Introduction
Pikachu is a great beginner character with a straightforward gameplan that hides a surprising amount of depth under the hood. His combos range from simple BnB's that will get the job done to more difficult ones that involve his unique just frame mechanics and look very stylish. As a great all-arounder, Pikachu has the ability to excel in all aspects of the game. He has great projectiles to keep out rushdown characters, as well as incredible speed to make zoners pay. Perhaps one of Pikachu's strongest attributes is his small burst meter, which allows him reliable access to multiple burst modes every single round. If you are looking for a character with solid fundamentals, good all-around abilities, and few weaknesses, Pikachu is a no-brainer.
Pikachu is slightly held back by stubby range on his fastest normals, as well as having trouble dealing with advanced defensive options, such as Perfect Block. His walk in Duel Phase is also slower than average, making it all the more difficult to non-committally close distance, even given his speed. Despite these flaws, Pikachu is still an incredibly solid character, and a perfect choice for anyone who wants to rely on their main.