Falco (SSBM)/Down aerial

Overview
Falco spins around in place at a downward angle. His down aerial is considered the best spike in the game, having an extremely long duration of 20 frames and having sourspot hitboxes that still spike relatively powerfully (in NTSC only). The move is generally regarded as the best non special move in the game, and one of the best overall attacks in Melee. Falco's down aerial is vital to his success as a character, acting as a powerful approach, combo, tech chasing and edgeguarding option all at once. The move is Falco's most rewarding approach option; at low percents the move directly combos into his or, and at higher percents combos into other aerials including itself. In addition, the move cannot be properly crouch canceled, aiding in its abilities as a neutral opener at low percents.

Using this move in conjunction with the shine is known as pillaring and is the basis for all of Falco's combos; the vertical knockback of shine directly combos into a down aerial which as a spike, links perfectly into another shine. This cycle of shines and down aerials is expanded with a variety of other moves, most notably, , and , and is a notable way to wear down shields. The possibilities opened up by Falco's down aerial are near unlimited, and this is one of the primary reasons why Falco is such an unforgiving character; in the hands of a competent player, this move can absolutely devastate every other character, potentially netting KOs as early as 30%.

NTSC

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PAL
Summary:
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Landing lag

 * Normal
 * L-cancelled
 * L-cancelled