Isabelle (SSBU): Difference between revisions

|ranking = 73

Isabelle is ranked 73rd out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing her at the top of the D+ tier. Isabelle possesses good defensive play, and excellent [[Ledgetrapping|ledge trapping]]; owing to her slingshot, [[Special move|special moves]], and fast close-range moves. Isabelle also has a good [[juggle]], making it difficult for the opponent’s to safely land via her [[up aerial]], [[up tilt]], and aforementioned traits. Notably, Isabelle's unique [[jab]] gives her the ability to perform the "Wobbelle" technique, which can trap opponents at the ledge up to KO percentages. Somewhat akin to [[Sonic]]'s perception in ''Ultimate'', Isabelle is often considered to be frustrating to play against, particularly for her tendency to avoid unsafe interactions in some matchups. This can cause opponent's to make risky approaches, providing opportunities for Isabelle to [[punish]].

On the whole, Isabelle's weaknesses considerably hold her back in [[Competitive play|competitive play]]. Despite receiving buffs in subsequent [[List of updates (SSBU)|balance patches]] and securing results from players such as {{Sm|Jaka}} and {{Sm|Nery}}, she is still considered to be outclassed by Villager in the most important aspects.

Isabelle is a relatively short and floaty [[weight|lightweight]] with slow overall mobility. As a semi-[[clone]] of her fellow {{Uv|Animal Crossing}} fighter {{SSBU|Villager}}, both characters have several similarities to each other in most aspects. However, Isabelle is characterized by a lighter weight, floatier physics and lacks the ability to [[wall jump]]. Aside from her slower [[falling speed]], she demonstrates marginally quicker mobility, both on the ground and in the air. In turn, Isabelle sports the 12th slowest [[dash]]ing speed (although she has a decent [[initial dash]]ing speed), slightly above-average [[walk]]ing speed, average [[air speed]], below-average [[air acceleration]], the 6th lowest [[gravity]] (tied with {{SSBU|Peach}}, {{SSBU|Daisy}} and {{SSBU|Steve}}), is tied with {{SSBU|Wii Fit Trainer}} and {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}} for the 10th slowest falling speed, an average [[jump]]ing height, and the 5th highest [[traction]] (tied with {{SSBU|Ness}}, Villager and {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}). Moreover, Isabelle also has multiple attacks that are unique to her (such as all of her smash attacks), and even the moves she shares with Villager have different animations and mechanics.

*{{Sm|kept|Japan}} - Plays Isabelle alongside {{SSBU|Villager}} and {{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} and is the best Isabelle player in Japan until 2023, having defeated players such as {{Sm|KEN}} and {{Sm|Tsubotsubo}} with Isabelle. In tournament, he notably placed 13th at {{Trn|VCA 2022}} using Isabelle to defeat {{Sm|Tarik}}.

*{{Sm|Rokki|Japan}} - Although known for having a large character pool, Rokki has used Isabelle at several notable events, including winning the superregional {{Trn|KOWLOON 8}}, using Isabelle for all of top 8 and defeating {{Sm|Hero|p=Japan}} along the way. Rokki has also used Isabelle to place 2nd at {{Trn|Midobura SP 3}} and 13th at {{Trn|ITSUKUSHIMA 1}}.

A few positive developments have since helped Isabelle's perception in the community. For one, update 4.0.0. introduced her neutral attack's "Wobbelle" technique, which can trap the opponent at an edge reliably with her neutral attack until KO percentages. In addition, although Isabelle's overall representation remains rather low, she still has several dedicated players who have performed well with her, either as a solo-main (notably {{Sm|Jaka}} and {{Sm|Nery}}) or as a secondary/co-main (notably {{Sm|kept}} and {{Sm|Rokki}}). In fact, Isabelle's representation has at times surpassed Villager's, most notably between January 2022 and December 2023, a period of two years. As such, although she remains a low tier, she is no longer considered one of the worst characters in the game. This is reflected in her placement on the current tier list, where she is ranked 73rd at the top of the low tier, 4 spots below Villager. Notably, Isabelle's perception is even better in Japan, where most of her results come from, with even top Japanese players like {{Sm|Shuton}}, Kept and {{Sm|Yoshidora}} considering her to be significantly better than Villager and underrated in general. Time will tell whether this will allow her to rise out of the low tiers.