Fireballs are small projectiles launched by Mario and Luigi as their Standard Special Moves. Each travels a short distance, causing minor damage and flinching common to fire-based attacks. The ball's trajectory changes according to the stage's surface angle upon contact, though with different results for each character. Mario's ability to shoot fireballs provides the design justification for his other fire-based moves in the Super Smash Bros. series.
Fireballs were initially larger in Super Smash Bros., decreasing in size with Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl. As with all Standard Special Moves, Kirby can also use Fireball after inhaling either brother.
Character Differences
Mario
Mario's Red Fireballs fall to the ground, losing momentum with each bounce. As such, they are more effective when fired from higher locations and toward downward slopes, traveling further. When firing at a wall or upward slope, the balls will bounce backward, a more defensive maneuver for brief protection from oncoming foes, perhaps in the air or from behind. Mario's Fireballs can be spammed, though with some difficulty, being fired at a slower rate of fire than Luigi's, but they are a decent approach tactic. The move can be more efficient when used in the air, falling to meet the enemy at ground level, while still moving, and negating lag.
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| Mario's Special Moves | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | Melee | Brawl | 3DS/Wii U | Ultimate | |
| Standard Special | Fireball | ||||
| Side Special | — | Cape | |||
| Up Special | Super Jump Punch | ||||
| Down Special | Mario Tornado | F.L.U.D.D. | |||
| Final Smash | — | Mario Finale | |||
Luigi
Luigi's Green Fireballs travel in a straight line and are unaffected by gravity, matching his floaty motif, and drift around in a circle, rather than rolling, like Mario's. Also, despite the fact Luigi's fireballs are green, they still make red-orange burn animations upon impact. They can be easily spammed, and can be fired at a slightly faster pace than Mario's, especially in the Negative Zone, Luigi's Final Smash. When firing at stage elements, the projectile's path will change based on the contact angle. As such, the move is more useful when used toward upward slopes, continuing on to foes. The move is more difficult to use on downward slopes, passing over enemies. Fireball approach is perhaps more difficult than with Mario, as the attack does not fall when used in the air. In general, Luigi's Fireballs are contextually less useful than Mario's, as they only travel in only one direction, where Mario's move in two. They also travel less distance, but deal slightly more damage than Mario's.
Custom Variations
Fast Fireball
Fast Fireball is one of Mario's Neutral Special Moves that can be used via customizations. Mario launches fireballs which travel faster and at a longer distance, but do less damage. Funnily, this move is closer to how Mario throws fireballs in the Mario series.
Fire Orb
Fire Orb is one of Mario's Neutral Special Moves that can be used via customizations. Mario throws a giant ball of fire which is very slow and gains little distance, but will hit opponents repeatedly for higher damage.
Unused Custom Move
This Custom Move was found in the data files of the game. Like Luigi's Iceball, Mario launches a frozen ball that travels slowly. It can freeze opponents at higher percentages.
| Mario's Custom Special Moves | ||
|---|---|---|
| Custom 1 | Custom 2 | |
| Standard Special | Fast Fireball | Fire Orb |
| Side Special | Shocking Cape | Gust Cape |
| Up Special | Super Jump | Explosive Punch |
| Down Special | Scalding F.L.U.D.D. | High-Pressure F.L.U.D.D. |
Bouncing Fireball
Bouncing Fireball is one of Luigi's Neutral Special Moves that can be used via customizations. Luigi launches a fireball in which bounces on the ground like Mario's, but loses power with distance.
Iceball
Ice Ball is one of Luigi's Neutral Special Moves that can be used via customizations. Luigi launches a frozen ball that travels very slowly, but it can freeze opponents at higher percentages.
| Luigi's Custom Special Moves | ||
|---|---|---|
| Custom 1 | Custom 2 | |
| Standard Special | Bouncing Fireball | Iceball |
| Side Special | Floating Missile | Quick Missile |
| Up Special | Fiery Jump Punch | Burial Header |
| Down Special | Mach Cyclone | Clothesline Cyclone |