MultiVersus arguably began with what’s often called the Extremely Intuition Shaggy meme. Derived from YouTuber Midya’s edit of an episode from Scooby-Doo! Legend of the Phantosaur—the place a hypnotized Shaggy single handedly defeats a biker gang—it was a viral hit that some felt culminated within the creation of WB’s free-to-play brawler. This is the reason it was a shock to be taught that Velma Dinkley is definitely the standout Thriller Inc. fighter in MultiVersus and never Shaggy.
Truly, I’m inclined to go a step additional. Velma is among the finest characters within the sport by an enormous margin. Powered by her inquisitive nature and supportive abilities, she gives followers a singular approach of play. Velma doesn’t throw arms as an example, as a substitute counting on her phrases throughout a battle. Her brilliant concepts can sing rivals flying whereas her motivational speeches can heal allies. Basically, Velma will watch your again and if pressured to, will knock the eternal “Jinkies” out of unsuspecting foes.
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Velma is a power to be reckoned with in the correct arms. That is regardless of her lack of bodily prowess. She isn’t as quick (or lethal) as Arya Stark and doesn’t supply the explosive energy that Steven Universe does. That mentioned, she nonetheless outclasses them each in the case of being a correct teammate. That’s the factor about MultiVersus. Whereas it has solo and free-for-all choices, the primary mode of play is its 2v2 group battle format. There’s a give and take. Synergizing one’s skills with that of a accomplice to beat the opposition. Velma does that with ease.
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As a help character, Velma’s major position is to offer assist throughout a battle. That is performed by buffing allies and damaging/debuffing enemies. One of many issues that makes her stand out is the extent of help supplied and general energy of her numerous skills. Take Velma’s impartial assault and particular skills. By quickly tapping the assault button you possibly can ship out her Supportive Phrases projectiles that search out focused associates and foes. If these phrase bubbles hit an enemy, they’ll juggle them round whereas doing a good quantity of injury. This impact modifications if an ally is focused; when hit, they’ll not solely develop into hastened (in a position to transfer sooner) but in addition spawn further phrase bubbles to assault enemies and heal Velma.
Velma’s impartial particular transfer, known as Motivational Speaker, can also be a strong capability. This transfer sends out a beam of encouragement that repeatedly hits opponents, damaging them whereas additionally making use of a debuff known as “weakened”—a debuff that makes them obtain further injury and knockback from assaults for a restricted time. If it lands on an ally, they’ll not solely be healed however ship out a stronger model of the beam.
What’s so nice about these assaults (except for the plain)? Effectively for one, they each present therapeutic. In addition they praise each other. The “you are able to do it!” beam doesn’t simply weaken rival gamers but in addition makes them focused for Velma’s Supportive Phrases. Most of her different strikes are comparable on this regard. Every providing a strong bit of injury, extra so when amplified by a teammate, whereas additionally offering robust buffs. The one disadvantage being cooldown timers that forestalls Velma from spamming the higher elements of her arsenal.
This kind of synergistic play may be present in different characters. Once more, Steven Universe involves thoughts. However none of them supply as many buffs and debuffs as Velma. She may give her group armor and well being, grant boosts in velocity, apply stacks of ice (to sluggish and ultimately freeze gamers), and weaken enemies all whereas doing a ton of injury. Velma may even educate of us—by throwing a ebook at her teammate, she will scale back the group’s cooldown durations, one thing no different character can do with out utilizing a perk/merchandise. Principally, Velmla proves to be a strong ally regardless of the circumstances.
Recognized Youtuber and combating sport skilled, John Crofts (jmcrofts) additionally believes that Velma is “insanely highly effective”. In his video under, not solely are you able to see him proving this notion true by dealing out almost 400 factors of injury, however he additionally makes point out of how properly she helps the group and that she “has the potential to be high tier.”
The flexibility that actually places Velma over although needs to be her Snooping passive. Throughout a match, sure strikes have an opportunity to spawn proof. Gather sufficient of it and he or she’ll have the ability to summon a police automobile to come back and incapacitate the closet participant on the opposing group. It’s just like Steven Universe’s bubble capability, besides that the cop automobile will attempt to take away them from play if they will’t escape, whereas the bubble simply holds folks in place. Seeing somebody get scooped up and carried off the stage is as comical as it’s efficient.
Now, this transfer may appear unfair. I imply, initiating a battle after which calling the cops is definitely some Karen-type shit. That mentioned, it takes some time to gather the wanted proof to make that decision. And if Velma dies earlier than summoning the automobile, she’ll have to begin throughout when she respawns.
There are different cons to fret about as properly. For one, Velma is all the time a goal. Eradicating her from play additionally removes her buffs and debuffs. Count on her to be rushed from the beginning. She additionally isn’t very quick or robust on her personal; MultiVersus’ assassins will spherical circles round her, making her a foul decide (typically) for 1v1 matchups. Lastly, her Up Particular doesn’t cowl a lot floor. Velma gamers might want to correctly make the most of her jumps and dodges earlier than utilizing that transfer to be able to survive being knocked off a given stage.
Even along with her limitations, Velma is that chick. EVO champion SonicFox appears to agree. Whereas he tends to destroy opponents regardless of who he’s utilizing, his video entitled “Velma May Be the Approach” showcases how nice she may be throughout a battle. Whether or not by enjoying keep-away utilizing phrase projectiles or up shut and particular person along with her brilliant concepts. She even will get the higher of Arya Stark regardless of her superior velocity.
Velma’s highly effective assaults are bolstered by her supportive skills, making her probably the greatest characters in Multiversus. In the correct arms, she’d be almost unbeatable no matter who she’s teamed with. All of us thought it could be the Shaggy present. And in some elements, he’s positively a strong decide for solo and team-based fights. However Velma is the true consultant of Thriller Inc. She embodies the enduring animated sequence (like Shaggy) whereas additionally bodying anybody silly sufficient to rattler her trendy frames.
Kenneth Seward Jr. is a contract author, editor, and illustrator who covers video games, motion pictures, and extra. Comply with him @kennyufg and on Twitch.
