Wavedashing

Overview

Wavedashing is a technique in competitive video gaming, specifically within the Super Smash Bros. Melee community. This advanced technique allows characters to slide or "dash" across the stage in a wave-like motion, hence the term "wavedashing". It is a fundamental aspect of high-level play and is often used for positioning, mind games, and extending combos.

Mechanics

Wavedashing is performed by executing an air dodge diagonally into the ground immediately after a jump. This causes the character to slide along the ground while remaining in a neutral stance, allowing them to perform any ground action during the slide. The distance and speed of the wavedash vary between characters, with Luigi having the longest wavedash and Peach having the shortest.

History

Wavedashing was discovered shortly after the release of Super Smash Bros. Melee in 2001. It was not intentionally programmed into the game by its developers at Nintendo, but rather is a byproduct of the game's physics engine. Despite its unintentional nature, wavedashing quickly became a staple of competitive play due to its versatility and utility.

Usage

Wavedashing has a multitude of uses in Super Smash Bros. Melee. It can be used for positioning, allowing players to adjust their character's location without committing to a dash or a walk. This is particularly useful for spacing attacks and avoiding enemy moves. Wavedashing can also be used to extend combos by allowing players to follow up on their attacks more quickly. Additionally, it can be used for mind games, as it allows players to quickly change their movement direction and pace.

Controversy

Despite its widespread use in competitive play, wavedashing has been a subject of controversy within the Super Smash Bros. community. Some players argue that it creates an unnecessary skill gap and detracts from the game's accessibility. Others argue that it adds depth and complexity to the game, rewarding skill and practice. This debate has influenced the design of subsequent Super Smash Bros. games, with wavedashing being removed in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS, and reintroduced in a limited form in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.