Sakurai Details Newly Announced Shulk’s Moveset For Super Smash Bros

Xenoblade Chronicles’ character Shulk was announced as playable in Super Smash Bros 3DS and Wii U today, and starred in a brand new trailer. But after the character’s announcement, the game’s director Masahiro Sakurai made sure to upload his daily Miiverse post, showing Shulk immersed in the battle. In a series of screenshots presented by the director, Shulk readies his sword against enemies with the Gaur Plain stage from Xenoblade Chronicles as the backdrop.

Not only did Sakurai show the upcoming brawler’s fans screenshots of Shulk in his prime, but he also detailed his moveset for the game. The Xenoblade protagonist wields a sword named the Monado which can slash enemies with a full-force beam when activated. Plus, it even has the ability to change Shulk’s features and abilities during battle. Check out what Sakurai said in full below, along with a brief description of his moves. And if you’ve still not had your fill of Smash Bros news today, remember to check out Shulk’s awesome screenshots on the official website, here.

“From Xenoblade Chronicles, Shulk joins the battle!! He’s not the type of character that would usually appear in the Smash Bros. series, but we worked really hard to make it happen. We’re very happy with how he turned out. This stage is Gaur Plain.”

“Shulk’s sword, the Monado, slashes enemies with a beam when activated, so it can strike from long range. What really makes this weapon unique is that when the Monado Arts are activated, it can change Shulk’s features and abilities! Emerge victorious in battle by changing your abilities strategically!!

“[List of Monado Arts]
翔 (Jump): higher jumps, lower defense.
疾 (Speed): faster movement, weaker attacks.
盾(Shield): higher defense, slower movement.
斬(Buster): stronger attacks, weaker launch ability.
撃(Smash): Stronger launch ability, weaker attacks, lower defense against launching.”