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Cloud (SSB4): Difference between revisions
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Having a fluctuating playstyle and a weak recovery move isn't exactly "minor"...
(I think recent tournament results are starting to reflect his old tier position more accurately because Cloud mains just aren't getting the results we were expecting out of a top 5 or even top 3 character.) |
m (Having a fluctuating playstyle and a weak recovery move isn't exactly "minor"...) |
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Cloud currently ranks 12th out of 56 on the [[tier list]], placing him in the B tier. This makes him the second lowest ranking high-tier character, the second highest ranking downloadable fighter, and the third highest ranking third-party character. Cloud possesses one of the longest overall disjointed ranges in the game, along with {{SSB4|Shulk}} and {{SSB4|Ike}}; combined with his impressive movement speed, high jumps, the ability to [[wall jump]] (making him and {{SSB4|Toon Link}} the only sword-wielding characters capable of doing so), and surprisingly fast frame data relative to his range and overall power, Cloud is one of the most effective characters at [[space|spacing]], [[approach]]ing, and zoning. He also possesses a unique Limit Break mechanic, which when fully charged either [[Limit Charge|manually]] or by taking and dealing damage, bolsters Cloud's maneuverability further and gives him more powerful versions of his special moves for one use, making him one of the most dangerous characters in the game once he has reached Limit Break. | Cloud currently ranks 12th out of 56 on the [[tier list]], placing him in the B tier. This makes him the second lowest ranking high-tier character, the second highest ranking downloadable fighter, and the third highest ranking third-party character. Cloud possesses one of the longest overall disjointed ranges in the game, along with {{SSB4|Shulk}} and {{SSB4|Ike}}; combined with his impressive movement speed, high jumps, the ability to [[wall jump]] (making him and {{SSB4|Toon Link}} the only sword-wielding characters capable of doing so), and surprisingly fast frame data relative to his range and overall power, Cloud is one of the most effective characters at [[space|spacing]], [[approach]]ing, and zoning. He also possesses a unique Limit Break mechanic, which when fully charged either [[Limit Charge|manually]] or by taking and dealing damage, bolsters Cloud's maneuverability further and gives him more powerful versions of his special moves for one use, making him one of the most dangerous characters in the game once he has reached Limit Break. | ||
However, Cloud does have | However, Cloud does have notable drawbacks. His Limit Break mechanic makes his playstyle fluctuate constantly, as the gauge takes some time to charge, and his recovery is notoriously weak without a full Limit Gauge, due to [[Climhazzard]]'s below average height gain and its inability to edge sweetspot like most up special moves. Cloud's moveset is also noticeably inconsistent at KOing without the Limit Break specials, with his more powerful attacks being risky to use due to their ending lag and his aerials requiring good positioning to KO effectively. He has a poor grab reach and little reward off of his throws, as their endlag prevents them from being used as combo starters and their knockback scaling is unfavorable for KOing. His ground attacks are also unsafe on shield, making it difficult for him to get past shields, while limiting his options to escape shield pressure. Finally, his above average weight and falling speed are both a blessing and a curse, as his decent survivability is offset with him being easy to combo and juggle, with few ways of escaping said combos due to his tall frame. | ||
Regardless, Cloud's potent Limit Break-boosted finishers and fundamentally sound attributes outweigh his cons, and he is regarded highly on the tier list due to his popularity as a pocket character and perceived ease of use. While Cloud has been somewhat nerfed since the tier list was created, several characters perceived to be top tier have undergone more severe nerfs, which positively affects his matchups against said characters. As such, most professionals (such as {{Sm|Mr. R}} and {{Sm|ZeRo}}) and many other players believe him to be one of the best characters in the game and deserving of an even higher ranking on the tier list. However, his singles tournament results as of late have not reflected these views, with few top 8 appearances and even fewer major tournament wins, making Cloud's position once again a topic of debate. | Regardless, Cloud's potent Limit Break-boosted finishers and fundamentally sound attributes outweigh his cons, and he is regarded highly on the tier list due to his popularity as a pocket character and perceived ease of use. While Cloud has been somewhat nerfed since the tier list was created, several characters perceived to be top tier have undergone more severe nerfs, which positively affects his matchups against said characters. As such, most professionals (such as {{Sm|Mr. R}} and {{Sm|ZeRo}}) and many other players believe him to be one of the best characters in the game and deserving of an even higher ranking on the tier list. However, his singles tournament results as of late have not reflected these views, with few top 8 appearances and even fewer major tournament wins, making Cloud's position once again a topic of debate. | ||