Reflector
- This article is about the down special move of the characters from the Star Fox universe. For moves that reflect generally, see reflector.
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 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). 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. 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
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 as if magnetized. Not only does this serve as a reflector, but also as a quick surprising hit. If timed correctly, it will make the opponent it hits trip. This is considered a reflector that is a projectile, and it travels through enemies unhindered. Because Falco kicks it, he cannot hold it in place. This means that when playing as Falco, the player must use good timing to reflect projectiles. When the Reflector comes back to Falco, it can also reflect any projectiles back at any angle at the last second. Template:Falco Special Moves
Wolf
Wolf's reflector differs from Fox's and Falco's in appearence, 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 and a small amount of set knockback to any opponents touching it; the least knockback of all reflectors. If B 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. Template:Wolf Special Moves
Gallery
Fox's Reflector in Melee.
Falco's Reflector in Melee.
Fox's Reflector is SSB.
Reflectable attacks
Below is a list of all the attacks that can be reflected:
- Any thrown item
- Final Cutter beam
- Fireball
- Thunder Jolt
- Thunder
- Fire Breath
- Flamethrower
- Turnips
- PK Fire
- Blaster shots
- Paralyzer
- Charge Shot
- Palutena's Arrow
- Hero's Bow
- Boomerang
- Chef (food)
- Ray Gun
- Super Scope
- Hothead
- Pokéball - (will be the player's assist if reflected)
- Master Hand and Crazy Hand's gun attack
- Duon's purple lasers
- Rayquaza's energy blast
- Meta Ridley's orange lasers
- Meta Ridley's red fireballs
