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The Mario on the far right can be seen Prat Falling.

Prat Falling (more often called tripping or various other names; referred to in game files as "slipping") is a new occurrence in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Whenever the Control Stick is smashed, there is a very small chance that the character will trip, fall over, and sit down in a prone state with a confused expression. While apparently intended to stop excessive dashing and pivoting, characters can also trip when they intend to use a forward smash or side special move. A related technique is the trip cancel; when turning around, before tripping, an attack can be used to cancel the trip. The game keeps track of the total number of Prat Falls each character or name has experienced in Group Brawls.

Interestingly, the sound effect for tripping (when not induced by an opponent or item) changes depending on whether the character tripping is from a cartoon-ish or realistic universe: the realistic characters make unimpressive falling-down noises, while cartoon-ish characters (that is, most of the cast) make a distinctive timpani noise. The 'Ready to trip' sound effect for realistic characters (and some cartoon-ish characters) make a light, quick woosh sound, while most of the cartoon-ish characters make a swabbing noise like a sliding mop.

While sitting down, a character has the same options as if they are lying down. However, attacking while sitting does slightly less damage than attacking while lying down (usually 5%), the attack animations look different, the character is only safe for 8 frames (attacking while lying down usually keeps the character safe until the attack's hitboxes end), and the game treats them differently than if the character was lying down. The other options are generally subpar as well, having fewer invincibility frames yet comparably long animations.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, random tripping no longer exists, however forced tripping through specific attacks still do.

Causes of Prat Falling[]

  • Smashing the control stick left or right, whether dashing or attacking (very small chance).
    • Surfaces with a lack of traction (such as ice) have a higher likelihood of causing tripping.
  • Getting hit with certain attacks (most Down tilts and other low attacks are designed to trip opponents).
    • In addition, if an attack hits targets at a low angle (such as the Sakurai angle) and the target does not leave the ground from the knockback, there is an additional chance to trip.
  • Being hit with/stepping on a Banana Peel.
  • When Tingle rains down banana peels (note these are 2D sprites, not actual Banana Peels), it causes constant Prat Falls to all opponents until he leaves the screen.
  • Luigi's Negative Zone can cause incessant tripping.

List of tripping attacks[]

Super Mario Maker Icon SSBWU This section is incomplete. You can help Smashpedia by expanding or finishing it.
Character Attack Trip chance
Mario Down tilt 40%
Cape 30%
Luigi Down tilt 35%
Dash attack (last hit) 30%
Negative Zone ?
Peach Down tilt 30%
Down smash 20%
Bowser Forward tilt (angled down) 40%
Down tilt 30%
Giga Bowser Forward tilt (angled side) 50%
Forward tilt (angled down) 100%
Up tilt 50%
Yoshi Down tilt (clean) 30%
Down tilt (tip) 40%
Wario Down tilt 40%
Down smash (before frame 32) 30%
Wario Waft (uncharged) 100%
Donkey Kong Forward tilt (angled down) 15%
Down tilt 40%
Toon Link Dash attack 30%
Kirby Down tilt 35%/30%
Falco Reflector 40%
Pikachu Neutral attack 10%
Ness Down tilt 30%
Lucas Down tilt 40% (almost 100% when tippered)
Mr. Game & Watch Judge #2 20%
Diddy Kong Banana Peel 100%
Zelda Down tilt almost 100%

Controversy[]

In casual matches, Prat Falling has a significant effect on gameplay. This is also the case in competitive play, when Prat Falling has the potential to turn a match around. It has been cited by many players as an unnecessary addition to the game as it introduces an element of chance, as they claim Brawl less suited to tournaments as a player could win by being luckier than their opponent, despite being the worse player. Prat Falling cannot be used as part of a strategy as it is not possible to predict at all.

While random tripping is generally considered a detriment to tournament play, forced tripping is an integral part of some characters' metagames, especially Diddy and his bananas. Random tripping is often removed in fan-made edits of Brawl, though attacks designed to trip are not affected.

External links[]

Trivia[]

  • The Super Smash Bros. Melee bonus, Pratfaller, does not have anything to do with Brawl's Prat Falling. Instead, it is awarded if a character always lands face up after tumbling.
  • If a Fighting Alloy is hacked into a normal match and loses, their losing animation is their sitting pose.
  • Lucas' Up Taunt resembles Prat Falling. However, this is not the same type of prat falling, as it is a taunt, it is not caused by the control stick, and floor recovery options are not available after.
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