General discussion about different character types(in my eyes, it's okay if you don't perceive them in the same way!)
I split my characters into 4 defining characteristics where each character truly excels in one of the characteristics with a secondary. Basically speaking I group every character that are heavy hitters, speed oriented characters (characters that depend on fast instances of damage), skill (spacing and prediction, notice how my definition of skill IS NOT playing ability), and aerial (juggling in the air, edge guarding, and command of the stage). Although there is some gray area where characters can fit into these categories, I will leave that up to debate and just describe each category. For each category I will list 5 of the most representative characters I have seen within these categories. Remember these have a lot of gray area so if you don't agree with me neither of us is wrong.
1.) Power
These are the characters who are heavy hitters, the characters who essentially pose the most threat when at a lower percentage. Normally they are characterized as heavy and slow moving characters, but this has changed in Smash 4. Power Characters are the ones that don't hit very often, but when they do it is extremely strong. They do have a weakness of being the slowest class, but is able to punish the most effectively. Power Characters are the brick walls, if you don't pay attention to them too carefully, you will get hurt. I recommend using Power Characters if you like being able to do a lot of damage without chaining attacks and instilling fear into opponents early game.
These are the characters who surmount a lot of damage due to combos or the ability to strike first against a neutral (the position in which both characters have no leverage over the other). Weaker than Power Characters of course, but can easily rack up the damage in the form of true combos and easy hits, such as projectiles and jabs. Most of the time these characters can be predictable but even then it is hard to prevent given they have so many true combos. They have a weakness of being relatively light and easy to push around in a combo as they have no strong form or retaliation, but it also goes for the other way around. I recommend using Speed Characters if you like to trade off frequently and slowly watch the color run out of your opponent's face.
These are the characters that rely on spacing and prediction in order to deal the most effective damage. The characters who will have to place themselves relative to their opponent in order to control the battle and play the opponent. This play style differs against each person and can either be very rewarding or very punishing. As a weakness and a strength, Skill Characters rely on how the opponent acts and tries to react in such a manner that's beneficial to their own sake. As I said before, each character has their own play style in the Skill category, but all share one common aspect. Spacing is key when using a Skill Character, and as such, stage selection affects Skill Characters the most. I recommend using Skill Characters if you are consistent in attacks and good at prediction. Such a character can also create frustration within your opponent or yourself.
These are the characters that rely on juggling and disabling opponent's options in the air. Edge guarding maniacs, Aerial Characters will control the skies and prevent the opponent from touching the ground. Aerial Characters make use of short hops and their DI to move around the stage and continuously deal damage. Similar to Speed Characters, they dish out damage in constant combos and devastating edge guard hits. Often the ones with the greatest recovery, but poor movement on land, you will usually see the first attack an Aerial Character do is an aerial attack. This does make Aerial Characters somewhat predictable, but it is easy for them to KO you at early percentages if they can get you off the stage. I recommend using Aerial Characters if you like playing off the stage and making use of every jump you have.
I split my characters into 4 defining characteristics where each character truly excels in one of the characteristics with a secondary. Basically speaking I group every character that are heavy hitters, speed oriented characters (characters that depend on fast instances of damage), skill (spacing and prediction, notice how my definition of skill IS NOT playing ability), and aerial (juggling in the air, edge guarding, and command of the stage). Although there is some gray area where characters can fit into these categories, I will leave that up to debate and just describe each category. For each category I will list 5 of the most representative characters I have seen within these categories. Remember these have a lot of gray area so if you don't agree with me neither of us is wrong.
1.) Power
These are the characters who are heavy hitters, the characters who essentially pose the most threat when at a lower percentage. Normally they are characterized as heavy and slow moving characters, but this has changed in Smash 4. Power Characters are the ones that don't hit very often, but when they do it is extremely strong. They do have a weakness of being the slowest class, but is able to punish the most effectively. Power Characters are the brick walls, if you don't pay attention to them too carefully, you will get hurt. I recommend using Power Characters if you like being able to do a lot of damage without chaining attacks and instilling fear into opponents early game.
- Ganondorf
- Little Mac
- Bowser
- King Dedede
- Ike
These are the characters who surmount a lot of damage due to combos or the ability to strike first against a neutral (the position in which both characters have no leverage over the other). Weaker than Power Characters of course, but can easily rack up the damage in the form of true combos and easy hits, such as projectiles and jabs. Most of the time these characters can be predictable but even then it is hard to prevent given they have so many true combos. They have a weakness of being relatively light and easy to push around in a combo as they have no strong form or retaliation, but it also goes for the other way around. I recommend using Speed Characters if you like to trade off frequently and slowly watch the color run out of your opponent's face.
- Greninja
- Sonic
- Pikachu
- Sheik
- Fox
These are the characters that rely on spacing and prediction in order to deal the most effective damage. The characters who will have to place themselves relative to their opponent in order to control the battle and play the opponent. This play style differs against each person and can either be very rewarding or very punishing. As a weakness and a strength, Skill Characters rely on how the opponent acts and tries to react in such a manner that's beneficial to their own sake. As I said before, each character has their own play style in the Skill category, but all share one common aspect. Spacing is key when using a Skill Character, and as such, stage selection affects Skill Characters the most. I recommend using Skill Characters if you are consistent in attacks and good at prediction. Such a character can also create frustration within your opponent or yourself.
- Robin
- Marth
- Villager
- Rosalina/Luma
- Zero Suit Samus
These are the characters that rely on juggling and disabling opponent's options in the air. Edge guarding maniacs, Aerial Characters will control the skies and prevent the opponent from touching the ground. Aerial Characters make use of short hops and their DI to move around the stage and continuously deal damage. Similar to Speed Characters, they dish out damage in constant combos and devastating edge guard hits. Often the ones with the greatest recovery, but poor movement on land, you will usually see the first attack an Aerial Character do is an aerial attack. This does make Aerial Characters somewhat predictable, but it is easy for them to KO you at early percentages if they can get you off the stage. I recommend using Aerial Characters if you like playing off the stage and making use of every jump you have.
- Jigglypuff
- Kirby
- Peach
- Luigi
- Captain Falcon
