Dr. Mario (SSBU): Difference between revisions

'''Dr. Mario''' ({{ja|ドクターマリオ|Dokutā Mario}}, ''Doctor Mario'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was officially revealed on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o June 12th, 2018] alongside {{SSBU|R.O.B.}}, {{SSBU|Duck Hunt}}, and the rest of the returning roster. While Dr. Mario remains a full [[clone]] of {{SSBU|Mario}}, he is not classified as an Echo Fighter. As such, Dr. Mario is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #18]].

As in ''[[SSB4]]'', {{s|mariowiki|Charles Martinet}}'s portrayal of Mario from ''[[Brawl]]'' was repurposed for Dr. Mario in ''Ultimate''.

Dr. Mario functions like a stronger, yet slower Mario, owing to the implementation of multipliers to the majority of his moveset and some of his attributes. Most of Dr. Mario's moveset deals 1.176× more damage compared to Mario's moveset. Conversely, his [[jump|full hop]] height is 0.85× lower; his [[walk]]ing and [[dash]]ing speeds are 0.7942× slower; his [[air speed]], [[air acceleration]], [[short hop]] height, and [[double jump]] height are 0.7648× lower. Most of the multipliers result in Dr. Mario being distinctly affected by passive [[equipment]] physics from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', in which he specifically possesses a +22 Attack value and a -65 Speed value.<ref name="DamageMultiplier">[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rwDPL1jhE-KuEbbcBkkTb44z1smJp9rYme_xb4BIJTk/edit#gid=1974906014]</ref> Although Dr. Mario's lower jump height makes his [[short hop]] more effective than Mario's, these modified attributes collectively render his overall mobility as sub-par. His wall jump and ledge jump also cover less distance as a result. Conversely, Dr. Mario's higher overall damage output results in him being noticeably more efficient at KOing in comparison to Mario.

Dr. Mario's grounded moveset has plenty of utility in spite of his slow speed. Neutral attack is Dr. Mario's fastest attack, and the first two hits can [[lock]] opponents. Forward tilt is a great get-off-me option, and possesses situational KO potential at very high percentages unlike Mario's version. Up tilt is a decent anti-air and juggling tool that can KO at very high percentages, and it can also combo into itself, neutral aerial, up aerial, back aerial and Super Jump Punch, but is not as effective as a combo starter as his down tilt; however, the move's horizontal range is shorter than in ''SSB4'', and its hitboxes start from a higher position, allowing shorter, crouching or prone characters to potentially low-profile the move. Down tilt is one of Dr. Mario's best combo starters; although it is short-ranged, it is very reliable at a wide range of percentages, with its lower knockback scaling compared to Mario's even allowing it to combo at percentages where Mario's would not work, and depending on the percentage, it can lead into neutral attack, forward tilt, up tilt (only on certain characters), itself, up smash (only on certain characters), down smash, neutral aerial, up aerial, back aerial and Super Jump Punch. His dash attack has vertical knockback, allowing it to serve as a combo starter but hindering its edgeguarding potential. His forward smash, while slower than his other smash attacks, is extremely powerful for an attack of its speed, especially if the sweetspot connects; unlike Mario's, it possesses the [[electric]] effect, has shorter range, and the sweetspot and sourspot hitboxes are swapped around. Up smash functions more similarly to Luigi's version than to Mario's version, as it launches the opponent diagonally instead of vertically, and will launch them in the opposite direction of where Dr. Mario is facing as long as they are in front of him; compared to Luigi's, however, it launches at a lower angle, and it has lower base knockback than both Mario and Luigi's up smashes. Nevertheless, up smash's launch angle does make it much better at edgeguarding or setting up edgeguards than both Mario and Luigi's versions, and its higher damage output and knockback scaling compared to both of them also makes it a highly lethal KOing option. His down smash is his fastest smash attack, hitting on both sides (with the back hit being stronger than the front hit), and like Mario's version, it is useful for punishing rolls.

Despite not being an [[Echo Fighter]] of {{SSBU|Mario}}, Dr. Mario is still very much a full clone of Mario. That said, he uses external modifiers to most of his stats rather than directly modifying them, so he sports subpar mobility compared to Mario. However, Dr. Mario compensates for his slower mobility with another external multiplier that increases the damage of his attacks in comparison, as all of his attacks deal noticeably more damage without any compensation on knockback, which enables him to KO more easily as a result.

*{{change|Dr. Mario's [[Results screen|defeated]]/[[Results screen#No Contest screen|No Contest]] animation is different from Mario's. Mario has a new animation in which he looks slightly to the left with a smiling expression, while Dr. Mario retains his animation from ''SSB4'', which is identical to Mario's from ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'' (and like the latter, features him with a neutral expression), except that Dr. Mario looks directly in front of himself.}}

*{{change|Some of Dr. Mario's raw properties are modified as if he were wearing equipment of +22 attack and -65 speed in ''SSB4''.<ref name="DamageMultiplier" />}}

*{{nerf|Dr. Mario's [[Jump|full hop]] height is 15% lower than Mario's (36.33 → 30.8805), although it does not use a mobility multiplier.}}

**{{nerf|Despite this, the mobility multiplier is used when using shooting items, which makes it 35% lower than Mario's (36.33 → 23.6174064).}}

*{{buff|Dr. Mario walks faster when carrying heavy items.}}

**{{buff|The clean hit has higher base damage (14% → 15%), improving its KO potential even further.}}

**{{nerf|The early and late hits have lower base damage (12% (early)/10% (late) → 10%/9%).}}

**{{nerf|The clean hit has smaller hitboxes (4.5u/5.9u → 4.2u/5.4u), reducing its range.}}

**{{change|Dr. Mario's down aerial is a double foot stomp, whereas Mario's has been [[Mario Tornado]] since ''Brawl''. Unlike Mario's, it consists of a singular, strong hitbox instead of several weaker, looping hitboxes.}}

**{{change|It can meteor smash and send opponents horizontally instead of vertically. This makes it very good at edgeguarding, tech-chasing and starting combos, but less effective at KOing on-stage and extending/finishing combos.}}

**{{nerf|It has significantly increased startup lag (frame 5 → 14).}}

**{{nerf|It has significantly smaller hitboxes.}}

**{{nerf|Up throw has reduced knockback scaling (72 → 65), making it incapable of KOing reliably despite the damage multiplier, while possessing inferior combo potential due to Dr. Mario's lower jumps.}}

**{{change|It does not produce {{s|mariowiki|Coin}}s upon contact, whereas Mario's does.}}

**{{buff|Compared to F.L.U.D.D., Dr. Tornado is significantly more effective for recovery.}}

**{{nerf|Due to lacking a powerful windbox that pushes opponents away, it is less effective at gimping.}}

Dr. Mario was previously considered a low tier in ''SSB4'' due to a large combination of factors, including his lackluster mobility and short range granting him a poor neutral game, as well as his abysmal recovery and limited combo game, the latter especially compared to [[Mario (SSB4)|his regular incarnation]]. This was reflected in his tier placement, where he was ranked 49th out of 55 characters. Likely due to these factors, Dr. Mario has been buffed in the transition from ''SSB4'' to ''Ultimate'', though not enough to raise his standing.

One of Dr. Mario's biggest buffs were to his already above-average damage output; all of his moves deal much more damage (excluding his pummel and get-up attacks), which further supplements his damage-racking game and his previously inconsistent KO ability. His recovery, while still poor, has nevertheless improved slightly; [[Dr. Tornado]] has increased distance, and the readdition of directional air dodges gives him another option to possibly extend and mix up his recovery. Additionally, Dr. Mario has a new [[down aerial]] and [[back throw]]; the former can now meteor smash opponents much like Mario's forward aerial, giving him an option that he notoriously lacked in the previous game. Meanwhile, the latter, albeit losing its collateral hitbox, has gained more knockback, making it now stronger than Mario's own back throw as well as one of the strongest back throws in the game by far.

Dr. Mario's entire special moveset has also seen numerous buffs. [[Megavitamins]] now deal enough damage and knockback to cause opponents to [[tumble]], and launch at a higher angle, making them viable as a combo starter and even giving them the ability to set up KOs. Finally, [[Super Sheet]] has a higher reflection multiplier compared to Mario's Cape, and [[Super Jump Punch]] deals more knockback, making a superior KO move and deadlier [[out of shield]] option. However, Dr. Tornado was buffed significantly: outside of its improved recovery potential, it has gained heavy armor on startup if used on the ground, which makes it useful for tanking through attacks and breaking pressure. Additionally, it deals more damage and knockback, to the point it has gained notoriety for being able to KO offstage effectively at very low percentages, and when combined with its increased distance, make it a deadly edgeguarding option. As a result of the improvements to Dr. Tornado, combined with his revamped down aerial, Dr. Mario's edgeguarding game is much more powerful, albeit not as deadly or safe as Mario.

In spite of this, Dr. Mario has received a few nerfs. Most notably, Dr. Mario's already sub-par mobility is slightly worse, given the nerfs to his air speed and jump height- While it otherwise remains largely unaltered from his previous appearance, Dr. Mario is now much slower in comparison to the rest of the cast, especially considering most other fighters have received buffs to their mobility. He also shares some other nerfs with Mario, such as up tilt's hitbox placement adjusted, giving it inferior range in front of and underneath him, and his grabs having increased ending lag, hindering their utility and combos.

Compared to {{SSBU|Mario}}, Dr. Mario is still a slower and stronger clone of him. However, he is not classified as an [[Echo Fighter]]. There is currently no confirmed reason for this oddity, though it is likely due to Dr. Mario debuting in ''Melee'' rather than ''SSB4'' or ''Ultimate'' as with the other Echo Fighters. Aside from having an updated [[idle animation]], slightly higher traction compared to Mario, an altered animation for his [[side special]], as well as receiving a new down aerial and back throw, he has not been further decloned. He has also received many of the same changes as Mario.

Compared to his appearance in ''SSB4'', Dr. Mario's damage-racking potential has increased and his recovery is safer and better overall (though it is still considered among the worst in the game, along with {{SSBU|Little Mac}} and {{SSBU|Ganondorf}}). Because of these changes, he is slightly better in ''Ultimate'', but nowhere close to his ''Melee'' incarnation, where he was a mid tier character. While Dr. Mario has also gained some buffs in updates 7.0.0 and 13.0.0, they haven't improved him enough to raise his tier list placement significantly. Dr. Mario's competitive reception has thus been negative; while he has seen results in the competitive scene from players like {{Sm|Mabel}}, (as well as {{Sm|Locus}}, and {{Sm|Lui$}} before both dropped the character), his overall tournament representation has been poor throughout the game's lifespan, and he is generally regarded as a low or even bottom tier character, with most players drawing comparisons to Mario being a much better character, contrasting Dr. Mario’s slow speed and abysmal recovery.  

|neutraldesc=The {{s|mariowiki|Punch}} + Punch + {{s|mariowiki|Kick}} combo from ''{{s|mariowiki|Super Mario 64}}''. Useful for spacing and comes out quickly. The first and second hits can also jab lock.

|ftiltdesc=A wheel kick. It deals average knockback, but it is enough to KO at around 150% at the ledge.

|utiltdesc=A spinning uppercut. Can combo into itself at low percentages, and into aerials at higher percentages. At high percentages (around 140%-150%), it can serve as a KO option, although it fails to hit most short opponents due to its high hitbox placement. It vaguely resembles the second hit of the [[mariowiki:List of weapons in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars|Mega Glove]]'s combo from ''{{s|mariowiki|Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars}}''.

|dashdesc=The {{s|mariowiki|Slide Kick}} from ''Super Mario 64''. Launches opponents vertically unlike Mario's version, which can potentially make it a combo starter if hit late.

|fsmashdesc=A palm thrust that produces a small burst of electricity. Deals immense damage and knockback, giving it great KO potential. Its sweetspot is located on Dr. Mario's arm. One of the stronger forward smashes in the game, and one of Dr. Mario's most viable KOing options. Its electric properties also make it safer on shield compared to Mario's, especially if spaced.

|usmashdesc=An upward arcing headbutt. Unlike most up smashes, this one launches opponents horizontally in the opposite direction he is facing. Renders Dr. Mario's head intangible for a short time. The horizontal angle allows the move to combo into itself at low percentages and KO earlier at the ledge, although it weakens its potential as an anti-air and punishment tool.

|dsmashdesc=A breakdancing version of the {{s|MarioWiki|Sweep Kick}} from ''Super Mario 64''. Dr. Mario's fastest smash attack, making it a rather useful defensive option. Its back hit is stronger, and can punish ledge stalls effectively. It can also semi-spike with above-average knockback, making it a great edgeguarding tool.

|nairdesc=A flying kick. It is a [[sex kick]] that has the unique property of having its late hit being stronger than its clean hit. Its clean hit can jab lock and start combos, while its late hit has surprisingly high knockback for a sex kick, KOing at the edge at around 130%.

|fairdesc=An {{s|wikipedia|overhand|boxing}}. Unlike Mario's version, it does not have a meteor smash hitbox. It has slow startup (tied with his down aerial for the slowest of his other aerials), high ending and landing lag, and is the only aerial that cannot autocancel in a short hop, but it has extremely high diagonal knockback when hit clean, making it one of the strongest forward aerials in the game. Can KO middleweights as early as 70% near the edge.

|bairdesc=A {{s|wikipedia|dropkick}}. Comes out quickly and has above-average knockback, which makes it a viable edgeguarding and KO move and a [[reverse aerial rush]] option. Can also chain into itself at low percents, or set up tech-chase situations.

|uairdesc=A bicycle kick. The move launches diagonally unlike Mario's up aerial, which can be ideal for edgeguarding mixups. However, this renders it unusable for juggling and lengthy combos past low percentages. It can be used twice in a single [[short hop]], or the second up aerial can be replaced with a neutral aerial instead. Despite its very quick startup, it works well as a KO option at high percentages, especially offstage.

|dairname=CLEAR! ({{ja|全力メテオキック|Zen Ryoku Meteo Kikku}}, ''Full Power Meteor Kick)

|dairdesc=A double foot stomp. While it has noticeable startup, it deals consistent damage and can powerfully [[meteor smash]] opponents when hitting with the sweetspot on his legs. It has a sourspot on his hips, which launches away instead. On grounded opponents, the meteor hitbox can open up many KO confirms, notably with forward aerial, back aerial, Super Jump Punch and Dr. Tornado.

|fthrowdesc=Spins and throws the opponent away. Can be used to set up an edgeguard, or combo into dash attack against certain characters at 0%. Decently quick. It is also slightly stronger than Mario's forward throw, as it can KO middleweights at around 178% at the edge of Final Destination, which is about 10% earlier.

|bthrowdesc=Dr. Mario heaves the opponent over him and then throws them diagonally. Combined with its high damage and knockback, it is one of the strongest back throws in the game, having potential to even surpass {{SSBU|Ness}}' back throw by a small margin when at the ledge. Can KO middleweights at around 109% near the edge of Final Destination with good DI.

|uthrowdesc=Heaves the opponent upward. Can put the opponent into a juggling situation. Can combo into up aerial and Dr. Tornado at low percentages. It can KO middleweights at around 224% on Final Destination, which is about 5% earlier than Mario's up throw. Due to its new animation, it heavily resembles the Upward {{s|mariowiki|Cap Throw}} from ''{{s|mariowiki|Super Mario Odyssey}}''.

|nsdesc=Throws a {{s|mariowiki|Megavitamin}}. Useful approach and pressure option. Unlike [[Fireball]], it cannot be absorbed, bounces on a different trajectory, and lacks a [[flame]] effect. It launches opponents slightly upward, which can potentially set up a combo. At higher percents, it can even set up for a KO confirm if timed correctly.

|ssdesc=Flips a white sheet upward. It reflects projectiles and reverses enemies, as well as reversing the opponent's controls for a brief instant. However, it does not stall Dr. Mario's descent in midair, making it useless for recovery unlike [[Cape]].

|usdesc=A jumping uppercut. It functions better as an attack than a recovery option, as it has great KO potential and fast startup, which can make it a deadly [[out of shield]] option. However, it travels a short distance compared to Mario's version.

|dsdesc=Rapidly spins around, trapping opponents and damaging them with a series of [[Wikipedia:Professional wrestling attacks#Clothesline|discus clotheslines]] and [[Wikipedia:Professional wrestling attacks#Spinning back fist|spinning backfists]] before assuming a [[wikipedia:Spreadeagle (position)|spread-eagle position]] to launch them. Can hit up to seven times, with the final hit sending opponents diagonally. This move can be used to aid in recovery, as mashing the B button will make Dr. Mario rise up. The maximum height that can be gained from this move is greater than that of Super Jump Punch, although this requires extremely fast button mashing. It gains good vertical and horizontal distance if mashed fast enough. As an attack, it is notorious for being able to KO very early at the sides of the stage (around 45% at earliest) due to its extremely high knockback growth on its last hit. As such, it is a deadly edgeguarding tool, although it is a bit risky due to Dr. Mario's poor recovery.

|fsdesc=Rears his arms back before thrusting them forward to generate and launch two gigantic Megavitamins, which trap and repeatedly damage any opponents in their path. Compared to [[Mario Finale]], the front Megavitamin deals more damage than the back Megavitamin.

*Stands behind a wall of Megavitamins, which then start to disappear starting from the top to reveal him. Has his eyes closed until all of the Megavitamins are gone, in which he opens them and assumes fighting stance.

SSBUDrMarioIdle1.gif|Dr. Mario's first idle pose

SSBUDrMarioIdle2.gif|Dr. Mario's second idle pose

*'''Up:''' Waves his stethoscope in front of himself, off to his side, then to the other, and then back in front of himself.

*'''Right:''' Taps his shoe on the ground, contemplatively rubs his chin and then suddenly glances at the screen while continuing to rub his chin.

[[File:MarioSeriesVictoryThemeUltimate.ogg|thumb|A flourished remix of the Course Clear Fanfare used in ''{{s|mariowiki|Super Mario Bros.}}'']]

''Any number following the Smasher name indicates placement on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]], which recognizes the official top 50 players in the world in [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]] from July 13th, 2019 to December 15th, 2019.''

''See also: [[:Category:Dr. Mario professionals (SSBU)]]''

*{{Sm|Lui$|USA}} (#39) - The best Dr. Mario player in the world during early metagame, but has since dropped him in favor of {{SSBU|Palutena}} and {{SSBU|Fox}}. Placed 9th at {{Trn|Super Splat Bros}}, 17th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}}, and 33rd at both {{Trn|GENESIS 6}} and {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}} with wins over {{Sm|ESAM}}, {{Sm|Sparg0}}, and {{Sm|varun}}. Previously ranked 1st on the [[NorCal Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|NorCal Ultimate Power Rankings]] when he mained Dr. Mario.

*{{Sm|Meowscarada|USA}} - The best Dr. Mario player in the Midwest and the United States' online meta. Placed 7th at {{Trn|Smash Out Breast Cancer}}, 13th at {{Trn|The Box: El Jugo Box}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Ultimate 32}} with online wins over players such as {{Sm|LeoN}}, {{Sm|WaDi}}, and {{Sm|Mr. E}}. Offline, has wins over {{Sm|IceKnight}} and {{Sm|Comet}}. Formerly ranked 10th on the [[Chicago Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Oryon|France}} - Formerly used Dr. Mario as a secondary to {{SSBU|Wolf}}, and was considered the best Dr. Mario player in Europe. Placed 5th at both {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} and {{Trn|VCA 2021}}, 7th at {{Trn|VCA 2019}}, and 9th at {{Trn|Albion 4}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|PeW}}, {{Sm|Neeroz}}, and {{Sm|Jeda}}. Has since dropped the character for {{SSBU|Mario}}.

*{{Sm|Shissho|Japan}} - One of the two best Dr. Mario players in the world. Placed 1st at {{Trn|KOWLOON 1}}, 2nd at {{Trn|KOWLOON 2}}, 7th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 12}}, and 9th at {{Trn|KOWLOON 3}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Paseriman}}, {{Sm|Atelier}}, and {{Sm|Munekin}}. Currently ranked 85th on the [[Japan Player Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Tsumusuto|Japan}} - One of the two best Dr. Mario players in the world. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 20}}, 3rd at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 9}}, 7th at both {{Trn|Sumabato SP 9}} and {{Trn|Sumabato SP 18}}, and 9th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 6}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Kome}}, {{Sm|Gackt}}, and {{Sm|Etsuji}}. Currently ranked 41st on the [[Japan Player Rankings]].

[[File:SSBU Congratulations Dr Mario.png|thumb|right|Dr. Mario's congratulations screen.]]

In reference to the [[mariowiki:Virus|Red, Blue and Yellow Viruses]], Dr. Mario's opponents are trios consisting of red, blue, and yellow alternates of a particular fighter.

==In Spirit battles==

SSBUWebsiteMimikyu2.jpg|Snared by [[Mimikyu]] on [[Pictochat 2]].

DrMarioSSBUDoctorFinale.png|Using [[Doctor Finale]] on [[Wii Fit Studio]].

**''Ultimate'' is the first ''Super Smash Bros.'' game where he is not holding a Megavitamin in his official art.

**This is further referenced in Dr. Mario's highlight video, in which he fights {{SSBU|King Dedede}} on top of [[Onett]]'s Drug Store, as well as in ''Ultimate'''s opening movie, in which he throws a Fairy Bottle at {{SSBU|Little Mac}} to heal him.

*''Ultimate'' is the first ''Smash'' game to feature Dr. Mario and have his inclusion be planned from the start. In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', [[Wario]] was originally going to be playable, but was replaced by {{SSBM|Dr. Mario}} since he would be faster to develop. In ''SSB4'', Dr. Mario was originally going to be an [[Alternate costume (SSB4)|alternate costume]] of {{SSB4|Mario}}, but remained a clone as a last minute decision in order to appeal to his fanbase from ''Melee''.

*When KO'd by reaching 0 HP during his final stock in [[Stamina Mode]], Dr. Mario uses one of his heavy knockback voice clips instead of his standard KO voice clip. He shares this trait with Mario and all vocal DLC fighters except for {{SSBU|Joker}}, {{SSBU|Banjo & Kazooie}}, and {{SSBU|Byleth}}'s Japanese voice.

*Prior to version 2.0.0, Dr. Mario's down aerial was named Bone Drill, a name arguably more fitting for his down aerial in ''SSB4''. The current name, CLEAR!, references the message appearing when a level is completed in the original ''Dr. Mario'', as well as the shout paramedics give when using defibrillators.

*Dr. Mario technically has the second most victory screens of any fighter, surpassed only by {{SSBU|Joker}}. Although it may seem he has only three like most fighters, the colors of the pills in the animation where he throws them are random (namely, only the first two are, and the two he pulls out next are the same colors as the first two), totaling up to 81 combinations. When the other two are added, Dr. Mario has 83 victory screens.

**Interestingly, the voice clips of Dr. Mario's forward aerial, back throw, double jump, [[Doctor Finale]], and [[Home-Run Bat]] swing are omitted despite Dr. Mario using them in-game.

*Dr. Mario is the only character with [[Equipment|custom equipment]] incorporated into his attributes.