Wavedash: Difference between revisions

A '''wavedash''' is a technique in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' that is performed by [[air dodging]] diagonally into the ground, causing the character to slide a short distance. As it is uncommon in casual play, the ''Melee'' community sees wavedashing as an advanced technique superior to [[dashing]] because it allows players to perform any ground action while moving horizontally on the ground.

Contrary to popular belief, wavedashing is not strictly a glitch; it is more accurately a [[wikipedia:corner case|corner case]] of ''Melee's'' physics engine. When airdodging diagonally to the ground, all of the momentum of the airdodge is transferred into horizontal (ground) movement, since the character can no longer fall. Additionally, performing a wavedash causes the game to recognize the character as landing from the [[helpless]] state due to airdodges causing the state. Thus, the game is not recognizing wavedashing as a specific "technique" (such as an attack or movement) but as if the character simply landed and stood still; the sliding effect is due to the "slipperiness" inherent in the game's engine. [[Masahiro Sakurai]] has admitted in an interview with Nintendo Power that wavedashing was noticed during development, but decided on not removing it from gameplay.

In competitive play, characters like {{SSBM|Luigi}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBM|Mewtwo}} players rely heavily on wavedashing for their primary movement, while users of nearly every other [[character]] wavedash frequently for positioning and maneuvering, particularly during combos or mindgames.  

A code for Ocarina (the free alternative for [[USB Gecko]]), released by the hacker Phantom Wings, is able to make the [[air dodging]] system similar to ''Melee's'', thus giving players the ability to Wavedash and also "fly" back onto the stage if too far from the stage to recover due to not being helpless after Air Dodging; however, characters will gradually descend during flight due to gravity. LeeHarris of [[Smash World Forums]] posted the code online on the board. A version of this hack restores melee air-dodging and is used to allow wavedashing in [[Project M]].