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PK Thunder: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:Pkthunder.jpg|thumb|right|Lucas using PK Thunder midair.]][[Image:PK_Thunder_2.jpg|thumb|Both Ness and Lucas performing PK Thunder]]
{{ArticleIcons|allgames=y}}
'''PK Thunder''' (Japanese: PK{{ja|サンダー}}, ''PK Sandaa'') is the [[Up Special Move]] for [[Ness]] and [[Lucas]]. When used, it creates a stream of lightning whose direction can be controlled using the control stick. As such, using PK Thunder will result in Ness and Lucas not being able to move or defend, because the control stick is used to aim PK Thunder.
{{Infobox Special Move
|name=PK Thunder
|image={{tabber|title1=Ness|content1=[[File:Ness Up B SSBU.gif|300px]]|title2=Lucas|content2=[[File:Lucas Up B SSBU.gif|300px]]}}
|caption=Ness & Lucas using PK Thunder in ''Ultimate''.
|user=[[Ness]]
|user2=[[Lucas]]
|universe={{uv|EarthBound}}
|interwiki=wikibound
|interwikiname=WikiBound
|interwikipage=PK Thunder
}}


The head of Ness' PK Thunder does 8% damage when hitting an opponent, while Lucas' does 9-10% damage. The tail for both characters' PK Thunder has infinite priority and cannot be cancelled. One difference between the two boys' PK Thunders are that Ness's PK Thunder hits once and disappears if it hits an enemy, while Lucas's PK Thunder goes through enemies and can score multiple hits. However, the tail of Ness's PK Thunder is longer, and deals more stun than the tail of Lucas's PK Thunder. Ness's PK Thunder is also considerably faster than Lucas'. Lucas' PK Thunder turns in a tighter circle than Ness', meaning that Lucas' is easier to control and can be used to recover in narrower spaces.
'''PK Thunder''' ({{ja|PKサンダー|Pīkei Sandā}}, ''PK Thunder'') is the [[up special move]] for [[Ness]] and [[Lucas]]. The move creates a stream of lightning consisting of two parts: a circular "head" which is controlled by the player using the [[control stick]] or [[d-pad]], and a "tail" which follows behind. As control stick and d-pad inputs are used to aim PK Thunder, Ness and Lucas are unable to move or defend while the move is active. PK Thunder can be aimed into opponents to deal damage with the head and stun with the tail.


Another difference between their PK Thunders is their direction of knockback. When Ness hits an opponent with the PK Thunder's head, the enemy is knocked back toward the direction it was coming from; and when Lucas does so, the enemy is pushed away. Since Lucas's PK Thunder does not disappear after hitting an opponent, it can chase the enemy around the stage. It is a useful edgeguarding tool because unlike Ness's PK Thunder, Lucas's thunder's head will push the enemy away from instead of toward the point of impact. In addition, both sides of the head have more priority than the front and they have a direction of knockback perpendicular to the direction the thunder is moving. The sides can hit a shield safely without the thunder disappearing, and due to hitbox renewal (the head can only hit once every 48 frames) it is possible for the thunder to go through shields. On the other hand, Ness' is more useful for techniques like juggling, as after his thunder hits an enemy, he can use it again, repeatedly. Also, as it pulls opponents towards him, so it can keep opponents with a good aerial game from staying in the air too long.
Aiming the head into Ness and Lucas themselves will launch them in a trajectory opposite to the side they were hit on. This is referred to as ''PK Thunder Tackle'' or ''PK Thunder 2''. PK Thunder 2 is Ness and Lucas's main method of recovery and will damage any opponents that come into contact with them while in this state.


In ''Melee'', the uncontrolled thunder can hit anybody, not just Ness' opponents. This means that one can actually use the PK Thunder as a barrier, using the tail to intentionally block oneself from flying off the screen after being hit. This is called a ''PK Thunder Barrier''.
==Characters==
[[File:SSB4 - Ness Screen-2.jpg|thumb|{{SSB4|Ness}} using PK Thunder in {{forwiiu}}.]]
[[File:Lucas SSB4 Screen-2.jpg|thumb|175px|{{SSB4|Lucas}} using PK Thunder in {{forwiiu}}]]
===Similarities===
PK Thunder's head has a direction of knockback 90 degrees clockwise in relation to the direction it's moving. Each side can hit a shield safely without it disappearing, and due to hitbox renewal (the attack can only hit once every 48 frames) it is possible for the attack to safely go through shields. The tail cannot be cancelled.


The PK Thunder can also break [[Smash Ball]]s, making it useful to acquire a Final Smash if the Smash Ball is far away.
===Ness===
Ness's version of PK Thunder has a more blueish coloring to it, and he hunches over when using it. The head of Ness's PK Thunder disappears upon contact with most attacks, walls, and characters. Impact deals 8% damage and knockback, and launches in the direction the opponent was hit, but can't launch downward.


== PK Thunder 2 ==
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', PK Thunder does not disappear on contact with most attacks, as it is a laser projectile similar to Fox's [[Fox_(SSBM)/Neutral_special|blaster]].  In version 1.00 of Melee, an uncontrolled PK Thunder can hit opponents and Ness himself. This means the player can intentionally hit Ness with the tail of PK Thunder to block him from flying off the screen. This technique is called a '''PK Thunder Barrier'''. PK Thunder can also be used to perform the [[Electric Ness]] glitch, where sparks will continue to show around Ness even when PK Thunder is not active. This glitch serves no offensive or defensive purpose.
[[Image:PKThunder2.jpg|thumb|right|Ness and Lucas using PK Thunder 2]]
"PK Thunder 2" or "PK Rocket" is the term used for hitting Ness or Lucas with their own ''PK Thunder'' while it is still under their control. The Japanese developers called this move PK Jibaku (PK{{ja|自爆}}). The word jibaku means 'self-destruct' or 'suicide bomb,' a fitting term for a tactic that turns Ness and Lucas into human missiles.


This technique can be used by [[Ness]] and [[Lucas (SSBB)|Lucas]]. Doing so will transform Ness or Lucas into a human projectile, which will move in different directions depending on what part of the body is hit. If the Ness or Lucas makes contact with an enemy, he will deal a good amount of damage and knockback, although the SSB version is considerably stronger than the SSBM equivalent. Lucas's version of the attack hits multiple times, while Ness's deals one strong blow. Also if used up close, it can bring Ness to a short stop.
In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', PK Thunder turns in a tighter circle than previous games, meaning it can be used to recover in narrower spaces.


The ''PK Thunder 2'' is also Ness and Lucas's main method of recovery, given that it launches them fairly far in a straight direction. It is interesting to note that Lucas's PK Thunder 2 covers more ground than Ness's, so Lucas's is slightly more effective. In addition, while performing PK Thunder 2, Ness's PK Thunder curves in a larger arch than Lucas, thus Lucas requires less room to use PK Thunder 2 than Ness. However, Ness's PK Thunder is faster, so it makes up for this. While using the move, the user will fall much slower. Unfortunately, using this in a pit makes it more difficult to guide the PK Thunder without striking the walls of the pit. It should also be noted that on stages like Battlefield or Final Destination if Lucas's PK Thunder 2 is aimed wrong, the user will bounce right off the corner of the stage, leaving him in a helpless animation away from the ledge.
===Lucas===
Lucas's version of PK Thunder has a more vibrant purple tint to it, and he strikes a different pose than Ness when using it. Additionally, the head of Lucas's PK Thunder goes through enemies and some objects, allowing it to score multiple hits. Each impact deals 9 to 10% of damage. Compared to Ness in ''Brawl'', Lucas's PK Thunder also moves more slowly, has a shorter tail which deals less stun, and turns in a tighter circle — the latter meaning it is more favourable for recovery in narrow spaces. In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', its [[ending lag]] is also much higher when used on the ground. Ness's second PK Thunder variant in ''SSB4'' shares some similarities with this version.


If Ness's PK Thunder 2 hits an opponent, it does 25% damage with extremely high knockback, KOing lighter characters at 30% or less. If all of Lucas's hits connect when using PK Thunder 2, it will deal a massive 43% damage and has decent knockback, making it Lucas' most damage-dealing move, with the exception of PK Starstorm, which cannot be used in competitive play. However, it is very hard to get the full 43% as PK Thunder 2 takes very long to start and as such, is easily dodgeable.
==PK Thunder 2==
[[File:PKThunder2.jpg|thumb|Ness and Lucas using PK Thunder 2 in ''Brawl''.]]
[[File:Ness_Lucas_PK_Thunder_2.jpeg|thumb|Ness and Lucas using PK Thunder 2 in {{forwiiu}}.]]
'''PK Thunder 2''', or "PK Rocket", is the term used for hitting Ness or Lucas with their own ''PK Thunder'' while it is still under their control. The Japanese developers dubbed this move PK Jibaku (PK{{ja|自爆}}). The word jibaku means 'self-destruct' or 'suicide bomb,' a fitting term for a tactic that turns Ness and Lucas into human missiles. This [[technique]] can be used by Ness and Lucas. Doing so will transform Ness or Lucas into a human projectile, which will move in different directions depending on what part of the body is hit. If the Ness or Lucas makes contact with an enemy, he will deal a good amount of damage and knockback. CPUs playing as either Ness or Lucas are also programmed to use this strategy, but they only use PK Thunder 2 vertically, even in situations where only recovering horizontally or diagonally would prevent death. ''PK Thunder 2'' is also Ness and Lucas's main method of recovery, given that it launches them fairly far in a straight direction. While using the move, the user will fall much slower. When PK Thunder 2 is aimed downwards towards the ground, Ness or Lucas will enter a lying position, facing downwards. In ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', an arrow denotes the direction Ness or Lucas will move in upon initiating PK Thunder 2; [[Special Zoom]] also occurs if PK Thunder 2 successfully connects against an opponent.


CPUs playing as either [[Ness]] or [[Lucas]] are also programmed to use this strategy, but they only use PK Thunder 2 vertically, even in situations where only recovering horizonally or diagonally would prevent death.
While it is a strong recovery move, it is also very linear and predictable. As the move causes [[helpless|helplessness]] if it ends in mid-air, it is extremely susceptible to [[gimp]]s as the projectile produced by PK Thunder can be destroyed, [[Absorption|absorbed]], [[Reflection|reflected]], [[pocket]]ed, or blocked by the stage.


For tactical uses, Lucas's PK Thunder 2 can be used to "Thunderglide". Thundergliding is when the player runs off a platform then immediately uses PK Thunder. The effect should come out to being the PK Thunder being much closer to Lucas than normal. Then, guide the thunder into Lucas and he should angle down towards the ground. If perfomed right, Lucas's direction will go from diagonal to horizontal as he glides along the ground. Otherwise, he'll crash into the ground like a normal poorly aimed thunder. Lucas will stop at the edge on his own, making this move safe to use on a stage like Battlefield. The thunderglide is great for surprising opponents for a quick 20-43% damage.
In ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate'', if Ness or Lucas hit a wall during PK Thunder 2, they can use the move again in midair, but only during the moment between hitting the wall and entering their helpless animations. They can only do this once; hitting a wall again with the second PK Thunder without touching the ground or grabbing the ledge will result in immediate helplessness.


== Origin ==
===Ness's version===
While Ness and Lucas were never able to learn PK Thunder in their games, it could be learned by one of their party members; for Ness, his party members [[Paula]] and [[Poo]] could learn PK Thunder, while Lucas's party member, Kumatora, also learned PK Thunder. While PK Thunder is a controlled projectile in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, in ''Earthbound'' and ''Mother 3'', PK Thunder hits randomly without control.
Ness's version of PK Thunder 2 deals one strong blow. If used up close in ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4'', it can bring Ness to a short stop. If Ness' PK Thunder 2 hits an opponent, it does 25% damage with extremely high knockback, KOing opponents at 75% in ''Melee'', 50% in ''Brawl'', and 30% in ''Smash 4''.  The distance of PK Thunder 2 can be shortened by angling it into the environment. If Ness hits a wall while flying, he'll bounce off of it as his flight direction is changed.


== Trivia ==
Ness' PK Thunder curves in a larger arc than Lucas, so Lucas requires less room to use PK Thunder 2 than Ness. However, Ness' PK Thunder is faster.
*In the official ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' Prima strategy guide, it is incorrectly stated that Lucas's PK Thunder hit opponents once, and sends them flying, while Ness's PK Thunder, on the other hand, is able to hit opponents multiple times.
*The speed of the PK Thunder lightning bolt is not affected by a [[timer]].
*In [[Super Smash Bros. Melee|''Melee'']], only a level 9 Ness CPU will use PK Thunder to recover. Level 8 and below will rarely ever use PK Thunder to recover.


== External Links ==
===Lucas's version===
*[http://www.smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=47086|Simna ibn Sind's guide to PK Thunder]
Lucas's version of the attack hits multiple times, compared to Ness's one strong blow. It is interesting to note that Lucas's PK Thunder 2 covers more ground than Ness's, so Lucas's is slightly more effective when recovering. If all of Lucas's hits connect when using PK Thunder 2, it will deal a massive 43% damage in Brawl, 35.5% in Smash 4 and 32.5% in Ultimate with high knockback, making it Lucas' most damage-dealing move, with the exception of [[PK Starstorm]], which cannot be used in competitive play. However, it is very hard to get full damage, as PK Thunder 2 takes very long to start and as such, is easily dodgeable. For tactical uses, Lucas's PK Thunder 2 can be used to "Thunderglide". Thundergliding is when the player runs off a platform then immediately uses PK Thunder. The effect should come out to being the PK Thunder being much closer to Lucas than normal. Then, guide the thunder into Lucas and he should angle down towards the ground. If performed right, Lucas's direction will go from diagonal to horizontal as he glides along the ground. Otherwise, he'll crash into the ground like a normal poorly aimed thunder. Lucas will stop at the edge on his own, making this move safe to use on a stage like Battlefield. It should also be noted that on stages like {{SSBB|Battlefield}} or {{SSBB|Final Destination}} if Lucas's PK Thunder 2 is aimed wrong, the user will bounce right off the corner of the stage, leaving him in a helpless animation away from the ledge.
*[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=978733588260786857&q=pk+thunder|Simna ibn Sind's guide to PK Thunder - video]
 
*[http://www.smashboards.com/showpost.php?p=2035260&postcount=2|Earthbound360's Guide to PK Thunder - page 1]
==Instructional quotes==
*[http://www.smashboards.com/showpost.php?p=2035264&postcount=3|Earthbound360's Guide to PK Thunder - page 2]
{{InstructionalQuotes
|ssbmcount=1
|ssbmchar=Ness
|ssbmdesc=Strike yourself with thunder to become an electrified projectile.
|ssbbcount=1
|ssbbchar=Lucas
|ssbbdesc=Release a streak of lightning you can control with the Control Stick. Guide it into Lucas to turn his body into a deadly projectile.
|ssb4-ucount=1
|ssb4-uchar=Ness
|ssb4-udesc=Can be steered with left stick. Hit yourself with it to go flying.
|ssbucount=2
|ssbuchar=Ness
|ssbudesc=Fires a steerable ball of lighting. Sends Ness flying if he hits himself.
|ssbuchar2=Lucas
|ssbudesc2=Fires a steerable ball of lighting. Sends Lucas flying if he hits himself.
}}
 
==Customization==
Special Move customization was added in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. These are the variations:
===Ness===
{{CustomSet|Ness|Up|name1=PK Thunder|desc1=Fires a steerable ball of lightning. Hit yourself with it to go flying.|name2=Lasting PK Thunder|desc2=Doesn't disappear when it hits an opponent, but deals less damage.|name3=Rolling PK Thunder|desc3=A more powerful PK Thunder, but the lightning ball moves more slowly.}}
# '''PK Thunder''': Default.
# '''Lasting PK Thunder''': Doesn't disappear upon hitting an enemy, making it better suited for recoveries. This variation is slower, but has better control, similar to Lucas's version, except using this custom to initiate PK Thunder 2 means it only does about 25% damage — the same damage as the regular variant — compared to Lucas's PK Thunder 2 which can do up to 43% damage (however, they deal the same knockback). It is also of a dark indigo color, similar to Ness's PK Thunder in ''Brawl''.
# '''Rolling PK Thunder''': Has more power, but the lightning ball doesn't move as fast. Using PK Thunder 2 with this custom will also severely decrease the distance Ness travels, but deals more damage (25% → 30%). However, due to reduced base knockback, the KO percent is overall similar. Compared to the regular PK Thunder, it is a mint green color.
 
===Lucas===
{{CustomSet/Single|Lucas|Up|name=PK Thunder|desc={{Flag|North America}} Fire a steerable ball of lightning. Hit yourself with it to go flying.<br/>{{Flag|Europe}} Looses a ball of lightning you control. If it hits you, it can be used for recovery or a charging attack.}}
# '''PK Thunder''': Default.
Like the other DLC characters, Lucas has no custom move variations.
 
==Origin==
[[File:PKThunder.gif|thumb|Kumatora using PK Thunder α in ''Mother 3''.]]
PK Thunder (localized as PSI Thunder in ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}'') has appeared in all three {{uv|Mother}} games, where psychic power is used to send lightning at the enemy. In ''Earthbound'' and ''Mother 3'', the move functions by damaging a random opponent, with a probability of missing altogether. Higher level versions of the move will fire multiple lightning blasts, each with an independent, randomized target. However, in the ''Mother'' series, neither Ness nor Lucas learn the move; instead it is learned by some of their friends and party members, {{s|wikibound|Paula}} and {{s|wikibound|Poo}} in ''EarthBound'' and {{s|wikibound|Kumatora}} in ''Mother 3'' respectively.
 
The move's description in ''EarthBound'' states that the user could miss the target and not cause any damage to the enemy. The difficulty of using PK Thunder in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' games could be a reference to how PK Thunder can sometimes miss enemies in ''EarthBound''. The move's recovery properties are somewhat similar to [[wikibound:Teleport|Teleport α]], where the party's speed is increased greatly, to the point of being difficult to control, and explode if they hit a solid object before covering sufficient ground to warp.
{{clr}}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
PK Thunder SSB.png|Ness using PK Thunder in ''Smash 64''.
PK Thunder SSB 2.png|Ness using PK Thunder 2 in ''Smash 64''.
PKThunder2Melee.jpg|Ness using PK Thunder 2 in ''Melee''.
Lucas Brawl PKT.jpg|Lucas using PK Thunder in ''Brawl''
Lucas Brawl PKT2.jpg|Lucas performing PK Thunder 2 in ''Brawl''
PK Thunder 2.jpg|Ness and Lucas performing PK Thunder in ''Brawl''
PKThunder3DS.jpg|Ness using PK Thunder in ''Super Smash Bros. for 3DS''.
PK Thunder Ness and Lucas SSB4.jpeg|Ness and Lucas using PK Thunder in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
Ness PK Thunder 2 SSB4.jpeg|Ness using PK Thunder 2 in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
Rolling PK Thunder and Lasting PK Thunder.jpeg|Ness's custom variations of PK Thunder in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
Ness SSBU Skill Preview Up Special.png|Ness using PK Thunder as shown by the Move List in ''Ultimate''.
Lucas SSBU Skill Preview Up Special.png|Lucas using PK Thunder as shown by the Move List in ''Ultimate''.
</gallery>
 
==Names in other languages==
{{langtable
|ja={{ja|PKサンダー|Pīkei Sandā}}, ''PK Thunder''
|en=PK Thunder
|fr=PSY tonnerre
|es=Trueno PSI
|de=PK-Donner
|it=PsicoTuono
|nl=PK-bliksem
|ru={{rollover|ПК-гроза|PK-groza|?}}
|ko={{rollover|PK 선더|PK Seondeo|?}}, ''PK Thunder''
|zh={{rollover|意念之雷|Yìniàn Zhī Léi|?}}
}}
 
==Trivia==
*PK Thunder and [[Mach Tornado]] are the only moves that still have special animations when a boss is defeated (sparkling for PK Thunder and spinning for Mach Tornado).
*If a character uses certain movement-inducing [[special move|special attack]]s right after being hit by {{SSBB|Lucas}}'s PK Thunder, they will move a larger distance than usual. Notable cases include {{SSBB|Bowser}}'s [[Whirling Fortress]].
*In ''Smash 64'', this move can be used to initiate the game-crashing [[PK thunder freeze glitch]].
*In '' Super Smash Bros. Melee'', only a level 9 Ness CPU will regularly use PK Thunder to recover. Level 8 and below will rarely ever use PK Thunder to recover.
*In ''Melee'', if Ness uses PK Thunder and gets attacked while performing it (unless the attack does not cause flinching), he will be covered in electrical sparks. This has been dubbed the [[Ness (SSBM)#Electric Ness glitch|Electric Ness glitch]].
*In ''Brawl'', higher level CPUs of Ness and Lucas will use PK Thunder 2 to attack during matches — this can happen sometimes even at the start of a match. CPUs of these levels will also seldom use PK Thunder other than for recovery and aforementioned action. However, this is somewhat rare (especially for a level 9 CPU), and they will only do this when at the correct distance from another fighter.
*In ''Brawl'', if PK Thunder is spammed when Ness or Lucas are directly on top of a orange or green spring within a [[custom stage]], he can [[stall]] inside of the spring for short periods of time. After a short amount of time, however, he will bounce out of the spring as normal. This also works with [[PK Flash]].
 
==External links==
*[http://www.smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=47086 Simna ibn Sind's guide to PK Thunder]
*[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=978733588260786857&q=pk+thunder Simna ibn Sind's guide to PK Thunder - video]
*[http://www.smashboards.com/showpost.php?p=2035260&postcount=2 Earthbound360's Guide to PK Thunder - page 1]
*[http://www.smashboards.com/showpost.php?p=2035264&postcount=3 Earthbound360's Guide to PK Thunder - page 2]
 
{{Multiple Special Moves|Ness|Lucas}}


{{Ness Special Moves}}
{{Lucas Special Moves}}
[[Category:Attacks]]
[[Category:Special Attacks]]
[[Category:EarthBound universe]]
[[Category:EarthBound universe]]
[[Category:Up Special Move]]
[[Category:Up special moves]]
[[Category:Projectiles]]
[[Category:Ness]]
[[Category:Ness (SSB)]]
[[Category:Ness (SSBM)]]
[[Category:Ness (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Ness (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Ness (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Lucas]]
[[Category:Lucas (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Lucas (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Lucas (SSBU)]]
[[es:Trueno PSI]]

Latest revision as of 19:56, November 29, 2023

PK Thunder
Ness Up B SSBU.gif
Lucas Up B SSBU.gif

Ness & Lucas using PK Thunder in Ultimate.
Users Ness
Lucas
Universe EarthBound
Article on WikiBound PK Thunder

PK Thunder (PKサンダー, PK Thunder) is the up special move for Ness and Lucas. The move creates a stream of lightning consisting of two parts: a circular "head" which is controlled by the player using the control stick or d-pad, and a "tail" which follows behind. As control stick and d-pad inputs are used to aim PK Thunder, Ness and Lucas are unable to move or defend while the move is active. PK Thunder can be aimed into opponents to deal damage with the head and stun with the tail.

Aiming the head into Ness and Lucas themselves will launch them in a trajectory opposite to the side they were hit on. This is referred to as PK Thunder Tackle or PK Thunder 2. PK Thunder 2 is Ness and Lucas's main method of recovery and will damage any opponents that come into contact with them while in this state.

Characters[edit]

Ness using PK Thunder in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
Lucas using PK Thunder in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Similarities[edit]

PK Thunder's head has a direction of knockback 90 degrees clockwise in relation to the direction it's moving. Each side can hit a shield safely without it disappearing, and due to hitbox renewal (the attack can only hit once every 48 frames) it is possible for the attack to safely go through shields. The tail cannot be cancelled.

Ness[edit]

Ness's version of PK Thunder has a more blueish coloring to it, and he hunches over when using it. The head of Ness's PK Thunder disappears upon contact with most attacks, walls, and characters. Impact deals 8% damage and knockback, and launches in the direction the opponent was hit, but can't launch downward.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee, PK Thunder does not disappear on contact with most attacks, as it is a laser projectile similar to Fox's blaster. In version 1.00 of Melee, an uncontrolled PK Thunder can hit opponents and Ness himself. This means the player can intentionally hit Ness with the tail of PK Thunder to block him from flying off the screen. This technique is called a PK Thunder Barrier. PK Thunder can also be used to perform the Electric Ness glitch, where sparks will continue to show around Ness even when PK Thunder is not active. This glitch serves no offensive or defensive purpose.

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, PK Thunder turns in a tighter circle than previous games, meaning it can be used to recover in narrower spaces.

Lucas[edit]

Lucas's version of PK Thunder has a more vibrant purple tint to it, and he strikes a different pose than Ness when using it. Additionally, the head of Lucas's PK Thunder goes through enemies and some objects, allowing it to score multiple hits. Each impact deals 9 to 10% of damage. Compared to Ness in Brawl, Lucas's PK Thunder also moves more slowly, has a shorter tail which deals less stun, and turns in a tighter circle — the latter meaning it is more favourable for recovery in narrow spaces. In Super Smash Bros. 4, its ending lag is also much higher when used on the ground. Ness's second PK Thunder variant in SSB4 shares some similarities with this version.

PK Thunder 2[edit]

Ness and Lucas using PK Thunder 2 in Brawl.
Ness and Lucas using PK Thunder 2 in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

PK Thunder 2, or "PK Rocket", is the term used for hitting Ness or Lucas with their own PK Thunder while it is still under their control. The Japanese developers dubbed this move PK Jibaku (PK自爆). The word jibaku means 'self-destruct' or 'suicide bomb,' a fitting term for a tactic that turns Ness and Lucas into human missiles. This technique can be used by Ness and Lucas. Doing so will transform Ness or Lucas into a human projectile, which will move in different directions depending on what part of the body is hit. If the Ness or Lucas makes contact with an enemy, he will deal a good amount of damage and knockback. CPUs playing as either Ness or Lucas are also programmed to use this strategy, but they only use PK Thunder 2 vertically, even in situations where only recovering horizontally or diagonally would prevent death. PK Thunder 2 is also Ness and Lucas's main method of recovery, given that it launches them fairly far in a straight direction. While using the move, the user will fall much slower. When PK Thunder 2 is aimed downwards towards the ground, Ness or Lucas will enter a lying position, facing downwards. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, an arrow denotes the direction Ness or Lucas will move in upon initiating PK Thunder 2; Special Zoom also occurs if PK Thunder 2 successfully connects against an opponent.

While it is a strong recovery move, it is also very linear and predictable. As the move causes helplessness if it ends in mid-air, it is extremely susceptible to gimps as the projectile produced by PK Thunder can be destroyed, absorbed, reflected, pocketed, or blocked by the stage.

In Smash 4 and Ultimate, if Ness or Lucas hit a wall during PK Thunder 2, they can use the move again in midair, but only during the moment between hitting the wall and entering their helpless animations. They can only do this once; hitting a wall again with the second PK Thunder without touching the ground or grabbing the ledge will result in immediate helplessness.

Ness's version[edit]

Ness's version of PK Thunder 2 deals one strong blow. If used up close in Brawl and Smash 4, it can bring Ness to a short stop. If Ness' PK Thunder 2 hits an opponent, it does 25% damage with extremely high knockback, KOing opponents at 75% in Melee, 50% in Brawl, and 30% in Smash 4. The distance of PK Thunder 2 can be shortened by angling it into the environment. If Ness hits a wall while flying, he'll bounce off of it as his flight direction is changed.

Ness' PK Thunder curves in a larger arc than Lucas, so Lucas requires less room to use PK Thunder 2 than Ness. However, Ness' PK Thunder is faster.

Lucas's version[edit]

Lucas's version of the attack hits multiple times, compared to Ness's one strong blow. It is interesting to note that Lucas's PK Thunder 2 covers more ground than Ness's, so Lucas's is slightly more effective when recovering. If all of Lucas's hits connect when using PK Thunder 2, it will deal a massive 43% damage in Brawl, 35.5% in Smash 4 and 32.5% in Ultimate with high knockback, making it Lucas' most damage-dealing move, with the exception of PK Starstorm, which cannot be used in competitive play. However, it is very hard to get full damage, as PK Thunder 2 takes very long to start and as such, is easily dodgeable. For tactical uses, Lucas's PK Thunder 2 can be used to "Thunderglide". Thundergliding is when the player runs off a platform then immediately uses PK Thunder. The effect should come out to being the PK Thunder being much closer to Lucas than normal. Then, guide the thunder into Lucas and he should angle down towards the ground. If performed right, Lucas's direction will go from diagonal to horizontal as he glides along the ground. Otherwise, he'll crash into the ground like a normal poorly aimed thunder. Lucas will stop at the edge on his own, making this move safe to use on a stage like Battlefield. It should also be noted that on stages like Battlefield or Final Destination if Lucas's PK Thunder 2 is aimed wrong, the user will bounce right off the corner of the stage, leaving him in a helpless animation away from the ledge.

Instructional quotes[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Melee instruction booklet NessHeadSSBM.png Strike yourself with thunder to become an electrified projectile.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl instruction booklet LucasHeadSSBB.png Release a streak of lightning you can control with the Control Stick. Guide it into Lucas to turn his body into a deadly projectile.
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U instruction booklet NessHeadSSB4-U.png Can be steered with left stick. Hit yourself with it to go flying.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Move List NessHeadSSBU.png Fires a steerable ball of lighting. Sends Ness flying if he hits himself.
LucasHeadSSBU.png Fires a steerable ball of lighting. Sends Lucas flying if he hits himself.

Customization[edit]

Special Move customization was added in Super Smash Bros. 4. These are the variations:

Ness[edit]

1. PK Thunder 2. Lasting PK Thunder 3. Rolling PK Thunder
NessUp1-SSB4.png
NessUp2-SSB4.png
NessUp3-SSB4.png
"Fires a steerable ball of lightning. Hit yourself with it to go flying." "Doesn't disappear when it hits an opponent, but deals less damage." "A more powerful PK Thunder, but the lightning ball moves more slowly."
  1. PK Thunder: Default.
  2. Lasting PK Thunder: Doesn't disappear upon hitting an enemy, making it better suited for recoveries. This variation is slower, but has better control, similar to Lucas's version, except using this custom to initiate PK Thunder 2 means it only does about 25% damage — the same damage as the regular variant — compared to Lucas's PK Thunder 2 which can do up to 43% damage (however, they deal the same knockback). It is also of a dark indigo color, similar to Ness's PK Thunder in Brawl.
  3. Rolling PK Thunder: Has more power, but the lightning ball doesn't move as fast. Using PK Thunder 2 with this custom will also severely decrease the distance Ness travels, but deals more damage (25% → 30%). However, due to reduced base knockback, the KO percent is overall similar. Compared to the regular PK Thunder, it is a mint green color.

Lucas[edit]

1. PK Thunder
LucasUp1-SSB4.png
"North America Fire a steerable ball of lightning. Hit yourself with it to go flying.
Europe Looses a ball of lightning you control. If it hits you, it can be used for recovery or a charging attack."
  1. PK Thunder: Default.

Like the other DLC characters, Lucas has no custom move variations.

Origin[edit]

Kumatora using PK Thunder α in Mother 3.

PK Thunder (localized as PSI Thunder in EarthBound) has appeared in all three Mother games, where psychic power is used to send lightning at the enemy. In Earthbound and Mother 3, the move functions by damaging a random opponent, with a probability of missing altogether. Higher level versions of the move will fire multiple lightning blasts, each with an independent, randomized target. However, in the Mother series, neither Ness nor Lucas learn the move; instead it is learned by some of their friends and party members, Paula and Poo in EarthBound and Kumatora in Mother 3 respectively.

The move's description in EarthBound states that the user could miss the target and not cause any damage to the enemy. The difficulty of using PK Thunder in the Super Smash Bros. games could be a reference to how PK Thunder can sometimes miss enemies in EarthBound. The move's recovery properties are somewhat similar to Teleport α, where the party's speed is increased greatly, to the point of being difficult to control, and explode if they hit a solid object before covering sufficient ground to warp.

Gallery[edit]

  • Ness using PK Thunder in Smash 64.

    Ness using PK Thunder in Smash 64.

  • Ness using PK Thunder 2 in Smash 64.

    Ness using PK Thunder 2 in Smash 64.

  • Ness using PK Thunder 2 in Melee.

    Ness using PK Thunder 2 in Melee.

  • Lucas using PK Thunder in Brawl

    Lucas using PK Thunder in Brawl

  • Lucas performing PK Thunder 2 in Brawl

    Lucas performing PK Thunder 2 in Brawl

  • Ness and Lucas performing PK Thunder in Brawl

    Ness and Lucas performing PK Thunder in Brawl

  • Ness using PK Thunder in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS.

    Ness using PK Thunder in Super Smash Bros. for 3DS.

  • Ness and Lucas using PK Thunder in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    Ness and Lucas using PK Thunder in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • Ness using PK Thunder 2 in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    Ness using PK Thunder 2 in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • Ness's custom variations of PK Thunder in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    Ness's custom variations of PK Thunder in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • Ness using PK Thunder as shown by the Move List in Ultimate.

    Ness using PK Thunder as shown by the Move List in Ultimate.

  • Lucas using PK Thunder as shown by the Move List in Ultimate.

    Lucas using PK Thunder as shown by the Move List in Ultimate.

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name
Japan Japanese PKサンダー, PK Thunder
UK English PK Thunder
France French PSY tonnerre
Germany German PK-Donner
Spain Spanish Trueno PSI
Italy Italian PsicoTuono
China Chinese 意念之雷
South Korea Korean PK 선더, PK Thunder
Netherlands Dutch PK-bliksem
Russia Russian ПК-гроза

Trivia[edit]

  • PK Thunder and Mach Tornado are the only moves that still have special animations when a boss is defeated (sparkling for PK Thunder and spinning for Mach Tornado).
  • If a character uses certain movement-inducing special attacks right after being hit by Lucas's PK Thunder, they will move a larger distance than usual. Notable cases include Bowser's Whirling Fortress.
  • In Smash 64, this move can be used to initiate the game-crashing PK thunder freeze glitch.
  • In Super Smash Bros. Melee, only a level 9 Ness CPU will regularly use PK Thunder to recover. Level 8 and below will rarely ever use PK Thunder to recover.
  • In Melee, if Ness uses PK Thunder and gets attacked while performing it (unless the attack does not cause flinching), he will be covered in electrical sparks. This has been dubbed the Electric Ness glitch.
  • In Brawl, higher level CPUs of Ness and Lucas will use PK Thunder 2 to attack during matches — this can happen sometimes even at the start of a match. CPUs of these levels will also seldom use PK Thunder other than for recovery and aforementioned action. However, this is somewhat rare (especially for a level 9 CPU), and they will only do this when at the correct distance from another fighter.
  • In Brawl, if PK Thunder is spammed when Ness or Lucas are directly on top of a orange or green spring within a custom stage, he can stall inside of the spring for short periods of time. After a short amount of time, however, he will bounce out of the spring as normal. This also works with PK Flash.

External links[edit]

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