Phantom Slash
- "Phantom" redirects here. For the result when a move connects but deals no knockback, see Glancing blow.
| Phantom Slash | |
|---|---|
 The Phantom striking Fox in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. | |
| User | Zelda |
| Universe | The Legend of Zelda |
| Article on Zelda Wiki | Phantom |
Phantom Slash (ファントムアタック, Phantom Attack) is Zelda's down special move in Super Smash Bros. 4, replacing Transform from Brawl. The move involves Zelda shooting out a projectile that then materializes into a Phantom, a disembodied guardian suit of armor from The Legend of Zelda series, which attacks the opponent and disappears. It can also block attacks, which will destroy the Phantom if it takes 13% damage or more, at which time the Phantom cannot be summoned for another 9 seconds. A purple cloud will appear over Zelda's hand for the duration of this recharge period. Phantom Slash can be charged by holding the special button, which results in the Phantom travelling greater distances. The Phantom has three different attacks, based on the charge: an uncharged Phantom does a quick and weak inwards slash, a mid-charged one does a stronger outwards slash, and a max-charged one does a powerful upwards slash that hits twice. The initial projectile shot out by Zelda is reflectable; when reflected, the Phantom will target its summoner or other players.
Customization
Special Move customization was added in Super Smash Bros. 4. These are the variations:
- Phantom Breaker: Travels a set distance regardless of charge, but deals more shield damage; a half-charged Phantom Breaker can break most shields in one hit.
- Phantom Strike: The Phantom appears next to Zelda regardless of charge, but deals more damage. Each possible hit except the first hit of the fully-charged Phantom Strike deals set knockback.
Description from the 3DS version's foldout
"Summon a Phantom to slash foes in front of you. Can be charged."
Origin
Phantoms first originated in The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, as guardians of a temple that Link must visit at various points throughout the game. They are shown to be indestructible for a large portion of Phantom Hourglass, and getting attacked by one would result in Link being sent to the beginning of the temple. Phantoms in this game come in three variations, each with their own abilities.
They reappear in The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks with the same function, although this time they guard the Tower of Spirits and now come in four variations. A new mechanic was implemented for players to use for the Phantoms. After Link and Zelda head to the Tower of Spirits, they are ambushed by a sinister chancellor and a power-hungry apprentice who take away her body with plans to resurrect an ancient evil. At some point in the tower, Zelda's soul becomes trapped in the Phantom. The aforementioned mechanic allows Link to control the Phantom as long as Zelda is in control, and this mechanic would be vital for parts of the adventure.
Zelda using the Phantom is most likely a reference to this mechanic. This is also where the design comes from, though the eyes are not in Super Smash Bros., as non-possessed Phantoms have no visible eyes.
Trivia
- Phantom Slash is the only special move of Zelda's to not be based on a spell from Ocarina of Time.
- When Phantom slash is reflected by an opponent, the color of its armor changes. Its over all tone is darker, the pink armor becomes more of a rusted color, and its blue-purple armor becomes more of a grey-tinted blue.
Gallery
Official artwork of a Phantom Zelda from The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.
Phantom trophy in the 3DS version.
The Phantom missing Yoshi doing his forward tilt in SSB4.
