Most important qualities in a character (for competitive play)

[greatbernard]

I'm not a pro, but here are the aspects I deduced were the most important.

1. Speed (runs fast, low-lag attacks, attacks connect)
2. Air Game (air mobility, good jumping, gimping, good air attacks)
3. Recovery Options (fast, large range, low lag)
4. Approach Options (how to get around other characters maneuevers)

Did I leave anything significant out? What would you add to the list?

 

[mimgrim]

General mobility or ways to reduce your bad mobility where it isn't a problem are the most important.

Recovery isn't as important if a character has a really good on stage game, like Melee/PM Falco or Brawl Olimar. Brawl Olimar is also an example of a character with only decent mobility but is good at subverting it thanks to his Pikmin.

A good air game isn't as important if the character has a good ground game, see Brawl Snake, and vice versa. Though having both would be the most preferred.

Approach/neutral game, while important, aren't totally needed like people think. See Melee/PM Sheik, her neutral game is basically non-existence due to how easily she is CC'd against and her only realy approach options are grabs and Nair/Bair but she has really good mobility.

Overall mobility or ways to subvert mobility issues are what I think are the most important aspects. Though they still aren't everything, otherwise Sonic would be better then where he is at in Brawl. There are other things like he safe is the character, how fragile, kill potential, connecting potential, ect...

 

[greatbernard]

Thanks for the detailed answer!

I was afraid of Little Mac being bad because of being total **** in the air, but its true that Snake managed it. I guess its just specific top tier fighters like Jigglypuff (SSBM) and Metaknight (SSBB) that make air game relevant.

The most interesting thing you said was that characters didn't need to have the traits I mentioned, but rather ways to get around needing those things.