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REMEMBER: Nintendo's official stance is that Pikachu, like all Pokémon, go by gender-neutral pronouns. Be sure to use "it" instead of "he". | |||
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'''Pikachu''' ({{ja|ピカチュウ|Pikachū}}, ''Pikachu'') | {{cquote|''Everyone's favorite Pokémon is nimble and has several potent electrical attacks.''|cite=''Brawl'' manual description}} | ||
'''Pikachu''' ({{ja|ピカチュウ|Pikachū}}, ''Pikachu'') is a returning veteran character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. It was confirmed along with Mario, Link, and Kirby in the E3 2006 trailer. Ikue Ōtani reprises her role as Pikachu's voice actress in all regions of the game, using a combination of new voice clips and ones reused from ''Melee''. | |||
It is currently in the B | It is currently in the B Tier and holds 8th position, a slight increase to its C Tier status in ''Melee,'' where it is ranked 9th place. Pikachu has decent KOing power (though it can rely on Thunder in some situations), quick overall speed, very good [[recovery]] with many options as well as being unpredictable, good [[edgeguarding]] game with a quick and powerful neutral aerial and tricks that allow it get to the [[edge]] quickly, and a good [[grab]] and [[throw]] game (having two [[chaingrab]]s). ''Brawl's'' new physics have also helped it a lot; Pikachu is harder to [[combo]], its grab range is no longer the shortest, its Thunder is not as laggy, and it gained various new tactics such as [[Quick Attack cancel]]ling. Pikachu also has strong [[momentum cancelling]] abilities, with its up aerial and [[Skull Bash]] being very useful in this particular aspect. In addition, Pikachu has a great defensive game, with its QACs being very useful for avoiding [[pressure]], escaping certain situations, and playing [[mindgame]]s. It also possess one of the best [[spot dodge]]s in the game along with {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, and {{SSBB|Toon Link}}. It also has useful [[OoS]] moves such as up smash and neutral aerial. | ||
However, it has a relatively weak air game, placing it at a disadvantage against characters with particularly powerful air games, such as {{SSBB|Marth}}. It also has subpar [[range]] in most of its attacks, with its best finishers having [[hitbox]]es close to its body, or in the case of its forward smash, the furthest hitbox is much weaker than the closest, making good [[spacing]] an all-around threat to Pikachu, as well as making it more difficult to land its better finishers. Regardless, Pikachu still has great matchups, including being the only character with an even matchup against {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} on the BBR's matchup chart (though this matchup is highly disputed, with most players believing Meta Knight to win the matchup, which is additionally better supported by results), and strong tournament results although Pikachu's representation is small for a high-tier character. However, despite its high position in the American tier list, it is much lower in the [[Japanese tier list]], where it is placed 22nd. | However, it has a relatively weak air game, placing it at a disadvantage against characters with particularly powerful air games, such as {{SSBB|Marth}}. It also has subpar [[range]] in most of its attacks, with its best finishers having [[hitbox]]es close to its body, or in the case of its forward smash, the furthest hitbox is much weaker than the closest, making good [[spacing]] an all-around threat to Pikachu, as well as making it more difficult to land its better finishers. Regardless, Pikachu still has great matchups, including being the only character with an even matchup against {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} on the BBR's matchup chart (though this matchup is highly disputed, with most players believing Meta Knight to win the matchup, which is additionally better supported by results), and strong tournament results although Pikachu's representation is small for a high-tier character. However, despite its high position in the American tier list, it is much lower in the [[Japanese tier list]], where it is placed 22nd. | ||
==Attributes== | ==Attributes== | ||
Pikachu's most salient feature, as with its appearances in previous ''Smash Bros.'' games, is its speed. Pikachu also has good specials, excellent smash attacks, decent tilts, the ability to crawl (although Pikachu retracts its tail over its body when it crawls backwards, which allows it to be hit by projectiles that normally would not hit it while crawling forward), fairly useful throws, very good recovery, and is able to wall jump. Pikachu is a fairly small target, but this comes at the price of being the 5th lightest character, tied with {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} (making it easily be knocked off-stage by a strong [[smash attack]]) and having the smallest shield in the game (making both [[shield stabbing]] and shield breaking easy). | Pikachu's most salient feature, as with its appearances in previous ''Smash Bros.'' games, is its speed. Pikachu also has good specials, excellent smash attacks, decent tilts, the ability to crawl (although Pikachu retracts its tail over its body when it crawls backwards, which allows it to be hit by projectiles that normally would not hit it while crawling forward), fairly useful throws, very good recovery, and is able to wall jump. Pikachu is a fairly small target, but this comes at the price of being the 5th lightest character, tied with {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} (making it easily be knocked off-stage by a strong [[smash attack]]) and having the smallest shield in the game (making both [[shield stabbing]] and shield breaking easy). | ||
Pikachu's best game is played on the ground, at a medium range. Its forward tilt has very low range but its knockback is not bad for a tilt. Up tilt is very fast and launches opponents into the air, while the down tilt can trip them on the first hit. The ground is where Pikachu's smash attacks can be used to the fullest. Pikachu's up smash is one of the fastest in the game, with decent power to boot, and is excellent for KOs while its down smash locks the opponent for multiple hits if not [[SDI]]'d, functioning as a panic button of sorts for close encounters. Both of these smashes produce powerful vertical knockback, and can be followed by {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} for a Star KO (called [[Thunderspiking]]) - this is very useful against floaty characters, especially ones with bad air dodges, most notably {{SSBB|Peach}}. Down smash can also counter [[stale-move negation]] due to having multiple hits, but one drawback is that it can be [[SDI]]'d out of. The forward smash is a good tool for edgeguarding and KOs off the side. All of its smashes, however, have poor range like most of its other moves, with the forward smash having a very weak sourspot at the tip. | Pikachu's best game is played on the ground, at a medium range. Its forward tilt has very low range but its knockback is not bad for a tilt. Up tilt is very fast and launches opponents into the air, while the down tilt can trip them on the first hit. The ground is where Pikachu's smash attacks can be used to the fullest. Pikachu's up smash is one of the fastest in the game, with decent power to boot, and is excellent for KOs while its down smash locks the opponent for multiple hits if not [[SDI]]'d, functioning as a panic button of sorts for close encounters. Both of these smashes produce powerful vertical knockback, and can be followed by {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} for a Star KO (called [[Thunderspiking]]) - this is very useful against floaty characters, especially ones with bad air dodges, most notably {{SSBB|Peach}}. Down smash can also counter [[stale-move negation]] due to having multiple hits, but one drawback is that it can be [[SDI]]'d out of. The forward smash is a good tool for edgeguarding and KOs off the side. All of its smashes, however, have poor range like most of its other moves, with the forward smash having a very weak sourspot at the tip. | ||
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Pikachu has two throws that are possible to chaingrab with - forward and down throws. Its forward throw works as a running chaingrab that can rack up damage and counter [[stale-move negation]] due to having multiple hits, while the down throw is a standing chaingrab that works reliably against the majority of the cast, with the exception of floaty characters. It can also easily be followed with an up smash, which can lead into a Thunderspike - Pikachu can use the down throw chaingrab as a [[zero-to-death combo]] on the [[space animals]] and {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} by chaingrabbing until a high enough percentage, then an up smash followed by a Thunderspike. Pikachu's back throw can easily set up to an edgeguarding chance, as it moves a considerable distance backward with the opponent while performing the throw. Up throw is another move that launches opponents into the air - at higher percentages, it launches most characters high enough to follow up with a Thunder, but against characters that are floaty and/or have high air speed, this is easy to escape. | Pikachu has two throws that are possible to chaingrab with - forward and down throws. Its forward throw works as a running chaingrab that can rack up damage and counter [[stale-move negation]] due to having multiple hits, while the down throw is a standing chaingrab that works reliably against the majority of the cast, with the exception of floaty characters. It can also easily be followed with an up smash, which can lead into a Thunderspike - Pikachu can use the down throw chaingrab as a [[zero-to-death combo]] on the [[space animals]] and {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} by chaingrabbing until a high enough percentage, then an up smash followed by a Thunderspike. Pikachu's back throw can easily set up to an edgeguarding chance, as it moves a considerable distance backward with the opponent while performing the throw. Up throw is another move that launches opponents into the air - at higher percentages, it launches most characters high enough to follow up with a Thunder, but against characters that are floaty and/or have high air speed, this is easy to escape. | ||
==Changes from '' | ==Changes from ''Melee'' to ''Brawl''== | ||
Pikachu was [[buff]]ed from ''Melee'' to ''Brawl'' despite already being a mid-high tier character, though it was considered a low tier character when ''Brawl'' released. | Pikachu was [[buff]]ed from ''Melee'' to ''Brawl'' despite already being a mid-high tier character, though it was considered a low tier character when ''Brawl'' released. | ||
Pikachu's range has been improved on many attacks and Pikachu's multi hit moves have been altered to make them work more reliably. Pikachu's [[Quick Attack]] has significantly more utility mainly due to the introduction of [[Quick Attack Canceling]] but it also benefits from the changes to [[lock]]s making it a powerful locking tool when used in conjunction with Quick Attack Canceling. Pikachu's strong recovery was improved even further as it has greater aerial mobility and [[Skull Bash]] charges faster and travels further. | Pikachu's range has been improved on many attacks and Pikachu's multi hit moves have been altered to make them work more reliably. Pikachu's [[Quick Attack]] has significantly more utility mainly due to the introduction of [[Quick Attack Canceling]] but it also benefits from the changes to [[lock]]s making it a powerful locking tool when used in conjunction with Quick Attack Canceling. Pikachu's strong recovery was improved even further as it has greater aerial mobility and [[Skull Bash]] charges faster and travels further. | ||
The general changes to ''Brawl''{{'}}s mechanics have benefited Pikachu in multiple ways. The universally decreased falling speeds helps Pikachu as it makes [[thunderspiking]] more effective and Pikachu's own lower falling speed improves its recovery and allows Pikachu to regain the ability to [[auto-cancel]] most of its aerials in a short hop. [[Thunder]] itself also has less ending lag making it safer and when combined with the reduction of Pikachu's falling speed makes Thunder a stronger stalling option. The inclusion of [[footstool]]ing also benefits Pikachu more than most other veterans as Pikachu has one of the most reliable methods to set up into it in the form of up aerial which can then lead into a QAC lock. Pikachu also has a more consistent [[chain grab]]bing game. While up throw can no longer chain grab or combo due to the universally decreased falling speeds and the introduction of [[hitstun canceling]], the removal of [[DI]] with moves which don't put opponents into tumble makes forward throw a more consistent grab and down throw no longer puts opponents into tumble allowing it to also benefit from this change. Down throw can now consistently [[0-death]] fast fallers because of this change. Pikachu's grabs are also faster and have more range. Pikachu can also make great use of [[momentum canceling]] due to its quick up aerial and Skull Bash being a strong tool to negate momentum noticeably improving Pikachu's endurance despite its lower weight. | The general changes to ''Brawl''{{'}}s mechanics have benefited Pikachu in multiple ways. The universally decreased falling speeds helps Pikachu as it makes [[thunderspiking]] more effective and Pikachu's own lower falling speed improves its recovery and allows Pikachu to regain the ability to [[auto-cancel]] most of its aerials in a short hop. [[Thunder]] itself also has less ending lag making it safer and when combined with the reduction of Pikachu's falling speed makes Thunder a stronger stalling option. The inclusion of [[footstool]]ing also benefits Pikachu more than most other veterans as Pikachu has one of the most reliable methods to set up into it in the form of up aerial which can then lead into a QAC lock. Pikachu also has a more consistent [[chain grab]]bing game. While up throw can no longer chain grab or combo due to the universally decreased falling speeds and the introduction of [[hitstun canceling]], the removal of [[DI]] with moves which don't put opponents into tumble makes forward throw a more consistent grab and down throw no longer puts opponents into tumble allowing it to also benefit from this change. Down throw can now consistently [[0-death]] fast fallers because of this change. Pikachu's grabs are also faster and have more range. Pikachu can also make great use of [[momentum canceling]] due to its quick up aerial and Skull Bash being a strong tool to negate momentum noticeably improving Pikachu's endurance despite its lower weight. | ||
Pikachu did receive some nerfs, mainly to its power. While some moves have increased KO power (such as neutral aerial), other attacks have either reduced damage, knockback or both. The move which received the most severe nerf to its power was up smash which went from the strongest up smash in Melee to an up smash of below-average power in Brawl. Up smash is also slower further hindering its utility although it is more reliable at setting up into thunderspikes. Pikachu's edgeguarding is also less effective not only due to the general buffs to recoveries but also because Pikachu's up aerial has much lower base knockback significantly hindering its use as an edgeguarding tool. | Pikachu did receive some nerfs, mainly to its power. While some moves have increased KO power (such as neutral aerial), other attacks have either reduced damage, knockback or both. The move which received the most severe nerf to its power was up smash which went from the strongest up smash in Melee to an up smash of below-average power in Brawl. Up smash is also slower further hindering its utility although it is more reliable at setting up into thunderspikes. Pikachu's edgeguarding is also less effective not only due to the general buffs to recoveries but also because Pikachu's up aerial has much lower base knockback significantly hindering its use as an edgeguarding tool. | ||
Overall, Pikachu retains most of the strengths it had in ''Melee'' and the changes to ''Brawl''{{'}}s mechanics benefit Pikachu far more than many other returning veterans. As a result, Pikachu is one of the stronger characters in ''Brawl'' and has seen strong results although it still struggles against a few characters such as {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}}. Nevertheless Pikachu remains a threat to most of the cast and it even has a very strong matchup against other high/top tiers such as {{SSBB|Snake}}, {{SSBB|Falco}} and | Overall, Pikachu retains most of the strengths it had in ''Melee'' and the changes to ''Brawl''{{'}}s mechanics benefit Pikachu far more than many other returning veterans. As a result, Pikachu is one of the stronger characters in ''Brawl'' and has seen strong results although it still struggles against a few characters such as {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}}. Nevertheless Pikachu remains a threat to most of the cast and it even has a very strong matchup against other high/top tiers such as {{SSBB|Snake}}, {{SSBB|Falco}} and | ||
{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}. | {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}. | ||
===Aesthetics=== | ===Aesthetics=== | ||
*{{change|Some of Pikachu's proportions have been altered slightly. One example is its tail being thicker.}} | *{{change|Some of Pikachu's proportions have been altered slightly. One example is its tail being thicker.}} | ||
*{{change|Pikachu's | *{{change|Pikachu's colouring has been slightly softened.}} | ||
*{{change|Pikachu has new sound | *{{change|Pikachu has a few new sounds, which sound slightly "bouncy".}} | ||
*{{change|Some attacks have new hitboxes.}} | *{{change|Some attacks have new hitboxes.}} | ||
*{{change|Pikachu has two new costumes that replace its Blue and Green Team colors in ''Melee''.}} | *{{change|Pikachu has two new costumes that replace its Blue and Green Team colors in ''Melee''.}} | ||
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*{{nerf|[[jump|Jumpsquat]] is longer (3 frames → 4).}} | *{{nerf|[[jump|Jumpsquat]] is longer (3 frames → 4).}} | ||
*{{buff|Pikachu's [[short hop]] is higher (1.7 → 1.736).}} | *{{buff|Pikachu's [[short hop]] is higher (1.7 → 1.736).}} | ||
*{{nerf|Pikachu's traction is lower (0.09 → 0.0596), especially when comparing with the returning veterans, now going from the 5th highest in Melee to only the 17th highest. This makes it harder for it to punish out of shield while providing marginal benefits in comparison due to the removal of [[wavedashing]].}} | *{{nerf|Pikachu's traction is lower (0.09 → 0.0596), especially when comparing with the returning veterans, now going from the 5th highest in Melee to only the 17th highest. This makes it harder for it to punish out of shield while providing marginal benefits in comparison due to the removal of [[wavedashing]].}} | ||
*{{buff|[[ | *{{buff|[[Spotdodge]] has a longer duration (frames 2-15 → 2-20).}} | ||
===Ground attacks=== | ===Ground attacks=== | ||
*[[Neutral attack]] | *{{buff|[[Neutral attack]] has decreased knockback (7 (base), 50 (scaling) → 4/30) improving its ability to chain into itself. It also has a 10% [[trip]]ping chance and Pikachu can now hold out neutral attack if the player holds the attack button making neutral attack much easier to spam.}} | ||
*{{buff|[[Forward tilt]] deals more damage (9%/8%/7% → 10%/9%/8%) and has higher base knockback (10 → 15).}} | |||
*[[Forward tilt]] | *{{nerf|Up tilt has received a new 5% sourspot and has a shorter duration (frames 7-14 → 7-13).}} | ||
*{{buff|Down tilt now has a 30% tripping chance.}} | |||
*{{change|Down tilt's angle has been altered (35° → 361°) no longer semi-spiking but allowing it to trip opponents.}} | |||
*{{nerf|Dash attack deals less damage (8% → 7%).}} | |||
*{{buff|[[Forward smash]] has slightly decreased startup lag (frame 16 → 15).}} | |||
*{{change|Forward smash's sweetspot has altered knockback (25 (base), 92 (scaling) → 70/60).}} | |||
*{{nerf|Forward smash deals less damage 21% (early), 19% (clean), 18% (late) → 20%/17%/14%) and the sourspots have significantly lower knockback (25/22 (base), 95/90/85 (scaling) → (50/40)/(70/60).}} | |||
*{{nerf|[[Up smash]] has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 8-17 → 9-16) and ending lag (FAF 41 → 44). It also deals less damage (17%-19% (clean), 13% (mid) → 14%/13%/11%) and has less knockback scaling (110 → 90) significantly reducing its KO potential. It is no longer the strongest up smash in the game now being an up smash with below average KO potential.}} | |||
*{{buff|[[Down smash]] deals more damage (13% → 15%) due to changes to [[stale move negation]] and its final hit has a larger hitbox (10u → 12u) and has higher knockback scaling (170 → 190) giving it more KO power, and the first few hits have larger hitboxes (4.8u/2.4u → 5.76u/2.88u) are harder to [[SDI]] out of (though still very easy). This significantly improves its utility. It also has less startup lag (frame 7 → 6).}} | |||
*[[Forward smash]] | *{{nerf|Down smash has more ending lag (FAF 51 → 55) and the multi hits have a higher SDI multiplier (1x → 1.2x).}} | ||
*[[Down smash]] | |||
===Aerial attacks=== | ===Aerial attacks=== | ||
*[[Neutral aerial]] | *{{buff|[[Neutral aerial]] has higher base knockback (18 → 22), giving Pikachu a reliable aerial KO option. Pikachu can now also [[auto-cancel]] it in a short hop due to its lower fall speed (this also applies to Pikachu's forward and down aerials).}} | ||
*{{nerf|Neutral aerial has a shorter durartion (frames 3-28 → 3-25) and has more landing lag (15 frames → 25). This combined with the loss of [[L-canceling]] makes neutral aerial much worse as a landing option. The late hit also deals less damage (9% → 6%) although its base knockback was compensated (0 → 20).}} | |||
*{{buff|[[Forward aerial]] deals less knockback (0 (base), 100 (scaling) → 40/20) and has lower hitlag (1x → 0.7x) allowing it to connect more reliably. It now has a new final hit which knocks opponents away with higher damage (2% → 3%) and knockback (0 (base), 100 (scaling) → 70/90). This gives forward aerial significantly more utility as it deals more damage (7% → 11%), works more reliably and is much more effective at edgeguarding. It also has less landing lag (20 frames → 15).}} | |||
*[[Forward aerial]] | *{{buff|Back aerial has more hitboxes covering the whole of Pikachu giving it more range despite having smaller hitboxes (3.6u/3.6u → 3u/3u/3u/3u) and making it easier to land.}} | ||
*{{change|[[Back aerial]] dis now a multi-hitting attack.}} | |||
*{{nerf|Since back aerial is now a multi hit move, it can be escaped from. It also deals less damage overall than its previous clean hit (12% → 11%) and the final hit's kncokback was not fully compensated (20 (base), 100 (scaling) → 40/120).}} | |||
*{{buff|[[Up aerial]] has less landing lag (26 frames → 24) and deals more damage (4% → 6%/5% (clean), 5%/4% (late)).}} | |||
**{{nerf|It deals less damage overall than its previous clean hit (12% → 11%) and the final hit's | *{{change|Up aerial has much less base knockback (100 → 40/30) and the [[semi-spike]] portion of the move has been removed. This weakens its edgeguarding potential, but improves its comboing and juggling potential. This is especially useful considering the introduction of [[hitstun canceling]] as it now has low enough knockback at lower percents for it to not put opponents into [[tumble]] and therefore, prevent hitstun canceling.}} | ||
*{{buff|[[Down aerial]] has much bigger hitboxes (5.62u/4.762u → 6.744u/5.722u).}} | |||
*{{change|Down aerial's landing hitbox deals much more knockback. This removes its combo potential, but significantly improves its spacing potential.}} | |||
*{{nerf|Down aerial has less knockback scaling (100 → 80) hindering its KO potential.}} | |||
*[[Down aerial]] | |||
===Throws/other attacks=== | ===Throws/other attacks=== | ||
*[[Grab]]s | *{{buff|[[Grab]] has significantly more reach, no longer being the shortest grab in the game. Pikachu's grabs also have less startup lag (frame 7 (standing), frame 11 (dash) → 6/9). Dash grab also has less ending lag (FAF 40 → 39).}} | ||
*{{nerf|[[Pummel]] deals less damage (3% → 2%)}} | |||
*{{buff|Pummel has decreased ending lag (24 frames → 15).}} | |||
*{{change|Back, up and down throws no longer have an electric effect.}} | *{{change|Back, up and down throws no longer have an electric effect.}} | ||
*{{buff|[[Forward throw|Forward]] and [[down throw|down]] throws can now be used as chaingrabs due to changes to DI, with the former working on the majority of the cast and dealing more damage due to changes to stale move negation (9% → 10%), and the latter no longer puts opponents into [[tumble]] unless it deals enough knockback making it usable as a [[0-death]] combo on some characters when finished with a [[Thunderspike]].}} | |||
*{{nerf|The universally decreased fall speeds and the introduction of hitstun canceling has significantly hindered [[up throw]]'s combo potential and completely removes its ability to chaingrab, while it still lacks reliable KO potential.}} | |||
===Special moves=== | ===Special moves=== | ||
*[[Thunder Jolt]] | *{{buff|[[Thunder Jolt]] has a slightly longer duration (99 frames → 100) and has higher knockback.}} | ||
*{{nerf|Thunder Jolt has more startup lag (frame 18 → 19) and deals less damage (7% (grounded), 10% (aerial) → 6%/9%. Pikachu can also no longer [[fast fall]] or move in the air while using Thunder Jolt.}} | |||
*{{buff|[[Skull Bash]] charges faster and travels farther, improving its approaching and recovery potential. Skull Bash can now also be used for momentum canceling greatly aiding Pikachu's horizontal endurance. It also deals more damage when not charged (4% → 7%) and knockback (15 (base), 90 (scaling) → 40/80).}} | |||
*[[Skull Bash]] | *{{nerf|Skull Bash's charge time can no longer be lowered by performing the move like a smash attack. Fully charged Skull Bash also deals less damage (29% → 25%) hindering its KO potential.}} | ||
*{{buff|Pikachu can now [[Quick Attack Cancel]], allowing it to quickly approach while being able to attack and/or jump. This significantly improves its ability to approach opponents. [[Quick Attack]] also has much less ending lag when used into the ground (which can be further decreased with QAC). Additionally, Quick Attack can now be used to [[lock]] opponents.}} | |||
*{{nerf|[[Quick Attack]] cannot travel vertically twice any longer and travels a slightly shorter distance, hindering its recovery potential. It also has more startup lag (frame 13 (hit 1) frame 27 (hit 2) → 15/30) and no longer cancels landing lag if Pikachu enters free fall high above the stage before landing.}} | |||
*{{buff|{{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} has less [[ending lag]] (making it much less [[punish]]able) and the shockwave has a larger hitbox (12u → 14.4u). Additionally, the universally decreased falling speeds increases the thunderbolt's KO potential when used as a Thunderspike and Pikachu's lower falling speed makes it a more viable recovery option. Thunder can now also be [[B reverse]]d and can be used with [[Cape glide|Edge momentum shifting]] giving it more utility.}} | |||
*{{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} | |||
==Moveset== | ==Moveset== | ||
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|dsmashname= | |dsmashname= | ||
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|2}} (hits 1-6), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|3}} (hit 7) | |dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|2}} (hits 1-6), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBB|3}} (hit 7) | ||
|dsmashdesc=Spins on the floor and releases electricity. A good move for racking up damage, and a powerful vertical finisher, but it is not too hard to [[SDI]] out of it before the final hit. Can also be used for spacing. | |dsmashdesc=Spins on the floor and releases electricity. A good move for racking up damage, and a powerful vertical finisher, but it is not too hard to [[SDI]] out of it before the final hit. Can also be used for spacing. | ||
|nairname= | |nairname= | ||
|nairdmg=12% (clean), 6% (late) | |nairdmg=12% (clean), 6% (late) | ||
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|ssname=Skull Bash | |ssname=Skull Bash | ||
|ssdmg=7% (uncharged)- 25% (fully charged) | |ssdmg=7% (uncharged)- 25% (fully charged) | ||
|ssdesc=Charges and, when the [[B button]] is released, fires itself forward like a missile. When fully charged or close to fully charged, it has good KO power. Primarily used as a recovery move, as it gains a lot of horizontal distance (especially when charged) and does not leave Pikachu helpless. | |ssdesc=Charges and, when the [[B button]] is released, fires itself forward like a missile. When fully charged or close to fully charged, it has good KO power. Primarily used as a recovery move, as it gains a lot of horizontal distance (especially when charged) and does not leave Pikachu helpless. WHen used on the ground, it has high landing lag. | ||
|usname=Quick Attack | |usname=Quick Attack | ||
|usdmg=3% (first warp), 2% (second warp) | |usdmg=3% (first warp), 2% (second warp) | ||
|usdesc=Moves at warp speed in two directions that can be selected via the [[control stick]]. Pikachu's main recovery move, and a quick, unpredictable move at that. The second warp is optional, but if used, the direction must be 45 degrees different than the first direction to work. | |usdesc=Moves at warp speed in two directions that can be selected via the [[control stick]]. Pikachu's main recovery move, and a quick, unpredictable move at that. The second warp is optional, but if used, the direction must be 45 degrees different than the first direction to work. | ||
|dsname=Thunder | |dsname=Thunder | ||
|dsdmg=10% (bolt), 17% (blast) | |dsdmg=10% (bolt), 17% (blast) | ||
|dsdesc=Shouts "PIKA!", then a large thunderbolt comes down on Pikachu. The move in general is rather laggy, but if the opponent is hit by the shockwave around Pikachu when the thunderbolt lands on it, it deals massive horizontal knockback. If the opponent is hit by the bolt itself, it deals moderate vertical knockback, which can KO off the top screen (called [[Thunderspiking]]). It is also possible for the bolt to not hit Pikachu, by moving in the air after using the move. | |dsdesc=Shouts "PIKA!", then a large thunderbolt comes down on Pikachu. The move in general is rather laggy, but if the opponent is hit by the shockwave around Pikachu when the thunderbolt lands on it, it deals massive horizontal knockback. If the opponent is hit by the bolt itself, it deals moderate vertical knockback, which can KO off the top screen (called [[Thunderspiking]]). It is also possible for the bolt to not hit Pikachu, by moving in the air after using the move. | ||
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|fsdesc=Turns into a gigantic ball of blue colored electricity that flies around the stage at high velocity. The attack button can be pressed to create a large discharge, increasing knockback. Can rack up damage quickly. | |fsdesc=Turns into a gigantic ball of blue colored electricity that flies around the stage at high velocity. The attack button can be pressed to create a large discharge, increasing knockback. Can rack up damage quickly. | ||
}} | }} | ||
===[[On-screen appearance]]=== | ===[[On-screen appearance]]=== | ||
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|pitch-us=Female | |pitch-us=Female | ||
|pitch-jp=Female}} | |pitch-jp=Female}} | ||
===[[Wii Remote selection sound]]=== | |||
{{SelectSound|char=Pikachu|desc=Pikachu says "Pii-ka!".}} | |||
===[[Victory pose]]s=== | ===[[Victory pose]]s=== | ||
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|victory-theme=PokemonUniverseTheme.ogg | |victory-theme=PokemonUniverseTheme.ogg | ||
|victory-desc=An excerpt from the main theme of the ''Pokémon'' series. | |victory-desc=An excerpt from the main theme of the ''Pokémon'' series. | ||
|desc-up=Its ears perk, and it scratches its | |desc-up=Its ears perk, and it scratches its left ear. | ||
|desc-left=Backflip, spins on the ground, and says "Pii!" (Its "character chosen" animation in ''Super Smash Bros.'') | |desc-left=Backflip, spins on the ground, and says "Pii!" (Its "character chosen" animation in ''Super Smash Bros.'') | ||
|desc-right=Lies sideways on the ground, sleeping. | |desc-right=Lies sideways on the ground, sleeping. | ||
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==In [[competitive play]]== | ==In [[competitive play]]== | ||
===Matchups=== | |||
{{SSBBMatchupTable|pikachu=yes}} | |||
Pikachu's matchup spread, according to [[character matchup (SSBB)|the current SmashBoards matchup chart]], has the sixth highest unweighted rank, the sixth highest total, and the fifth highest weighted total. Pikachu has overall very favorable matchups. Pikachu is [[counter]]ed by one character, [[soft counter]]ed by four, has five even matchups, soft counters ten, counters twelve, and [[hard counter]]s four. Pikachu is notable for being the only character in the game to have an even matchup against {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, though there has been much dispute over this and many think the matchup is actually in Meta Knight's favor. Pikachu tends to have a strong advantage against characters who it can chain throw with its down throw - it notably counters {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Wolf}}, {{SSBB|Sheik}} and {{SSBB|Falco}} due to their extremely fast [[falling speed]] acceleration, which makes them unable to escape the chain throw until KO percents, like most characters can; Pikachu can 0-death Fox, Sheik, and Captain Falcon using its down throw, and it can perform a similar 0-death on Wolf and Falco if Pikachu performs a fresh down throw at 20% if the down throws are [[buffer]]ed. Pikachu also does well against characters who it can easily outspeed and outmaneuver using [[QAC]]. Pikachu tends to have trouble against characters who can easily beat it in the air, and characters whose playstyle forces Pikachu to fight in the air, such as {{SSBB|Olimar}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}} and {{SSBB|Marth}}. | |||
===Notable players=== | ===Notable players=== | ||
:''See also: [[:Category:Pikachu professionals (SSBB)]]'' | |||
:''See also: [[:Category:Pikachu | *{{Sm|Anther|USA}} - A top Midwestern Pikachu player, with top 8 finishes at [[Apex 2009]] and [[S.N.E.S.]]. | ||
*{{Sm|Anther|USA}} - A top Midwestern Pikachu player, with top 8 finishes at [[Apex 2009]] and [[S.N.E.S.]] | *{{Sm|ESAM|USA}} - A nationally dominant ''Brawl'' player from 2010-2014. | ||
*{{Sm|ESAM|USA}} - A nationally dominant ''Brawl'' player from 2010-2014 | |||
*{{Sm|K Prime|USA}} - Pikachu player from Texas. | *{{Sm|K Prime|USA}} - Pikachu player from Texas. | ||
*{{Sm|NinjaLink|USA}} - Known as one of the best Pikachu players in ''Brawl'''s early days; he also played a variety of characters at the tournament level. | *{{Sm|NinjaLink|USA}} - Known as one of the best Pikachu players in ''Brawl'''s early days; he also played a variety of characters at the tournament level. | ||
*{{Sm|PikaPika!|USA}} - A top Pikachu player in ''Brawl'''s early days, placing 7th at S.N.E.S. | *{{Sm|PikaPika!|USA}} - A top Pikachu player in ''Brawl'''s early days, placing 7th at S.N.E.S. | ||
*{{Sm|Ranai|Japan}} - One of the best Pikachu players in Japan; known as '''Hayase''' during the ''Brawl'' era. | *{{Sm|Ranai|Japan}} - One of the best Pikachu players in Japan; known as '''Hayase''' during the ''Brawl'' era. | ||
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==Role in [[The Subspace Emissary]]== | ==Role in [[The Subspace Emissary]]== | ||
[[File:Subspace pikachu.PNG|thumb|250px|Pikachu in ''[[SSE]]'' | [[File:Subspace pikachu.PNG|thumb|250px|Pikachu in ''[[SSE]]'']] | ||
Pikachu is first seen when {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} enters a lab on the [[Isle of the Ancients]]. She finds that Pikachu is having its electric energy drained by a device, and uses her Plasma Whip to break the glass encasing Pikachu. With their common goal of revenge on the Subspace Army, they infiltrate the Research Facility to find Samus' Power Suit. | Pikachu is first seen when {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} enters a lab on the [[Isle of the Ancients]]. She finds that Pikachu is having its electric energy drained by a device, and uses her Plasma Whip to break the glass encasing Pikachu. With their common goal of revenge on the Subspace Army, they infiltrate the Research Facility to find Samus' Power Suit. | ||
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*Weavile (slash attack +5) | *Weavile (slash attack +5) | ||
==In | ==In [[Event Matches]]== | ||
===Solo Events=== | |||
*'''[[Event 8: Go! Triple Finish!]]''': The player controls Pikachu and must defeat {{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, and {{SSBB|Charizard}} on [[Pokémon Stadium]]. | *'''[[Event 8: Go! Triple Finish!]]''': The player controls Pikachu and must defeat {{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, and {{SSBB|Charizard}} on [[Pokémon Stadium]]. | ||
*'''[[Event 10: All-Star Battle Regulars]]''': Pikachu is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents are starters from the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' game. | *'''[[Event 10: All-Star Battle Regulars]]''': Pikachu is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents are starters from the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' game. | ||
*'''[[Event 12: Sleeping in the Eggs]]''': The player controls {{SSBB|Yoshi}} and must put both {{SSBB|Kirby}} and Pikachu in eggs simultaneously. | *'''[[Event 12: Sleeping in the Eggs]]''': The player controls {{SSBB|Yoshi}} and must put both {{SSBB|Kirby}} and Pikachu in eggs simultaneously. | ||
*'''[[Event 14: Sproutrage of the Flower Pikmin]]''': {{SSBB|Olimar}} must protect 6 Pikmin until their flowers bloom from Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}. | *'''[[Event 14: Sproutrage of the Flower Pikmin]]''': {{SSBB|Olimar}} must protect 6 Pikmin until their flowers bloom from Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}. | ||
===Co-op Events=== | |||
*'''[[Co-Op Event 2: Master the Pokémon Tag Battle]]''': A team of Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} must defeat another team of Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} on [[Pokémon Stadium 2]]. | *'''[[Co-Op Event 2: Master the Pokémon Tag Battle]]''': A team of Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} must defeat another team of Pikachu and the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} on [[Pokémon Stadium 2]]. | ||
*'''[[Co-Op Event 21: The True All-Star Battle]]''': Both players select a character and take on the entire roster on {{SSBB|Battlefield}}. | *'''[[Co-Op Event 21: The True All-Star Battle]]''': Both players select a character and take on the entire roster on {{SSBB|Battlefield}}. | ||
===[[ | ==Trophies== | ||
Pikachu's main and [[Final Smash]] trophies can be obtained by clearing {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} and [[All-Star]] mode respectively with Pikachu. | |||
:'''Pikachu''' | |||
::''A Mouse Pokémon. Its lightning-bolt tail and round cheeks are its trademarks. When danger draws near, it uses tiny electric pouches within its cheeks to discharge electricity. When it's really fired up, it unleashes thunderbolts on its rivals. It's said to recharge when it's sleeping. It evolves into {{iw|bulbapedia|Raichu}}.'' | |||
{{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1={{iw|bulbapedia|Pokémon Red/Blue}}|console2=DS|game2={{iw|bulbapedia|Pokémon Diamond/Pearl}}}} | |||
:'''Volt Tackle''' | |||
::''Pikachu, transformed into a ball of light that can slam into foes. It can also fly to chase down those who try to jump out of range. Sparks get stronger when you press the attack button. However, its increased inertia makes midair movement tough. If you get carried away flying, the effect will end, and you'll destroy yourself. Be careful it doesn't happen to you.'' | |||
{{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=Super Smash Bros. Brawl}} | |||
<center> | <center> | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Pikachu | Pikachu - Brawl Trophy.png|Classic Mode trophy | ||
Volt Tackle - Brawl Trophy.png|[[Volt Tackle]] trophy | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
</center> | </center> | ||
==[[Alternate costume (SSBB)#Pikachu|Alternate costumes]]== | ==[[Alternate costume (SSBB)#Pikachu|Alternate costumes]]== | ||
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|{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBB|s=25px|cl=Blue}} | |{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBB|s=25px|cl=Blue}} | ||
|} | |} | ||
==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
*Some of Pikachu's new attributes, such as wall-jumping and its goggle costume | *Some of Pikachu's new attributes, such as wall-jumping and its goggle costume were previously held by {{SSBM|Pichu}} in ''Melee''; additionally, Pikachu can traditionally only learn Volt Tackle if it evolved from a Pichu in breeding. The Smash community has noted these similarities, and a common fan theory states that the Pikachu in ''Brawl'' is actually an evolved form of the Pichu from ''Melee''. | ||
* By the time ''Brawl'' was released, gender differences were introduced in the [[Pokémon (universe)|''Pokémon'' games]]. Female Pikachu have a heart-shaped indent on their tails, while the one in ''Brawl'' doesn't, supporting the common assumption that the Pikachu in ''Brawl'' is male. ' | * By the time ''Brawl'' was released, gender differences were introduced in the [[Pokémon (universe)|''Pokémon'' games]]. Female Pikachu have a heart-shaped indent on their tails, while the one in ''Brawl'' doesn't, supporting the common assumption that the Pikachu in ''Brawl'' is male. Pikachu's gender, however, has never been explicitly revealed. | ||
*Pikachu has the least amount of palette swaps in ''Brawl'', only having four instead of six like most characters. | *Pikachu has the least amount of palette swaps in ''Brawl'', only having four instead of six like most characters. | ||
*Pikachu, {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, and {{SSBB|Lucas}} are the only characters in the Subspace Emissary to fight more than 2 bosses (excluding boss re-creations in the Great Maze). Pikachu can be chosen to fight [[Ridley]] at [[The Research Facility Part II]], [[Meta Ridley]] at [[The Subspace Bomb Factory (Part II)]], and [[Tabuu]] in the final battle at Tabuu's Residence if it is rescued in [[Subspace (Part I)]]. | *Pikachu, {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, and {{SSBB|Lucas}} are the only characters in the Subspace Emissary to fight more than 2 bosses (excluding boss re-creations in the Great Maze). Pikachu can be chosen to fight [[Ridley]] at [[The Research Facility Part II]], [[Meta Ridley]] at [[The Subspace Bomb Factory (Part II)]], and as well as [[Tabuu]] in the final battle at Tabuu's Residence if it is rescued in [[Subspace (Part I)]]. | ||
*Pikachu's [[AI]] has a reputation of being a candidate for the best AI of any character in the game, on par with {{SSBB|Luigi}}'s. While the common consensus is that CPU Luigi has the superior AI | *Pikachu's [[AI]] has a reputation of being a candidate for the best AI of any character in the game, on par with {{SSBB|Luigi}}'s. While the common consensus is that CPU Luigi has the superior AI, it has been observed that level nine Pikachu will almost always win against most level nine CPUs under tournament rules, and will win more often than not against every other level nine CPU, including level nine Luigi. | ||
*Pikachu, {{SSBB|Zelda}}, and {{SSBB|Snake}} are the only characters in the game where all three of their taunts temporarily make a held item disappear. | *Pikachu, {{SSBB|Zelda}}, and {{SSBB|Snake}} are the only characters in the game where all three of their taunts temporarily make a held item disappear. | ||
*''Brawl'' is the only game where Pikachu's blue party hat is not one of its alternative costumes. | *''Brawl'' is the only game where Pikachu's blue party hat is not one of its alternative costumes. | ||
==External links== | ==External links== |