Hookshot: Difference between revisions

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The '''Hookshot''', or the '''Clawshot''' (which appears in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''), is a [[grab aerial]] used by [[Link]], {{SSBM|Young Link}}, and {{SSBB|Toon Link}}. The Hookshot is a recurring item in the {{uv|Legend of Zelda}} universe, and the Clawshot has also featured in more than one ''Zelda'' game, albeit with a different appearance in each. All are [[tether recovery|tether recoveries]] and can grab a ledge in midair.  

The '''Hookshot''' is {{SSB|Link}}'s [[grab]] in ''Super Smash Bros.'', {{SSBM|Link}} and {{SSBM|Young Link}}'s grabs in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', and [[Toon Link]]'s grab in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' and ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. In ''Super Smash Bros.'', the hook of the Hookshot fires straight out, and then returns straight back. In ''[[Melee]]'' and ''[[Brawl]]'', however, the Hookshot/Clawshot (respectively) fires straight out, falls to the ground, and is then slung back towards Link. Also in ''Melee'', Link/Young Link use this to perform the [[wall-grapple]], since the Hookshot can latch to essentially any wall at any point at appropriate distances. Using the Hookshot on an incline causes it to retract immediately, which often leaves Link vulnerable for short periods of time. This is notable on [[Princess Peach's Castle]]. Using this technique, one can use [[mindgame]]s to assist in recoveries by choosing either to sweet spot the ledge or grapple another point of the wall; however, should the wall-grapple miss or otherwise fail, Link/Young Link will be left in the "[[helpless]]" animation. Additionally, the Hookshot may be used immediately after an [[air dodge]], meaning a directional air dodge can give additional distance before using the Hookshot.

In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' and ''Super Smash Bros. 4'', Toon Link uses his to perform the [[tether recovery]] and grab. Similar to Link's Clawshot, if it misses, Toon Link is left wide open. It also has two hitboxes that follow the same mechanic from Link's Clawshot. In ''Brawl'', Toon Link's Hookshot has a shorter range in grabs and tethers compared to Link's Clawshot, but this makes it slightly faster. As it is the case with all tether recoveries in ''Brawl'', the Clawshot/Hookshot may only latch onto the [[ledge]], making [[edgehogging]] the recovery relatively easily. Link's and Young Link's Hookshots  are based on their design in Ocarina of Time. Toon Link's however, is based on its appearance in The Wind Waker.

The '''Clawshot''' is [[Link]]'s grab in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. Although it is very similar to the Hookshot in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', not only does it retract more quickly, but Link's new [[tether recovery]] now finds and tracks the wall, automatically [[edge sweetspot|sweetspotting a nearby ledge]] instead of just latching onto it when it touches. Also, when used in the air to attack, there are two different [[hitbox]]es. The first is when the claw is shot out, and hits the opponent. The second hitbox is at the end of the Clawshot, when the claw closes. Also, if Link lands while using the Clawshot in the air, the move auto-cancels, which is a useful technique when combined with [[SHFF]], quite possibly Link's best tactic for interrupting other characters' approaches. If used in contact with the ground, the move becomes a grab, and like all other tether grabs is laggy if missed. It should also be noted that if it fails, Link doesn't enter a [[Helpless]] state.

The Clawshot has an invaluable edgehogging property in that it can quickly give Link more invincibility frames by pressing back after Link has grabbed the edge, and immediately pressing "Z" releasing the Clawshot, and pressing "Z" again to instantly grab the ledge and gain invincibility frames. This technique is sometimes referred to as''' Zair Edgeguarding''', even though it is used as an [[edgehogging]] technique.