PK Fire (called PSI Fire in the English version of EarthBound) is the Side Special Move of both Ness and Lucas, and was Ness' Neutral Special Move in Super Smash Bros. When performed, the character fires a yellow, lightning-bolt shaped projectile, that travels in a straight line until it hits an enemy or destructible portion of a stage, at which point it explodes into flames. If it does not hit either of the aforementioned objects within a few feet or hits a wall, then it dissipates.
Character Differences
Ness
Ness' PK Fire has been the same through the entire Smash series. It goes up to 16% damage, as Ness' PK Fire lasts longer than Lucas'. The angle at which Ness would shoot PK Fire would be oblique on the ground, while diagonally downwards if used in mid-air. If Ness' PK Fire hits, it explodes into a stationary pillar of fire that hits an enemy several times. In mid-air, however, it falls down slowly until it hits the ground or dissipates. DI is not very effective against it, allowing Ness to combo his opponent or use one of his finishers while the enemy is stunned. Ness can use this move in conjunction with his second jump to perform the PK Jump, which slightly boosts the air speed of his second jump at the expense of height, giving him a slightly better approach. The main difference is the damage within the games and the lag/speed of the move. It does overall the most damage in Brawl, followed by SSB, and then followed by Melee.
PK Fire can rack up lots of damage but also has some other uses. When edge-guarding, jump up and PK Fire off the stage to hit the opponent with it; the multi-hits keep them from being able to recover, giving Ness time to get in that lethal back-air. However, PK Fire has some combo uses as well. It is a great combo starter; once the move successfully hits, dash in and grab the opponent and immediately down throw. This will get them airborne, allowing Ness to unleash some neutral or forward airs.
| Ness' Special Moves | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | Melee | Brawl | 3DS/Wii U | Ultimate | |
| Standard Special | PK Fire | PK Flash | |||
| Side Special | — | PK Fire | |||
| Up Special | PK Thunder | ||||
| Down Special | PSI Magnet | ||||
| Final Smash | — | PK Starstorm | |||
Custom Variations
PK Bonfire
PK Bonfire is one of Ness' Side Special Moves that can be used via customization. The attack doesn't travel as far, but lasts longer and in turn does more damage.
PK Fire Burst
PK Fire Burst is one of Ness' Side Special Moves that can be used via customization. Rather than leaving a lasting flame, this version deals one strong hit, dealing decent knockback and damage like Lucas.
| Ness' Custom Special Moves | ||
|---|---|---|
| Custom 1 | Custom 2 | |
| Standard Special | Rising PK Flash | PK Freeze |
| Side Special | PK Bonfire | PK Fire Burst |
| Up Special | Lasting PK Thunder | Rolling PK Thunder |
| Down Special | PSI Vacuum | Forward PSI Magnet |
Lucas
Lucas' PK Fire deals 9% damage, and always travels horizontally, regardless of whether or not he is in the air. When the bolt hits an opponent, it explodes into a horizontal burst, hitting once, and dealing fair knockback to the enemy. The horizontal burst has good range, and can damage others in the way of the burst, although it does little-to-no knockback. Lucas' PK Fire has many interesting properties, such as pushing him back with a set force after shooting the bolt. Because of these, Lucas can use his PK Fire to perform the Zapjump, the Wavebounce, or the Magnet Pull, an extension of the Wavebounce, making this one of Lucas' most varied moves.
| Lucas' Special Moves | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Brawl | 3DS/Wii U | Ultimate | |
| Standard Special | PK Freeze | ||
| Side Special | PK Fire | ||
| Up Special | PK Thunder | ||
| Down Special | PSI Magnet | ||
| Final Smash | PK Starstorm | ||
Origin
Kumatora using PK Fire in MOTHER 3.
In EarthBound, the attack is actually not learned by Ness (something Paula's Trophy in Melee explains). It is described as a wave of fire shot from the fingers, and is capable of damaging rows of enemies. Similarly, in MOTHER 3, Kumatora, rather than Lucas, is the possessor of this move.
Trivia
- Flame Pillar is a very similar move, and may, in fact be based on Ness' variation of PK Fire.