Robin (Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U)


 * This article is about Robin's appearance in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. 
 * For other uses, see Robin. For the character sometimes known as Robin, see Isaac.

Robin (ルフレ, Rufure, Reflet in Japan) is a newcomer to Super Smash Bros. 3DS/WiiU directly from the Fire Emblem series, specifically Fire Emblem: Awakening. He/She was announced alongside Lucina in the same game trailer.

He/She is one of the five characters that have an alternate costume which changes his gender (the other four being Wii Fit Trainer, Bowser Jr., Villager, and the Mii Fighters).

Strengths:

 * Levin Sword causes good amount of hitstun, allowing Robin to pull a nice variety of combos. It also has lightning property.
 * Can use long range magic attacks with various elements. Some of these attacks can be charged for increased effect.
 * Levin Sword and Tomes become throwable items after breaking, allowing the player to dish out extra damage to compensate.
 * The pillar of flames from Arcfire, if cast at ground level, will emerge regardless of connecting with the opponent, unlike Ness' PK Fire.
 * Can self heal and deal damage at the same time using Nosferatu.
 * Has one of the best zoning tactics in the game, with powerful edge guarding.
 * Two useful Meteor Smashes: Down Aerial with Levin Sword and the first wind blade from Elwind.
 * Excellent recovery, with a high midair jump and a far-reaching Up Special Attack.
 * Not too light nor heavy, with a confortable falling speed and aerial acceleration that makes it easier to fake a landing (trick the opponent into thinking you are going to land somewhere, then change the direction).
 * Discarding of tomes and the Levin Sword provide a temporary defence to his/her back.

Weaknesses:

 * Slowest walking and running speed in the game.
 * Lowest standard Grab range in the game.
 * Slowest pummel in the game.
 * Neutral Combo's third hit consumes durability of Arcfire. Rapid Jab consume's durability of Elwind.
 * Levin Sword and his Tomes break after a certain amount of uses.
 * Cannot use magic for some seconds after his tome breaks, having to wait until the Tome regenerates.
 * Inconsistent range, damage and knockback due transitions between the Levin Sword and Bronze Sword.
 * Slow and predictable recovery.
 * Lack of a sex kick.

Summary:
Robin is midweight character with the worst walking/running speed, but with good power overall, especially if Levin sword is available. His gameplay consists of using projectiles to pressure the opponent and punishing mistakes with the Levin sword. He has a variety of true combos which involve the combined use of his tomes and swords.

For his special attacks he uses three Anima affinity tomes (Thunder, Fire and Wind) and one Dark affinity tome (Nosferatu). For his physical attacks, he uses the Bronze sword and the Levin sword. Just like in the Fire Emblem series, the tomes and the Levin sword have limited durability and can be depleted after a certain amount of uses. When his equipment runs out, they become throwable items which put a fair amount of damage plus great knockback.

Robin has decent edgeguarding abilities by casting spells at the correct time to zone the enemy out of the edge, most notably Arcfire and Elthunder. He can even engage directly and make use of the knockback provided by the Levin sword. However, Robin users must be aware that his recovery, Elwind, is really predictable and, when facing away from the platform, it won't sweetspot the ledge until the second Elwind throwing animation ends. Also, it has limited uses, so it can be a problem against marvelous edgeguarders such as Zero Suit Samus.

The key to excel at Robin is learning to be precise with each attack, as the durability of the Levin Sword and Tomes will decrease regardless of the attack hitting or not. Players must also be vaguely aware of the durability for each spell, meaning a good memory is required in order to pay attention to this constant maintenance.

About the Levin Sword and Tomes

 * The Levin Sword can only be used 8 times before Robin discards it, tossing it backwards. It will then bounce on the ground once and disappear. While bouncing, it can hit and damage foes for 7% damage. The player can also pick up the Levin Sword before it disappears, and then use it as a throwing projectile. It deals 11% damage if normal thrown, or 15% if smash-thrown. 
 * The player can "put away" the Levin Sword and use the Bronze Sword in order to conserve it for later use, by using Tilt Attacks, Standard Jab or Neutral Aerial. If the player does a Smash Attack or "smash" in the air, the Levin Sword will reappear for the attack.
 * The Levin Sword will start blinking in when it has only 2 uses left. After it's gone, he will be able to use it again after 9 seconds.
 * The same thing happens with his/her tomes: Robin tosses it at their back, it bounces once and then disappears. They can also pick the tomes up. The tomes deal 9% when discarded, 14% when normal-thrown, and 18% when smash-thrown.
 * Tome Durability: Arcfire - 6 / Thunder - 20 (Can be surpassed) / Elwind - 18 / Nosferatu - 4.
 * Both Levin Sword and Tomes will emit a golden glow/shine when they respawn, as a visual indicator for the player.

Tips for Robin Players

 * It's a good idea to stick with Tilt Attacks when opponents are at low percentage. Using Tilt Attacks or Neutral Aerial will make Robin put away the Levin Sword, and doing so is useful to conserve the durability.
 * Down Throw is his most versatile throw for combos since it has very low base knockback and knockback scaling, meaning opponents won't bounce high even if their percentages are high. This allows for many follow-ups and even KOs.
 * Pay attention to tomes: when they start blinking it's sign that they are almost expired. Prepare to grab them and throw at your opponent. They do 18% when smash-thrown, which is almost as much as an extended Thoron. They also inflict high knockback, similar to pieces of Samus' armor when transforming into Zero Suit Samus in Brawl.
 * Try not to run out of Thunder and Arcfire at the same time. Use the tomes' blinking mechanic to be aware if one is almost expired.
 * Keep in mind that using the fire blast in his standard combo will cost an Arcfire. In lower damages, use aways the wind option (in higher damages, the knockback from the wind may push the opponent too far, before you can land the last hit). However, bear in mind that the use of rapid jabs and finisher will cost a charge of Elwind as well.
 * Arcfire is the bread and butter of any Robin player:
 * The last hit from Arcfire can KO at Sudden Deaths.
 * A relatively easy to do combo is landing Arcfire, then using a Forward Aerial Attack, and finally a short hop using his Up Aerial Attack. Works well against heavy characters. For an easier combo that is harder to escape, land Arcfire then jump quickly and use the Up Aerial directly. This last combo can guarantee many KOs.
 * If an opponent is defending him/herself from your Arcfire/Arcthunder using their shield, you can grab them while they are still defending. If perfectly done, it can even leave opponents vulnerable to Arcfire's last hit.
 * An easy way to land Arcfire is running away from the opponent, then casting it at them when they chase.
 * If the opponent jumps above your Arcfire, do a short hop and hit them with the Up Aerial.
 * Beware of fighters with moving reflecting abilities: they can reflect Arcfire after it's aready on the ground, making the pillar of fire a defense against you.
 * About Thunder and its variations:
 * The hitstun from Arcthunder doesn't last long (considered the ending lag for Robin). If you're going to follow it up, make it a quick attack (such as a dash. Smashes will rarely work.)
 * Use Arcthunder only in close range. It's not worth spending extra tome usage for just 1% more damage (than Elthunder). Use it in close range to benefit from the hitstun. Plus, Arcthunder is not good for edgeguarding, since it takes more time to achieve its top speed than Elthunder, making it an easy dodge.
 * You can extend Thoron's length (and damage) by holding down the special button when releasing it.
 * Don't use Thoron to protect yourself from edgeguarders. The ending lag is enormous and will make a recovery impossible.
 * A good way to land Thoron is doing a little hop backwards and firing it from the air. Opponents usually don't expect it.
 * Thunder charges in levels, differently from Samus' charged shot and Mario's F.L.U.D.D.. That means, for example, that if you cancel the charging between Elthunder and Arcthunder, the time that the charge takes for it to become Arcthunder (from Elthunder to Arcthunder) will be reset. In other words, if you keep charging just a little bit and cancelling the charge too quickly, it will never actually charge. That's why when playing Robin, it's important to gain distance to your opponent (so you can take your time to charge at least 1 Thunder level). Here are some tips to that end:
 * If you find yourself knocked upwards and are not planning on retaliating with an aerial attack, use the falling time to charge Thunder.
 * Using Elwind cleverly can knock edgeguarders away from Robin, buying you time to charge Thunder. Also, can be used right after climbing the edge.
 * At higher percentages, you can ready another Thoron right after landing one. It's a safer strategy than going for an aerial follow.
 * If the opponent isn't too clingy, you can double-jump, charge 1 level of Thunder, then grab the edge for a safe comeback.
 * Another way to land Robin's Up Aerial: Grab them near the edge and throw them forward. There is a chance the opponent will do a midair jump right away, in a perfect position for a quick jump and the Up Aerial.

Normal

 * Standard Combo: Slashes twice, then hits opponent with a fire spell or a wind spell, depending on how fast the button is pressed, just like Pit's combo. The fire spell will be a brief but powerful explosion (which will also consume a point of durability from Arcfire), and the wind spell will hit many times before Robin finishes it with a final wind cut (which will consume a point of durability from Elwind after the move is over). The last wind cut has remarkably powerful launch power and can even KO an enemy with 130% by itself. Whether Robin does the fire or wind spell also depends on if they have Elwind or Arcfire tomes leftover.. 3%, 3%, then 5% (fire spell) or 1% multiple times and then a 3% (wind spell). 
 * Dash Attack: Jabs with their sword. Has very little start-up. 10% if sweet spotted, 6% if not. 
 * Side Tilt: Gives a stronger sword slash. 7%.
 * Up Tilt: Swings their sword upward as they do a little hop. Hardly hits opponents that aren't airbone. 6%.
 * Down Tilt: Holds their sword to the ground and swings it. One of Robin's fastest attacks. 6%.

Smash Attacks
All of Robin's Smash attacks activate the Levin Sword. If it is gone, they will use the bronze sword in its place. The damage variations (X% ~ Y%) refer to the difference between these swords, X being bronze, and Y, Levin. '''Uncharged: 9% ~ 16%. Fully Charged: 13% ~ 22%.'''
 * Side Smash: Slashes horizontally.


 * Up Smash: Stabs upwards. When using Levin Sword, the attack deals more damage if it hits opponents right above Robin.

Damage to ground opponents near Robin: Uncharged: 9% ~ 10% Fully Charged: 12% ~ 14%

Damage to opponents right above Robin: Uncharged: 9% ~ 15% Fully Charged: 12% ~ 21%

Damage from direct hit: '''Uncharged: 8% ~ 15%. Fully Charged: 11% ~ 21%.'''
 * Down Smash: Smashes their sword against the ground. Only attacks forward, however, electrical sparks fly out on both sides when using the Levin Sword. The back spark deals extra damage if the opponent is right next to Robin. This attack has horrible range with the bronze sword.

Spark damage: '''Uncharged: 8%, or 12% with back bonus. Fully Charged: 11%, or 16% with back bonus. '''

Other attacks

 * Ledge Attack: After climbing the edge, Robin lies to the ground and stabs forward. Will leave him vulnerable for more time than the average ledge attack. 7%.
 * Rise Attack: As he gets up, slashes at both sides. 7%.

Aerial Attacks
Robin can perform versions of their Smash attacks midair by tapping the control pad / stick and hitting the attack button simultaneously, or if the last basic attack prior to the aerial was a Smash or an Aerial Smash. Levin Sword attacks while airborne let out sparks which somewhat extend the duration of each attack. That means airborne attacks that missed their sweet spot can still have a chance of hitting, but for only 5% damage.


 * Neutral Aerial: Slashes forward then backward with the bronze sword. This is the only aerial attack where the Levin sword cannot be used.. 7%.
 * Forward Aerial: A broad slash forward that will also hit opponents below Robin. 6% ~ 11%.
 * Back Aerial: Stabs the Bronze/Levin sword behind them. Good launch power. 9% ~ 15%.
 * Up Aerial: Swings the Bronze/Levin sword above him in an arc. Broad, speedy, and with immense launch power, it is Robin's best mean of KO (with the Levin Sword, of course). 7% ~ 13% sweet spotted.
 * Down Aerial: Slashes the Bronze/Levin sword downwards. Is a meteor smash, but only with the Levin Sword. 7% ~ 10%.

Grabs and Throws

 * Pummel: Attacks with magic. A very slow pummel. 3%.
 * Forward Throw: Smacks opponents forward with a small magic blast. 8%.
 * Back Throw: Spins sword around and psychically hurls the opponent backwards. If grabbed at the tip of the stage, can KO an opponent at 140%. 11%.
 * Up Throw: Smacks opponents upward with a small magic blast. 8%.
 * Down Throw: Slams opponent on the ground. 6%.

Special Moves
Robin's special moves involve using spells from his/her tomes. However, the tomes can only be used a certain number of times.

Taunts

 * Up Taunt: Waves their sword around and then points it diagonally upwards. Male Robin says "Let's tip the scales!". Female Robin says "Time to tip the scales!".
 * Side Taunt: Levitates tome and sword, rotates sword. They both say "Prepare yourself.".
 * Down Taunt: Circle sword and tome around themselves. Male Robin says "You're not ready.". Female Robin says "Here I go!".

In competitive play
To be added

Trophy Description
''This is the male Robin, an avatar in Fire Emblem Awakening. The goal of that game doesn't change much because of your gender choice, but Robin's hairstyle options do. In Smash Bros., Robin brings powerful magic and swordplay to bear. He can exhaust his moves, but they'll be restored over time.''
 * 3DS - Fire Emblem Awakening (02/2013)

Other features
To be added

Trivia

 * Robin is one of 5 characters with alternate playable genders, alongside Villager, Wii Fit Trainer, Mii Fighters, and Bowser Jr.
 * Robin is also the second character to have different voice actors, the others being Wii Fit Trainer and Bowser Jr.
 * Robin's Levin Sword and various Tomes can be only used only for a limited number of times before it breaks, like in the original game. Both items will regenerate after some time. When the Levin Sword is unavailable, Robin uses the Bronze Sword.
 * Robin is the first, and, currently, the only Fire Emblem character in the Super Smash Bros. series to have a projectile and not have a counter.
 * Robin is also the only Fire Emblem character who uses magic, as opposed to all other Fire Emblem characters, who only use swords.
 * Robin's "Time to tip the scales!" taunt (Although the clip is audibly shortened with, "Let's tip the scales!") is also used in their debut trailer, and originates as a possible response to when they strike a critical hit or activate a skill in Fire Emblem: Awakening.
 * Before Patch 1.0.4, Robin had a game breaking bug against Zero Suit Samus, which allowed her to perform a 0 to KO infinite combo using his delayed animation after being targeted by footstool jump.