Zjiin
Smash Master
I have used this system to determine how a smash player acts in a match, and how to approach this properly you have to understand the mindset that this creates. Other people have agreed that this is a pretty accurate system of play styles. Every smash player fits into a category or sub category of one of the four following behaviors:
Now I’ll go into depth of what these styles actually mean.
Ferocious Tiger~
Someone who plays like this is often constantly throwing out an attack regardless of the distance, percentage, or actions of the opponent. They usually take advantage of every opportunity for a combo and are known to suicide due to the fact that they cannot stop themselves from chasing people off the edge. Ferocious tigers are relentless and love to wail on shields knowing that it’s only a matter of time before their 0-death combo (or attempt) will kick in. Over-anxious, these players will more than likely dominate team games, will plow though teammates to get to an opponent and will even steal kills from their opponent. Ferocious tigers love nothing more than a long, drawn-out aerial combo to death.(know FTs are foxes, falcos, marths and falcons)
Patient Owl~
A patient owl type player is often considered a camper, although this isn’t always the case. They will use their good knowledge of spacing and priority to plan out their attacks. These smashers hold true to the advice “don’t get hit” and will run away when things look unsafe or unsure. A patient owl dash dances and grabs more than any other smash behavior. If things are looking bad, they will revert to running down the clock while keeping a safe distance. (known POs are peaches, marths, and samuses)
Clever Mongoose~
To be a clever mongoose, you need to be technical or have good overall knowledge of the game itself. These players will often do unorthodox moves or risky strategies to catch their opponent off guard. Mindgames are a clever mongoose’s best friend and can make up for tech skill with them. CM’s are known to save their opponents when taking the risk to humiliate them further. (i.e. attempting a spike, instead of ensuring a kill by just edgehogging.) Tech chasing and calling DI is a big part of their game. A clever mongoose can easily get into the heads of an unprepared opponent. This is more seen in lower tier characters to even the playing field. (known CMs are mewtwos, samuses, ice climbers, luigis, and various low-tiers)
Clumsy Llama~
If you know novice space animal players, then chances are that you know what a clumsy llama is. Clumsy llamas often try to do more than they are prepared for, either physically or mentally. Trying to be more like a ferocious tiger, they do not yet have the finger speed or the muscle memory to accomplish the glorious combos they have planned in their heads. Known to suicide more than any other behavior due to unintended moves, (over+B with space animals) these players worst enemy are themselves. A clear sign of a clumsy llama is improper air dodges. (Usually off the side when attempting to wavedash or into the side of the stage when jumping off the ledge) These players are also easily scared due to their unsteady nerves. (known CLs are foxes, falcos, and falcons)
Now of course not everyone falls into one of these categories. As you read through, you might have found a little of all in your own play style. These can be divided up into “sub-categories” of two different styles. For example:
My personal play style is of both the Clever Mongoose and the Clumsy Llama. The one I am more of, will be the first part, and then the other style will be the second. I am more CM than CL so I am a ‘Clever Llama’. (I use tricks for the majority of my game, but will suicide or do something stupid once in a while)
So if you are very defensive most of the time (patient owl) and once you get a good opening you 0-death combo (ferocious tiger) that would make you a ‘Patient Tiger’ (patient going first because it is the more dominant trait in your play style)
Some players are JUST one type and some are more of a 50/50 type. There will rarely be someone who are three types, and if you think you might be all four, then you don’t know how to properly judge yourself.
All in all this is all in good fun, but the smashers in my area told me I should make this public, since I use these terms quite often.
Ferocious Tiger
Patient Owl
Clever Mongoose
Clumsy Llama
Patient Owl
Clever Mongoose
Clumsy Llama
Now I’ll go into depth of what these styles actually mean.
Ferocious Tiger~
Someone who plays like this is often constantly throwing out an attack regardless of the distance, percentage, or actions of the opponent. They usually take advantage of every opportunity for a combo and are known to suicide due to the fact that they cannot stop themselves from chasing people off the edge. Ferocious tigers are relentless and love to wail on shields knowing that it’s only a matter of time before their 0-death combo (or attempt) will kick in. Over-anxious, these players will more than likely dominate team games, will plow though teammates to get to an opponent and will even steal kills from their opponent. Ferocious tigers love nothing more than a long, drawn-out aerial combo to death.(know FTs are foxes, falcos, marths and falcons)
Patient Owl~
A patient owl type player is often considered a camper, although this isn’t always the case. They will use their good knowledge of spacing and priority to plan out their attacks. These smashers hold true to the advice “don’t get hit” and will run away when things look unsafe or unsure. A patient owl dash dances and grabs more than any other smash behavior. If things are looking bad, they will revert to running down the clock while keeping a safe distance. (known POs are peaches, marths, and samuses)
Clever Mongoose~
To be a clever mongoose, you need to be technical or have good overall knowledge of the game itself. These players will often do unorthodox moves or risky strategies to catch their opponent off guard. Mindgames are a clever mongoose’s best friend and can make up for tech skill with them. CM’s are known to save their opponents when taking the risk to humiliate them further. (i.e. attempting a spike, instead of ensuring a kill by just edgehogging.) Tech chasing and calling DI is a big part of their game. A clever mongoose can easily get into the heads of an unprepared opponent. This is more seen in lower tier characters to even the playing field. (known CMs are mewtwos, samuses, ice climbers, luigis, and various low-tiers)
Clumsy Llama~
If you know novice space animal players, then chances are that you know what a clumsy llama is. Clumsy llamas often try to do more than they are prepared for, either physically or mentally. Trying to be more like a ferocious tiger, they do not yet have the finger speed or the muscle memory to accomplish the glorious combos they have planned in their heads. Known to suicide more than any other behavior due to unintended moves, (over+B with space animals) these players worst enemy are themselves. A clear sign of a clumsy llama is improper air dodges. (Usually off the side when attempting to wavedash or into the side of the stage when jumping off the ledge) These players are also easily scared due to their unsteady nerves. (known CLs are foxes, falcos, and falcons)
Now of course not everyone falls into one of these categories. As you read through, you might have found a little of all in your own play style. These can be divided up into “sub-categories” of two different styles. For example:
My personal play style is of both the Clever Mongoose and the Clumsy Llama. The one I am more of, will be the first part, and then the other style will be the second. I am more CM than CL so I am a ‘Clever Llama’. (I use tricks for the majority of my game, but will suicide or do something stupid once in a while)
So if you are very defensive most of the time (patient owl) and once you get a good opening you 0-death combo (ferocious tiger) that would make you a ‘Patient Tiger’ (patient going first because it is the more dominant trait in your play style)
Some players are JUST one type and some are more of a 50/50 type. There will rarely be someone who are three types, and if you think you might be all four, then you don’t know how to properly judge yourself.
All in all this is all in good fun, but the smashers in my area told me I should make this public, since I use these terms quite often.
