The (In)Complete Guide to the Laser [V 1.2]
By Samuman (Fabio Biancarelli)
(Thanks for the banner, Flygon!)
Table of Contents:
Use Ctrl + F to find what you are looking for easier.
I: Introduction [INTR]
II: Terms [TERM]
III: Laser facts [LFAC]
IV: Techniques [TECH]
V: VS. Characters [VSCH]
VI: Videos [VIDE]
VII: Update, Changes, & Corrections [UCAP]
VIII: Closing & Information [CLOS]
I: Introduction [INTR]
Welcome one and all to my guide on Fox’s laser. Fox’s laser is known for quite a few things- its crazy usefulness for racking up easy damage, its spam ability, and the many things it can be combo’d into. This guide will help you utilize Fox’s laser in Super Smash Brothers Brawl, by helping you find different uses and situations in which to use it, different and useful techniques, and more. I hope you enjoy my little contribution to the Fox world.
II: Terms [TERM]
Here is a list of terms I’ll be using throughout the guide. Most are just shortened versions of actual phrases, simply to keep things neat.
SH: Short Hop
Done by quickly tapping the button assigned to jump. The name describes what it is; a short hop.
FF: Fast Fall
Done by tapping down whilst in mid-air. The names describes what it does; makes you fall out of the air faster.
Bair, Dair, Fair, Nair, Uair: Back air, Down air, Forward air, Neutral air, Up air
A moves done in the air while pressing the direction indicated by the name.
Usmash, Dsmash: Up smash, Down smash
Shortened terms for a smash attack going in the direction specified by the name.
SHL: Short Hop Laser
A short hop followed by a shot with the laser. Other terms can be added to the end of it or inside it such as SHDL, SHLC, etc.
Shine
Another name for Fox’s Reflector move.
III: Laser facts [LFAC]
Here is the point in the guide where I tell you some general specifics about the laser; just to get you acquainted.
Laser (B)
Damage: 2% from afar, 3% from 1/3 of Final Destination length
-Fox’s laser no longer travels on forever in SSBB as it did in SSBM. (Now it goes about 95% of the way through Final Destination)
IV: Techniques [TECH]
Here I’ll tell you about all the different techniques you can incorporate the laser into. I think you’ll find while on the outside it seems like a simple tool, much more can be done to increase its effectiveness. Remember; practice makes perfect. If you can’t get a technique down right away, don’t get frustrated. Just remember that not even the pros nail every single thing they do the first time.
SHL (Short Hop Laser)
Why:
This is probably one of the simpler techniques that involves the laser, but it’s a fundamental and you’ll build off of this one later. This is a technique that needs to be mastered before you can continue.
How:
Simply execute an SH and fire a laser right before you hit the ground. In Brawl, Fox’s laser is completely lagless when this is done. If done correctly, it’ll cancel with 0 lag, leaving Fox’s entire arsenal open for you to use immediately after words. It can also be reversed. It can even be used upon getting knocked in the air or even if Fox is above ground, only you would subtract the SH. Firing your laser right before hitting the ground both saves your fall, and lets you recover instantly to be ready for a smash attack. Note that you can also fast fall after short hopping.
SHDL (Short Hop Double Laser)
Why:
This is another fundamental for creating damage on your opponent. It’s quick and effective; a staple in Fox’s arsenal since SSBM. Great for both an approach and a retreat.
How:
Simply short hop, and at the peak of your hop, fire a laser, than right before you land, fire again in succession.
SHLS (Short Hop Laser Shine)
Why:
This is a move to create space between you and your opponent. It is something that I’ve found very useful for both creating damage and setting up some sweet combos. Also useful if put in combination with a DSHL or DSHDL.
How:
Remember how I said an SHL cancels with 0 lag? This is one of the times to take advantage of that. Upon completing the SHL, use your Reflector (down + b) after you shoot your laser. The shine appears immediately with 0 lag.
SHL + Usmash, jab/kick, Dsmash (Short hop laser + Usmash, jab/kick, Dsmash)
Why:
Yet another instance where the SHL comes into play. Any of Fox’s A moves can be used, but the ones I have listed are just some of the more useful ones.
How:
Simply execute your SHL, and after firing the laser, press either A, up + A, down + A, etc. You’ll execute the move instantly.
SHLC (Short hop laser cancel)
Why:
Every character’s projectile move can be canceled by using it before hitting the ground. In the SHL, you are required to shoot before hitting the ground, as you are here; the difference is that you will see the startup frames of Fox pulling the blaster out, but it will stop from there. This is generally used in the mind game aspect of the game; it can draw an opponent in, setting you up for a combo. You‘ll need to watch closely for it; you should see Fox lift his blaster until you can see the hilt.
How:
Execute a SH, then fire your laser before hitting the ground. (You’ll have to wait a bit longer than a SHL to fire.) You’ll have confirmation when you see the startup frames for the attack stop.
FLTJ (Full jump triple laser)
Why:
A good move for attacking an enemy where a SHDL or SHL won’t hit them. (I.E. when they are in the air.)
How:
Execute a full jump, firing at the peak of your jump and then rapidly pressing B.
DSHL or DSHDL (Dashing short hop laser or Dashing short hop double laser)
Why:
This is how you can approach an opponent effectively while throwing out some damage their way.
How:
Start a dash, short hop, and either fire your laser once or twice. The short hop should be done after the first few frames of the dash startup has been completed. Be careful not to accidentally commit an Illusion and self-destruct on accident.
RDSHL or RSHDL (Retreating dashing short hop laser or Retreating short hop double laser)
Why:
Instead of approaching, you’ll move backwards while shooting your laser in the direction of the enemy at the same time.
How:
Start a dash in the direction you would want to go. (In this case, away from the opponent.) After the initial dash startup animation is completed, move the control stick in the other direction (can be smashed or tilted, whichever you prefer), short hop, and either fire your laser once or twice.
In conclusion, just simply remember to mix things up a little. Don’t overuse one or more of these techniques. A good example of mixing it up is start to approach an opponent with DHSL, then stat to RDSHL, and jump right at them with a SHLS, and follow through.
V: VS. Characters [VSCH]
This section is devoted to helping you with your laser game in specific matchups.
Use Ctrl + F to find what you are looking for easier.
VS. Fox
The way to use your laser against another Fox is not an easy task, considering: Fox’s shine, and they will also be doing the same to you. It’s important to find a happy medium between your lasering and dodging your opponent’s lasers. Fox is fast, so he’ll be dodging your lasers; mix in some SHDL to make it harder to escape a laser barrage, and fire your lasers sporadically.
VS. Falco
Falco is similar to Fox. Falco’s laser is a bit slower in both cool down time and general speed, so it’ll be easier to dodge the opposition’s laser attacks while using your own.
VS. Lucas
A good Lucas is going to try to absorb your laser (down + B) which regains his health, so in this matchup, it's generally a good idea to stay away from using it. He can also hit your lasers back with his bat. He's a floaty character as well, so aiming at him will be hard.
VS. Ness
Ness can also absorb your lasers and hit them back, so it's a good idea to stay away from the laser this matchup. He's floaty, too.
VS. Wolf
Wolf is also similar to Fox. Watch out for his laser, which can do a total of 9% damage if the unsheathing animation hits you. His laser is substantially slower than Fox's and Falco's, so it should be easier to dodge.
VS. Lucario
Lucario is another floaty character, so he'll be hard to hit. Stay away from laser spamming, though; the more damage Lucario takes, the stronger he becomes.
VS. King Dedede
Dedede will spam his Waddle Dees to stop your laser. Your best option is to SHL or SHDL and shoot his upper area. You'll need some good timing to hit Dedede somewhere in the head/upper torso area, though. Overall, this strategy can be a bit time-consuming and troublesome, so I'd stay away from the laser spamming in this matchup.
VS. Snake
Testing.
VS. Samus
Testing.
VS. Zero-Suit Samus
Testing.
VS. Mr. Game and Watch
Testing.
VS. Yoshi
Testing.
VS. Kirby
Testing.
VS. Metaknight
Testing.
VS. Mario
Testing.
VS. Luigi
Testing.
VS. Peach
Testing.
VS. Bowser
Testing.
VS. Pokemon Trainer
Testing.
VS. Pikachu
Testing.
VS. Diddy Kong
Testing.
VS. Donkey Kong
Testing.
VS. Sonic
Testing.
VS. Jigglypuff
Testing.
VS. Link
Testing.
VS. Toon Link
Testing.
VS. Zelda
Testing.
VS. Sheik
Testing.
VS. Ganondorf
Testing.
VS. Olimar
Testing.
VS. Ice Climbers
Testing.
VS. Ike
Testing.
VS. Pit
Testing.
VS. R.O.B.
Testing.
VS. Wario
Testing.
VI: Videos [VIDE]
Here is a list of videos pertaining to Fox’s laser that I suggest taking a peak at. If you have a video you’d like to submit to this guide, see the contact information [CLOS] to find out how to reach me. I appreciate any and all contributions.
Fox Laser Cancel
Samuman
VII: Updates, Changes, and Corrections [UCAP]
Here you can find what I’ve added, changed, and fixed from version to version.
Version 1.2:
-Banner added.
-Minor fixes on techniques and facts.
-Additions to VS. Characters [VSCH] section.
Version 1.0:
-Guide posted.
VIII: Closing & Information [CLOS]
Thanks for reading this guide, I hope you both enjoyed it and learned something to help you become a better Fox user. I can be contacted at fabiobiancarelli@yahoo.com, or you can PM me here with criticism, comments, suggestions, etc. I’m always open to new information/techniques to be added to the guide.
This guide was created by Fabio Biancarelli (Samuman of SWF) and may not be re-posted or edited without my permission. This guide may not be re-posted anywhere else other than Smash World Forums (www.smashboards.com), and The Bell Tree Forums (www.the-bell-tree.com) without my consent.
By Samuman (Fabio Biancarelli)
(Thanks for the banner, Flygon!)
Table of Contents:
Use Ctrl + F to find what you are looking for easier.
I: Introduction [INTR]
II: Terms [TERM]
III: Laser facts [LFAC]
IV: Techniques [TECH]
V: VS. Characters [VSCH]
VI: Videos [VIDE]
VII: Update, Changes, & Corrections [UCAP]
VIII: Closing & Information [CLOS]
I: Introduction [INTR]
Welcome one and all to my guide on Fox’s laser. Fox’s laser is known for quite a few things- its crazy usefulness for racking up easy damage, its spam ability, and the many things it can be combo’d into. This guide will help you utilize Fox’s laser in Super Smash Brothers Brawl, by helping you find different uses and situations in which to use it, different and useful techniques, and more. I hope you enjoy my little contribution to the Fox world.
II: Terms [TERM]
Here is a list of terms I’ll be using throughout the guide. Most are just shortened versions of actual phrases, simply to keep things neat.
SH: Short Hop
Done by quickly tapping the button assigned to jump. The name describes what it is; a short hop.
FF: Fast Fall
Done by tapping down whilst in mid-air. The names describes what it does; makes you fall out of the air faster.
Bair, Dair, Fair, Nair, Uair: Back air, Down air, Forward air, Neutral air, Up air
A moves done in the air while pressing the direction indicated by the name.
Usmash, Dsmash: Up smash, Down smash
Shortened terms for a smash attack going in the direction specified by the name.
SHL: Short Hop Laser
A short hop followed by a shot with the laser. Other terms can be added to the end of it or inside it such as SHDL, SHLC, etc.
Shine
Another name for Fox’s Reflector move.
III: Laser facts [LFAC]
Here is the point in the guide where I tell you some general specifics about the laser; just to get you acquainted.
Laser (B)
Damage: 2% from afar, 3% from 1/3 of Final Destination length
-Fox’s laser no longer travels on forever in SSBB as it did in SSBM. (Now it goes about 95% of the way through Final Destination)
IV: Techniques [TECH]
Here I’ll tell you about all the different techniques you can incorporate the laser into. I think you’ll find while on the outside it seems like a simple tool, much more can be done to increase its effectiveness. Remember; practice makes perfect. If you can’t get a technique down right away, don’t get frustrated. Just remember that not even the pros nail every single thing they do the first time.
SHL (Short Hop Laser)
Why:
This is probably one of the simpler techniques that involves the laser, but it’s a fundamental and you’ll build off of this one later. This is a technique that needs to be mastered before you can continue.
How:
Simply execute an SH and fire a laser right before you hit the ground. In Brawl, Fox’s laser is completely lagless when this is done. If done correctly, it’ll cancel with 0 lag, leaving Fox’s entire arsenal open for you to use immediately after words. It can also be reversed. It can even be used upon getting knocked in the air or even if Fox is above ground, only you would subtract the SH. Firing your laser right before hitting the ground both saves your fall, and lets you recover instantly to be ready for a smash attack. Note that you can also fast fall after short hopping.
SHDL (Short Hop Double Laser)
Why:
This is another fundamental for creating damage on your opponent. It’s quick and effective; a staple in Fox’s arsenal since SSBM. Great for both an approach and a retreat.
How:
Simply short hop, and at the peak of your hop, fire a laser, than right before you land, fire again in succession.
SHLS (Short Hop Laser Shine)
Why:
This is a move to create space between you and your opponent. It is something that I’ve found very useful for both creating damage and setting up some sweet combos. Also useful if put in combination with a DSHL or DSHDL.
How:
Remember how I said an SHL cancels with 0 lag? This is one of the times to take advantage of that. Upon completing the SHL, use your Reflector (down + b) after you shoot your laser. The shine appears immediately with 0 lag.
SHL + Usmash, jab/kick, Dsmash (Short hop laser + Usmash, jab/kick, Dsmash)
Why:
Yet another instance where the SHL comes into play. Any of Fox’s A moves can be used, but the ones I have listed are just some of the more useful ones.
How:
Simply execute your SHL, and after firing the laser, press either A, up + A, down + A, etc. You’ll execute the move instantly.
SHLC (Short hop laser cancel)
Why:
Every character’s projectile move can be canceled by using it before hitting the ground. In the SHL, you are required to shoot before hitting the ground, as you are here; the difference is that you will see the startup frames of Fox pulling the blaster out, but it will stop from there. This is generally used in the mind game aspect of the game; it can draw an opponent in, setting you up for a combo. You‘ll need to watch closely for it; you should see Fox lift his blaster until you can see the hilt.
How:
Execute a SH, then fire your laser before hitting the ground. (You’ll have to wait a bit longer than a SHL to fire.) You’ll have confirmation when you see the startup frames for the attack stop.
FLTJ (Full jump triple laser)
Why:
A good move for attacking an enemy where a SHDL or SHL won’t hit them. (I.E. when they are in the air.)
How:
Execute a full jump, firing at the peak of your jump and then rapidly pressing B.
DSHL or DSHDL (Dashing short hop laser or Dashing short hop double laser)
Why:
This is how you can approach an opponent effectively while throwing out some damage their way.
How:
Start a dash, short hop, and either fire your laser once or twice. The short hop should be done after the first few frames of the dash startup has been completed. Be careful not to accidentally commit an Illusion and self-destruct on accident.
RDSHL or RSHDL (Retreating dashing short hop laser or Retreating short hop double laser)
Why:
Instead of approaching, you’ll move backwards while shooting your laser in the direction of the enemy at the same time.
How:
Start a dash in the direction you would want to go. (In this case, away from the opponent.) After the initial dash startup animation is completed, move the control stick in the other direction (can be smashed or tilted, whichever you prefer), short hop, and either fire your laser once or twice.
In conclusion, just simply remember to mix things up a little. Don’t overuse one or more of these techniques. A good example of mixing it up is start to approach an opponent with DHSL, then stat to RDSHL, and jump right at them with a SHLS, and follow through.
V: VS. Characters [VSCH]
This section is devoted to helping you with your laser game in specific matchups.
Use Ctrl + F to find what you are looking for easier.
VS. Fox
The way to use your laser against another Fox is not an easy task, considering: Fox’s shine, and they will also be doing the same to you. It’s important to find a happy medium between your lasering and dodging your opponent’s lasers. Fox is fast, so he’ll be dodging your lasers; mix in some SHDL to make it harder to escape a laser barrage, and fire your lasers sporadically.
VS. Falco
Falco is similar to Fox. Falco’s laser is a bit slower in both cool down time and general speed, so it’ll be easier to dodge the opposition’s laser attacks while using your own.
VS. Lucas
A good Lucas is going to try to absorb your laser (down + B) which regains his health, so in this matchup, it's generally a good idea to stay away from using it. He can also hit your lasers back with his bat. He's a floaty character as well, so aiming at him will be hard.
VS. Ness
Ness can also absorb your lasers and hit them back, so it's a good idea to stay away from the laser this matchup. He's floaty, too.
VS. Wolf
Wolf is also similar to Fox. Watch out for his laser, which can do a total of 9% damage if the unsheathing animation hits you. His laser is substantially slower than Fox's and Falco's, so it should be easier to dodge.
VS. Lucario
Lucario is another floaty character, so he'll be hard to hit. Stay away from laser spamming, though; the more damage Lucario takes, the stronger he becomes.
VS. King Dedede
Dedede will spam his Waddle Dees to stop your laser. Your best option is to SHL or SHDL and shoot his upper area. You'll need some good timing to hit Dedede somewhere in the head/upper torso area, though. Overall, this strategy can be a bit time-consuming and troublesome, so I'd stay away from the laser spamming in this matchup.
VS. Snake
Testing.
VS. Samus
Testing.
VS. Zero-Suit Samus
Testing.
VS. Mr. Game and Watch
Testing.
VS. Yoshi
Testing.
VS. Kirby
Testing.
VS. Metaknight
Testing.
VS. Mario
Testing.
VS. Luigi
Testing.
VS. Peach
Testing.
VS. Bowser
Testing.
VS. Pokemon Trainer
Testing.
VS. Pikachu
Testing.
VS. Diddy Kong
Testing.
VS. Donkey Kong
Testing.
VS. Sonic
Testing.
VS. Jigglypuff
Testing.
VS. Link
Testing.
VS. Toon Link
Testing.
VS. Zelda
Testing.
VS. Sheik
Testing.
VS. Ganondorf
Testing.
VS. Olimar
Testing.
VS. Ice Climbers
Testing.
VS. Ike
Testing.
VS. Pit
Testing.
VS. R.O.B.
Testing.
VS. Wario
Testing.
VI: Videos [VIDE]
Here is a list of videos pertaining to Fox’s laser that I suggest taking a peak at. If you have a video you’d like to submit to this guide, see the contact information [CLOS] to find out how to reach me. I appreciate any and all contributions.
Fox Laser Cancel
Samuman
VII: Updates, Changes, and Corrections [UCAP]
Here you can find what I’ve added, changed, and fixed from version to version.
Version 1.2:
-Banner added.
-Minor fixes on techniques and facts.
-Additions to VS. Characters [VSCH] section.
Version 1.0:
-Guide posted.
VIII: Closing & Information [CLOS]
Thanks for reading this guide, I hope you both enjoyed it and learned something to help you become a better Fox user. I can be contacted at fabiobiancarelli@yahoo.com, or you can PM me here with criticism, comments, suggestions, etc. I’m always open to new information/techniques to be added to the guide.
This guide was created by Fabio Biancarelli (Samuman of SWF) and may not be re-posted or edited without my permission. This guide may not be re-posted anywhere else other than Smash World Forums (www.smashboards.com), and The Bell Tree Forums (www.the-bell-tree.com) without my consent.
One question: have you experimented with the Short Hop Triple Laser? I've never pulled it off but apparently it's possible. Perhaps that's something to look into for the later versions.
