You may have noticed that there is a new challenger available in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate., and it’s a familiar face. Or at least a familiar almost-face.
It’s Mario’s Piranha Plant, and we love her.
Chomp chomp! Players who claimed the early purchase bonus can now play as Piranha Plant in Super #SmashBrosUltimate.
There's still time to claim your Gold Points and receive the Piranha Plant DLC for free: https://t.co/aYGEqKmZyi pic.twitter.com/r94de88Eje
— Nintendo AU NZ (@NintendoAUNZ) January 30, 2019
When I see that Piranha Plant was added to Super Smash Bros in a surprise update pic.twitter.com/f0WmqnJCKp
— Tretorn (@ChefBoyettardee) January 30, 2019
Piranha Plant is the first post-launch downloadable fighter, and is currently free for players who purchased Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. (instructions here) or for people who buy it through to January 31. In future, Piranha Plant will apparently be a paid DLC.
For Smash players and Piranha Plant, it was love at first sight.
LOOK AT MY SON IM IN LOVE #SmashBros #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/0WTR1EAzwV
— holland ?️? ☆彡 (@phan2187) January 30, 2019
But let’s talk about what Piranha Plant is actually like as a fighter.
First of all, she’s a she. And she’s beautiful.
Palutena says piranha plant is a girl. I don't know why I'm surprised. pic.twitter.com/IBSE0rz2kG
— Gamer (@DumbIdiot_) January 30, 2019
Secondly, she’s literally a plant in a clay pot, so yes, she’s a little clumsy. Piranha is definitely not the fastest fighter with the most mobility, but bouncing around is definitely a good time that adds something fresh to the gameplay.
Credit to Piranha Plant, she can smash. Her hits are heavy, but they are a little tricky to aim and easy to see coming, so it’s swings and roundabouts really.
But can we please appreciate her final Smash, Petey Piranha. The little pot plant becomes gigantic, breathes fire and traps opponents in tiny cages. It’s epic.
Piranha Plant's Final Smash#SmashBrosUltimate pic.twitter.com/OfZUs0vIWJ
— Digi @ E3 Time (@DigiDriver) January 30, 2019
Piranha Plant’s toolkit lends itself to controlling space on a stage and being on defence up in the air, although the foliage fighter does suffer from landing lag, so aerial attacks aren’t exactly seamless.
All in all, Piranha Plant is a super fun fighter, and a bit of a loveable novelty. Literally just look at Kirby after eating PP. Not to exaggerate, but this is one of the greatest Smash Bros. updates we’ve ever been blessed with.
HEY Y'ALL PIRANHA PLANT IS OUT AND HERE'S A VERY IMPORTANT IMAGE OF KIRBY AFTER EATING IT pic.twitter.com/Chpg2iEcP2
— Mizalie (@MizalieRay) January 30, 2019
So definitely give Piranha Plant a test drive, and also appreciate the strategic cheekiness of Nintendo stealing players hearts and attention at just about the same time Kingdom Hearts 3 came out. Well played.
The problem right now though is that a lot of players are struggling to access the free Piranha Plant downloadable fighter that is rightfully theirs, even after updating to the new patch. So if you can’t get to Piranha Plant, you’re not alone, and hopefully it won’t be for too long.