Roy (Fire Emblem)

Roy is a 15-year old swordsman, and a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Melee. He is a character from the Fire Emblem series, a series known primarily in Japan. Marth, another Fire Emblem character, is also in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

Super Smash Bros. Melee
Roy is an unlockable character in Super Smash Bros. Melee, unlocked by beating Classic or Adventure Mode as Marth and then beating Roy. Roy has a moveset similar to Marth's. However, Roy's attacks are strongest at the center of his blade, unlike Marth's. In general, Marth's tipped attacks are stronger than Roy's center-hits, but the center of Roy's sword is larger. Additionally, Roy has the worst aerial game among all the fighters in Melee.

Flare Blade
It is Roy's most powerful attack involving his sword. The attack is executed by pressing the B Button by itself. Once done, Roy will hold his sword behind his neck, and start charging up the attack. Charging isn't necessary, but it does make the attack stronger. Once it hits the foe, it will damage and burn him/her. If charged enough, it can even instantly KO an opponent. Flare Blade is a stronger version of Marth's Shield Breaker. But, maybe, a little too strong. If charged to the max (there is a limit to how much the attack can be charged), Roy will instantly let loose the attack, but the power of the attack will inflict up to 10% damage on him, which is something that Shield Breaker doesn't do. Kirby is also able to use Flare Blade if he Swallows Roy. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Ike uses a move very similar to Flare Blade.

Double-Edge Dance
This is Roy's Side + B move, and is a very unique move. It can be combined with another of Roy's attacks, to make a combo attack. Roy will thrust his sword forward, to act as a long-range move. But, another one of Roy's attacks can be used the instant he finishes up. Roy will be able to do this up to four times in one combo, devastating the opponent in the process. However, the timing must be spot on, as rushing the attacks will result in just a weak sword slash. It is a more powerful version of Marth's Dancing Blade attack, except that it expels fire.

Interestingly, Roy will change colors once he uses this attack. The exact same happens to Marth when he uses Dancing Blade.

Blazer
This move is executed by tilting the Control Stick up, and then pressing the B Button. Once done, Roy will jump up high, with his sword facing upwards, and burn anyone that comes in contact with him. Although not incredibly powerful, the attack can help Roy get back up to the stage after he falls off, making it a recovery attack. It is a stronger version of Marth's attack, Dolphin Slash, except that it is imbued with fire.

Counter
Counter is a special attack that can be used by both Marth and Roy in Super Smash Bros. Melee, as well as a special move in Super Smash Bros. Brawl used by Marth and Ike. The attack is performed by tilting the Control Stick downwards, and then pressing the B Button. Marth or Roy or Ike will crouch down, and hold their sword at the side of their head. Once an opponent comes to attack, he/she will miss, and Marth, Roy, or Ike will automatically attack the foe. The attack must be used quickly, as it won't work if it is kept out for too long. This is the main reason the attack is hard to master, let alone use. However, the attack is very useful once done right.

Roy's Counter is very different from Marth's, as when Roy blocks an attack, he'll counter with an attack that inflicts 1.5x the damage he would've taken from the blocked attack; for one example, if Roy blocks an attack that would've inflicted 14% damage to him, he will deliver an attack that inflicts 21% damage to the opponent. Also, Roy's Counter lasts for a shorter time period than Marth's Counter, making it harder to use properly. This move, like the Blazer, is imbued with fire.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Though Marth remained a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Roy did not. This is because Roy's role in Melee was merely advertisement for his upcoming game. However, Roy did appear as a collectible sticker. Hacked data for Roy was found, confirming that he was supposed to be given another role than a sticker, most likely as a trophy.

Trivia

 * Super Smash Bros. Melee was Roy's first appearance in any Nintendo game. He would later star in the Japan-only game Fire Emblem: Fūin no Tsurugi (A.K.A.: Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade). His appearance in Melee was advertising for his later appearance in said game. Additionally, Roy and Marth only speak Japanese in all versions of the game, and Roy was voiced by Jun Fukuyama. Roy and Marth were originally going to appear only in the Japanese version of Super Smash Bros. Melee, but Nintendo of America stated to keep them in the game.