Shulk Moveset Analysis/Speculation/Discussion (Phase 1/PLEASE READ OP)

[BBG|Scott-Spain]

Thank god for his specials, because that leaked footage made him look very mediocre.

 

[Spazzy_D]

I'm still not sure what Shulk's Custom neutral B could be. Maybe less choices but longer duration?

Maybe we will still be able to see moves like Eater and Purge this way?

 

[Ynikoma]

I'm still not sure what Shulk's Custom neutral B could be. Maybe less choices but longer duration?

Maybe we will still be able to see moves like Eater and Purge this way?

Or maybe change the order of the cycle.

 

[Hokori]

Or maybe change the order of the cycle.

The ability to customize the order of the cycle sure as hell would be nice for preferences.

 

[Lozjam]

Shulk looks like he has one of the best counters in the game. I am so maining him. He will back up my Link nicely

 

[Neo Zero]

Now let's just hope his Dair from the leaked video can spike

 

[Deleted member]

What will Riki do? He seems to be the one thing that I can't piece together from the trailer. It would appear he grants a buff to Shulk using Happy Happy, but what will it boost in Smash?

 

[Solfiner]

So, I'm thinking that Speed will be amazing for follow ups, depending on how quick you can change modes. Can't wait to take it to the lab.

 

[Hokori]

Now let's just hope his Dair from the leaked video can spike

Omg stahhhhhp. With that range, offstage presence will be so intimidating. I'd pray for predictable/poor recoveries though. Spike D-Air paired with the Jump Art...

I'm already imagining how many people I plan on disrespecting

 

[Solfiner]

Omg stahhhhhp. With that range, offstage presence will be so intimidating. I'd pray for predictable/poor recoveries though. Spike D-Air paired with the Jump Art...

I'm already imagining how many people I plan on disrespecting

Imagine the fun of running around with Speed and Jump on the largest stages. The trolling will be glorious.

 

[A Lucky Person]

Soooo do we know if the mode changes are timed (they only last for so long), or is it permanent until you change to another?

Is his "neutral" mode a part of the cycle, or does Shulk even have a neutral mode?

 

[Neo Zero]

So, I'm thinking that Speed will be amzing for follow ups, depending on how quick you can change modes. Can't wait to take it to the lab.

Remember the good ol days you hated this

I'm pretty sure you can change Modes while moving at least. I do imagine anything that sort of "locks" you out of your character though (rolling, air dodge, attacking, etc; ) won't allow you to change during though.

 

[Rich Homie Quan]

He has some serious range. And he'll have sword priority so unless he's crippled with landing lag, he's looking great.

 

[Solfiner]

Remember the good ol days you hated this

I'm pretty sure you can change Modes while moving at least. I do imagine anything that sort of "locks" you out of your character though (rolling, air dodge, attacking, etc; ) won't allow you to change during though.

Yeah, I'm imagining something like:

Using Shulk's aerial that has the least amount of endlag close to the ground, then quickly switch modes and do a follow up. Could potentially work in mindgames too.

After seeing it in motion, it's a lot easier to swallow I must say.

 

[Hokori]

So we have this...

Go to about :16 in the video. I'm about to go back through the GIFs in case I missed out on something. Pay attention to Shulk in the brief clip though.

 

[Neo Zero]

So we have this...

Go to about :16 in the video. I'm about to go back through the GIFs in case I missed out on something. Pay attention to Shulk in the brief clip though.

It's the delayed Down B counter mate. Notice the blue flash before he does it? Same animation too.

 

[STiCKYBULL3TZ]

I didn't know much about Shulk and didn't care much but after seeing him in action he's one of the characters I'm most interested in. I might not main him but imma definitely mess around in the lab so he could be a potential secondary for me.

I wonder about the stat changes could they be used on the fly? Like pressing B during anything will instantly change his stats. Or does he have to idle in order to activate? And if an animation is involved, how long before he can act again? Too quick and he could be broken.

 

[Hokori]

It's the delayed Down B counter mate. Notice the blue flash before he does it? Same animation too.

Yeah, after going back through the trailer, I noticed.

 

[Dunban]

So we have this...

Go to about :16 in the video. I'm about to go back through the GIFs in case I missed out on something. Pay attention to Shulk in the brief clip though.

You can see him at :11 switching modes too

 

[relaxedexcorcist]

I'm still not sure what Shulk's Custom neutral B could be. Maybe less choices but longer duration?

Maybe we will still be able to see moves like Eater and Purge this way?

I'm thinking the buffs last longer but you have to wait longer to use them again and vice versa.

I'm curious to know the specific mechanics of his Monado arts though. Can he switch modes whenever he pleases, or is he gonna be faithful to Xenoblade and he's gonna have to fill up an invisible talent gauge before using a Monado art each time.

 

[Vintage Creep]

So, my guess is that his final smash has different variations to make Sheila, Reyn and Melia also appear.

 

[Super FOG]

Changing between all the Monado arts with one single button and create a game based on constantly alternate these styles makes Shulk hard as **** to master.

Shulk is not a character for noobs

 

[GloriousV]

Im really interested in seeing how his Air Side B works compare to his normal Side B. If its true that you get a damage or launch bonus from his Side B if you hit the opponent's back, then it might be useful since Backairs are a very common offensive option people like to use when aproaching or edge guarding.

 

[Dunban]

Changing between all the Monado arts with one single button and create a game based on constantly alternate these styles makes Shulk hard as **** to master.

Shulk is not a character for noobs

Aw jeez, better stick with spamming Kirby's Down-B then :3

 

[Lozjam]

Changing between all the Monado arts with one single button and create a game based on constantly alternate these styles makes Shulk hard as **** to master.

Shulk is not a character for noobs

I have had the power all along, the power has been unlocked

 

[Solfiner]

So, my main question right now is: Can Shulk switch modes while in midair? Because if he can, he pretty much has the best recovery in the game with Jump.

 

[Dunban]

So, my main question right now is: Can Shulk switch modes while in midair? Because if he can, he pretty much has the best recovery in the game with Jump.

I can't see why he wouldn't be able to.

 

[Solfiner]

I can't see why he wouldn't be able to.

Imagine dat recovery. Save the double jump so you can switch to the Jump mode while in midair and then be all like: "Lol nope I'm outta here."

 

[~ Gheb ~]

Frame data of neutral B will be crucial to know about. Though in the leaked video footage it looked like he can switch between modes almost instantly. From a tactical point of view, the ability to switch between modes and change Shulk's combat attributes are incredibly powerful. They may be hard to learn and exploit properly but if you make correct use of them you're able to control a buffed character in virtually every situation. That's a new level of flexibility right there.

 

[Sol_Vent]

So, since we've already seen his forward and backward aerials in the trailer, that probably means that the move in this clip is his neutral aerial:

http://gfycat.com/DependentIncomparableAmbushbug

 

[GloriousV]

Imagine dat recovery. Save the double jump so you can switch to the Jump mode while in midair and then be all like: "Lol nope I'm outta here."

In the video leaks it did look like he could switch midair, it was very fast too.

 

[Amazing Ampharos]

Shulk is really looking like my kind of character. He's a super complicated character with good zoning normals which I consider quite the upgrade over my current character (a very simple character with good zoning normals, and as a bonus, Shulk's jab looks better than G&W's though jab finishers may help my flat friend out). I can already see tons of situations in which I'd want to go into all five Monado modes, but the big issue is that it's one neutral special. How do you pick which mode, or does it go on a cycle? If you could just pick modes whenever, that seems like it would be very strong, but it seems likely that you'll have to consider stuff like "Shield would be really useful right now, but Smash is next in line".

Shulk's smashes look crazy unsafe even if awesome in every other way, but his fair and bair looked very speedy so that could make and interesting dynamic. More of a big thing though is that I think Shulk is really going to need safe tilts; his utilt looks fantastic, but ftilt will be a critical move, and we haven't seen it yet (a G&W quality dtilt could suffice too, but it doesn't look like Shulk will get one of those). The main thing is that Shulk's grounded zoning game isn't going to work well if run up shield counters it, and I don't think his aerials alone are likely sufficient to let him lock down that space especially since Shulk seems to have no projectiles at all and honestly all of his specials just look like risks to throw out (maybe he'll have a good, safe custom on side or down special?). I see a lot of potential here, but predictably, it's going to rest on the quality of things we just haven't seen yet.

 

[Neo Zero]

So, my main question right now is: Can Shulk switch modes while in midair? Because if he can, he pretty much has the best recovery in the game with Jump.

He can, it's shown in the leaked video he can.

Shulk is really looking like my kind of character. He's a super complicated character with good zoning normals which I consider quite the upgrade over my current character (a very simple character with good zoning normals, and as a bonus, Shulk's jab looks better than G&W's though jab finishers may help my flat friend out). I can already see tons of situations in which I'd want to go into all five Monado modes, but the big issue is that it's one neutral special. How do you pick which mode, or does it go on a cycle? If you could just pick modes whenever, that seems like it would be very strong, but it seems likely that you'll have to consider stuff like "Shield would be really useful right now, but Smash is next in line".

Shulk's smashes look crazy unsafe even if awesome in every other way, but his fair and bair looked very speedy so that could make and interesting dynamic. More of a big thing though is that I think Shulk is really going to need safe tilts; his utilt looks fantastic, but ftilt will be a critical move, and we haven't seen it yet (a G&W quality dtilt could suffice too, but it doesn't look like Shulk will get one of those). The main thing is that Shulk's grounded zoning game isn't going to work well if run up shield counters it, and I don't think his aerials alone are likely sufficient to let him lock down that space especially since Shulk seems to have no projectiles at all and honestly all of his specials just look like risks to throw out (maybe he'll have a good, safe custom on side or down special?). I see a lot of potential here, but predictably, it's going to rest on the quality of things we just haven't seen yet.

It cycles, but you can cycle REALLY fast. Memorizing the order of the modes is important, but otherwise you just tap the button enough for the mode you want. I believe on that note as well, the mode will only activate once the Kanji disappears.

So, since we've already seen his forward and backward aerials in the trailer, that probably means that the move in this clip is his neutral aerial:

http://gfycat.com/DependentIncomparableAmbushbug

Hello Ike Nair. Yup, that's definitely his Nair

 

[4cast]

Shulk's Different Arts Make Him A Truly Formidable Foe in the Hands of a Master and in lots of different situations Some Examples
Sonic or Wario Or any other characters with a powerful final smash? No Problem switch to Shield so you won't die!
Find one of the Trolly Sonic players online that keep running away so you won't get your kill back? No Problem! Just switch to Speed to catch up!
In a Sudden Death or At a high damage percent? No Problem! switch to Shield!
An Opponent is Far away from the ledge but you need to deal that finishing blow? No Problem! Switch to Jump To catch your enemy and finish them off while knowing you are safe and can easily recover back to the stage!
Want to start a combo on the enemy to rack up damage? No Problem! Switch to Buster to deal some powerful Blows and then switch to Smash To Finish Them Off!
............
Did I just come up with a meta game for Shulk? Shulk is an instant main I love his playstyle!

 

[Neo Zero]

Oh, one other thing.

Soooo do we know if the mode changes are timed (they only last for so long), or is it permanent until you change to another?

Is his "neutral" mode a part of the cycle, or does Shulk even have a neutral mode?

This Kanji appeared when Shulk's feet stopped glowing in the leak video. It looks like it lasts a certain amount of time before deactivating. It lasts from about 45 seconds to 38 seconds, so roughly 7 in game seconds upon the Art being activated.

Also judging by footage and what we know, it's very likely that once an Art is activated, you CAN'T switch modes until it expires, to ensure a player properly deals with the pros AND cons of a mode, rather than just abusing the pros and never having a mode on that has a con for w/e situation they're in.

 

[roymustang1990-]

So,is it safe to say Shulk has the best/longest range in the game based on the footage we've seen?

He reminds me of a slower ike,minus the monodos

 

[WeirdChillFever]

I got this idea:
Approach with Speed, switch to Shield to avoid the counter and use Smash to, well, Smash the opponent.

That or instead of Smash, Buster to combo the opponent, USmash, Jump mode, juggle, Smash, Star KO.


Dang I love him.

 

[MegaLagann]

Like a lot of people I wasn't keen on mode swapping at first, but I love it now. Shulk looks to be in the same league as Rosalina as one of the more technical fighters in the game. And that range...

 

[BBG|Scott-Spain]

Has anybody thought about the potential with this guy and Kirby? That's going to be nuts!

 

[Fistex]

Kirby with extra jump power, that will be interesting.