Smash Ultimate version 9.0.0 launched on October 13, adding Steve and other Minecraft characters into the game. As always, the patch also came with several balance changes. Surprisingly, the update strengthened some characters that have already excelled in online Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournaments.
Sonic and Ness received substantial improvements for many of their attacks. This is despite their dominance in online events, thanks to players like Carlos “Sonix” Pérez and Spencer “BestNess” Garner. Some other characters who received buffs did not excel during offline tournaments, but have seen greater usage in online play. These include Simon, Richter, and Bowser Jr.
Donkey Kong, the Ice Climbers, Lucario, Shulk, and Ridley also received buffs and/or adjustments for specific moves in Smash Ultimate version 9.0.0. Beyond this, the patch made it easier for numerous multi-hit moves to connect. Adjustments were also made for several characters’ rapid jabs.
More about Super Smash Bros. Ultimate version 9.0.0
Notably, there were no major nerfs in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate version 9.0.0. Many Smash players expected potential nerfs to top-tier characters like Pikachu, Joker, and Palutena. But this patch gave quite the opposite. For example, Pikachu received a slight buff to his forward-air, even though many players consider Pikachu the best character in the game.
THEY FUCKING BUFFED PIKACHU R U KIDDING ME
— 🎄☃️ JollyWizzy ☃️🎄 (@Dark_Wizzy_) October 14, 2020
Balance changes aside, this patch also made another slight improvement to the game’s online play. Now, players should experience less delay in online arenas with spectators. It is the developers’ second notable attempt at improving Ultimate’s netcode, following the first changes in the previous update.
Version 9.0.0 also fixed an apparent glitch related to Smash Ultimate’s perfect shield (or parry) mechanic. Previously, the lag after parrying a projectile was so much that characters did not receive any actual frame advantage for doing so. Now, it is easier to punish a point blank projectile out of a parry.
Reference: https://t.co/mynaSaFSC2
— Dusty_Carpet (@Dusty_Carpet_) October 14, 2020
