For the longest time I've been playing SSBM with my brother for kicks. He'd almost always use Falco or Sheik and I'd at least change characters every stage. In using his two characters, he had two strategies for them, back me up against a wall and use fast attacks, and over-use certain moves to inflict damage.

I had thought his tactics were rare and that most players would be well versed in using dodges, various attacks, and (for example) Mario's Cape at the right moments. Alas, I was dead wrong.

This past weekend I participated in a Brawl tournament held at a Family Fun Center, that was cosponsored by GameStop. It was a double elimination, certain stage, 3 stock, 8 min. time limit no items kinda tourney. My first match pitted my Samus up against a Sheik and I lost handidly, however I changed tactics, went with Toon Link and clobbered him well enough to win the round. Next up was a very good Fox player. He knew what to do and when to do it even with my character changes, and so I don't feel bad in any sense about losing to him.

Next up I faced a guy I practiced with before hand, and so it was somewhat unfair, but I beat him a little too easy. I honestly think I brought shame and dishonor upon him and his Klingon family. Anyways, The fourth round comes along (yay semi-quarter finals!) and I come upon a Lucario player. Who only uses his neutral B move. For those that don't know, Lucario's neutral B is essentialy Mewtwo's Shadow Ball move from Melee. Also, as you hurt Lucario he becomes stronger with each hit. Despite my best efforts to dodge the blasts, and to land succesive hits, the guy won. Simply because he only used the one move and the occasional smash attack.

These are the kind of people that should not do tournaments. Why? Because I felt as though all of the work and training I put before hand had been for nought, and that my tactics were put to waste by the simplest of tactics that can be traced to the first Mortal Kombat. (Don't even get me started on Sub-Zero). Now, had I lost to say, a good Marth player, I wouldn't be upset since I'd feel like my fight had been worthwhile and that I had fun doing it. This one-move style of gameplay makes me feel cheated and completely undermines any work I had done towards becoming a better player.

Anyone else come across such a player?