Ness (SSBU): Difference between revisions

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|ssbgame4 = SSB4
|ssbgame4 = SSB4
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|tier = B-
|ranking = 47
}}
}}
'''Ness''' ({{ja|ネス|Nesu}}, ''Ness'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was revealed along with the fellow ''EarthBound'' fighter {{SSBU|Lucas}} and all other previous veterans on June 12, 2018. As in the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', and {{for3ds}}, he is [[unlockable character|unlockable]], instead of being available from the [[starter character|start]]. Ness is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #10]].
'''Ness''' ({{ja|ネス|Nesu}}, ''Ness'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was revealed along with the fellow ''EarthBound'' fighter {{SSBU|Lucas}} and all other previous veterans on June 12, 2018. As in the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', and {{for3ds}}, he is [[unlockable character|unlockable]], instead of being available from the [[starter character|start]]. Ness is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #10]].


In a first for the series, {{s|wikipedia|Makiko Ōmoto}} does not provide Ness with any new voice clips, instead all [[PK Freeze|but one]] of his voice lines from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' have been repurposed for ''Ultimate''.
In a first for the series, {{s|wikipedia|Makiko Ōmoto}} does not provide Ness with any new voice clips, instead all [[PK Freeze|but one]] of his voice lines from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' have been repurposed for ''Ultimate''.
Ness is currently ranked 47th out of 82 characters on the Ultimate [[tier list]], placing him in the B- tier. While this could be seen as a slight decline from ''Smash 4'', when he was ranked 28th/29th out of 54 characters (tied with {{SSB4|Lucas}}), his incarnation in ''Ultimate'' is generally considered his strongest in the series. Ness has a fairly well-rounded design in ''Ultimate,'' with useful tools in most phases of the game. He is most notable for his strong aerial game: all of his aerials are fast, powerful, disjointed, and useful for both racking up damage and KOing. His grab game is also among the best in the cast, as all of his throws have practical uses: His down throw is a viable combo starter, and his back throw is among the strongest KO throws in the game. Furthermore Ness' specials all have flexible utility: [[PK Flash]], [[PSI Magnet]], and [[PK Fire]] can all start or extend combos, while the latter can quickly rack up damage and set up strong punishes. Ness's recovery has improved in ''Ultimate'' thanks to buffs to [[PK Thunder]] and PK Thunder 2 — and by virtue of having the longest directional air dodge distance in the game alongside {{SSBU|Lucas}}.
However, Ness does have some exploitable weaknesses. He suffers from poor grounded mobility and a lack of [[range]] in his normal attacks. Altogether, characters with large and/or [[disjointed hitbox]]es can easily outrange Ness, forcing him to play defensively and leaving him with few options in neutral and disadvantage. Because of his slow mobility on the ground, his approach options are also limited, especially when combined with his aforementioned sub-par range. Still, his most glaring flaw is perhaps his recovery, which, despite its improvements, is exploitable by many characters.
As a result of his strengths and weaknesses, Ness is viewed as a strong but volatile character in competitive play. Players such as {{Sm|Gackt}}, {{Sm|Scend}}, and {{Sm|Syrup}} have seen consistent success with Ness in tournaments.


==How to unlock==
==How to unlock==
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==Attributes==
==Attributes==
Ness has a unique moveset that borrows from various archetypes. His three projectiles allow for some zoning, but his fast normals and punishing grab game make him most dangerous at short distances. Ness' mobility is rather one-sided: on the ground his [[walking speed]], [[initial dash]], and [[dash]] speed are below average; yet his aerial movement shines thanks to his excellent [[air acceleration]], above-average [[jump]] height, and unique [[double jump cancel]]ling ability. Moreover, Ness' low [[gravity]] and low [[falling speed]] allow him to perform multiple aerials in one [[short hop]], and all of his aerials can be [[auto-canceling|auto-canceled]]. Despite his small stature, Ness is a middleweight, tied with {{SSBU|Lucas}}, {{SSBU|Mii Brawler}}, and {{SSBU|Inkling}}.
Ness is a versatile character with strong tools for a variety of situations. Although he has relatively poor ground movement — his [[walking speed]], [[initial dash]], and [[dash]] speed are below average his aerial movement shines thanks to his excellent [[air acceleration]], above-average [[jump]] height, and unique [[double jump cancel]]ling ability. Further bolstering his aerial game, Ness' low [[gravity]] and low [[falling speed]] allow him to perform multiple aerials in one [[short hop]], and all of his aerial normals can be [[auto-canceling|auto-canceled]]. Ness has three projectiles with numerous applications, including [[juggling]], [[edgeguarding]], and even [[recovery]]. Despite his small stature, Ness is a middleweight, tied with {{SSBU|Lucas}}, {{SSBU|Mii Brawler}}, and {{SSBU|Inkling}}.
 
Ness is perhaps best known for his special moves. His neutral special, [[PK Flash]], is a large projectile that travels in an arc from Ness' head, gaining strength and distance depending on how long the input is held for. Because it has low ending lag and freezes opponents briefly when successful, PK Flash has great utility as a combo starter and juggling tool. It also no longer sends Ness into [[helplessness]], making it useful for knocking opponents away from the ledge while Ness is offstage. Ness' side special, [[PK Fire]], is a tiny projectile that travels horizontally a short distance and bursts into a pillar of flames on contact with an opponent, dealing multiple hits. When used in the air, PK Fire has a diagonal trajectory and decreased landing lag, bolstering its safety in neutral, especially on platforms. The move is infamously spammable and can set up combos, condition opponents to jump, or simply rack up damage itself. Ness' up special, [[PK Thunder]], doubles as a versatile projectile and Ness' primary recovery option. The move sends a ball of electricity upward from Ness' head that can be guided with the control stick, costing Ness his mobility while active, but granting him the ability to pressure deep offstage, juggle opponents repeatedly, or at times KO an opponent into the upper blast zone. Ness can also send the lightning into himself at any angle, launching him in that direction for an extremely powerful [[PK Thunder 2]] attack which also allows Ness to recover from deep offstage. Ness' down special, [[PSI Magnet]], creates a psychic field around Ness that absorbs energy-based attacks and heals Ness a proportionate percent. PSI Magnet also has newfound offensive utility in ''Ultimate'', as it now features an active hitbox with set knockback. The aerial hitbox can confirm into several of Ness' normal aerials, while the grounded hitbox places opponents in perfect range for a sweetspotted forward smash, making it practical in [[jab lock]] situations. PSI Magnet also alters the momentum of Ness' [[double jump]], a form of [[double jump cancel]]ling that makes for a unique aerial burst option and a stylish way to start or extend combos.


Ness' strength is his amazing aerial game. All of his aerial attacks are disjointed, are useful for both comboing and KOing, and can autocancel from a short hop. His neutral aerial activates on frame 5 and functions well as a combo-breaker and out-of-shield option. It also sets up jab lock and tech chase situations at middle percents and has decent knockback at high percents, making it a viable edgeguarding and KO option. His forward aerial has a large disjoint and is quite active, making it excellent for starting combos, edgeguarding, and approaching. Ness' new multi-hit up aerial is strong and great for juggling, and its drag-down properties allow Ness to set up grabs, combos, and KOs. Ness' back aerial is very strong when sweetspotted, and his down aerial is a slow-but-powerful meteor smash useful for edgeguarding or starting vertical combos.
Ness' outstanding aerial movement is supported by one of the best sets of aerial normals in the entire game. His neutral aerial activates on frame 5 and functions well as a combo-breaker and out-of-shield option. It also sets up tech chase situations at middle percents and has decent knockback at high percents, making it a viable edgeguarding and KO option. His forward aerial has a large disjoint and is quite active, making it excellent for starting combos, edgeguarding, and approaching. Ness' new multi-hit up aerial is strong and great for juggling, and its drag-down properties allow Ness to set up grabs, combos, and KOs. Ness' back aerial is fast and very strong when sweetspotted, and his down aerial is a slow-but-powerful meteor smash useful for edgeguarding or starting vertical combos.


Ness' grab and throw game is also outstanding and among the best in the cast. His grab is relatively fast, and all of his throws have useful applications. Ness' down throw is a solid combo starter that will often lead into multiple forward airs, and his forward throw has very high base knockback, allowing Ness to reliably set up edgeguarding situations. Ness' up throw, while not as practical, is a solid mix-up that can set up juggling with PK Thunder or PK Flash. Most notorious, however, is Ness' back throw, which remains the most consistent kill throw in the game.
Ness' grab and throw game is also outstanding and among the best in the cast. His grab is relatively fast, and all of his throws have useful applications. Ness' down throw is a solid combo starter that will often lead into multiple forward airs, and his forward throw has very high base knockback, allowing Ness to reliably set up edgeguarding situations. Ness' up throw, while not as practical, is a solid mix-up that can set up juggling with PK Thunder or PK Flash. Most notorious, however, is Ness' back throw, which remains the most consistent kill throw in the game.
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Ness' ground game, while limited by his poor ground mobility, features some powerful attacks. His forward tilt and dash attack are fast and strong enough to KO at high percents, and the latter has improved range. His up tilt is a good combo tool at low percents and can even KO at higher percents. His down tilt, which is very fast and highly spammable, can be used to two-frame, jab lock, pressure shields, confirm into a grab, or deal immense damage if the opponent is trapped at the ledge. His forward smash (baseball bat) has high start-up and ending lag, but deals very high damage and knockback, especially when sweetspotted with the tip of the bat. The bat is also a [[reflection|reflector]] with a damage multiplier of 2.0 and a speed multiplier of 2.5, giving it the second highest damage multiplier (after Kazuya's [[Left Splits Kick]]) and the single highest speed multiplier of any reflector in the game, excluding items. Ness' up and down smashes (yo-yo) have significantly improved knockback, deal damage while charging, and can hang below the stage, making them some of the best and easiest-to-use edgeguarding tools in the game.
Ness' ground game, while limited by his poor ground mobility, features some powerful attacks. His forward tilt and dash attack are fast and strong enough to KO at high percents, and the latter has improved range. His up tilt is a good combo tool at low percents and can even KO at higher percents. His down tilt, which is very fast and highly spammable, can be used to two-frame, jab lock, pressure shields, confirm into a grab, or deal immense damage if the opponent is trapped at the ledge. His forward smash (baseball bat) has high start-up and ending lag, but deals very high damage and knockback, especially when sweetspotted with the tip of the bat. The bat is also a [[reflection|reflector]] with a damage multiplier of 2.0 and a speed multiplier of 2.5, giving it the second highest damage multiplier (after Kazuya's [[Left Splits Kick]]) and the single highest speed multiplier of any reflector in the game, excluding items. Ness' up and down smashes (yo-yo) have significantly improved knockback, deal damage while charging, and can hang below the stage, making them some of the best and easiest-to-use edgeguarding tools in the game.


Ness' strengths are balanced by notable weaknesses. Grounded PK Fire does good damage, but is punishable on shield and easily escapable with good [[DI]], making it generally less useful than its aerial counterpart. While Ness' hitboxes are large and powerful, he can still be stuffed out by characters with even larger disjoints, especially swordfighters such as {{SSBU|Shulk}}, {{SSBU|Marth}}, and {{SSBU|Lucina}}. Moreover, Ness' below-average run speed and average air speed, as well as his projectiles being rather slow or short-ranged, render him slightly vulnerable to [[camping]]. This is especially true if Ness' opponent utilizes projectiles that are not energy-based, such as {{SSBU|Link}}'s arrows and boomerang. Ness is also vulnerable to [[juggling]] given his floatiness and lack of reliable landing options, as well as the removal of multiple air dodges. Powerful, disjointed aerials such as {{SSBU|Palutena}}'s and {{SSBU|Ike}}'s up aerials are particularly effective against Ness. However, Ness' most glaring weakness remains his recovery. Despite traveling a good distance, his PK Thunder 2 is quite exploitable: if the attack makes contact with an opponent or projectile mid-flight, its distance will be halved, often resulting in a gimp. Furthermore, opponents with good timing can hit Ness with a powerful attack or fall into PK Thunder 1 before he can launch himself. Because of its enormous knockback, PK Thunder 2 is also susceptible to many [[counterattack|counters]], and opponents who time their counter correctly will almost always kill Ness. Conversely, opponents who mistime an edgeguard against Ness will often die for it.
Ness is perhaps best known for his special moves. His neutral special, [[PK Flash]], is a large projectile that travels in an arc from Ness' head, gaining strength and distance depending on how long the input is held for. Because it has low ending lag and freezes opponents briefly when successful, PK Flash has great utility as a combo starter and juggling tool. It also no longer sends Ness into [[helplessness]], making it useful for knocking opponents away from the ledge while Ness is offstage. Ness' side special, [[PK Fire]], is a tiny projectile that travels horizontally a short distance and bursts into a pillar of flames on contact with an opponent, dealing multiple hits. When used in the air, PK Fire has a diagonal trajectory and decreased landing lag, bolstering its safety in neutral, especially on platforms. The move is infamously spammable and can set up combos, condition opponents to jump, or simply rack up damage itself. Ness' up special, [[PK Thunder]], doubles as a versatile projectile and Ness' primary recovery option. The move sends a ball of electricity upward from Ness' head that can be guided with the control stick, costing Ness his mobility while active, but granting him the ability to pressure deep offstage, juggle opponents repeatedly, or at times KO an opponent into the upper blast zone. Ness can also send the lightning into himself at any angle, launching him in that direction for an extremely powerful [[PK Thunder 2]] attack which also allows Ness to recover from deep offstage. Ness' down special, [[PSI Magnet]], creates a psychic field around Ness that absorbs energy-based attacks and heals Ness a proportionate percent. PSI Magnet also has newfound offensive utility in ''Ultimate'', as it now features an active hitbox with set knockback. The aerial hitbox can confirm into several of Ness' normal aerials, while the grounded hitbox places opponents in perfect range for a sweetspotted forward smash, making it practical in [[jab lock]] situations. PSI Magnet also alters the momentum of Ness' [[double jump]], a form of [[double jump cancel]]ling that makes for a unique aerial burst option and a stylish way to start or extend combos.


Overall, Ness is somewhat of a "glass cannon" character who excels in most offensive aspects of the game, including comboing, KOing, edgeguarding, ledgetrapping, and juggling, but suffers in certain defensive situations, especially when put offstage or high above his opponent. He also struggles against characters who can outrange his disjoints, though this is less of a problem than in previous games. As a result, Ness has a mixed matchup spread, with even or favorable matchups against many top-tier characters, including {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, {{SSBU|Snake}}, {{SSBU|Wolf}}, and {{SSBU|Joker}}, and poor matchups against others, particularly Lucina, Palutena, Shulk, and {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}.
Ness' strengths are balanced by notable weaknesses. Grounded PK Fire does good damage, but is punishable on shield and easily escapable with good [[DI]], making it generally less useful than its aerial counterpart. While Ness' hitboxes are large and powerful, he can still be stuffed out by characters with even larger disjoints. Moreover, Ness' below-average run speed and average air speed, as well as his projectiles being rather slow or short-ranged, render him slightly vulnerable to [[camping]], especially against opponents with non-energy projectiles. Ness is also vulnerable to [[juggling]] given his floatiness and lack of reliable landing options, as well as the removal of multiple air dodges. However, Ness' most glaring weakness remains his recovery. Despite traveling a good distance, his PK Thunder 2 is quite exploitable: if the attack makes contact with an opponent or projectile mid-flight, its distance will be halved, often resulting in a gimp. Furthermore, opponents with good timing can hit Ness with a powerful attack or fall into PK Thunder 1 before he can launch himself. Because of its enormous knockback, PK Thunder 2 is also susceptible to many [[counterattack|counters]], and opponents who time their counter correctly will almost always kill Ness. Conversely, opponents who mistime an edgeguard against Ness will often die for it.
 
Overall, Ness is somewhat of a "glass cannon" character who excels in most offensive aspects of the game, but suffers in certain defensive situations, especially when put offstage or high above his opponent. He also struggles against characters who can outrange his disjoints, though this is less of a problem than in previous games.


==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
In ''SSB4'', Ness was considered a low high-tier character (28th out of 55 characters). Nevertheless, Ness has been heavily buffed in his transition to ''Ultimate''. His [[forward tilt]] is now a viable KO option, and his [[dash attack]] has increased knockback and range. His [[up tilt]] has decreased ending lag and is useful for starting combos, while his [[down tilt]] racks up damage much more effectively, especially near the ledge. Among Ness' most significant buffs are the changes to his yo-yo smash attacks ([[up smash]] and [[down smash]]), which not only regained their charging hitboxes, but now hang below the ledge to set up easy edgeguards against most characters. His up smash especially has dramatically improved knockback, making it a viable KO option for the first time. Many of Ness' other tools are more effective as well: his [[down aerial]] has more range, can once again be autocanceled from a short hop, and has a much stronger [[meteor smash]] effect; his new [[up aerial]] has drag-down properties, enabling him to set up combos; his [[PK Flash]] charges much more quickly and no longer causes [[helpless]]ness; his [[PK Fire]] has reduced lag (especially landing lag, making it far more useful when used in the air); his [[PK Thunder]] deals more damage; and his [[PSI Magnet]] now has a hitbox that helps Ness extend combos or set up kills.
Ness has been significantly buffed in his transition from ''SSB4'' to ''Ultimate''. Various changes to his previous options and the addition of new ones have positively impacted his playstyle, and the changes to the game's engine strengthen his kit.


Ness has also received indirect buffs via the universal changes in ''Ultimate'', especially the new [[air dodge]] mechanics and general buffs to aerial attacks. The return of directional air dodges benefits Ness tremendously, as Ness' directional air dodge travels further than that of any character (aside from {{SSBU|Lucas}}), providing a reliable [[recovery]] option aside from the notoriously exploitable PK Thunder 2. The removal of multiple air dodges also enables Ness to pressure opponents in the air with PK Thunder more consistently. Furthermore, Ness' already great aerial game is even better, as his forward, down, and up aerials deal more damage, and all of his aerials have drastically less landing lag, even compared to other characters. Most notable in this regard are Ness' neutral and down aerials, which have less than half their previous amount of landing lag.
Ness' ground game is better compared to previous iterations; [[forward tilt]] is now a viable KO option, [[dash attack]] has increased knockback and range, [[up tilt]] has decreased ending lag and is useful for starting combos, and [[down tilt]] racks up damage much more effectively, especially near the ledge. Among his most significant buffs are the changes to his yo-yo smash attacks ([[up smash]] and [[down smash]]), which not only regained their charging hitboxes, but now hang below the ledge to very easily set up edgeguards against most characters; up smash has also lost its early hit and has dramatically higher knockback, making it a viable KO option for the first time.


However, Ness did receive some nerfs. His new up aerial has less horizontal range, decreased KO power, and requires landing all hits (which start from behind and move in an arc above Ness) to deal considerable damage, hindering Ness' ability to juggle opponents. His grab game has been toned down, as his slower, more standard [[pummel]] cannot rack up damage as effectively, and his [[down throw]] has more ending lag, hindering its combo potential past low percents. Lastly, the power of his yo-yo smash attacks now only increases by half as much when charged, and PK Flash, in exchange for its much faster charge, is significantly weaker when fully charged.
Many of Ness' other tools are more effective as well. All of his aerials, save for neutral aerial, deal more damage, and he has gained a new [[up aerial]] that hits multiple times, allowing for drag-down combos and set-ups while retaining most of its standalone KO power. [[Down aerial]] has more range, can once again be autocanceled from a short hop, and has a much stronger [[meteor smash]] effect. In terms of special moves, [[PK Flash]] charges much more quickly and no longer causes [[helpless]]ness; [[PK Fire]] has reduced lag (especially landing lag, making it far more useful when used in the air) that improves its combo and set-up potential, and [[PK Thunder]] deals more damage. His most notable buff, however, comes from a significantly improved [[PSI Magnet]]; the move now has a hitbox (similarly to {{SSBU|Lucas}}, although during the move rather than when canceling the move) that possesses a rehit rate, which gives it offensive use for the first time in the series, as it helps Ness extend combos and gives him newfound KO confirms at high percentages.


Overall, the buffs to Ness' neutral game, punish game, edgeguarding, and recovery outweigh the few nerfs he received. His main weaknesses, such as lack of range and an exploitable recovery, are still present, but generally to a lesser extent than in previous Smash games. Therefore, Ness' incarnation in ''Ultimate'' is typically considered his strongest in the Smash series. His tournament representation in ''Ultimate''{{'}}s early metagame has been stronger than in ''Smash 4'', with players such as {{Sm|FOW}}, {{Sm|Scend}}, {{Sm|Gackt}}, and {{Sm|Awestin}} achieving strong results with the character. As such, Ness is commonly considered a high-tier character.
The universal changes in ''Ultimate'' have improved Ness as well, especially the new [[air dodge]] mechanics and general buffs to aerial attacks. The return of directional air dodges benefits Ness tremendously, as his own directional air dodge travels further than that of any character (aside from Lucas), providing a reliable [[recovery]] option aside from the notoriously exploitable PK Thunder 2. The removal of multiple air dodges also enables Ness to pressure opponents in the air with PK Thunder more consistently. Furthermore, Ness' already great aerial game is further compounded by the universal reductions to landing lag, improving their safety and combo potential.
 
However, Ness has also received a few nerfs. His new up aerial has less horizontal range, requires landing all hits (which start from behind and move in an arc above Ness) to deal considerable damage, and sends at a lower angle that hinders its KO potential, worsening Ness' ability to juggle opponents. His grab game has been toned down, as his slower, more standard [[pummel]] cannot rack up damage as effectively, [[back throw]] is very slightly worse for KOing (though it remains the strongest throw in the game), [[down throw]]'s higher ending lag hinders its combo potential past low to mid-percents, and the universal nerfs to grabs affects Ness just as much as the rest of the cast, as grabbing is a key component to his gameplan. Lastly, the power of his yo-yo smash attacks now only increases by half as much when charged, and PK Flash, in exchange for its much faster charge, is significantly weaker when fully charged.
 
Overall, the buffs to Ness' neutral game, punish game, edgeguarding, and recovery outweigh the few nerfs he received, and while his main weaknesses —such as lack of range and an exploitable recovery— are still present, they are generally to a lesser extent than in previous ''Smash'' games. Thus, despite his similar position among the roster, Ness performs better than in ''SSB4'', and his incarnation in ''Ultimate'' is widely considered his strongest in the ''Smash'' series to date.  


{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Ness}}
{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Ness}}
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|fsdmg=8% per hit
|fsdmg=8% per hit
|fsdesc=[[Paula]] and [[Poo]] join Ness, assisting him in summoning [[wikibound:PK Starstorm|a shower of falling stars]] to attack his enemies. The comets will rain down over the stage and can be slightly aimed left and right.
|fsdesc=[[Paula]] and [[Poo]] join Ness, assisting him in summoning [[wikibound:PK Starstorm|a shower of falling stars]] to attack his enemies. The comets will rain down over the stage and can be slightly aimed left and right.
}}
===Stats===
{{Attributes
| cast=89
| weight=94 | rweight=48-51
| dash=1.826 | rdash=59-61
| run=1.609 | rrun=58
| walk=0.907 | rwalk=70
| trac=0.131 | rtrac=5-8
| airfric=0.0225 | rairfric=4
| air=1.007 | rair=58
| baseaccel=0.01 | rbaseaccel=15-87
| addaccel=0.09 | raddaccel=7-10
| gravity=0.077 | rgravity=73
| fall=1.31 | rfall=79
| ff=2.096 | rff=79
| jumpsquat=3 | rjumpsquat=1-88
| jumpheight=34.48 | rjumpheight=26
| shorthop=16.65 | rshorthop=34
| djump=45.65 | rdjump=6
}}
}}


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*Places his finger to his forehead before pointing it forward.
*Places his finger to his forehead before pointing it forward.
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSBUNessIdle1.gif|Ness' first idle pose
SSBUNessIdle1.gif|Ness' first idle pose.
SSBUNessIdle2.gif|Ness' second idle pose
SSBUNessIdle2.gif|Ness' second idle pose.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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==In [[competitive play]]==
==In [[competitive play]]==
Upon the release of ''Ultimate'', Ness was considered an upper-mid to low high-tier character, roughly on par with his ''[[Smash 4]]'' counterpart. Despite his improved recovery and various buffs, Ness remained limited by the popularity of swordfighters, who can effectively stuff out Ness' trademark aerials. Furthermore, the loss of the ability to airdodge multiple times before landing and the smaller hitbox of Ness' up air led players to believe that landing would be more challenging for Ness than in ''Smash 4''.
===Most historically significant players===
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->


However, Ness' results in the early metagame of ''Ultimate'' were stronger than in ''Smash 4''. The overall mechanics of ''Ultimate'' and the changes to Ness' aerials and specials have greatly bolstered Ness' neutral, advantage, recovery, and movement options. In addition, many of Ness' hardest matchups from ''Smash 4'' (most notably {{SSBU|Rosalina & Luma}}, {{SSBU|Cloud}}, and {{SSBU|Corrin}}) were nerfed and are considered far less troublesome.
''See also: [[:Category:Ness players (SSBU)]]''


Ness' position in the current metagame remains up for debate. He has fairly strong representation in tournaments and had two representatives on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]]: {{Sm|Gackt}} from Japan and {{Sm|Scend}} from the United States. {{Sm|FOW}}, {{Sm|S1}}, and {{Sm|Awestin}} have also achieved strong results with Ness in their respective regions. His matchup spread is very solid, doing quite well against {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, {{SSBU|Fox}}, {{SSBU|Snake}}, and {{SSBU|Wolf}}, as well as {{SSBU|Joker}}, {{SSBU|Wario}}, {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}, and {{SSBU|Roy}}. However, he does suffer from negative matchups against fighters that either outrange or counter his projectiles, such as {{SSBU|Lucina}}, {{SSBU|Palutena}}{{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}, and {{SSBU|Shulk}}. Overall, Ness is a potent but balanced character at high level play, with his overwhelming offensive kit and edgeguarding prowess offset by his limited recovery and landing options. Because of this, Ness is currently viewed as a high tier character.
*{{Sm|ATATA|USA}} - One of the best Ness players in the United States. He began attending more out-of-region events in 2022 and has seen strong showings such as 13th at {{Trn|Low Tide City 2022}} and 17th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2022}}. He is ranked 91st on the [[UltRank 2022]] for the second half of 2022.
*{{Sm|Gackt|Japan}} - The best Ness player of all time, having placed top 8 at more majors than any other Ness player. He finished 3rd at both {{Trn|Kagaribi 7}} and {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 12}}, the highest placements for a Ness player at a major.
*{{Sm|PeW|France}} - The best Ness player in Europe since the end of the online era, and was also the second-best Ness player in Europe in the early metagame. He placed top 32 at several majors, including 13th at {{Trn|VCA 2022}} and 25th at both {{Trn|Albion 4}} and {{Trn|COLOSSEL 2022}}. Since late-2022, he has been playing Ness as a secondary alongside {{SSBU|Min Min}}.
*{{Sm|S1|Netherlands}} - The best Ness player in Europe in the early metagame and was also a top 10 player in Europe during that time. Consistently placed top 8 at European tournaments, including placing 7th at the major {{Trn|Albion 4}} and 5th at the superregional {{Trn|Valhalla III}}. He has been mostly inactive since early-2020, occasionally entering tournaments while using secondaries.
*{{Sm|Syrup|USA}} - Came to prominence in the online metagame, placing 2nd at the {{Trn|SWT: NA Northeast Ultimate Online Qualifier}}. He has also established himself as one of two best Ness players in the United States in 2022, placing 5th at the major {{Trn|Get On My Level 2022}} as well as the superregionals {{Trn|Shine 2022}} and {{Trn|Apex 2022}}. However since early-2023 he has shifted his focus towards {{SSBU|Steve}}, although he still uses Ness as a secondary.
*{{Sm|Scend|USA}} - The second-best Ness player of all time. He has consistently placed top 64 at majors, including 5th at {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves 2022}} and 9th at both {{Trn|Low Tier City 7}} and {{Trn|MomoCon 2022}}. He was also one of the best players in the online metagame, and notably won {{Trn|The Box}}, the largest ''Smash'' tournament in terms of entrants.


Notably, Ness is considered an even stronger character in ''Ultimate'''s online mode, as the presence of increased [[Wi-Fi lag|input lag]] ostensibly benefits him more than other characters, making his already fast aerials even safer and his recovery more difficult to challenge. These perceived advantages, while traditionally dismissed as meaningless in high-level competition, gained unforeseen significance as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on competitive Smash|COVID-19 pandemic]], which has temporarily relegated all major tournaments to an online format. Ness' strong online results include impressive first-place finishes by {{Sm|Scend}} at {{Trn|The Quarantine Series: Minor Tournament 1}} and {{Trn|The Box}}, the latter of which featured a $10,000 prize pool and the largest bracket of any Smash tournament (online or offline) to date.
===Tier placement and history===
Initial opinions of Ness were fairly positive, as the numerous buffs he received during the transition from ''Smash 4'' and the addition of several new mechanics in ''Ultimate'' improved his neutral, advantage, recovery, and movement options. Ness' early results reflected these improvements: The character saw strong performances at majors from players such as {{Sm|Gackt}} and {{Sm|Scend}}; regionally, he was represented well by a multitude of players, including {{Sm|ATATA}}, {{Sm|Awestin}}, {{Sm|PeW}}, {{Sm|S1}}, and {{Sm|FOW}}. As such, Ness was widely considered a high-tier character in the early metagame of ''Ultimate''. Notably, perception of Ness is even higher in online play, as the presence of increased [[Wi-Fi lag|input lag]] ostensibly makes his quick aerials even safer and his recovery more difficult to challenge, allowing players such as Scend and {{Sm|Syrup}} to flourish during the [[COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on competitive Smash|COVID-19 pandemic]], which temporarily relegated all large tournaments to an online format.  


===Most historically significant players===
Ness has remained popular in the post-online metagame, with representation in or around the top 20 among all characters. Although he continues to see high tournament placements, he has generally underperformed his online results, and his weaknesses have become more apparent over time. As in previous Smash titles, Ness' limited attack range hinders his neutral against certain characters, particularly swordfighters such as {{SSBU|Lucina}} and {{SSBU|Shulk}}. He also struggles to recover without the use of his double jump, and his floatiness leaves him susceptible to juggling. Furthermore, several characters introduced via [[DLC]] are believed to be overpowered, rendering traditional characters less appealing by comparison. Given his pronounced strengths and weaknesses, even Ness' strongest players face inconsistency — Gackt followed a top 3 finish at {{Trn|Kagaribi 7}} with 49th at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 8}} a month later — or have picked up other characters to alleviate Ness' weaknesses — Syrup picked up {{SSBU|Steve}} and has gradually used the character more in competitive play.  
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->


''See also: [[:Category:Ness professionals (SSBU)]]''
Divergent opinions on Ness' viability were reflected in ''Ultimate''{{'}}s first "official" [[tier list]], with his average ranking varying considerably across regions: Japan in particular ranked him much lower compared to other countries, especially the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.start.gg/ultranks-first-official-ssbu-tier-list-4a35bf3dcfc3|title=First Official SSBU Tier List}}, data located in the "Regional Differences" section</ref> Overall, Ness debuted at 40th out of 82 characters on ''Ultimate's'' first tier list, in the B+ tier. Following this, Syrup made the transition to Steve while relegating Ness to a secondary, and Scend's performances at major events declined. Reflecting this, Ness fell seven spots on the second LumiRank tier list, dropping to the B- tier.


*{{Sm|ATATA|USA}} - One of the best Ness players in the United States. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Midwest Arena 2: Doubles Masters}}, 5th at {{Trn|Combo Breaker 2022}}, 9th at {{Trn|Rise 'N Grind}}, 13th at {{Trn|Low Tide City 2022}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2022}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Onin}}, {{Sm|MuteAce}}, and {{Sm|Ned}}. Ranked 2nd on the [[Chicago Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|Chicago Ultimate Power Rankings]].
Despite his middling tier list placement, Ness still enjoys strong results at most levels of competition: Gackt remains the preeminent representative of Ness on a global scale, earning the 27th spot on the [[LumiRank 2023]] and defeating {{Sm|MkLeo}} at {{Trn|GENESIS X}}, while ATATA and Scend have placed highly at the regional level. As such, opinions of Ness' current stance in the metagame remain varied: While some regions, especially Japan, continue to believe Ness lacks the representation for a higher tier placing, some regions, especially the United States and Latin America, still view Ness as a solid high-tier character and ranked him higher for the second tier list. Overall, Ness' incredible offensive tools are offset by weaknesses in his neutral and disadvantage; he therefore remains a common yet polarizing character in competitive play.
*{{Sm|Gackt|Japan}} - The best Ness player in the world. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|Kagaribi 7}}, 4th at {{Trn|Glitch - Infinite}}, 7th at {{Trn|Pound 2022}}, and 9th at both {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}} and {{Trn|Double Down 2022}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Glutonny}}, {{Sm|ProtoBanham}}, and {{Sm|Tea}}.
*{{Sm|PeW|France}} - The best Ness player in Europe following the return of offline competitive play. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Vulcan}}, 5th at both {{Trn|Ultimate WANTED 2}} and {{Trn|Glory 2.0}}, 9th at {{Trn|VCA 2021}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Flow|p=France}}, {{Sm|Tarik}}, and {{Sm|SuperGirlKels}}. Ranked 25th on the [[PGRU v3 EU]].
*{{Sm|S1|Netherlands}} - The best Ness player in Europe during the first year of the game's active lifespan. Placed 5th at both {{Trn|Elysium: Yggdrasil}} and {{Trn|Valhalla III}}, 7th at {{Trn|Albion 4}}, and 9th at both {{Trn|Tech Republic IV}} and {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|quiK}}, {{Sm|Space}}, and {{Sm|Mr.R}}. Ranked 6th on the [[European Smash Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Syrup|USA}} - One of the two best Ness players in the United States. Placed 5th at both {{Trn|Get On My Level 2022}} and {{Trn|Apex 2022}}, 13th at {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves 2022}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|Glitch 8.5 - Konami Code}} and {{Trn|Collision 2022}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Dabuz}}, {{Sm|Cosmos}}, and {{Sm|Riddles}}. Online, he notably placed 2nd at the {{Trn|SWT: NA Northeast Ultimate Online Qualifier}}.
*{{Sm|Scend|USA}} - One of the two best Ness players in the United States. Placed 5th at {{Trn|2GG: Nightmare on Smashville}}, 9th at {{Trn|Low Tier City 7}}, 17th at both {{Trn|Shine 2019}} and {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}, and 25th at {{Trn|GENESIS 7}} with wins overplayers such as {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|Marss}}, and {{Sm|Abadango}}. He is also considered one of the best players online, winning {{Trn|The Box}} and {{Trn|SWT: NA Southwest Ultimate Online Qualifier}}. Ranked 31st on the [[PGRU v3 NA]] and as high as 3rd on the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank v6]].


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Home to Onett!==
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Home to Onett!==
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|style="background-color:#EEE;"|{{SSBUMusicLink|Persona|Last Surprise}}<ref group="SB" name="DLC"/>
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|-
|1,519
|{{SpiritTableName|Power Pro-Kun, Aoi Hayakawa, & Mamoru Ikari|size=64}}
|''eBASEBALL: POWER PROS''
|•{{SSBU|Ness}} {{Head|Ness|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}}<br>•{{SSBU|Toon Link}} {{Head|Toon Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}<br>•{{SSBU|Villager}} {{Head|Villager|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|9,600
|[[Pokémon Stadium 2]] (hazards off)
|•Item: [[Beastball]]
|•The enemy starts the battle with a [[Home-Run Bat]]
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Baseball (Training)}}
|Power Pro-Kun
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**Ness is also the only one to appear on the box art. However, {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}} is featured in the full group artwork.
**Ness is also the only one to appear on the box art. However, {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}} is featured in the full group artwork.
*Although most characters from the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' are [[Fighter number|numbered]] by their debut game's original release date, Captain Falcon and Ness can be considered an exception; ''F-Zero'' was originally released in 1990, four years before ''EarthBound''. Additionally, in ''Super Smash Bros.'', Captain Falcon will always be fought first if the unlock conditions for both him and Ness are met simultaneously. However, it is also possible that Ness is numbered per the 1989 release of ''Mother'', which is also how he is ordered in ''Brawl''{{'}}s [[All-Star Mode#Super Smash Bros. Brawl|All-Star Mode]].
*Although most characters from the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' are [[Fighter number|numbered]] by their debut game's original release date, Captain Falcon and Ness can be considered an exception; ''F-Zero'' was originally released in 1990, four years before ''EarthBound''. Additionally, in ''Super Smash Bros.'', Captain Falcon will always be fought first if the unlock conditions for both him and Ness are met simultaneously. However, it is also possible that Ness is numbered per the 1989 release of ''Mother'', which is also how he is ordered in ''Brawl''{{'}}s [[All-Star Mode#Super Smash Bros. Brawl|All-Star Mode]].
*''Ultimate'' marks the first time since ''Melee'' where Ness' artwork depicts him holding his baseball bat.
*''Ultimate'' marks the first time since ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' where Ness' artwork depicts him holding his baseball bat.
*''Ultimate'' is the first ''Smash'' game in which Ness has a greater number of aerials that use PSI than Lucas, being 5 to 4 as opposed to 2 and 3 to 3 in ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4'' respectively.
*''Ultimate'' is the first ''Smash'' game in which Ness has a greater number of aerials that use PSI than Lucas, being 5 to 4 as opposed to 2 and 3 to 3 in ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4'' respectively.
*Ness being unlocked by clearing Classic Mode as Kirby could be a reference to Ness being unlocked on {{SSB|Dream Land}} in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'', that both are voiced by Makiko Ōmoto, or that both are from games developed by [[HAL Laboratory, Inc.]]
*Ness being unlocked by clearing Classic Mode as Kirby could be a reference to Ness being unlocked on {{SSB|Dream Land}} in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'', that both are voiced by Makiko Ōmoto, or that both are from games developed by [[HAL Laboratory, Inc.]]
*As of ''[[Ultimate]]''{{'}}s release, Ness has had more different victory themes than any other character, receiving new ones in ''[[Brawl]]'' and ''Ultimate'', in addition to his original one from the first two games.
*As of ''[[Ultimate]]''{{'}}s release, Ness has had more different victory themes than any other character, receiving new ones in ''[[Brawl]]'' and ''Ultimate'', in addition to his original one from the first two games.
*Ness' official artwork resembles [[:File:Ness SSB4 Hoax.png|a hoax that claimed he would appear in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'']] before he was actually revealed.
*Ness is one of the only two unlockable characters in ''Ultimate'' who can be the first character unlocked in more than one way, as he is the first character to be unlocked through VS. Matches and the first unlock in {{SSBU|Kirby}}'s Classic Mode tree. The other character who shares this distinction is {{SSBU|Villager}}.
*Ness is one of the only two unlockable characters in ''Ultimate'' who can be the first character unlocked in more than one way, as he is the first character to be unlocked through VS. Matches and the first unlock in {{SSBU|Kirby}}'s Classic Mode tree. The other character who shares this distinction is {{SSBU|Villager}}.
*Despite the fact that Ness's [[PSI Magnet]] can absorb [[Bob-omb]] explosions, Ness cannot absorb explosions from the Bob-ombs that drop from the sky during [[Sudden Death]].
*Despite the fact that Ness's [[PSI Magnet]] can absorb [[Bob-omb]] explosions, Ness cannot absorb explosions from the Bob-ombs that drop from the sky during [[Sudden Death]].
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