Olimar Moveset Rework: Enhancing Smash Bros' Pikmin Master

Hey everyone! Today, let's dive deep into a moveset rework for our favorite tiny spaceman, Olimar, from the Pikmin series. Now, before you start thinking this is some crazy overhaul, let me assure you, it's not! This rework focuses on enhancing Olimar's existing strengths while addressing some of his weaknesses, all without drastically changing his core identity. We're talking about tweaks and adjustments, not a complete character transplant. And yes, the title says "totally no bias" for a reason – I promise to be as objective as possible, even though Olimar may or may not be my main (spoiler: he totally is). So, buckle up, fellow Olimar enthusiasts, and let's explore how we can make this character even more amazing!

Why Rework Olimar?

Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room: why rework Olimar in the first place? He’s already a solid character, right? Well, yes and no. Olimar is undeniably unique and boasts a fantastic zoning game, thanks to his Pikmin. However, he also suffers from some glaring weaknesses that can hold him back in competitive play. One of the main issues is his reliance on Pikmin. Without them, Olimar is significantly weaker, making him vulnerable to characters who can quickly deplete his Pikmin stock. This leads to a somewhat predictable playstyle, as Olimar players often prioritize Pikmin management over aggressive engagements. His recovery, while decent, can also be exploited, and some of his attacks feel a bit clunky or underpowered. So, the goal here isn't to break Olimar or make him overpowered. Instead, it’s about smoothing out his rough edges, giving him more options in different situations, and making him a more well-rounded character overall. We want to enhance his strengths, mitigate his weaknesses, and ultimately, make him even more fun and rewarding to play. This means looking at areas where he can be more versatile, perhaps by tweaking some of his existing moves or adding new mechanics that complement his Pikmin-based playstyle. It’s about evolution, not revolution. Think of it as giving Olimar a fresh coat of paint and a few new gadgets, rather than tearing down the house and rebuilding it from scratch. And who knows, maybe with these changes, we'll see even more Olimar players dominating the competitive scene!

Core Philosophy of the Rework

Before we get into the nitty-gritty details of specific moves, let's establish the core philosophy behind this rework. The main goal is to enhance Olimar's versatility and adaptability without compromising his unique identity as a Pikmin-based character. This means we're not trying to turn him into a rushdown fighter or a heavy hitter. Instead, we want to give him more tools to deal with different situations and playstyles. One of the key aspects of this philosophy is maintaining the importance of Pikmin management. Olimar should still be reliant on his Pikmin, but he shouldn't be completely helpless without them. This could involve tweaking his Pikmin throw mechanics, adding new ways to recover Pikmin, or even giving him some non-Pikmin-based attacks that are viable in certain situations. Another important consideration is Olimar's recovery. While his current recovery isn't terrible, it can be predictable and easily punished. We need to explore ways to make it more versatile and less susceptible to edge-guarding. This might involve changing the trajectory of his Winged Pikmin recovery, adding a mix-up option, or even giving him a temporary invincibility window. Ultimately, the goal is to make Olimar a more dynamic and unpredictable character. He should be able to adapt to different matchups and playstyles, making him a more formidable opponent in competitive play. This means giving him more options, more tools, and more ways to express his unique playstyle. It’s about making him a character that is both fun to play and challenging to master. And of course, it's about making him even more of a threat on the battlefield!

Proposed Moveset Changes

Alright, let's get to the juicy part – the proposed moveset changes! Remember, we're aiming for tweaks and enhancements, not a complete overhaul. So, let's break it down move by move.

Neutral Special: Pikmin Pluck

Currently, Pikmin Pluck is Olimar's bread and butter for gathering his leafy companions. It works well enough, but it can be a bit slow and leaves him vulnerable. The proposed change here is a slight speed increase to the animation. This would allow Olimar to pluck Pikmin more quickly, making him less susceptible to being punished during the animation. Additionally, a small adjustment to the Pikmin's AI could be beneficial. Perhaps making them a bit more responsive to Olimar's commands or slightly increasing their attack range. These subtle changes would make a big difference in Olimar's neutral game, allowing him to maintain his Pikmin stock more effectively and control the flow of battle. It's all about making those little green guys even more reliable and responsive. Because let's face it, without his Pikmin, Olimar is just a tiny astronaut waiting to get squashed!

Side Special: Pikmin Throw

Pikmin Throw is a key part of Olimar's zoning game, but it can feel a bit linear at times. One proposed change is to allow for angled throws. By holding the control stick up or down while throwing, Olimar could launch Pikmin at different angles, opening up new offensive and defensive possibilities. This would make his zoning game less predictable and give him more options for approaching or retreating. Another potential adjustment is to the Pikmin's travel speed. Slightly increasing their speed could make them more effective at catching opponents off guard. These changes would make Pikmin Throw a more versatile and powerful tool in Olimar's arsenal. Imagine the possibilities – angled throws to catch opponents in the air, quick throws to interrupt approaches, and strategic zoning to control the stage. It's all about adding layers to his gameplay and making him a more adaptable fighter.

Up Special: Winged Pikmin

Olimar's recovery, while functional, is often predictable and easily countered. A key change here would be to add some directional control during the ascent. Allowing players to slightly adjust Olimar's horizontal movement while using Winged Pikmin would make his recovery less linear and more difficult to edge-guard. Another possibility is to give Winged Pikmin a small hitbox during the ascent. This could deter opponents from directly challenging his recovery and provide him with a bit of extra protection. These changes would significantly improve Olimar's survivability and make his recovery less of a liability. It's about giving him more control over his trajectory and making him less vulnerable to those pesky edge-guards. Because let's be honest, nobody wants to see Olimar plummeting to his doom!

Down Special: Pikmin Order

Pikmin Order is currently used to rearrange Pikmin and dismiss them, but it feels somewhat underutilized. A potential enhancement would be to add a brief invincibility window during the animation. This could give Olimar a defensive option to escape pressure or reposition himself. Another idea is to allow Pikmin Order to slightly boost the speed of Pikmin returns. This would make it easier to regroup with his Pikmin and maintain his Pikmin stock. These changes would make Pikmin Order a more versatile and strategically valuable move. Imagine using it to dodge an incoming attack, quickly regroup with your Pikmin, or even create some mind games with your opponent. It's all about adding layers of strategy and making Olimar a more unpredictable and adaptable fighter. Because a good Olimar player knows that Pikmin management is key to victory!

Other Moves

Beyond the specials, there are a few other areas where Olimar could use some tweaks. His forward air, for example, could benefit from a slightly increased hitbox or a faster animation. His grab range could also be improved, as it's currently a bit short compared to other characters. Additionally, some of his smash attacks could use a bit more power or range. These smaller adjustments would help to round out Olimar's moveset and make him a more well-rounded fighter. It's about fine-tuning the details and making sure that every move in his arsenal is viable in different situations. Because a truly great character is one where every option feels meaningful and impactful. And that's exactly what we're striving for with this Olimar rework!

Potential New Mechanics

Now, let's talk about some potential new mechanics that could really shake things up for Olimar. These are a bit more ambitious than the moveset tweaks we've discussed so far, but they could add a whole new dimension to his gameplay. One interesting idea is a Pikmin cycling mechanic. This could allow Olimar to quickly cycle through his Pikmin types, bringing specific Pikmin to the front of the queue. This would give him more control over his Pikmin composition and allow him to adapt to different situations more effectively. Another possibility is a Pikmin shield. This could involve Olimar using his Pikmin to create a temporary shield, protecting himself from incoming attacks. This would give him a valuable defensive option and make him less vulnerable to rushdown characters. These new mechanics would add a whole new layer of depth to Olimar's gameplay and make him an even more challenging and rewarding character to master. Imagine the possibilities – quickly cycling to your Purple Pikmin for a powerful smash attack, or using your Pikmin shield to absorb a devastating blow. It's all about pushing the boundaries of his gameplay and making him a true force to be reckoned with.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – a proposed moveset rework for Olimar that aims to enhance his strengths, mitigate his weaknesses, and make him an even more versatile and dynamic character. Remember, the goal here isn't to drastically change Olimar's core identity, but rather to refine and improve upon his existing moveset. By making these tweaks and adjustments, we can make Olimar an even more formidable opponent in competitive play and a more enjoyable character to play overall. Of course, this is just one person's opinion, and there are countless ways to approach an Olimar rework. The most important thing is to spark a discussion and get people thinking about how we can make this already amazing character even better. Whether you agree with these suggestions or have your own ideas, I encourage you to share your thoughts and join the conversation. Because at the end of the day, we're all just passionate Olimar fans who want to see our tiny spaceman thrive. And who knows, maybe with a few tweaks and some community input, we can help make Olimar a true top-tier contender. So, let's get out there, pluck some Pikmin, and show the world what Olimar is truly capable of!