The new technique has the potential to re-define the game’s meta.
Following technical issues and other factors, VGBootCamp founder, tournament organizer, and game mechanic enthusiast Calvin “GimR” Lofton had to postpone the reveal of a new technique he discovered, which he claimed would change the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate meta. Now, two days later, players finally got to see a full breakdown of the new tech: Slingshot.
Similar to wavedashing in Smash Melee, the Slingshot is a movement technique that combines multiple, smaller mechanics to create something more complete and technical, known as a bufferable input shortcut. In this case, it acts as a way to give every character in the game more options, better spacing, and utility that has the potential to open up just how creative players can be as it evolves.
EVERYTHING IS SAFE https://t.co/8wPikjFetu
As GimR explains it, the Slingshot is achieved by inputting two control stick movements in quick succession—Dash, Forward/Back, and then Downback or Upback. When done correctly, this will have your character dashing in a direction, but not dashing back
There are three main variations that GimR coined and explained in-depth during his initial presentation:
When used correctly, the Slingshot can allow previously unsafe options for characters on Shield to become safe. For example, it allows Shieik to pressure Joker’s Shield and get away freely, instead of risking an out-of-Shield grab. This is especially important for characters with large, vulnerable hitboxes like Mewtwo, who now has less to worry about with its tail, since the Slingshot will have it instantly facing away from the enemy.
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“There is a little bit of a barrier to entry, but because it’s so lenient and you have like seven frames because of the buffer window, once you get used to it, it’s not that bad,” GimR said. “It could very well, if people are willing to do it, create a skill gap, because you’ll have to learn this in order to compete because of all of the options it gives you now, especially when it comes to movement, air momentum, and stuff like that.”
As for community reactions, many top players have given positive responses based on their initial practice, with many already labbing the various angles, options, and mix-ups that the Slingshot enables with their own stable of characters.
flickshot is very good for cross ups. maybe this is what we get instead of running through shields? seems interesting
For a full explanation of all three moves, along with visual cues, analysis of the buffer system, and examples of how specific characters and their moves will be impacted by each of the three Slingshot variations, you can watch GimR’s presentation in full on YouTube.
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