Smash 101: Combat tactics masterclass

What it is: A way of controlling your mid-air movement to reduce the risk of being sentflailing off the stage.

How you do it: Pull the stick hard towards the stage as soon as you get smashed away from it. To do this one effectively you’ll have to keep an eye on your damage meter and be ready for the big hits, but once you’ve got used to the timing you’ll be able todrop it into your default roster of tactics without even thinking about it.

Long-time GR+ writer Dave has been gaming with immense dedication ever since he failed dismally at some '80s arcade racer on a childhood day at the seaside (due to being too small to reach the controls without help). These days he's an enigmatic blend of beard-stroking narrative discussion and hard-hitting Psycho Crushers.