Does Smash Have True Combos? Unpacking the Mechanics
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The question of whether Super Smash Bros. has true combos is a complex one that often sparks debate among players. The short answer is: it’s complicated, but mostly no, not in the traditional fighting game sense. While Smash features many sequences that appear to be combos, few fall under the definition of a “true combo” in the same way as games like Street Fighter or Tekken. This article will dive into why this is the case, exploring the unique mechanics of Smash and explaining what constitutes a “true combo” versus other forms of offensive pressure. We’ll also explore the characters and situations where combo-like sequences are prominent.
Understanding True Combos
Defining True Combos in Fighting Games
In traditional fighting games, a true combo is a sequence of attacks where, after the first hit connects, the opponent cannot perform any defensive action (blocking, dodging, counter-attacking, etc.) before the subsequent hits connect. These sequences are often tightly timed, requiring precise inputs, and are a core component of high-level play in these genres. The opponent is essentially locked into receiving the full string of attacks, making them incredibly damaging.
The Smash Difference: Why True Combos are Rare
Super Smash Bros. differentiates itself from traditional fighters with core mechanics like percentage-based damage, knockback, and the ability to air dodge and air move. These differences mean that:
- Knockback disrupts combo possibilities, often making it difficult to link attacks seamlessly. Opponents frequently get pushed outside of hit-range quickly.
- Air dodging and air mobility mean the receiver can escape seemingly inescapable sequences after initial hits connect.
- Variable hitstun creates a system where hitstun varies based on attack type, character weight, and damage percentage. This variation makes it harder to create true links that work across all conditions.
Character Specific Chain Combos
It’s important to note that despite all of that, a select few characters break these rules due to unique mechanics. Ryu, Ken, and Terry are exceptions to this rule because they can chain their light attacks and tilts repeatedly. They can effectively lock opponents in a series of light hits that often seem like combos because the player is unable to get out.
Combos in Smash: More About Setups and Follow-Ups
Even though true combos are rare, Smash is still brimming with offensive opportunities. What players often refer to as “combos” in Smash are usually:
- Setups: Attacks that create an advantageous situation, such as launching an opponent into the air or into a vulnerable position, leading to a follow-up.
- Follow-Ups: Attacks executed in response to a setup, designed to capitalize on an opponent’s vulnerability or position.
- Strings: Sequences of attacks linked together without guaranteeing all hits will land, where the opponent has opportunities to escape, but good play makes this difficult. These are common and what many refer to as combos.
Throw Combos
Many characters in Super Smash Bros. possess throws that are useful starting points for potential combos or advantageous positions. Some specific characters excel in this area:
- Mario: His up throw is well known for initiating low-percent follow-ups.
- Luigi: His down throw is a key element of his complex combo game.
- Ganondorf: His down throw can lead to powerful edgeguards and follow-ups.
- Palutena: Her back throw at low percentages has some very strong combo options.
Importantly, not all characters have throws that lead to combos, meaning players must identify alternative offensive strategies.
Why These Sequences Aren’t “True Combos”
These offensive sequences aren’t considered “true combos” because opponents are not entirely locked into receiving all the hits. In between hits, opponents have the ability to:
- Air dodge to escape the sequence.
- Use aerial attacks to interrupt the combo.
- Drift or DI (Directional Influence) to change their trajectory and escape.
This is why Smash combos are often described as “reads” and “follow-ups,” where players predict and react to an opponent’s defensive options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What characters have the easiest combos in Smash?
Mario is often cited as having some of the most intuitive combos for beginners due to his simple but effective moveset and predictable follow-ups. His up-throw and forward air are frequently used to begin combos at lower percentages.
2. Is Super Smash Bros. a real fighting game?
While Smash shares some characteristics with traditional fighting games like combos and special moves, its unique platforming and knockback mechanics make it a platform fighter and not a standard fighting game like Street Fighter or Tekken.
3. How do you unlock characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
Characters are unlocked by playing through Classic Mode, fighting them in World of Light, or through the Challenger’s Approach menu after losing to a new fighter.
4. Can you still unlock characters if you lose in Smash?
Yes. If you lose an unlock battle, you can rematch the character in the Challenger’s Approach area.
5. Is Smash Ultimate the last Smash game?
While Masahiro Sakurai has officially retired from the series, there are possibilities for future Smash titles, though there are no official announcements for another game.
6. What is Super Smash Bros. Infinite?
Super Smash Bros. Infinite was a fan-made project that added a large number of new characters to the game. It is not an official Nintendo product.
7. What is a platform fighter?
A platform fighter is a sub-genre of fighting game that often incorporates environmental elements like platforms and emphasizes movement and positional play, unlike traditional 2D fighters.
8. Who hits the hardest in Smash?
Captain Falcon is generally known as one of the hardest hitters due to his strong individual attacks like the Falcon Punch, as well as his strong KO options.
9. Who is the hardest character to play in Smash?
Characters like Sheik, Olimar, and Luigi are considered to have some of the highest skill ceilings due to complex combo strings or specific spacing requirements.
10. What does “F-Smash” mean?
An “F-Smash” refers to a Forward Smash Attack. A powerful horizontal smash attack that is performed by tilting the control stick horizontally and pressing the attack button or by flicking the C-stick.
11. Will Goku ever be in Smash?
While popular, Goku is highly unlikely to be added to Smash due to licensing and copyright issues, as well as him being from a non-video game franchise.
12. Does Smash require skill?
Yes, Smash requires both mechanical skill on the controller and a strong understanding of strategy, spacing, and matchup knowledge.
13. Who are the “Five Gods of Melee”?
The Five Gods refers to five dominant Super Smash Bros. Melee players: Armada, Hungrybox, Mango, Mew2King, and PPMD.
14. What is ZeRo’s role in Smash?
ZeRo is a retired professional Super Smash Bros. player and streamer known for his expertise and dominance in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
15. How many characters are available in Smash Ultimate without DLC?
There are 76 playable characters in the base game of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, or 74 if you count Pokemon Trainer as a single character, and 69 unique base characters, 7 echo fighters, and the DLC character Piranha Plant.
Conclusion
While Super Smash Bros. may not have the true combos that traditional fighting games are known for, it offers a unique and engaging fighting experience centered around setups, follow-ups, and read-based gameplay. Understanding these mechanics is crucial to mastering the game and appreciating the skill and strategic depth it offers. The emphasis on reacting, adapting, and capitalizing on opponents’ vulnerabilities makes Smash an incredibly rewarding and complex game.