Reverse angle boomerang

Description

The Reverse Angle Boomerang, named by Maryland smasher B-Run, is a trick used with Link's and Young Link's forward B. While there is a wider range of reverse angles available to Young Link, a Link player may still find the occasional use for the reverse angle's unique game mechanics. The point of the reverse angle boomerang is to use the fact that when the boomerang is on its return path, it passes through every substance in the game, solid or non. Using this method properly can grant additional damage in situations where there is no other way of hitting the oponent as well as grant a degree of psycological control over the enemy player.

Execution

The most simple way for a Young Link player to execute a reverse angle, is to throw his boomerang at as close as an angle as possible to directly down, the boomerang will bounce up and instead of being caught by Young Link, will continue over his head in a wide arch. Link may also perform this type of reverse angle when the ground is uneven or slopes up in front of him at particular angles, but those are very few and much less reliable than Young Link's downward reverse angle. For Young Link, however, this method's ease of use and predictable boomerang path, combined with the speed of the execution, will make this the most useful form of the reverse angle boomerang.

A version which is the most reliable for Link, and is a shared angle for both Heroes of Time, is performed by throwing the boomerang in the oposite direction you want your boomerang to end up, then jumping over or falling under the boomerang as it returns, thus keeping it from being caught and continuing its reverse angle path. This version is less reliable than Young Link's downward reverse angle, but is more versitile. Depending on whether the boomerang passes below or above your chosen Link, the boomerang may arch upward or downward during the reverse angle. The resulting angles possible are practically limitless. The major downside to this reverse angle is the time required for it to become effective as one has to wait for the boomerange to complete it's regular interval in order to dodge it on its reverse angle path.

There is no reverse angle which Link can perform that Young Link cannot.

Weaknesses

The most major weakness of the reverse angle is the fact that while the boomerang is out, you cannot use another one. In many cases this can prove to be a hinderance, especially when the boomerang is off of the visible screen and you attempt to use it on accident. The boomerang, after passing your Link, should take another three or four seconds before it dissapears and you can use another one.

Another weakness is in fast paced fights where an oponent can close in on you quickly and your attempt to perform a reverse angle will give the enemy character an opening to attack. The animation is not a short one, and in most cases you will be facing the oposite direction of your oponent while perfoming the reverse angle leaving you only to block, dodge, or roll to avoid getting hit by your oponent.

Reverse Angle Basics

When starting out with the reverse angle, the only time one should use it is when the oponent is out of reach for "their" attacks. This way you can safely perform the reverse angle without any fear of retaliation durring your attack. This is where the reverse angle can do the most mind games. The reverse angle can hit many camping characters; conversly, you camp yourself while throwing reverse angles to annoy your oponent.

The floor of Onett is a dangerous place to be, especially on the far right side. But using the downward reverse angle, you can annoy and do damage to the person trying to keep you on the bottom because of the positional advantage. You can even use the minimal stun when they get hit to get yourself out of the corner. In this particular case, it makes a situation where every other character is in trouble into an advantage for yourself.

Another basic way to use the reverse angle is by using Young Link's downward reverse angle to hit an oponent above yourself a distance away. Getting the two to three extra percent out of the reverse angle on a character returning the the stage at low percent can add up to a big difference over time. At this point in a fight, the enemy will be returning higher on the map more often than out or below due to Young Link's attacks, and the downward reverse angle can toss a few more percent on the target when you cannot safely attack any other way.

Intermediate Use

Once you are comfortable with the timing and directions of the reverse angle. You may start performing it with an opponent within attacking range of yourself. If you know that you have time to throw, go ahead and throw then get into a skirmish against your foe. If you are successful in distracting him properly, you can lead the boomerang on its reverse angle directly into him which could break one of his combos or start one of your own.

Another place to use Young Link's exclusive downward reverse angle is when you mean to thrown a regular boomerang but as soon as you begin to start the animation you realize that the enemy is approaching from too high of an angle to hit. By quickly jamming down you can change your attack into a downward reverse angle and stun the oponent, breaking his attack, right before he lands on you. This can save you from many high and top tier characters' spike started combos and actually makes use medium length animation for throwing the boomerang by giving you time to adjust and catching your opponent off guard.

Advanced Reverse Angles

Advanced reverse angles come in all shapes and sizes and use every possible angle at your disposal. Often you will have to improvise a reverse angle to meet your specific needs. When moving from platform to platform or while raising or dropping levels, you may decide it a good idea to cover your movements with a reverse angle. This catches a lot of players off guard and can lead to a wide range of oportunities; however, this is mainly done defensively. You may need your boomerang to intersect with your enemy's path at a specific time for it to work, by becoming efficient at the reverse angle, you can keep a constant source of dmg on your opponent or otherwise break his stride of pace of movement to "your" speed. Controlling the flow of battle is the number one way to play any character. In order to best do this you need to be able to have a boomerang ready whenever you may need it, not just when its a preplanned and set up reverse angle. Being able to visualize the path of the reverse angle as it changes before and after it passes you is key. There are also two distances to throw one's boomerang: the longer, standing throw, or the shorter, in motion throw. This can greatly effect the resulting angle.

After mastering the timing of the boomerang's animation, you can learn to cut it short by landing on the edge a platform instantly after the boomerang leaves Link's hand then falling from the edge thus breaking the animation, This severely cuts down on your lag and can help you move right into a combo from any boomerang attack, not just a reverse angle. The particular advantage this has for the reverse angle boomerang is the fact that your intention is rarely to attack the oponent directly in the first place when using it therefore if they are close they have an opening to attack, this method severely reduces your risk but limits the usage of the reverse angle. However, when it fits, it becomes a very effective way to move and attack quickly and unpredictably.