After playing Ridley the most that i could (on friends houses and locals because i don't have a switch), i think he is the PERFECT character for me. It feels like a combination of my previous mains: the speed and power of Charizard, the juggles and follow ups of Yoshi and a bit of Megaman's Projectile pressure.
I really like how he feels and, after checking alot ridley gameplay videos and feedback on twitter before tha game release, i got a general idea of how his moves work, his "weaknesses", and that really helped me when i first tried him on the game, and the more i play with him with my friends (which are good players on the local scene in my city), i really disagreed that he's the "bottom tier character" that everyone claim he is, and after winning my first smash ultimate local tournament on my city last week by going almost-full solo Ridley, it made me more confident to say it.
Like Sakurai mentions on one of his old columns, Ridley is a character that requires learning and spacing, know where and when to use your moves. If you play the Cunning God of Death, you need to be cunning, read your opponent, how he moves and approaches. You are a big target, that's the bait you need for the opponent approach you, use that as your advantage and use you tilts and aerials for give your space, and if the oppoent shields, try another move or retreat, and wait for the right moment to strike, and once you do, keep the pressure, follow with your aerials, juggle your opponent the most you could, and when the opponent escape from your grasp, you already got a HUGE percent lead on your favor, and if you manage to send the opponent off stage, the fun begins, with many options for gimping, or even racking even more damage.
What other great thing about Ridley's special moves: They are great at conditioning: the Plasma Breath deals a lot of damage, but also forces opponents to shield, or recover higher off stage, use that for punish them with the tools at your disposal. Space Pirate Rush is amazing, it gives you the option to launch it early for avoid them to mash out, or expect them to do so for punish for a jab for exaple, and it's a good recovery move. Unlike ganondorf, it doesn't leave you on freefall, so use it with your two jump and Directional Air Dodge/Wing Blitz for mix your recovery.
Wing Blitz, more that a Recovery Move, it feels like a Killing move, with 4 directions to work with. Feels like a great option for punish recoveries on the ledge, but again, don't abuse it. And Skewer is also risky, but if you manage to make the opponent to respect your range and power with your tilts while keeping your distance, you will find the opportunities to connect it.
Overall, don't play with Ridley like how you would play a mindless monster. He's evil and intelligient, and requires the player to act like that as well.
