In my online brawls I've seen a lot of mediocre Ike players. Even now, almost 5 months after the game's release, I see a lot of players using Ike as if they just opened the box. Even at tournament-level play I see an astonishing number of players who use Ike in a way that I regard as just plain wrong. A friend of mine and I have tried to dissect what makes Ike work for us and help remedy this epidemic of misuse. Here are some essential tips:
1. Recognize and use Ike's meat and potatoes attacks:
A lot of people assume that since Ike's smashes are so powerful, they should be the main part of his attack. Wrong. Your three most utilized moves should be Ike's Neutral A, Up B, and Side B. Neutral A is actually a relatively quick attack and a fairly easy way to land about 20% damage. Up B (Aether) is another easy way to add damage. Use it when your enemy is above you, behind you, or below you; it's very versatile. Side B (Quickdraw) should be used a lot, not as an attack, but as an approach and retreat method. If you're not using it frequently Ike becomes very slow, and very vulnerable. That being said...
2. Quickdraw (Side B) is not an attack by itself:
Please, for the love of God don't use Quickdraw by itself. It's too easy to counter and dodge. Always plan to follow it up with Neutral A, Up B, a dodge, or a counter. There are a few instances when Quickdraw is acceptable as a solo attack. When the enemy is hanging on a ledge, consider using Quickdraw to hit him in the second of vulnerability he will have as he rolls back onto the field. It can knock him off back off the edge and potentially off the stage. Also Quickdraw can be used when the enemy has no chance to dodge it (an uncontrolled fall, charging for another move); however, you need to quickly prepare yourself with a new move set in both situations.
3. Use you Counter!:
Contrary to popular belief, that Down B move is not a whole in your character. You should be using the Counter move liberally during the course of a match. A lot of people assume that since Ike has no ranged attacks he is meant to get in close for the fight. Again wrong. Ike has a bigger range on his melee attacks than almost anyone, and he has to use that to his advantage. When you're playing Ike, you should be using Quickdraw to approach and retreat, always staying slightly out of your opponents reach but within yours. Of course it's impossible to keep your distance for a whole match, so when an opponent gets too close, punish him for it! Reflect that damage back , and show him that he needs to maintain his distance. Counter can also be used as a form of offense. Feint as if you want to attack, but instead use counter to send you're enemies defense back at him. the possibilities are almost endless. Your counter will reflect fire, lasers, and all sorts of other things. Use it a lot! I cannot stress this tip enough.
4. Master the Aether Spike:
This technique will get you kills. 'Nuff said. Anytime someone is recovering from above, you should attempt this move. It's Ike's best edge guarding move, and if you master it you can save yourself a lot of trouble and time trying to chase down and damaged opponent. Plus nothing satisfies like sending your opponent plummeting to his death with this move.
5. Eruption is not as useless as you think:
Really, it's not. Consider using Eruption as an edge guard, as way to clear the area around you, or as a way to add damage to an already flying player. Also, don't forget Eruption's hit box extends as far down as it does up. This makes it useful for hitting players on platforms below you, and it also is a great way to hit opponents you're falling towards.
6. Use Ike's smashes sparingly:
Yes, they're powerful, but they're slow and they leave you exposed for a long time. Consider using Ike's tilt moves instead. The only time you should really use a smash move is when you're almost positive it will land (when an opponent botches a recovery or leaves themselves exposed after an Up B move). Think of your smashes as finishing moves instead of general combat moves.
7. Hold your Quickdraw as a long as you have to:
This seems like it should be common sense, but apparently it's not. You can hold that Quickdraw infinitely. It's a test of patience, but make your opponent make the first move. From there you can decide how to attack, whether or not to intentionally pass them, etc.
8. Don't forget about your grabs:
Ike's grabs aren't super-powerful, and they require you to get closer than you probably should, but when used properly they can add a little definition and depth to your attack. Also the Down Throw to Up B is a nice little combo that racks up damage and gives you time to set up another attack.
9. Make Aether as unpredictable as possible:
Aether is too predictable. It's a sad fact. The best solution to this is to use Aether seemingly at random. Find as many uses for aether as possible, so that you're opponent can never "feel" when it is coming. If your opponent can guess when it's coming, Aether's long move time and lag will allow them to set up for a big counter-strike.
10. Control the pace:
This final tip is another one that is extremely important. People think that because Ike is slow, it is an excuse to play lazy Brawl. Wrong. If you're playing as Ike you have to work twice as fast as the other player's and dictate the tempo. Don't let your opponent have time to set up. The second you give a faster character time to gather themselves, they will abuse you. Keep moving, keep attacking, and never let your opponent do anything unharried. Show no mercy, and give them no rest.
If you have anything you think needs to be added or changed, let me know. I'm not presenting these tip as holy writ. They're just some pointers to help people along, and I'm willing to add to them and alter them as people make suggestions.
1. Recognize and use Ike's meat and potatoes attacks:
A lot of people assume that since Ike's smashes are so powerful, they should be the main part of his attack. Wrong. Your three most utilized moves should be Ike's Neutral A, Up B, and Side B. Neutral A is actually a relatively quick attack and a fairly easy way to land about 20% damage. Up B (Aether) is another easy way to add damage. Use it when your enemy is above you, behind you, or below you; it's very versatile. Side B (Quickdraw) should be used a lot, not as an attack, but as an approach and retreat method. If you're not using it frequently Ike becomes very slow, and very vulnerable. That being said...
2. Quickdraw (Side B) is not an attack by itself:
Please, for the love of God don't use Quickdraw by itself. It's too easy to counter and dodge. Always plan to follow it up with Neutral A, Up B, a dodge, or a counter. There are a few instances when Quickdraw is acceptable as a solo attack. When the enemy is hanging on a ledge, consider using Quickdraw to hit him in the second of vulnerability he will have as he rolls back onto the field. It can knock him off back off the edge and potentially off the stage. Also Quickdraw can be used when the enemy has no chance to dodge it (an uncontrolled fall, charging for another move); however, you need to quickly prepare yourself with a new move set in both situations.
3. Use you Counter!:
Contrary to popular belief, that Down B move is not a whole in your character. You should be using the Counter move liberally during the course of a match. A lot of people assume that since Ike has no ranged attacks he is meant to get in close for the fight. Again wrong. Ike has a bigger range on his melee attacks than almost anyone, and he has to use that to his advantage. When you're playing Ike, you should be using Quickdraw to approach and retreat, always staying slightly out of your opponents reach but within yours. Of course it's impossible to keep your distance for a whole match, so when an opponent gets too close, punish him for it! Reflect that damage back , and show him that he needs to maintain his distance. Counter can also be used as a form of offense. Feint as if you want to attack, but instead use counter to send you're enemies defense back at him. the possibilities are almost endless. Your counter will reflect fire, lasers, and all sorts of other things. Use it a lot! I cannot stress this tip enough.
4. Master the Aether Spike:
This technique will get you kills. 'Nuff said. Anytime someone is recovering from above, you should attempt this move. It's Ike's best edge guarding move, and if you master it you can save yourself a lot of trouble and time trying to chase down and damaged opponent. Plus nothing satisfies like sending your opponent plummeting to his death with this move.
5. Eruption is not as useless as you think:
Really, it's not. Consider using Eruption as an edge guard, as way to clear the area around you, or as a way to add damage to an already flying player. Also, don't forget Eruption's hit box extends as far down as it does up. This makes it useful for hitting players on platforms below you, and it also is a great way to hit opponents you're falling towards.
6. Use Ike's smashes sparingly:
Yes, they're powerful, but they're slow and they leave you exposed for a long time. Consider using Ike's tilt moves instead. The only time you should really use a smash move is when you're almost positive it will land (when an opponent botches a recovery or leaves themselves exposed after an Up B move). Think of your smashes as finishing moves instead of general combat moves.
7. Hold your Quickdraw as a long as you have to:
This seems like it should be common sense, but apparently it's not. You can hold that Quickdraw infinitely. It's a test of patience, but make your opponent make the first move. From there you can decide how to attack, whether or not to intentionally pass them, etc.
8. Don't forget about your grabs:
Ike's grabs aren't super-powerful, and they require you to get closer than you probably should, but when used properly they can add a little definition and depth to your attack. Also the Down Throw to Up B is a nice little combo that racks up damage and gives you time to set up another attack.
9. Make Aether as unpredictable as possible:
Aether is too predictable. It's a sad fact. The best solution to this is to use Aether seemingly at random. Find as many uses for aether as possible, so that you're opponent can never "feel" when it is coming. If your opponent can guess when it's coming, Aether's long move time and lag will allow them to set up for a big counter-strike.
10. Control the pace:
This final tip is another one that is extremely important. People think that because Ike is slow, it is an excuse to play lazy Brawl. Wrong. If you're playing as Ike you have to work twice as fast as the other player's and dictate the tempo. Don't let your opponent have time to set up. The second you give a faster character time to gather themselves, they will abuse you. Keep moving, keep attacking, and never let your opponent do anything unharried. Show no mercy, and give them no rest.
If you have anything you think needs to be added or changed, let me know. I'm not presenting these tip as holy writ. They're just some pointers to help people along, and I'm willing to add to them and alter them as people make suggestions.
I was just pointing out that you didn't mention nair which is pretty important for me.
