Did ZeRo Play Melee? A Deep Dive into His Smash History
Yes, ZeRo, whose real name is Gonzalo Barrios, did indeed play Super Smash Bros. Melee. While he’s most famously known for his dominant run in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (Smash 4), his gaming journey started much earlier. ZeRo’s initial exposure to the Smash Bros. series was through Melee, playing with his older sister. Although his professional career didn’t revolve around Melee, it served as a foundation for his deep understanding of competitive Smash and set the stage for his future successes in the franchise. His initial foray into competitive gaming was a direct result of his time spent with Melee.
ZeRo’s Early Days with Melee
Early Life and Gaming Beginnings
From the provided text, it’s clear that ZeRo’s gaming origins can be traced back to his early life. Receiving a Nintendo GameCube was pivotal for him, as this was when he started playing Super Mario Sunshine and more importantly, Super Smash Bros. Melee. These early gaming experiences with his sister were fundamental in developing his love for gaming and competitive play, shaping his approach to the Smash series that would define his career.
Melee as a Foundation
While ZeRo is not primarily remembered as a Melee player, it’s crucial to understand that his early exposure to Melee helped him understand the mechanics of the series. This foundation allowed him to later excel in Smash 4. His knowledge of the series is deep, stemming directly from his experience with Melee. Although it was not his primary competitive game, it was the game where he learned the roots of what it meant to play Smash competitively.
ZeRo’s Rise in Smash and the Transition to Smash 4
The Meteoric Rise in Smash 4
The text prominently mentions ZeRo’s dominance in Smash 4, where he achieved a staggering 56-event winning streak. This record-breaking performance earned him two Guinness World Records, cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant players in Smash history. While he did not pursue professional Melee, his success in Smash 4 was unparalleled. His mastery of characters and advanced techniques made him a force to be reckoned with.
Retirement and Controversy
ZeRo eventually retired from professional competition in January 2018 to focus on streaming, which signified his “closure” with Smash 4. However, his retirement was not without controversy. In July 2020, accusations of inappropriately interacting with minors online came to light, which resulted in his sponsors dropping him. These actions ultimately led to his ban from many competitive Smash tournaments. His journey within the world of Smash is as complex and nuanced as any player’s, with incredible highs and devastating lows.
FAQs: Expanding Your Knowledge of ZeRo and the Smash Community
To further your understanding of ZeRo’s involvement in the Smash scene and some related facts, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Is ZeRo Currently Involved in the Smash Competitive Scene?
No, ZeRo is currently banned from most major Smash tournaments due to the allegations of inappropriate interactions with minors. He has shifted his focus primarily to content creation and streaming.
2. What Led to ZeRo’s Retirement From Competitive Smash?
ZeRo retired from professional competition in January 2018 to focus on streaming, however, he eventually announced in July 2020 that he would cease competitive play permanently after allegations surfaced about his sexual messages to minors when he was 19, causing him to end his sponsorships.
3. What is ZeRo’s Most Famous Achievement in Smash?
ZeRo is best known for his 56-event winning streak in Smash 4, which earned him two Guinness World Records. This win streak was one of the longest and most talked about events in Smash competitive history.
4. Has ZeRo Ever Competed in Melee Tournaments?
While ZeRo played Melee early in his life, there is not much indication he actively participated in professional Melee tournaments. He is best known for his involvement with Smash 4. However, the provided text notes a recent entry into a Melee tournament in 2023, signaling a potential return to the game.
5. Did ZeRo’s Former Partner, Vanessa, Have a Relationship with ZeRo?
Yes, Vanessa was ZeRo’s former partner. She recently shared that ZeRo had a recent attempt at suicide and has been hospitalized.
6. Who Was Originally Intended to Be in Super Smash Bros. Melee?
The text mentions that Lucas from Mother 3 was initially intended for Melee, but was replaced by Ness due to the cancellation of Mother 3 (Earthbound 64) on the N64DD.
7. Why Was ZeRo Banned from Smash Tournaments?
ZeRo was banned from many Smash tournaments after admitting to sending inappropriate sexual messages to minors in 2014.
8. Who Are the “5 Gods” of Melee?
The “5 Gods” of Melee are considered to be Mew2King, Mang0, Armada, Hungrybox, and PPMD, and they had a huge impact on the competitive scene.
9. What Caused Crush to Stop Playing Melee?
The reason Crush stopped playing Melee is not definitively known. It is speculated he either wanted to focus on college or had simply accomplished all his goals in the game.
10. Why is Melee Called “Melee”?
The term “Melee” comes from the French word “mêlée,” which means “mixture,” reflecting the chaotic nature of the game.
11. What Is the Story Behind Salem’s Controversy?
Salem was accused of condoning the sexual relationship between Nairo and Captain Zack, despite knowing Captain Zack was a minor. He issued a statement to explain his actions while denying any knowledge of their ages.
12. Who Are Some of the Hardest Characters to Master in Smash?
According to Riddles, characters like Peach, Ice Climbers, Rosalina & Luma, Kazuya, Duck Hunt, Pikachu, and Sheik are some of the hardest to master due to their complex mechanics.
13. Is Captain Zack Banned from Smash?
Yes, Captain Zack is banned from the competitive scene due to his multiple relationships with adults while underaged which included blackmailing and extortion.
14. Is there L-canceling in Smash 64?
Yes, in Smash 64, it’s called Z-canceling, performed by pressing the Z button before landing to reduce lag, this is the equivalent of L-canceling in later Smash games.
15. Who Has the Most Powerful Attacks in Smash?
Bowser and King Dedede have some of the strongest F-Smashes in the game. Additionally, Marth has powerful attacks if the tip of his sword makes contact, Ike and Ganondorf also have significant ranged attacks with large arcs.
Conclusion
While ZeRo’s legacy is primarily tied to Smash 4, his journey began with Melee, which helped lay the groundwork for his future successes. He may not have been a professional Melee competitor, but his early experience in the game was an important part of his overall development. Understanding ZeRo’s full history within the Smash community provides a clearer picture of the series’ evolution and the impact he has had on its history. From his beginnings to his controversies, ZeRo’s story is a complex one deeply intertwined with the world of competitive Smash.