The squid kids swim into the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate scene, outfitted with unique mechanics and weapons interesting both for party play and one-on-one matches. Inklings have access to many of their ink-filled soaker weapons from the Splatoon shooter series.
These tools require ink, shown as a gauge by Inkling’s portrait. Many attacks deplete ink with use, but ink can be quickly refilled anytime by holding down the Shield+Special buttons together. Inkling sinks low into a puddle and greedily sops up enough ink for more full-powered moves. Not only that, but ink-soaked moves get ink on foes too, which reduces their defense!
The most important ink-based moves include side smash, front throw, Splat Roller, and Splat Bomb.
This doesn’t mean Inkling is helpless without ink moves—far from it. Neutral attack, down tilt, dash attack, and neutral air attack are all quick and reliable, and smash attacks fulfill their purpose even if they’re weaker without ink. Most importantly, Super Jump (up special) works with or without ink, making it hard to KO Inkling without a launch clear to a blast zone.
Mobility-wise, Inklings have fast and unique dashing and running posture, swimming along the surface of the ground thanks to their ink slicks. They can wall-jump, and using Splat Roller in midair and bouncing off a wall works as well. Super Jump ascends quite high, and using Splat Roller in midair, then jump-canceling it before landing still allows a double jump, so it’s basically a triple jump.
Inkling Vitals
Movement Options
|
Midair jumps: |
1 |
|
Yes |
|
|
No |
|
|
Yes |
|
|
No |
Movement Ranks
|
Ground speed: |
C (23) |
|
Air speed: |
B+ (12-16) |
|
Falling speed: |
C (40-43) |
|
C (40-43) |