Reflector (Falco): Difference between revisions

'''Reflector''' ({{ja|リフレクターシュート|Rifurekutā shūto}}, ''Reflector Shoot''), informally known as '''Shine''' in ''[[Melee]]'', is [[Falco]]'s [[down special move]].

In ''Melee'', Falco's Reflector animation is identical to Fox's and additionally, Falco can also jump cancel his reflector, allowing him to wavedash out of it. The knockback on the move sends opponents upward, meaning he cannot combo most opponents with consecutive waveshines like Fox can. Falco's reflector, however, does combo into other aerials, particularly his down air to create the combo string known as ''pillaring'' which consists of excessive use of the reflector, down air, and up tilt. This potential means Falco's reflector has the potential for more extended combos. The vertical angle of his reflector also means Falco cannot edgeguard with it, but because of the move's high base knockback, Falco can combo consecutive shines for vertical KOs.

In ''Brawl'', how Falco uses his Reflector is very different, as he now kicks it away in front of him when it is activated. It then returns to him as if magnetized. This serves not only as a reflector, but also as an unorthodox, but relatively unrewarding poke option in neutral. It can occasionally [[trip]] opponents, leaving them vulnerable to tech chases, but if the move doesn't trip, it is highly punishable. The Reflector's hitbox now also has a horizontal angle like Fox's, though it is weaker when used against airborne opponents, and doesn't grant invincibility frames anymore. It can travel through enemies unhindered, though. Also, since Falco kicks it, he cannot hold it in place, unlike Fox. This means that timing is crucial in reflecting projectiles. Note that when the Reflector comes back to Falco, it can also reflect any projectiles back at any angle at the last second.

In ''SSB4'', the Reflector's hitbox can itself be reflected, though this does not affect its trajectory, and practically means it will just damage Falco instead of the opponent if the hitbox collides with him (or has not travelled far enough away yet). Visually, the move is unchanged, though Falco's animation for the move is more fluid and he catches his reflector when the move ends instead of it just disappearing. It still trips opponents at low percentages, but because of the higher hitstun in ''SSB4'' and the move is additionally faster, the move is a safer and more reliable poking option than ''Brawl'''s version.

In ''Ultimate'', Falco's Reflector can no longer be reflected, much like in ''Brawl''. Additionally, it no longer has a chance of tripping opponents.