Vision
| Vision | |
|---|---|
 Vision in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. | |
| User | Shulk |
| Universe | Xenoblade |
Vision (ビジョン, Vision) is Shulk's down special move.
Overview
Similar to other counterattacks, the move involves Shulk drawing the Monado from his back slightly in a pose, then retaliating with an attack if he is hit. If no directional keys are held down, Shulk performs a forward-sliding upwards slash with a wide range, capable of hitting opponents in the air above him; this counter has the highest range of any counterattack in the series (excluding Peach's Toad, which sprays projectiles). A second type of counter, which can only be performed if Shulk is grounded, is stronger and faster with less range and can be performed by holding forward once Shulk counters. With it, Shulk dashes forward with quicker speed than the standard vision counter and slashes through the opponent with a turning outward-clearing slash, launching the victim behind Shulk. Even with or without using second type of counter, this counter can One-Hit KO when countering a powerful attack (a hitbox that deals at least 40% damage) and is one of the strongest counterattacks in the series, knockback wise.
Shulk is completely invulnerable while the counter animation plays, only becoming vulnerable once he performs the slash. In addition, time slows down for the counter's activator while Vision is active, making it very difficult to escape unless the activator is a projectile or similar. Aesthetically, Vision looks different than other counters as it creates a translucent blue background if activated (which is the backdrop used for Visions in Shulk's origin game), and Shulk blurts out "I See It..." or "A Vision...!" if activated.
Compared to other counterattacks in Smash 4, Vision has the longest counter window in the game when fresh, capable of countering attacks even when the readying animation seems to be complete. This makes the move an extremely effective counter when used unexpectedly, as opponents tend to underestimate the amount of time that the counter stays active, while the counterattack additionally has massive range, impressive knockback, and slows victims down. However, the more times Shulk uses Vision, the shorter the counterattacking window becomes and the harder the timing is to connect, leaving Shulk more vulnerable every time he uses the move. When Vision is not in use, it slowly recovers its window length. The window length is fully replenished if Shulk respawns.
Customization
Special Move customization was added in Super Smash Bros. 4. These are its variations:
- Dash Vision: Shulk takes a big step forward and the counter's range is extended. The counter is faster, but lacks power.
- Power Vision: Shulk counters an attack with greater power. Can OHKO upon countering a powerful attack that deals 35% damage and can even KO upon countering a jab if the opponent is at 60% or above on small stages. However, if used too much, the counter will become less and less effective, to the point where it cannot counter at all upon use.
Origin
Visions play a key role in Xenoblade Chronicles; as the wielder of the Monado, Shulk occasionally foresees major events, usually those of a tragic nature. Once he learns how to handle these visions, he uses them as his guide, usually to prevent foreseen deaths. Visions also play two roles outside of cutscenes. One role is informing the player that a recently picked-up item is needed for an upcoming quest. When that happens, that item is marked, to alert the player to keep the item for the quest. The other role appears in battle when an enemy's attack may inflict major damage or status to the victim, in order to alert the player to take measures in averting the vision (via preventing the enemy from using the attack, redirecting the attack away. from the intended victim, or improving the victim's defenses to ensure that they could survive it). The two lines Shulk can say when Vision activates in SSB4 are direct quotes he uses when Visions activate during combat, although re-recorded.
