abit_rusty
Smash Lord
Premise
As a disclaimer, I don't claim to be the first one to discover this, but I discovered it on my own. During my research I did find some tidbits on this:
I found a post within the big thread briefly mentioning it:
Pac Attack - Advanced Techniques and Strategy Guide
and Lil Mac shenanigans:
https://vine.co/v/OHWZg1lTFOu
In short, footstool follow-ups are nothing new, but certain characters can really make the most out of them. Pac is no exception, and as mentioned in the post linked above, it's using the footstool -> nair (nairstooling?). Furthermore, there is not much research on exactly how to consistently maximize this technique. So here are the results of my findings (all testing done in training mode, neutral standing dummy):
How to:
1. Perform footstool
2. Immediately Nair (sliding the button input makes this easier)
3. Works on both grounded and airborne opponents
Controlling opponent trajectory:
With the exception of a few characters, you can actually control the direction you send them. Here's how:
Applications:
Another kill option! - nair stooling is an easy way to hit confirm that coveted sweetspot nair which is a great KO move
Adds to Pacman's already extensive mix-up game
- common approaches like short hop fair can now have a safer follow up into footstool, or platform drop to nairstool. Empty shorthops into grabs are pretty unsafe due to our laggy grab, so perhaps an empty shorthop into footstool is a safer option.
Character specifics:
Misc thoughts:
As a disclaimer, I don't claim to be the first one to discover this, but I discovered it on my own. During my research I did find some tidbits on this:
I found a post within the big thread briefly mentioning it:
Pac Attack - Advanced Techniques and Strategy Guide
and Lil Mac shenanigans:
https://vine.co/v/OHWZg1lTFOu
In short, footstool follow-ups are nothing new, but certain characters can really make the most out of them. Pac is no exception, and as mentioned in the post linked above, it's using the footstool -> nair (nairstooling?). Furthermore, there is not much research on exactly how to consistently maximize this technique. So here are the results of my findings (all testing done in training mode, neutral standing dummy):
How to:
1. Perform footstool
2. Immediately Nair (sliding the button input makes this easier)
3. Works on both grounded and airborne opponents
Controlling opponent trajectory:
With the exception of a few characters, you can actually control the direction you send them. Here's how:
- After the nairstool, DI the direction opposite you want them to fly towards i.e., if you want to send an opponent forward, DI away immediately after the nairstool
- A footstool -> hydrant follows the same behavior of trajectory, again with some character specific exceptions.
- A footstool -> z-dropped fruit will send the opponent the direction Pacman is facing.
Applications:
Another kill option! - nair stooling is an easy way to hit confirm that coveted sweetspot nair which is a great KO move
Adds to Pacman's already extensive mix-up game
- common approaches like short hop fair can now have a safer follow up into footstool, or platform drop to nairstool. Empty shorthops into grabs are pretty unsafe due to our laggy grab, so perhaps an empty shorthop into footstool is a safer option.Character specifics:
Nairstool with controllable trajectory always works on:
- Mario
- Luigi
- Bowser
- Yoshi
- Rosalina (separates Rosaluma)
- Bowser Jr.
- Wario
- G&W
- DK
- Shiek
- Toon Link
- Samus
- Zamus
- Palutena
- Marth
- Ike
- Robin
- Kirby
- King Dedede
- Metaknight
- Fox
- Falco
- Charizard
- Duck Hunt
- C. Falcon
- Villager
- Dr. Mario
- Dark Pit
- Lucina
- Pacman
- Megaman
- Peach, Link, Ganon, Lucario, Jiggs, Shulk - nairstool only works on second consecutive footstool
- Robin - you must use a neutral (non-DI'd) nairstool to send Robin backwards (rather than the typical forward DI'd nairstool which sends most of the cast behind you)
- Lil Mac - he always flies the direction opposite he is facing, regardless of how you DI your nairstool. This can allow for some easy followups if you DI forward after nair-stool at low/mid percents.
- Pikachu - really strange behavior, the most consistent approach appears to be to always DI nairstool away (sending pika forward)
- Ness - only DI away works, meaning you must DI nairstool the direction that Ness is facing
- Mii's - behavior varies wildly, but seems to be easier (i.e. first footstool possible) on shorter Mii's.
- Diddy
- Zelda
- Olimar
- Wii Fit Trainer
Misc thoughts:
- As I said, this tactic isn't foreign, but for characters with moves who can capitalize on footstool follow-ups, it can be a powerful tool. My testing found this works with villager's nair too, but I did not do as comprehensive research on that. It probably works with other characters and other moves.
- I've only just came back from the lab with all this info, so I haven't put it into practice yet. Any feedback and such is appreciated. I'm happy to contribute to such a helpful board. Best of luck and wakwakawaka on!
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