Subscribe to download
Rodent Zero

A lab rat given the lofty task of containing a nigh-unstoppable infectious disease inside his own body. He failed at that task.

...The TRUE fighter here is SMILE, an alien virus that, when infecting an organism, speeds up and empowers it while slowly eating away at their immune system.
This disease also fills its host with immense amounts of energy and positive emotion, in hopes that they expend as much energy as possible for the virus to do its work.

In short, Rodent Zero is a visually and mechanically strange horizontally-geared fighter who buffs and disorients his own opponents while turning them into resource stockpiles for his moves in the process.

GIMMICK: SMILE

As Rodent Zero attacks, a buildup of the SMILE virus begins to develop in the opponent. By keeping up continuous damage, the SMILE infection can culminate in three levels, each visually indicated on the infected character.
Infection grants foes a second double jump and enhanced movement speed, but makes them slightly lighter in the process. The infection also has unique interactions with Rodent Zero's Side and Down Specials.

NEUTRAL SPECIAL: Phantom Cross-Contaminator

Rodent Zero fires a harmless ball of viral energy horizontally forward. After a few seconds, the ball explodes into four directions. This attack is powerful, has high range, and is a good source of SMILE, but the explosion is
heavily telegraphed and fast opponents can nimbly dodge out of the way of it.

SIDE SPECIAL: White Blood Cell Purifier

Similar to his Neutral Special, Rodent Zero fires a slightly faster projectile horizontally across the stage. When hitting a target, all infection is cured instantly! Awesome! But the opponent is then put into cardiac arrest, and becomes unable to move.
The amount of time stunned is proportional to the amount of SMILE infection the target previously had.

The White Blood Cell Purifier is a defense mechanism the SMILE virus developed long ago. It kills any cells that could be potentially viewed as threats. Even itself.

UP SPECIAL: Explosion Boost

SMILE retreats into Rodent Zero, and explodes a moderately sized ball of viral energy below itself. This recovery is fairly linear, but opponents caught under the explosion are spiked and the move still contributes to SMILE infection.

DOWN SPECIAL: Molecular Reabsorption

Rodent Zero quickly stabs forward, hoping to stab the vitals of a foe. The large sourspot of the attack is very weak, but hitting the sweetspot of the attack allows Rodent Zero to reabsorb and completely drain the SMILE festering within an opponent. This has a chance of healing
Rodent Zero proportional to the amount of infection the target had once per stock. Up to 50%!

NOTES:

- In matches with several Rodent Zeroes, infection colors may become mixed up. A viral hivemind is not good at coordinating outfits, so such is the case. However, a SMILE infection is a SMILE infection, and any Rodent Zero can take advantage of any infected player, regardless of who infected them first.
- Remember to take showers frequently, and wash your hands daily. Eat healthy, as well.
- Don't forget to SMILE! :)

Victory Theme - Dr. Mario (Smash Remix)