Sora moveset analysis for Smash Ultimate

sora moveset and character art

Today’s Smash Presentation did what was thought to be impossible by adding Sora to the Smash Bros roster. While Sakurai does spend a good deal of time talking about the applications of each fighter’s moveset, I figured it’d be worth looking into the Smash Ultimate Sora moveset, specifically where its inspiration came from. I’ll also look a little into his game plan in action.

READ MORE: Smash Bros: Sora joins as the final fighter

Here’s the reveal trailer to whoever has yet to see it.

Credit: Nintendo

As is shown in the gameplay section of the intro, Smash looks to use Sora’s Kingdom hearts 1 design as his baseline, with his main outfit being that of the first game and many moves using similar animations. Despite this, however, care was taken to make a design that accommodates all three of his main outfits and outings both visually and in the flow of combat.

Kingdom Hearts 1 serves as the baseline of the Smash Ultimate Sora moveset, offering up Sora’s jab, neutral air, forward tilt, forward air, and up air, as well as his Magic Neutral B and Sonic Blade Side B. Basically, much of Sora’s core moveset is modelled by KH1 attacks, as are his general movement and jump animations.

KH2 gets some love both in alternate outfits, but the use of Aerial Sweep as an Up B and the main guard animation. KH3’s general floatiness and spectacle can be seen in how Sora moves during aerial combos, the down air and up tilt, and other more dynamic moves.

sora final smash
Credit: Nintendo

Ultimately, Sora’s moveset is one that looks to pay homage to the main three entries in the Kingdom Hearts series beautifully but does pay special attention to the first game. Not only that, but all the music and stage material is from KH1 as well, and other games are only referenced through Spirits and in the stage background.

As a minor look into the competitive side of things, the Smash Ultimate Sora moveset looks to focus primarily on spacing out opponents with Firaga, Thundaga, and basic Keyblade combos. When a good hit or combo starter is landed, Sora can use his specials to deal a good amount of pain before fishing for powerful smash attacks.

READ MORE: Kingdom Hearts Switch releases confirmed!

This playstyle looks to be exactly what I like, and the first iteration of Sora has always been my favorite. As a Kingdom Hearts kid that always dreamed of Sora’s inclusion since before Brawl, I love all the care put into making Sora faithful to all three main games while staying true to the original.

Similar Posts