Sora's Moveset and Combos in Smash Bros Ultimate

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Sora's Release and Gameplay
• Using Sora's Aerial Combos Effectively
• Countering Other Fighters with Sora's Down Special
• Sora Dittos and Matchups Against Other Fighters
• Conclusion and Thoughts on Sora's Viability

Introduction to Sora's Release and Gameplay

The final Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC fighter has arrived - Sora from the Kingdom Hearts series. His release brings an end to years of speculation and hopes for who would make it into the roster. As the first match pops up, it's time to take Sora online and see how he handles.

Immediately it's clear that Sora's recovery move, Side B, makes it very difficult for him to SD or be edgeguarded. The spinning attack carries him a long distance horizontally while allowing him to act out of it. Even when trying to purposefully SD by driving straight down with the move, Sora is brought back to the stage automatically. An early kill confirms that his counter Down B is a powerful kill option.

First Impressions of Sora's Moveset

Sora's moveset encompasses all the flashiness and effects fans would expect. Giant key slashes, magic spells, flashy midair combos, and elaborate recovery moves give him a diverse kit. His neutral special cycles between different magic spells, requiring repeated button presses to keep a spell selected. This encourages zoning and projectile spamming, which can be frustrating to deal with. The midair combos are a highlight, chaining together multiple hits into the air. When they connect fully, they lead into potent kill moves like up air. However, the combos sometimes fail to link together properly due to hitstun issues. This likely results from balancing a flashy combo game with Sora's overall power.

Sora's Recovery and Off-Stage Gameplay

By far the most enjoyable part of playing Sora is edgeguarding opponents thanks to his amazing recovery. Side B covers tremendous horizontal distance, granting easy returns from the bottom blast zones. Additionally, down air sends Sora plummeting with a slamming key attack, perfect for chasing opponents trying to recover low. Between Side B and double jump, Sora can reach practically anywhere off-stage. Even when launched far horizontally and vertically, crossing up the entire screen is possible. The feeling of freedom off-stage is unmatched. Now if only his aerials and combos linked together more reliably...

Using Sora's Aerial Combos Effectively

The footage so far has shown some of the issues with Sora's much touted combo potential. While exciting in concept, cleanly connecting the full sequences can be inconsistent against real opponents. The key is understanding what moves can string together and when to reset for a new combo.

Down tilt into up air works as a reliable quick combo. The launching up air can take opponents straight to the top blast zone at mid percents. Neutral air is another good combo starter, and dash attack sets up additional follow-ups if it lands. Learning to read DI and react appropriately takes practice but pays off for securing KOs.

Countering Other Fighters with Sora's Down Special

Sora's Down B counter reflects projectiles when activated without an opponent attacking him directly. This makes it useful for more than just counters. For example, reversing an incoming Gordo against King Dedede can set up edgeguard opportunities. If Sora does directly counter an attack in close range, it launches at high power, making it one of his most potent kill moves.

The counter comes out fairly quickly and lasts a long duration. Portions of the animation even protect Sora's hurtbox against attacks from behind. As a result, the move can feel somewhat spammy. Still, it fits Sora's flashy style, encourages aggressive play for activations, and effectively turns opponents' power against them.

Sora Dittos and Matchups Against Other Fighters

Sora dittos encapsulate the chaotic fun of his gameplay. Between counters facing off point blank and both players flying wildly off the screen edgeguarding, the matches reach new levels of intensity. Other satisfying matchups include Sephiroth with his similar range and recovery, and reflector characters who can turn Sora's projectiles back at him.

On the disadvantage, Sora lacks options to deal with opponents juggling him once airborne. Fast fallers like Fox can continue strings across the whole stage with little chance for Sora to reset neutral. Additionally, Sora's floats downward slowly, making him combo fodder against jugglers. Rushing in with Side B to re-engage or throwing out a quick counter attempt help alleviate the pressure.

Conclusion and Thoughts on Sora's Viability

In the end, Sora delivers the exciting gameplay Kingdom Hearts fans dreamed of. While messy at times, chaining together combos, flying far off-stage to edgeguard, and countering strong attacks encapsulate his identity. Once the initial wave of causal Sora players move on, professionals will likely optimize combos further and establish where he stands viability-wise.

For now, Sora feels very strong but not overpowered or frustrating to fight against. His counter and projectile options verge on spammy at times, but otherwise he promotes aggressive, off-stage playstyles. Sora proves a satisfying final addition to the roster, concluding Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on a literal high note.

FAQ

Q: When was Sora released in Smash Bros Ultimate?
A: Sora was released in the final Smash Bros Ultimate DLC fighter pass in October 2021.

Q: What are Sora's best moves and combos?
A: Sora has great aerial combos and an excellent recovery with Side B. His Down Special counter is also very strong for kills.

Q: How good is Sora compared to other DLC fighters?
A: Sora has some strong tools, but struggles in certain matchups compared to top tier DLCs like Joker and Steve.

Q: What are Sora's weaknesses?
A: Sora's grounded moves are weaker than his aerials. His Neutral B projectiles can also be predictable.

Q: Who does Sora counterpick well against?
A: Sora does well edgeguarding and gimping characters with weaker recoveries like Donkey Kong.

Q: Who counters Sora well?
A: Fast fallers like Fox can be difficult for Sora to land his aerial combos on.

Q: Is Sora a high or low tier character?
A: Sora is generally considered a mid or high-mid tier character, but has potential to rise with optimization.

Q: What are the best strategies when playing as Sora?
A: Use aerial combos and juggles, edgeguard opponents, and land powerful counters.

Q: What are Sora's origins and series?
A: Sora is the main protagonist of the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise published by Square Enix.

Q: Will Sora get any balance patches or changes?
A: As one of the final DLC fighters, Sora is unlikely to receive any major balance changes.