Reflect Barrier is Palutena's default Side Special Move in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, and one of her two Down Special Moves in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Palutena creates a reflective barrier in front of her that intercepts incoming projectiles.
Overview[]
When initiated, Palutena shouts "Reflect!", raises her shield, and creates a purple wall in front of her. The wall moves slowly away from her, reflecting any incoming projectiles and pushing opponents close to her slightly before disappearing. Palutena's shield also deals 5% damage but low knockback if opponents are right next to Palutena. While Reflect Barrier is a solid option for reflecting most standard projectiles, guided projectiles such as Palutena Bow, or projectiles launched from a different elevation can avoid Reflect Barrier entirely and hit Palutena. In addition, as with other reflectors Reflect Barrier can be shattered, but is the only one that can be immediately used after being broken. The push effect is also useful against the ledge as it can gimp recoveries.
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Reflect Barrier is combined with Counter as her Down Special, and will activate if Palutena is hit by a projectile attack, making her flexible in defending against multiple options. To incorporate this change, Reflect Barrier has a faster startup, lasts longer, and ends faster, but has less active frames, and cannot be used automatically when inputted, making timing tricky and removing Palutena's ability to gimp with Reflect Barrier's push effect.
Palutena's Special Moves | |||
---|---|---|---|
3DS/Wii U | Ultimate | ||
Standard Special | Autoreticle | ||
Side Special | Reflect Barrier | Explosive Flame | |
Up Special | Warp | ||
Down Special | Counter | Counter/Reflect Barrier | |
Final Smash | Black Hole Laser |
Origin[]
Reflect Barrier originated in Kid Icarus: Uprising as one of the many Powers. It creates a multicolored, transparent barrier for a few seconds when used. The barrier reflects all opponents' ranged attacks while allowing the user to fire through the barrier unaffected. Some special attacks and items like Mega Laser or Daybreak can pierce through the barrier.