SSB4 Character Analysis: Wii Fit Trainer

Image from Smash Wiki

The Wii Fit Trainer is a newcomer to the latest installment of Smash Bros. When I first saw the debut for this character, I'll admit I was completely unimpressed. I specifically remember thinking, "What is this, a joke?" as I just could not at the time take the concept of the character seriously. I don't know how but I've done a complete 180 since then as I now really enjoy playing as the WFT. To me it's kind of a joke character, it started out that way at least. After some time spent seriously playing the character though I just have to say, once you get used to the rather unique moveset and wonky hitboxes that come along with it this character can be a lot of fun.

You can play the WFT as male or female. Here are all of the color swaps.

A moves:

• Neutral A combo-- Three hits, the third being able to ground (trap) the opponent for a short time.
• Dash Attack-- WFT dashes forward and crouches down to deliver a hit. Doesn't do a lot of damage or knockback, but can be a good approach.
• Side Smash-- WFT lunges forward with arms extended to both sides. This move will hit in front and back so it can be used to punish dodging opponents. The hitbox on this move seems small at times (at least to me) so make sure you are close to the opponent or it might whiff.
• Up Smash-- WFT brings its arms up in a "tree pose" to hit directly overhead. This move is kind of disappointing. The hitbox is so small that it pretty much always misses, so I just generally don't use it.
• Down Smash-- WFT crouches down to the ground and extends an arm forward and a leg backward. This move is another that hits on both sides. Has a somewhat long range so is also good for punishing dodges, and the crouch can also help you dodge moves because it is low to the ground.

B moves:

• Neutral B-- The "sun salutation." This move is great, its your basic charge-and-store projectile (think Samus). This thing is a pretty big when fully charged, and can be tricky to dodge. Solid move that can also be a killing move at higher percents.
• Side B-- WFT punts a soccer ball with his head, and it flies to the side. A nice spam-projectile, but nothing major. I use this to rack up damage sometimes. It doesn't do much damage or knockback, but its kind of funny when you hit someone with one from far away because they are pretty tricky to aim so they nearly always miss.
• Up B-- WFT starts "hula-hooping" and rises vertically to recover. You have to mash B while you use this to reach the full height of the move, other wise you'll fall short. Literally does not damage or knockback, only use this move to recover.
• Down B-- This one is called "Deep Breathing." It can be tricky because you have to hold it in and then release it at the right time in order for it to take effect. It is a small power-up to all of WFT's moves. Proper usage of this move is critical to being a good WFT.

And there you have a basic rundown of the Wii Fit Trainer. I am still working on improving my game with him, but so far I seem to be doing pretty good with him 1v1 in random online match-ups. I've played a lot of good matches with him and my conclusion is that I think a good WFT can just catch people off-guard at times, as it's not something your really see a lot of online. If you're a good player you can really give people a run for their money.

Music Appreciation Post: Rogue Theme

This is the Rogue Encampment (Starting town, Act 1) theme from Diablo 2. This song has a lot of nostalgia for me as I used to play this game a lot way back in middle/high school. The music from this game, together with the "dark" graphics create the perfect atmosphere for adventure, looting, and monster-slaying. Which is great because that is what Diablo is all about, and I can honestly say the composers did an excellent job enhancing/crafting the feel of this game through the soundtrack that they made. I always find myself going back and looking up this song, as a lot of time was spent in the Rogue Encampment (even in end-game) so it is the one I remember the most. I still go back and play this game from time to time, as that's how much I really love this game. If you have some time the full soundtrack is worth a listen, and if you have even more time I suggest you try out Diablo 2, especially if you haven't before!