Is Pikachu's dsmash still useful?

[Harbinger631]

I've seen people DI out of it before. However, is it easy to DI out of, like 100% sucess rate of escape?

If so, doesn't the move lose a lot of it's use because an opponent might only take 5% and be able to counter attack while you're still in dsmash animation? How does Pikachu play evolve if the dsmash is ineffective. It doesn't really matter to me yet because my friends don't DI, but I want to be ready if I ever play someone competent.

Sorry if this is poorly put, and I'd test some of this myself, but I don't have a Wii yet.

 

[gallax]

i believe that this is a rumor that everyone can DI out of it all the time. it depends on where you get caught in the dsmash and then how much can you DI out of it.

 

[Jmex]

It really depends on where you start the down smash. For instance if the down smash was stared right next to the opponent, then they would receive the max damage. But if the down smash was started further away and due to the move sucking up the opponent, he wouldn't be hit with as much damage. But yes, this move can be DI'ed out of, although its somewhat difficult.

 

[God_Mains_Pichu]

my friends can only DI out of it with certain characters (especially snake)

even then, they only DI out of the last hit.

 

[TL?]

If they DI out then they end up sliding to the left a little and are perfectly set up for a side smash.

 

[eMORAY21]

Yeh it is still pretty useful. You can't usually DI out untill the last part of it.