Raptor Boost
| Raptor Boost | |
|---|---|
 Captain Falcon's Raptor Boost in Brawl | |
| User | Captain Falcon |
| Universe | Smash Bros. |
| Article on F-Zero Wiki | Raptor Boost |
Raptor Boost (ファルコンナックル, Farukon Nakkuru, Falcon Knuckle) is Captain Falcon's side special move. When used, Captain Falcon pauses for a split second before dashing a short distance forwards. If he hits an enemy, he proceeds to unleash a fiery uppercut, which pops opponents up into the air with below-average knockback. If Captain Falcon doesn't hit an enemy during the dash, he falls down and is easily punished - or even worse, if he falls off an edge, he immediately becomes helpless and is very likely to self-destruct.
When used in the air, the move changes from an uppercut to an overhand punch, acting as a meteor smash. Captain Falcon becomes helpless whether the move connects or not; as a result it is very risky to use in midair. In Melee, Captain Falcon's momemtum instantly halts when he hits an opponent, making the move difficult to survive using in any case. In Brawl, however, he bounces over the meteor smashed opponent and keeps a bit of sideways momemtum.
This attack is useful for tech-chasing, due to its duration and range. Additionally, it can be comboed directly into Falcon's knee to achieve KOs relatively easily. Sometimes people follow with Falcon Dive, which can lead to punishment.
As the move doesn't deal any damage until it hits a target, it does very poorly at protecting Falcon from opposing attacks via clanking, leading to a reputation of low priority.
Description from the Melee instruction booklet
Follow up a quick dash with a powerful uppercut that lifts enemies into the air.
Gallery
Raptor Boost before the charge
Raptor Boost in Melee
- Raptor Boost Melee Midair.jpg
Raptor Boost used in midair in Melee
Raptor Boost used in midair in Brawl.
Trivia
- When Falcon performs Raptor Boost and falls from the stage, he becomes helpless, which some fans take as a note to the F-Zero games. When somebody tries to ram another racer from the race-track but fails and falls from the race-track, they become practically helpless.
- This is the only special move of Captain Falcon where there is no Falcon in the move's English name.
