Smash Advent Calendar - Day 25 - Toon Link

Day 25 - It's Christmas! Because of this, just a small article today on Toon Link, who debuted on the Gamecube in "Wind Waker" and has starred in several games since, including a HD re-release of his origins on WiiU. Because of this, he's confirmed to return to the Smash Bros. roster in the new game after his unexpected appearance in Brawl a few years ago.

Toon Link replaces Young Link from Melee and is a very solid character, appearing in tournaments with a fair frequency. He is better than standard Link in almost every way. He is faster, has better attacks and can keep away opponents with less trouble than his counterpart. Not that Toon Link is just a clone - many attacks are quite different, often using hard sword attacks in the air and his up smash is just one mighty swing.

Toon Link has some really great attributes. His projectiles are amazing and keep opponents at bay with ease. They stop approach and allow Toonie to approach in equal part. He lacks strong KO options, especially on the ground, but his unique aerial moves allow him to juggle and chase up for a KO. His Down+A in the air is also great, diving straight downwards with the tip of the sword aimed straight down. This move pings aerial enemies straight downwards with great force and grounded opponents get flung across the stage.

It's amazing to see someone hold their own in a cute contest with these critters!

As a side note, I prefer the look of Toon Link. He has personality oozing from him without a word said - the way he cutely plod along, his big expressive eyes and the way he gets dizzy after a fully charged Up+B build so much character for the little guy, it's almost impossible not to fall in love with the character.

Hopefully, Toon Link will continue to grow apart from standard Link in Smash 4 to reduce similarity across the roster. It would be nice to see some new special moves and more unique smash and tilt attacks to go with his vastly different aerials.

What do you think of Toon Link? Disappointed to see semi-clones return? Or excited to see this charming little guy back? Comment below or over on the facebook page!