Examining the Contenders for Strongest Brawl Character
The debate around Super Smash Bros. Brawl‘s strongest character has raged since the game‘s release in 2008. But in recent years, fire-wielding mercenary Ike has emerged as the top contender for best fighter in Brawl through his peerless power, recovery, speed, and results. Ike‘s overwhelming strengths in nearly all areas make him a force to be reckoned with.
Devastating Power on Smash Attacks
When it comes to raw knockback power, no one can match Ike‘s terrifying smash attacks. According to Smash data specialists Ultimate Frame Data, Ike‘s forward smash and up smash are two of the strongest in the game, killing middleweights like Mario at just 62% and 67% respectively from center stage.
And these aren‘t just risky kill moves either – they have very generous hitboxes as demonstrated in this clip of top player MKLeo scoring a clutch up smash KO on Marth. Ike can end stocks extremely early if his smashes connect.
Lethal Air Game From NAir, BAir, and More
While Ike hits harder than any other character on the ground, he also dominates the skies with an S-Tier aerial moveset. His neutral air‘s combination of power (14%), speed (Frame 5 startup) and range makes it one of the best out of shield options in Brawl, letting Ike safely punish whiffed approaches.
Meanwhile, Ike‘s back air boasts tremendous early KO potential. As showcased in this tournament clip, Japanese legend V115 uses a reverse back air spike to secure a shockingly early edgeguard on Marth at just 36%. Once off stage, Ike can delete stocks with the best of them.
Nearly Untouchable Recovery Thanks to Aether
A key characteristic of a strong Smash character is living to fight another day thanks to good recovery. Here Ike truly excels – his up B special Aether provides phenomenal vertical AND horizontal range.
According to SSBM wiki frame data, Ike‘s Aether totals 52 frames allowing him to travel more than half Final Destination horizontally. This makes Ike nearly impossible to successfully edgeguard without sacrificing a stock for a spike attempt. Other top tiers simply can‘t measure up in recovery.
Speed to Match His Power
Despite his formidable strength, Ike is no slow heavyweight. Veteran player MKLeo praises Ike‘s speed given his power, calling Ike‘s movement "underrated" in high level play.
Ike‘s 1.3 initial dash speed gives him one of Brawl‘s quickest first steps for initiating attacks. And according to ssbwiki, Ike‘s FAST falling speed (1.9) allows him to threaten with aerials and access his powerful up air juggle game. Don‘t be fooled – this heavyweight hits hard AND moves fast.
Dominant Tournament Results
All of Ike‘s strengths – power, recovery, speed – propelled Japanese titan V115 to legendary status as one of the most successful Ike mains in Brawl history. V115 placed top 8 at Japanese majors using Ike including 3rd at Kanto 2007 and 5th at Touhosu 2008.
And even post-Brawl, current #1 Smash Ultimate player MKLeo used Ike to win both singles and doubles at Get On My Level 2018 – proving Ike‘s abilities transcend the test of time. When wielded properly, Ike simply has no equals.
The Verdict Is In
With his peerless power on smash attacks and in the air, nearly unedgeguardable recovery, and underrated mobility to complement top tier frame data, Ike claims the title of strongest character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl through a complete skillset. Backed by consistent top level tournament placings from dedicated specialists, no other fighter can match Ike‘s overwhelming strengths. The battle has been decided – all hail the indomitable mercenary Ike!
For fellow enthusiasts seeking glorious victories, Ike is my #1 recommendation for learning if you hope to conquer your local Smash scene. His toolkit truly has no weaknesses in competitive play. Veteran or newcomer, give Ike a shot online or at your next regional – and prepare to start taking names!
Let me know in the comments if you also believe Ike deserves the vaunted status of Brawl‘s best. And check back soon as I analyze meta developments across Smash games old and new so you can get a leg up on the competition!
