Barbasol
Smash Ace
32e: Black Knight
Series: Fire Emblem
First Appearance: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GC)
Series: Fire Emblem
First Appearance: Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (GC)
Black Knight is a mysterious figure in the Fire Emblem series - as the most notable antagonist and direct foil to Ike. Being a primary antagonist across two titles is unheard of for Fire Emblem characters and Black Knight is also notable for becoming a temporary ally in the second game, allowing his motivations and character to be developed as he becomes a watchful guardian of Michaiah - the initial lord in Radiant Dawn.
Why will Black Knight be Included in Smash 5:
Heroes Versus Villains
One theme that has permeated all reveals and development in Smash Ultimate is the concept of Heroes battling against their Villainous Rivals - we saw this played out very directly in the King K. Rool trailer. Mario and Friends battle against Bowser and Jr, Link and company battle against Ganondorf, Samus battles Ridley and Dark Samus, etc. etc. However - with 7 characters to it's name, Fire Emblem is a massive franchise with no villain. Black Knight sums up this role better than any other villain in the series. He is a General class, which essentially means he is a slow heavily-armoured unit that often would serve as the target in missions. His role as the almost categorical 'Dark Knight' makes him a clear foil against any of the elegant and lively FE Lords. They are graceful, witty, and driven by their hopes and emotions - while Black Knight is slow and methodical, sworn to his duty and conviction. He does not care if his aim is good or evil - he is bound to his oaths.
A Clear Echo Opportunity
Part of Ike and Black Knights backstory is that they have been trained by the same master - Greil. From a Lore-standpoint, both share a similar style. They even wield sister-swords. Ike wields the amber coloured Rangell, while Black Knight wields Alondite.
Potential Difference:
- Black Knight is more precise with his strikes and methodical than Ike. His attack arcs could be higher damage but with narrower hitboxes.
- Slow Move Speed, Fast Strike Speed. He may be lumbering inside a heavy suit of armour, but he strikes with an unnatural grace. He can fight well in his zone, but outside that he's more disadvantaged.
One theme that has permeated all reveals and development in Smash Ultimate is the concept of Heroes battling against their Villainous Rivals - we saw this played out very directly in the King K. Rool trailer. Mario and Friends battle against Bowser and Jr, Link and company battle against Ganondorf, Samus battles Ridley and Dark Samus, etc. etc. However - with 7 characters to it's name, Fire Emblem is a massive franchise with no villain. Black Knight sums up this role better than any other villain in the series. He is a General class, which essentially means he is a slow heavily-armoured unit that often would serve as the target in missions. His role as the almost categorical 'Dark Knight' makes him a clear foil against any of the elegant and lively FE Lords. They are graceful, witty, and driven by their hopes and emotions - while Black Knight is slow and methodical, sworn to his duty and conviction. He does not care if his aim is good or evil - he is bound to his oaths.
A Clear Echo Opportunity
Part of Ike and Black Knights backstory is that they have been trained by the same master - Greil. From a Lore-standpoint, both share a similar style. They even wield sister-swords. Ike wields the amber coloured Rangell, while Black Knight wields Alondite.
Potential Difference:
- Black Knight is more precise with his strikes and methodical than Ike. His attack arcs could be higher damage but with narrower hitboxes.
- Slow Move Speed, Fast Strike Speed. He may be lumbering inside a heavy suit of armour, but he strikes with an unnatural grace. He can fight well in his zone, but outside that he's more disadvantaged.
Very Prominent Relevance - Sleeper Potential
The Smash community seems to be sleeping on the potential for Black Knight as an echo. He's a very high visibility character in his initial games, and even has high profile through several elements in the mobile game: Fire Emblem Heroes. Here, Black Knight functions as a top-tier pick and has been featured prominently in program events - meaning that lots of players have been exposed to his presence in the game.
I feel one reason for this is the generic title used for him is Black Knight - a term that reflects the trope of his character but he has also had his alter-ego prominently revealed. While this is a spoiler for the games so I won't bother mentioning it here - they will no doubt call him that for clarity if he makes it to smash.
Anyways - argue and debate below. If we're getting some additional echoes, Black Knight makes too much sense to ignore.
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Potential Mechanical Changes:The Smash community seems to be sleeping on the potential for Black Knight as an echo. He's a very high visibility character in his initial games, and even has high profile through several elements in the mobile game: Fire Emblem Heroes. Here, Black Knight functions as a top-tier pick and has been featured prominently in program events - meaning that lots of players have been exposed to his presence in the game.
I feel one reason for this is the generic title used for him is Black Knight - a term that reflects the trope of his character but he has also had his alter-ego prominently revealed. While this is a spoiler for the games so I won't bother mentioning it here - they will no doubt call him that for clarity if he makes it to smash.
Anyways - argue and debate below. If we're getting some additional echoes, Black Knight makes too much sense to ignore.
1) Distant Counter - When Countering, Black Knight sends out a Shockwave in the direction he was attacked - this means ranged attacks can proc a damage counter.
2) Armour of Ashera - In the games, Black Knight is nearly immune to damage thanks to his armour being blessed by the Goddess. In gameplay - Black Knight has Super Armour while under 100% Damage. Once he reaches 100%, his armour cracks and he is vulnerable as per normal.
3) Black Luna - Since this has become his iconic move in the Fire Emblem Heroes meta we can reskin Eruption to be his Black Luna ability.
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