The SSBU community is currently torn apart by heated debate. Two characters are potentially causing trouble, looking way above the other fighters. While Kazuya Mishima’s true power is still up for debate, although some players’ recent performances suggest the character is at least very high on the tierlist (Tea took him out as a counterpick against Shuton at Crown 2 over the weekend). end last for example).
On the other hand, the case of Steve is much more problematic, because doubt is no longer really allowed about him. The character breaks the Smash mechanics, playing a different game than the other characters. Even while trying to adapt, he forces the other fighters to adopt a specific game plan against him. The performances of the American Yonni, but especially those of the young Japanese prodigy Acola at the Gimvitational only reinforced this feeling.
Why is Steve so strong?
What makes Steve so strong is his unique mechanics, which allow him to mine certain materials and thus craft and upgrade his equipment. Giving him time to do so makes a huge difference in the level of threat his punches generate. Without tools, Steve’s damage is multiplied by 0.8, and this coefficient can go up to x1.35 if the tool is made of diamond (the best material available for Steve). But that’s not all, because Steve can also lay blocks with multiple functions. They can protect him while he mines his materials or crafts an item. They can be placed anywhere, including in the air allowing Steve to return more easily to the field, or in a safer way by avoiding going up where his opponent is waiting for him. Placing a block also makes it possible to cancel the lag of some of his hits on the ground. Not only is this mechanic very versatile, but even if it only did one of the things mentioned here (and again, we haven’t said everything) it would still be strong.
Alongside this fantastic mechanic, Steve also owns the Minecart. It can be used in particular to expel the opponent, return to the field, or even turn into a projectile that grabs if Steve decides to get out. The icing on the cake, if Steve breaks it, he then recovers the materials used to build it, preventing him from mining again. He can ramp up his opponent’s percentages quickly with a neutral air spam with the sword, much like Mega Man except Steve can keep going until his sword breaks. Its biggest asset is its ability to completely control the space. A Steve taking the lead can impose his pace on his opponent, greatly limiting the latter’s options. It’s even worse if the opponent is trying to get back on the field, as Steve can plant dynamite where the opponent is supposed to come back, blocking their options. Steve’s edgeguard is considered one of the very best in the game today, if not the best.
Despite everything, Steve has some weaknesses. His general mobility without items is among the worst in the game, and he almost becomes a living punching bag if he runs out of materials. However, it is very complicated to prevent Steve from mining, which gives the impression that he is first playing alone in his corner, before being ready to break his opponent’s mouth. This weakness is therefore not really one, at least in the current state of the game.
Towards a Steve ban?
The community finds itself in a very special situation. Steve is currently too strong, especially because all the other characters have to adapt their game plan to him. It is not a counter for certain characters, but rather a character who breaks the game using the mechanics of another title (here Minecraft). This kind of problem can be recurring on some fighting games, such as part of the Tekken community who complain about Akuma and Geese Howard who brought the mechanics of their respective licenses into the Bandai-Namco game. In this specific case, Namco was able to correct the situation over the seasons. This probably won’t be the case for Steve, Nintendo having declared that they would not make any more update on Ultimate. Some of the players have put forward the idea of banning Steve from tournaments, and this idea is gaining ground.
It must be said that Smash 4 experienced this kind of problem, with Bayonnetta completely dominating the meta as soon as it was released in DLC. After his superpower was clearly established, many debates regarding his ban took place. Several tournaments considered his ban, but changed their minds after Nintendo’s nerf (which ultimately did not upset the tierlist). Players don’t want to relive that on Ultimate, so they’re asking for a ban, so they don’t see tournaments dominated exclusively by Steve, which happened on Smash 4 where even MkLeo ended up playing the witch.
The latter has also spoken about Steve, and is currently against the ban. He recommends giving the top players more time to learn the match up, believing that all the options to counter it have probably not yet been found. A ban would also be terrible for players like Acola, who have spent two years training the character, only to see him get banned just as they start to perform well in tournaments.
Other fighting games have already banned certain characters from competitions. The best known example is Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo, where Akuma was banned in the majority of tournaments, as well as original Sagat in some of them.
Potential consequences
Last night Sparg0, the world number 2 dropped a small bomb. He temporarily stops the competition, citing mental concerns. In his Twitlonger, he explains that he suffers from anxiety, and that he feels both very tired and unmotivated. Even if the player remains vague about his problems, it seems obvious that they are not exclusively related to the meta of the game, but one can not help but wonder, if it would have been so serious in a different meta. His excellent performances at the start of the season and his recruitment in April by FaZe Clan, must have also put additional pressure on his shoulders, which is quite common among players turning professional, who experience enormous stress hoping to be up to it. hopes placed in them. Again, in Sparg0’s case, Steve’s power is only an aggravating factor (if the theory that it had an impact is true) but a less centralized meta around one or two characters is preferable, to avoid that the professionals are obliged to orient their choice of characters according to the top thirds.
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