Ah, Wobbling. This forbidden technique is legendary. Now it often appears in history books of the Super Smash Bros. Melee universe. If you wonder what “wobbling” means, you’ve found the right place. We will explore this icy exploit that once ruled but got banned by the competitive community.
What is Wobbling?
Wobbling is simple. It’s an infinite grab move for the Ice Climbers in Melee. It’s as controversial as pineapple on pizza, but much more effective in competitions. It starts with Popo, the lead Climber, grabbing you. Then the action begins.
To start this cold attack, the Ice Climbers player needs to desynchronize them. This means splitting up Popo and Nana, so they can act separately for a second. The player pummels after grabbing you. Once desynced, Popo keeps pummeling while Nana kicks you repeatedly. This combo traps you until your stock hits zero percent. It’s a ticket to KO city.
The Mechanics of Wobbling
During the “mash out phase,” the frantic button mashing you do to escape a grab, wobbling can be activated. Here’s the kicker: it works at any percent on any character. Nana must be alive and synced with Popo for this dance of doom to work. It’s a testament to Melee’s complex mechanics. For deeper details, check the SmashWiki.
Wobbling: From Hero to Villain
Wobbling was not always the enemy. Named after Texas Smash player Wobbles, this move had a contentious journey. Like many infinite combos, it stirred debates. Is it a skillful strategy or an unfair exploit that ruins competition?
For years, wobbling was allowed in tournaments. Players like dizzkidboogie showcased its power. He remains the only Ice Climbers player to win a major tournament at Pound 2. He also defeated Armada, a well-known player. These moments cemented wobbling’s legacy in Melee.
However, change was on the horizon. By 2019, major tournaments began banning wobbling. Post-Slippi, online Melee grew more popular and competitive, leading to universal bans on wobbling. Players felt it made matches feel predetermined and less about skillful play.
Wobbling? Not in Other Smash Games!
Thinking of using wobbling in other Smash games? Stop right there. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, wobbling is impossible. Nintendo changed grab mechanics to limit the Ice Climbers’ power there. Poor Popo and Nana. Yet they got a new infinite chain grab, more difficult but still effective.
Slippi and Wobbling’s Downfall
Slippi, a modified version of Melee that allows high-quality online play, ironically aided in wobbling’s demise. Although Slippi revitalized the community, it standardized tournament rules and enforced bans easier. The ban trend from 2019 became stronger in this new era. Slippi’s role brought changes along with its reviving effect.
Speaking of Slippi, ever heard of Diet Melee? It’s a gameplay mod that enhances Melee on Slippi. How? It lowers polygon counts of stages using custom models and low-poly character designs. This optimizes performance for an enjoyable online experience. No one wants lag ruining their wavedashes or attempts at not wobbling.
Beyond Wobbling: Exploring Melee
Melee has numerous techniques beyond wobbling. Let’s briefly discuss some related concepts essential for aspiring players.
- Wavedashing: Wavedashing is NOT a glitch! It involves air dodging into the ground to slide and reposition quickly. Mastering this technique is like learning to walk in Melee.
- Stale Moves: Melee features a “Stale Moves” system. Using the same move repeatedly weakens it over time. This is tracked by the “Stale Moves bonus,” worth -2000 points in the game’s code.
- Z-Jumping: Want to jump with the Z button? The game’s version 1.03 enabled Z-Jump to swap Z-Button and other button functions. While niche, options are beneficial.
- L Cancelling: Landing Lag can be frustrating! L cancelling helps drastically reduce landing lag by pressing L or R within seven frames of landing.
- Moonwalking: Want to look stylish while moving back? Moonwalking is your answer! Dash and input a half-circle backward on the control stick.
- Teching: If slammed into the ground, tech it! This method prevents ground bounces by pressing shield just before impact.
- JV5: “JV5” means a perfect game in Melee – winning without losing stocks.
- 20XX Melee: 20XX is both a meme and a mod for practicing efficiently and making gameplay friendly for tournaments.
- Input Lag: Console Melee has roughly 3 frames of input lag due to its engine, while online play can add more lag.
This is a quick tour through wobbling and Melee chaos. Wobbling may be banned in modern tournaments, but understanding its history matters for appreciating competitive Melee’s evolution. It’s a good conversation starter at any Smash gathering but maybe don’t try wobbling friends in friendlies… unless they allow it! For stage-related resources, check the Stage Legality SmashWiki page. For more info on the game, Wikipedia’s Super Smash Bros. Melee page offers great insight.
