Unique Mechanic: Affinity: On Rex’s UI, you’ll see one bar split in two widthwise: the top part red with fire, with a stock icon of Pyra, and the bottom part yellow with sparkles, with a stock icon of Mythra. Affinity for the active Blade is built over time by Rex canceling his attacks into other attacks. Rex’s stats gradually get better the higher his Affinity is. However, Affinity degrades over time as well, and each bar is separate, meaning you can't use Pyra's Affinity to use Mythra's Blade Specials or vice versa.
Jab: Rex slashes sideways, then performs a downwards slash, then performs a forward lunge. Based on his auto-attack animation.
Side tilt: Rex performs a double sideways slash. Based on one of the attacks he used on Malos after bonding with Pyra.
Up tilt: Rex lifts the Aegis Sword above himself, the blade ablaze. Based on Cloud's U-tilt.
Down tilt: Rex performs a quick sweep-kick in front of himself.
Dash attack: His Rolling Smash art. Rex flips over himself and smashes the sword in front of him, creating a burst of fire in front of him.
N-air: An upward slash in front of him and a downward slash behind him.
F-air: A drill lunge. This can be used for recovery.
D-air: A plummet. When an opponent is hit, Rex will immediately slash.
B-air: A sword-twirl behind him.
U-air: Rex swings the Aegis Sword over himself, based on Corrin's U-air.
Side smash: Rex poises, then smashes the hilt of the sword in front of him. Based on his art Sword Bash.
Up smash: Rex lunges the sword upwards, similarly to Hero's Up-Smash.
Down smash: Rex performs a sweeping slash around himself, similarly to Shulk.
Grab: Rex grabs the opponent by the scruff of the opponent. He headbutts the opponent for his pummel.
F-throw: Rex places the tip of the Aegis on the opponent’s shoulder, then lunges, making a saw-like attack.
D-throw: Rex places the opponent on their stomach, then jumps onto the opponent, the tip of the Aegis piercing the opponent’s back.
B-throw: Rex places the Aegis Sword's hilt on the opponent’s shoulder and pulls it as if it were a saw.
U-throw: Rex holds the Aegis upright, the hilt touching the ground, and raises it quickly, sending the opponent flying.
Neutral B: Blade Special: Rex will give the Aegis Sword to his active Blade and perform a Blade Special on the opponent. Blade Specials are different depending on the active Blade. Hold the B button to charge a Blade Special, a number appearing on top of Rex as he charges. With each level gained, it takes longer to gain another level. Kirby’s Copy Ability changes based on which Blade is active, similarly to how he gains a different special for each of Pokemon Trainer’s Pokemon. Said Copy Ability is indicated by Kirby carrying either a large red sword or a large white and gold sword. They are as follows:
Pyra:
- Level 1: Flame Nova: A simple burst of fire that damages all opponents in a radius.
- Level 2: Prominence Revolt: Pyra jumps upwards and stabs the ground with the Aegis Sword, creating a pillar of fire that reaches about a head higher than Arsene. The downward plummet can also meteor smash, making it good for mid-air kill potential.
- Level 3: Blazing End: Pyra shoots towards an opponent and hits any opponents in range. She will then barrage the opponent with three sword strikes before throwing the Aegis Sword and willing it to hone in on the opponents before spinning in place, hitting 8 times before launching the opponent. This can damage opponents not caught.
Mythra:
- Level 1: Ray of Punishment: Mythra shoots a bolt of light out in front of her, creating an explosion of light similar to Snake’s C4 on impact.
- Level 2: Photon Edge: Mythra charges with light before shooting forwards. The first opponent hit will be subject to a multi-hit radius of continuous damage that lasts for a few seconds before a final strike that launches the opponent. The radius can also catch other opponents.
- Level 3: Lightning Buster: Mythra quadruples the size of the Aegis Sword, the slashes three times in front of her. This can hit many opponents and because the attack is faster than one would think, it’s difficult to Perfect Shield it.
Side B: Double Spinning Edge: Rex spins around and propels himself upward, the Aegis outstretched, twice. This can hit both behind him and in front of him. When used in the air, Double Spinning Edge has a more horizontal distance.
Up B: Anchor Shot: Rex holds his hand out and fires his grappling hook at the opponent, dropping one or two HP Potions. If the hook hits, Rex will reel them in and follow up with a slash that sends them flying. Rex can pick up these HP Potions to heal himself, but other opponents can pick them up, too. In the air, the anchor can be used as a tether. It can be used both on the ground or in the air, similarly to Byleth's Up-B.
Down B: Aegis Swap: Pyra swaps out for Mythra. Stat differences are above.
Final Smash: Burning Sword/Sacred Arrow: A Final Smash dependant on the active Blade. If Pyra is active, she and Rex will jump upwards, holding the Aegis Sword together, before slashing downwards and creating an explosion similar to Entei’s Fire Spin, except the blast reaches higher, lasts longer and deals more damage overall. If Mythra is active, she and Rex will shoot a signal from the Aegis Sword, and litter the entire stage with bolts of light similar to PK Starstorm. The difference is that the projectiles are faster and explode on impact with opponents or the stage with a blast similar to the Crash Bomber.
In short, Rex is an aggressive character that takes advantage of his immense range in order to deal damage. He is very versatile thanks to his two Blades Pyra and Mythra, having good damage and kill potential for the former and good combo potential and attack speed for the latter and his Affinity is a handy tool for having a good start in a match. He also has a small hurtbox, making him hard to hit. However, Rex suffers from low mobility and his fair share of weaknesses with either Blade. Pyra makes Rex’s attacks slow and easy to telegraph while Mythra makes Rex’s attacks less damaging and less likely to kill. Additionally, Affinity is individualized, meaning you're keeping track of two separate gauges for one character.
Also really curious about when XC1 remaster is going to release, I have quite a busy second half of the year and won't have much time for games, hoping for a release around May.
