of the reflector's damage affected knockback, longer recoveries and floatiness.

Falco

 
Falco's Reflector in Brawl.

In Melee, Falco's Reflector is identical to Fox's, although it sends opponents upwards when used as an attack; because of this, Falco cannot waveshine combo, unlike Fox. He can, however, Star KO with his shine.

In Brawl, Falco uses his Reflector by kicking it away from him when it is activated. It then returns to him as if magnetized. Not only does this serve as a reflector, but also as an unpredictable approach to opponents. If timed correctly, it will trip opponents, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. The Reflector also travels through enemies unhindered.

However, since Falco kicks it, he cannot hold it in place, unlike Fox. This means that timing is crucial in reflecting projectiles. Note that when the Reflector comes back to Falco, it can also reflect any projectiles back at any angle at the last second.

Wolf

 
Wolf's Reflector in Brawl.

Wolf's reflector differs from Fox's and Falco's in appearance, resembling a pink, elliptical "cat's eye" as opposed to a blue hexagonal shape, and Wolf carries his reflecting device on his back instead of his belt. When deflecting projectiles, it returns them at double their initial speed. The reflector is activated in one frame and can be held for as long as desired. When used, the first few frames of Wolf's reflect provide him with invincibility, followed by a "zap" that deals 3% and a small amount of set knockback to any opponents touching it; the least knockback of all reflectors. If the special button is held, it will then function as a projectile deflector, but leave Wolf vulnerable to physical attacks, otherwise it ceases after a short cool-down period. The initial frames of Wolf's reflector can operate as a sort of 'counter': invincibility is used to avoid an attack, then the reflector damages the attacker.

Description from the Melee Instruction Booklet

Reflect projectile attacks back at enemies.

Description from the Brawl Instruction Booklet

Reflect any projectiles back the way they came at great speed.

Gallery

  • Fox's Reflector is SSB.

  • Fox's Reflector in Melee.

  • Falco's Reflector in Melee.

Reflectable attacks

Below is a list of all the attacks that can be reflected:

Navigation

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