Vision
| Vision | |
|---|---|
 Vision in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. | |
| User | Shulk |
| Universe | Xenoblade |
| “ | Predict and attack, prepare, and counter the attack. | ” |
| —Smash for 3DS's foldout | ||
Vision (ビジョン, Vision) is Shulk's down special move. It is a counterattack that is notable for having the longest counter window in the game, along with the only one to have two different counterattacks depending on directional inputs.
Overview
Similar to other counterattacks, the move involves Shulk drawing the Monado from his back slightly in a pose, then retaliating with an attack if he is hit. If no directional keys are held down, Shulk performs a slow forward-sliding upwards slash with a wide range, capable of hitting opponents a distance away from him; this counter has the highest range of any counterattack in the series (excluding Peach's Toad, which sprays projectiles). A second type of counter, which can only be performed if Shulk is grounded, is stronger and faster with less range and can be performed by holding forward once Shulk counters. With it, Shulk dashes forward with quicker speed than the standard vision counter and slashes through the opponent with a turning outward-clearing slash, launching the victim behind Shulk. Depending on where the attack hits, the regular counterattack deals a minimum of 7% or 10% damage, and otherwise deals x1.3 the damage of the move that it countered. The forward counterattack has the same multiplier, but with a minimum of 10% or 13% damage instead. Regardless of the version, this counter can One-Hit KO when countering a powerful attack (a hitbox that deals at least 37% damage) and is one of the strongest counterattacks in terms of knockback in the entire series, along with Roy's Counter and Corrin's Counter Surge.
Shulk is completely invulnerable while the counter animation plays, only becoming vulnerable once he performs the slash. In addition, time slows down for the counter's activator while Vision is active, making it very difficult to escape unless the activator is a projectile or similar. Aesthetically, Vision looks different than other counters as it creates a translucent blue background if activated (which is the backdrop used for Visions in Shulk's origin game), and Shulk says "I see it..." or "a vision...!" if activated.
Compared to other counterattacks in Smash 4, Vision counters moderately fast (begins at frame 7) and is tied for the longest counter window in the game when fresh (with a counter window of 35 frames, the same length as Double Team), capable of countering attacks even when the readying animation seems to be complete. This makes the move an extremely effective counter when used unexpectedly, as opponents tend to underestimate the amount of time that the counter stays active, while the counterattack additionally has massive range, impressive knockback, and slows victims down. However, the counterattacking window becomes shorter (decreasing by 11, 8, 5, 4, then 2 frames) every time it is used in succession (regardless if the counterattack is triggered), eventually reducing Vision's counter window to a mere 5 frames if it is spammed, which does not happen to any other counter (Witch Time's effect when successful decreases, but the counter window itself remains the same). The window length is fully replenished when 15 seconds pass without using Vision, or once Shulk is KO'd and respawns.
Customization
Special Move customization was added in Super Smash Bros. 4. These are the variations:
| 1. Vision | 2. Dash Vision | 3. Power Vision |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| "Evade an incoming enemy attack, and deliver a swift counterattack." | "Counter an enemy's incoming attack while moving swiftly past them." | "An extra-powerful counter that's much less effective when used repeatedly." |
- Vision: Default.
- Dash Vision: Shulk takes a big step forward and the counter's range is extended. Has the longest reach of any counterattack in the series, and the move becomes significantly faster.
- Power Vision: Shulk counters with a much stronger slash, but the attack has increased startup and ending lag. Has extreme knockback, OHKOing upon countering an attack that deals 30% damage and can even KO upon countering a jab if the opponent is at 60% or above on small stages. However, if used too much, the counter window will become increasingly slim, to the point where it cannot counter at all upon use. Due to the move's only downside being the inability to counter after excessive use while still keeping its respectably long counter window when fresh, it is one of the most powerful counter moves in the game, and arguably the most feared.
Origin
Visions play a key role in Xenoblade Chronicles; as the wielder of the Monado, Shulk occasionally foresees major events, usually those of a tragic nature. Once he learns how to handle these visions, he uses them as his guide, usually to prevent foreseen deaths. Visions also play two roles outside of cutscenes. One role is informing the player that a recently picked-up item is needed for an upcoming quest. When that happens, that item is marked, to alert the player to keep the item for the quest. The other role appears in battle when an enemy's attack may inflict major damage or status to the victim, in order to alert the player to take measures in averting the vision (via preventing the enemy from using the attack, redirecting the attack away from the intended victim, or improving the victim's defenses to ensure that they could survive it). The two lines Shulk can say when Vision activates in SSB4 are direct quotes he uses when Visions activate during combat, although re-recorded.
Both versions of the counterattack have animations similar to two specific arts in Xenoblade Chronicles: the regular slash Shulk performs is reminiscent of Stream Edge, one of his physical Arts in which he takes a step back and takes a large horizontal swing forward, capable of hitting multiple enemies with its range, while the faster dashing slash resembles Dunban's ether art, Thunder, which forces daze on opponents who are behind him if he has an active aura.
