Fox (SSB)/Down special

Overview

Hitboxes of Fox's down special move.

Fox's Reflector, also known as a shine, creates a blue, hexagonal energy field around him to reflect any projectiles that are fired at him back in the direction they came. It can be used as a direct attack with an electric effect, doing 2%-5% damage and low set knockback. It sends opponents on a semi-spike trajectory. The move will also lower Fox's falling speed if used in midair, and it can even be used to escape certain combos. Fox can also perform an edgeguarding technique called a shine spike, which involves using the move to gimp the opponent's recovery. Since the shine has set knockback and hitstun, combined with its semi-spike trajectory, it is an effective technique that can KO even at base percentages. Another option is to use the shine immediately after an edge drop to cover the edge and prevent opponents from grabbing it, giving Fox strong ledge play. It is also possible to turn around during the animation of the move so that Fox is facing the other direction, referred to as a shine turnaround.