Jigglypuff is one of the most iconic characters in Super Smash Bros. Melee, known for putting opponents to sleep with its down B move, Sing. However, Jigglypuff itself also falls asleep after using this move. This has led to many questions from Melee players over the years – why does Jigglypuff fall asleep after Sing?
There are a few potential explanations that have been proposed by the Melee community:
Game Balance
One of the most common theories is that Jigglypuff falling asleep is simply for game balance purposes. Sing is an extremely powerful move – it puts opponents to sleep for a decent amount of time, allowing Jigglypuff to land a fully charged Smash attack. If Jigglypuff could just spam Sing repeatedly with no drawbacks, it would be incredibly overpowered.
Making Jigglypuff fall asleep prevents this, adding an element of risk and strategy to using the move. Players have to choose the right times to use Sing, rather than just spamming it constantly. This makes Jigglypuff more fair and balanced as a fighter.
Reference to the Anime
In the Pokémon anime series, Jigglypuff is known for singing others to sleep with its song, then getting angry when they fall asleep. After scrawling on their faces with a marker, Jigglypuff itself is sometimes shown yawning or falling asleep.
Having Jigglypuff fall asleep in Melee may be a reference to this quirk from the anime. It’s a nice nod for fans of the show, while also preventing Sing from being broken in gameplay.
Realism
On a similar note, some argue that Jigglypuff falling asleep is simply meant to be realistic. Just as singing a lullaby would likely make the singer drowsy in real life, using Sing tires Jigglypuff out.
While realism is not typically a major priority in the Smash Bros. series, this could be a small touch to add a bit more depth and believability to Jigglypuff.
Uncontrollable Power
Finally, some speculate that Sing is such an immensely powerful ability that it drains Jigglypuff of all its energy. Jigglypuff essentially lulls itself to sleep from exerting so much power at once.
Similar to the anime theory, this suggests that Jigglypuff doesn’t fully control Sing and isn’t immune to its effects. It takes great effort for Jigglypuff to produce the move, so falling asleep could be seen as a natural consequence.
Examining the Evidence
To dig deeper into these theories, let’s look at some key evidence about how Sing functions in Super Smash Bros. Melee:
Sing’s Details
Some key attributes of Sing in Melee:
- Puts opponents to sleep for 1-8 seconds depending on damage %
- Works instantly regardless of distance from opponent
- Jigglypuff falls asleep for 3 seconds after using
- Sleep time is not affected by any other factors
These details help shed some light on why Jigglypuff falls asleep.
Comparison to Other Sleep Moves
Looking at other sleep-inducing moves in Melee:
| Move | User Falls Asleep? | Other Drawbacks? |
|---|---|---|
| Sing | Yes | None |
| Rest | No | High self-damage |
| Yawn | No | Delayed effect |
Sing is unique in having the user fall asleep with no other balancing factors. This lends credence to the game balance theory.
Jigglypuff’s Strengths
Jigglypuff has some key strengths in Melee:
- Extremely strong aerial moves
- Lightweight and floaty, hard to KO
- Powerful Smash attacks when opponent is sleeping
- Excellent recovery move in Pound
With such a strong toolkit overall, limiting Sing’s spamability seems necessary.
Theories Analysis
Given the evidence, let’s reassess each theory:
Game Balance
This seems very likely to be the primary reason. Sing is an immensely powerful move in Melee, and limiting its use through self-sleep is an elegant balancer.
Reference to the Anime
Plausible as a secondary inspiration, but unlikely to be the core motivation. Game balance is a more pressing concern.
Realism
Unlikely, as realism is not a big priority in Smash. Fun and balanced gameplay comes first.
Uncontrollable Power
Probably not the case, as Jigglypuff can control other powerful moves like Rest without similar drawbacks. Sing’s self-sleep seems specifically for balance.
Conclusion
In summary, the evidence strongly suggests that Jigglypuff’s tendency to fall asleep after using Sing in Super Smash Bros. Melee is primarily for game balance purposes. Without this drawback, Sing would be massively overpowered and break the competitive viability of Jigglypuff as a fighter.
The self-sleep forces Jigglypuff players to be much more strategic with their use of Sing. It also fits with Jigglypuff’s characterization in the Pokémon anime, though this is likely a secondary reference rather than the core reason. Overall, making Jigglypuff fall asleep after Sing was a clever game design decision to rein in an extremely powerful technique. It adds unique strategy and counterplay, making Sing one of the most iconic and impactful moves in Melee’s competitive history.