Jewdo
Smash Journeyman
written guide by Jewdo, video guides written, filmed, and edited by Drack
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(Update 3-20-08) - Drack has posted Video 1 illustrating the B-Reversal and its properties.
(Update 3-20-08) - Drack has posted Video 2 illustrating B-Reversal Jumps and how they differ from B-Sticking jumps, also known as Recoil Specials.
(Update 3-20-08) - Jewdo has also posted replay data and instructions on how to view it on your copy of Brawl.
Watch Video 1 here.
Watch Video 2 Here.
Replay Data Here.
**************************************************************************
When messing around on Brawl today, Drack and I happened upon a new technique that might be of some use to the community. We'll call it the "B-reversal" for now, but I hope someone here can come up with a better name for it. When you've read the post, post your name ideas, and when we agree on an official "winner," we'll add the winner to the credits list.
We were using Lucas and Toon Link on Final Destination, but most characters can do it for most of their B-moves (see "who can..." section) and stage does not matter.
HOW TO DO A B-REVERSAL - YOUR FIRST TRY
1.) Press B to signal that you want to do a Neutral B.
2.) Slam the joystick IMMEDIATELY in the opposite direction you are facing before the B-move's animation begins.
Your character should turn 180 degrees instantly, then perform your character's B-move. For B-moves that charge, like Ike or Marth's Neutral-B, you may continue to hold B if you like. Charging B-moves does not affect the success rate of the B-Reversal.
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IMPORTANT - The Neutral-B is not the only B-move that can be reversed. You can reverse all of the directional B-Moves (Side-B, Up-B, and Down-B) as well. Credit to everyone who pointed this out in the thread.
UPDATE - List of Moves Compatible with the B-Reversal/Recoil Specials
http://www.smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=166774
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Note: The B-Reversal is NOT the Turnaround-B. See "Why the B-Reversal..." section for more information.
TRICKS USING THE B-REVERSAL
Running B-Reversal Pivot - B-reversals at the end of a run instantly cancel your horizontal momentum as well as changing your direction, acting as a very fast pivot with an attack. Note that, if you want to B-Reversal Pivot with your Neutral B, you have to let the joystick return to the center before pressing B. Otherwise, you'll reverse a Side-b instead.
B-Reversal Shield Techniques - The B-reversal can also be done out of a shield. The moment you see your shield drop, do a B-reversal.
Another technique that uses the B-Reversal is the B-Reversal Jump. The B-Reversal Jump has further benefits beyond simply changing the direction of your B-Attack.
HOW TO DO A B-REVERSAL JUMP
1.) Start running left or right.
2.) While holding the same direction, begin a jump. Doesn't matter if it's a short-hop or full-hop.
3.) At any time during the jump, preferably before you reach your peak, perform any reversible B-move.
4.) Before the animation for your B-move begins, slam the joystick in the opposite direction you were running before you jumped.
If done correctly, your character should turn 180 degrees in the air and begin moving in the opposite direction that he/she originally started running. If you continue to hold the new direction until the end of the jump, you should land back at the same spot you began your jump from, give or take (see the replays in my post below).
The basic effect of the B-Reversal Jump is a complete horizontal momentum cancel and a reversal of direction faced, followed optionally by travel in the opposite direction the character was originally moving.
WHY THE B-REVERSAL IS DIFFERENT FROM ITS PREDECESSORS
The B-reversal and B-reversal jump differ from the Turnaround B, which was already popular in Melee and Brawl, in two respects:
(1) For a B-Reversal Jump, you turn around mid-jump AFTER pressing B, not immediately before the jump or pressing B. You don't even need to jump if you're just doing a B-Reversal.
(2) A B-Reversal Jump does not continue to travel in the same direction you were originally moving, but rather cancels your horizontal momentum and allows you to move in the opposite direction.
(3) B-reversal is not B-sticking. B-sticking cannot be used to perform B-reversals while running. A diagonal press on the B-stick in the opposite direction the character is running forces the character to jump (see Panda's Discoveries or video). Also, B-Reversal Jumps do not behave the same way as B-sticking jumps - they turn you around and allow you to DI instead of pushing you backwards with the momentum of an attack.
WHO CAN PERFORM A B-REVERSAL
Almost every character can do a B-Reversal with almost every B-Move, but some characters get less than full benefits for certain moves. Some moves just can't be B-Reversed at all. The following is a list of special cases with Neutral-B's, provided for the sake of example.
(a) Some characters' Standard B moves already translate joystick movement into character movement, like Meta Knight's Mach Tornado. Pit too could already turn his B around whenever he likes, even in the air. For these, nothing new is added to the game.
(b) Other characters' standard B moves cancel all momentum in the horizontal direction, like Jigglypuff's Rollout, preventing them from DI'ing backwards with a B-Reversal Jump. However, they do gain the ability to change their orientation, both in the air and on the ground.
(c) Captain Falcon and Ganondorf could already turn their B moves around at the beginning. However, because the timing for the B-reversal was programmed to perform an intended turnaround function, they cannot B-reverse. This means that, though they can reverse the attack's direction on the ground or in the air, it won't be as fast as other B-reversals, and they won't be able to cancel horizontal momentum like a B-reversal Jump.
(d) Even MORE characters have special cases to consider, like Sonic, whose homing attack direction is dictated by a tiny AI-type function.
APPLICATIONS
A few possible applications for the B-Reversal off the top of my head -
1) Fake retreats. Run away, then do a B-Reversal Pivot or a B-Reversal Jump. If your opponent gave chase, you might be able to punish him for it and catch him off-guard.
2) Easy multi-directional platform-camping. This makes platform-camping in team battles a little easier for characters like Zero-Suit and Wolf.
CONCLUSION
I hope this helps, or at least piques some interest. If anybody finds a new use for the B-Reversal, post and I'll credit you for the tip. Peace out.
UPDATE - B-Reversals and the Recoil Special
Another Brawl technique, called the Recoil Special, also alters your horizontal momentum during aerial specials. It allows you to jump at an opponent, use a B-move in their direction, then bounce backwards toward your original jump position. Though it IS different from the B-Reversal, the Recoil Special is made possible by the B-Reversal. Taymond, Author of The C-Stick Compendium - A Comprehensive Guide, explains here:
[1] Jewdo & Drack - independent discovery of the B-Reversal and B-Reversal Jump, replay data
[2] Drack - video recording, visual proof, video guide
[3] Jewdo - tricks using the B-Reversal, written guide, replay instructions
[4] willtheshadow - first discovery of the B-Reversal on 3-16-2008
[5]Taymond - information in the "B-Reversals and the Recoil Special" update.
[6] multiple - thanks to everyone in the thread for pointing out that directional specials can be B-reversed as well, not just neutral-B's. This is very useful information.
[7] 3GOD - list of moves compatible with the B-Reversal/Recoil Specials
(update 3-20-2008) - Drack and Jewdo did discover the B-Reversal (and its applications) without any prior knowledge of its existence. However, willtheshadow was the FIRST to discover it, so give him credit for the first discovery. You can find his post here - http://www.smashboards.com/showpost.php?p=4135532&postcount=1
**************************************************************************
(Update 3-20-08) - Drack has posted Video 1 illustrating the B-Reversal and its properties.
(Update 3-20-08) - Drack has posted Video 2 illustrating B-Reversal Jumps and how they differ from B-Sticking jumps, also known as Recoil Specials.
(Update 3-20-08) - Jewdo has also posted replay data and instructions on how to view it on your copy of Brawl.
Watch Video 1 here.
Watch Video 2 Here.
Replay Data Here.
**************************************************************************
When messing around on Brawl today, Drack and I happened upon a new technique that might be of some use to the community. We'll call it the "B-reversal" for now, but I hope someone here can come up with a better name for it. When you've read the post, post your name ideas, and when we agree on an official "winner," we'll add the winner to the credits list.
We were using Lucas and Toon Link on Final Destination, but most characters can do it for most of their B-moves (see "who can..." section) and stage does not matter.
HOW TO DO A B-REVERSAL - YOUR FIRST TRY
1.) Press B to signal that you want to do a Neutral B.
2.) Slam the joystick IMMEDIATELY in the opposite direction you are facing before the B-move's animation begins.
Your character should turn 180 degrees instantly, then perform your character's B-move. For B-moves that charge, like Ike or Marth's Neutral-B, you may continue to hold B if you like. Charging B-moves does not affect the success rate of the B-Reversal.
**************************************************************************
IMPORTANT - The Neutral-B is not the only B-move that can be reversed. You can reverse all of the directional B-Moves (Side-B, Up-B, and Down-B) as well. Credit to everyone who pointed this out in the thread.
UPDATE - List of Moves Compatible with the B-Reversal/Recoil Specials
http://www.smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=166774
**************************************************************************
Note: The B-Reversal is NOT the Turnaround-B. See "Why the B-Reversal..." section for more information.
TRICKS USING THE B-REVERSAL
Running B-Reversal Pivot - B-reversals at the end of a run instantly cancel your horizontal momentum as well as changing your direction, acting as a very fast pivot with an attack. Note that, if you want to B-Reversal Pivot with your Neutral B, you have to let the joystick return to the center before pressing B. Otherwise, you'll reverse a Side-b instead.
B-Reversal Shield Techniques - The B-reversal can also be done out of a shield. The moment you see your shield drop, do a B-reversal.
Another technique that uses the B-Reversal is the B-Reversal Jump. The B-Reversal Jump has further benefits beyond simply changing the direction of your B-Attack.
HOW TO DO A B-REVERSAL JUMP
1.) Start running left or right.
2.) While holding the same direction, begin a jump. Doesn't matter if it's a short-hop or full-hop.
3.) At any time during the jump, preferably before you reach your peak, perform any reversible B-move.
4.) Before the animation for your B-move begins, slam the joystick in the opposite direction you were running before you jumped.
If done correctly, your character should turn 180 degrees in the air and begin moving in the opposite direction that he/she originally started running. If you continue to hold the new direction until the end of the jump, you should land back at the same spot you began your jump from, give or take (see the replays in my post below).
The basic effect of the B-Reversal Jump is a complete horizontal momentum cancel and a reversal of direction faced, followed optionally by travel in the opposite direction the character was originally moving.
WHY THE B-REVERSAL IS DIFFERENT FROM ITS PREDECESSORS
The B-reversal and B-reversal jump differ from the Turnaround B, which was already popular in Melee and Brawl, in two respects:
(1) For a B-Reversal Jump, you turn around mid-jump AFTER pressing B, not immediately before the jump or pressing B. You don't even need to jump if you're just doing a B-Reversal.
(2) A B-Reversal Jump does not continue to travel in the same direction you were originally moving, but rather cancels your horizontal momentum and allows you to move in the opposite direction.
(3) B-reversal is not B-sticking. B-sticking cannot be used to perform B-reversals while running. A diagonal press on the B-stick in the opposite direction the character is running forces the character to jump (see Panda's Discoveries or video). Also, B-Reversal Jumps do not behave the same way as B-sticking jumps - they turn you around and allow you to DI instead of pushing you backwards with the momentum of an attack.
WHO CAN PERFORM A B-REVERSAL
Almost every character can do a B-Reversal with almost every B-Move, but some characters get less than full benefits for certain moves. Some moves just can't be B-Reversed at all. The following is a list of special cases with Neutral-B's, provided for the sake of example.
(a) Some characters' Standard B moves already translate joystick movement into character movement, like Meta Knight's Mach Tornado. Pit too could already turn his B around whenever he likes, even in the air. For these, nothing new is added to the game.
(b) Other characters' standard B moves cancel all momentum in the horizontal direction, like Jigglypuff's Rollout, preventing them from DI'ing backwards with a B-Reversal Jump. However, they do gain the ability to change their orientation, both in the air and on the ground.
(c) Captain Falcon and Ganondorf could already turn their B moves around at the beginning. However, because the timing for the B-reversal was programmed to perform an intended turnaround function, they cannot B-reverse. This means that, though they can reverse the attack's direction on the ground or in the air, it won't be as fast as other B-reversals, and they won't be able to cancel horizontal momentum like a B-reversal Jump.
(d) Even MORE characters have special cases to consider, like Sonic, whose homing attack direction is dictated by a tiny AI-type function.
APPLICATIONS
A few possible applications for the B-Reversal off the top of my head -
1) Fake retreats. Run away, then do a B-Reversal Pivot or a B-Reversal Jump. If your opponent gave chase, you might be able to punish him for it and catch him off-guard.
2) Easy multi-directional platform-camping. This makes platform-camping in team battles a little easier for characters like Zero-Suit and Wolf.
CONCLUSION
I hope this helps, or at least piques some interest. If anybody finds a new use for the B-Reversal, post and I'll credit you for the tip. Peace out.
UPDATE - B-Reversals and the Recoil Special
Another Brawl technique, called the Recoil Special, also alters your horizontal momentum during aerial specials. It allows you to jump at an opponent, use a B-move in their direction, then bounce backwards toward your original jump position. Though it IS different from the B-Reversal, the Recoil Special is made possible by the B-Reversal. Taymond, Author of The C-Stick Compendium - A Comprehensive Guide, explains here:
Credits:Taymond said:...the B-Reversal, while separate from a Recoil Special, is in fact a component of a Recoil Special. The addition of B-Reversal to Brawl is what allows a Recoil Special to happen.
A Recoil Special occurs when you initiate a Turnaround B immediately followed by a B-Reversal. The turnaround B reverses direction, and the B-Reversal reverses direction and momentum, giving a final result of facing the direction you originally were, with reversed momentum, hence the Recoil.
[1] Jewdo & Drack - independent discovery of the B-Reversal and B-Reversal Jump, replay data
[2] Drack - video recording, visual proof, video guide
[3] Jewdo - tricks using the B-Reversal, written guide, replay instructions
[4] willtheshadow - first discovery of the B-Reversal on 3-16-2008
[5]Taymond - information in the "B-Reversals and the Recoil Special" update.
[6] multiple - thanks to everyone in the thread for pointing out that directional specials can be B-reversed as well, not just neutral-B's. This is very useful information.
[7] 3GOD - list of moves compatible with the B-Reversal/Recoil Specials
(update 3-20-2008) - Drack and Jewdo did discover the B-Reversal (and its applications) without any prior knowledge of its existence. However, willtheshadow was the FIRST to discover it, so give him credit for the first discovery. You can find his post here - http://www.smashboards.com/showpost.php?p=4135532&postcount=1