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Reverted Edit(s) by 2600:6C5D:4000:26E9:8EDD:3076:287E:BA6C (Talk)

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{{Short description|Kirby character}}
{{Distinguish|Metal Knight}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Meta Knight
| image = File:Meta Knight Super Star.png
| caption = Meta Knight in ''[[Kirby Super Star]]''
| series = [[Kirby (series)|''Kirby'']]
| creator = [[Masahiro Sakurai]]
| voice = [[Eric Stuart]] (anime)<br/>Eric Newsome (''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series)<br/>[[Atsushi Kisaichi]] (Japanese)
| weapon = Sword
| firstgame = [[Kirby's Adventure]] (1993)
}}

{{nihongo|'''Meta Knight'''|メタナイト|Meta Naito|lead=yes}} is a [[Character (arts)|fictional character]] and major protagonist of [[Nintendo]]'s ''[[Kirby (series)|Kirby]]'' franchise.

He debuted in the 1993 video game ''[[Kirby's Adventure]]'', and he has since appeared in many subsequent entries as either a [[Boss (video games)|boss]] or [[Player character|playable character]]. Meta Knight also appears in several Kirby comic books, in the ''[[Kirby: Right Back at Ya!]]'' children's anime series, and as a playable character in the ''[[Super Smash Bros]]'' series since ''[[Super Smash Bros Brawl]]''.

In the games, Meta Knight serves as one of Kirby’s most important foes. Following a strict code of honor, his boss fights feature him offering a sword to Kirby before battle, though he will proceed regardless of the player’s choices. Initially portrayed as antagonistic, he becomes an ally to Kirby in later games and, like King Dedede, becomes a victim of brainwashing by much more sinister forces.

The character has become one of the franchise’s most prominent characters and has been a subject of numerous theories, particularly regarding his resemblance to Kirby outside of his mask. His role as a player character in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' became controversial due to his high attack speed and versatility overpowering much of the roster, leading to bans from the competitive scene.

==Concept and design==
Meta Knight is an enigmatic yet honorable swordsman who follows a [[Chivalry|chivalric code]],<ref name="profile" /> exemplified when he gives [[Kirby (character)|Kirby]] a sword to fight with before starting battle.<ref name=complex>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/12/25-video-game-characters-that-deserve-a-spinoff/meta-knight |title=25 Meta Knight is a video Game Character That that appears in the best Kirby game:kirby and the amazing mirror. |author=Anyanwu, Obi |date=January 2, 2013 |work=[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]] |publisher=Complex Media |access-date=April 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140311155348/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/12/25-video-game-characters-that-deserve-a-spinoff/meta-knight |archive-date=March 11, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Meta Knight himself wields a sacred, golden sword called {{nihongo|Galaxia|ギャラクシア|Gyarakushia}}.<ref name="sullivan" /> He is always seen wearing a silver mask, but in the event that he is unmasked, he looks identical to Kirby,<ref name="zablotny">{{cite web|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/41729/11-amazing-kirby-facts-and-secrets/?page=3 |title=11 amazing Kirby facts and secrets |author=Zablotny, Marc |date=September 10, 2012 |work=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |access-date=May 11, 2014 |page=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512223226/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/41729/11-amazing-kirby-facts-and-secrets/?page=3 |archive-date=May 12, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{efn|This fact has even led to people speculating if Kirby and Meta Knight are from the same race, species or genus,<ref name=sullivan/><ref name=zablotny/><ref name=gaston/> if Meta Knight is Kirby from another timeline,<ref name=gaston/> or if Meta Knight is his older brother.<ref name=sullivan/>}} albeit with a dark blue body<ref name="sullivan">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/gamings-masked-maniacs-revealed-what-are-they-trying-hide/ |title=Gaming's masked maniacs revealed - What are they trying to hide? |author=Sullivan, Lucas |work=[[GamesRadar]] |date=26 October 2012 |publisher=Future plc |access-date=May 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219164900/http://www.gamesradar.com/gamings-masked-maniacs-revealed-what-are-they-trying-hide/ |archive-date=December 19, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>{{efn|In his debut, Meta Knight's body was presented as black and his mantle as red.<ref name=adv>{{cite video game | level=Orange Ocean | title=Kirby's Adventure | developer=HAL Laboratory | publisher=Nintendo | date=1993 | platform=Nintendo Entertainment System}}</ref>|name=debut}} and yellow eyes (previously, they were white underneath his mask; beginning in ''[[Kirby: Planet Robobot]]'', they are yellow without his mask on as well). He also sports a navy blue [[Mantle (monastic vesture)|mantle]]{{efn|name=debut}} called the {{nihongo|Dimensional Cape|ディメンションマント|Dimenshon Manto}},<ref name=sullivan/> which can change into a pair of wings<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/15515/super-smash-bros-brawl-wii |title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Preview |date=March 8, 2008 |author=Gamin, Mike |publisher=Nintendo World Report |access-date=May 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512225713/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/15515/super-smash-bros-brawl-wii |archive-date=May 12, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and allows him to teleport.<ref name=sullivan/> However, these wings appear directly attached to his body in ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]'' and ''Kirby: Planet Robobot''. Initially one of Kirby's enemies, he has since developed into Kirby's rival,<ref name=profile>{{cite web|author=[[Matt Casamassina|Casamassina, Matt]]|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/18/smash-bros-profile-meta-knight |title=Smash Bros. Profile: Meta Knight |date=May 18, 2006 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |work=[[IGN]] |access-date=May 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140315210628/http://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/18/smash-bros-profile-meta-knight |archive-date=March 15, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/characters/metaknight.html |title=Meta Knight |date=September 5, 2007 |publisher=The Official Super Smash Bros. Brawl site |access-date=April 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402031848/http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/characters/metaknight.html |archive-date=April 2, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and has been described as an [[antihero]].<ref name=hernandez>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/28188/kirbys-return-to-dream-land-wii |title=Kirby's Return to Dream Land Review |author=Hernandez, Pedro |date=October 23, 2011 |publisher=Nintendo World Report |access-date=April 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515005312/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/28188/kirbys-return-to-dream-land-wii |archive-date=May 15, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, he has benign intentions,<ref name=gr>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-12-most-misunderstood-videogame-villains/?page=3 |title=The 12 most misunderstood videogame villains |date=October 1, 2009 |author=Goulter, Tom |publisher=Future plc |work=GamesRadar |access-date=April 20, 2013 |page=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116142633/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-12-most-misunderstood-videogame-villains/?page=3 |archive-date=January 16, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> as he will often fight alongside or assist Kirby when necessary for his survival or for the sake of the world.<ref name=complex/>

==Appearances==
Meta Knight first appeared in the NES game [[Kirby's Adventure]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-10-14 |title=Complete History of Kirby |url=http://www.1up.com/features/complete-kirby |access-date=2024-12-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014082505/http://www.1up.com/features/complete-kirby |archive-date=14 October 2013 }}</ref> as an ally of [[King Dedede]] and boss of the Orange Ocean level, where he fights [[Kirby (character)|Kirby]] to stop him from taking a piece of the Star Rod and to keep it out of [[List of Kirby characters#Nightmare|Nightmare]]'s hands. Meta Knight also trains Kirby throughout the game with his army the [[Meta-knights]]. He is the main villain of the ''Revenge of Meta Knight'' mode in ''[[Kirby Super Star]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/05/25/kirby-super-star-review |title=Kirby Super Star Review |author=Thomas, Lucas M. |date=May 25, 2010 |publisher=Ziff Davis |work=IGN |access-date=April 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223061111/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/05/25/kirby-super-star-review |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> in which he tries to take over Dream Land to end the inhabitants' lazy lifestyle by invading in his signature airship, the Battleship Halberd.<ref name=gilbert>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-wii-u-characters-must-join-roster/ |title=Mewtwo confirmed as DLC, while Super Smash Bros. Wii U gets 8 player fights |author=Gilbert, Henry |date=October 23, 2014 |work=GamesRadar |publisher=Future plc |access-date=October 3, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150421044916/http://www.gamesradar.com/super-smash-bros-wii-u-characters-must-join-roster/ |archive-date=April 21, 2015 }}</ref> Meta Knight is a playable character in the ''Meta Knightmare'' mode of ''[[Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land]], [[Kirby Super Star Ultra]] and in [[Kirby Planet Robobot]]''.<ref name=complex/> In ''[[Kirby & the Amazing Mirror]]'', [[Dark Meta Knight]]—an evil, Mirror World counterpart—traps Meta Knight in the dimension mirror splits [[Kirby (character)|Kirby]] into four, differently colored copies of himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/kirby-and-the-amazing-mirror-review/1900-6110816/ |title=Kirby & the Amazing Mirror Review |date=October 18, 2004 |author=Torres, Ricardo |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |work=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=August 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329055023/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/kirby-and-the-amazing-mirror-review/1900-6110816/ |archive-date=March 29, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Dark Meta Knight is nothing like Meta Knight. After Kirby defeats Dark Meta Knight, Meta Knight himself helps Kirby defeat Dark Mind.

In ''[[Kirby: Squeak Squad]]'', after the chest containing Kirby's strawberry shortcake is mixed up with the chest sealing [[List of Kirby characters#Dark Matter and Zero|Dark Nebula]], Meta Knight appears as a boss who tries to keep the latter chest out of [[Kirby (character)|Kirby]]'s hands.<ref name=complex/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/complete-kirby?pager.offset=3 |title=Complete History of Kirby |author=Oxford, Nadia |publisher=Ziff Davis |work=1UP.com |access-date=April 22, 2013 |page=4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014091153/http://www.1up.com/features/complete-kirby?pager.offset=3 |archive-date=October 14, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Meta Knight also appears in ''[[Kirby's Return to Dream Land]]'' and its [[Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe|2023 remake]] as one of the four playable protagonists, alongside Kirby, King Dedede and [[List of Kirby characters#Bandana Waddle Dee|Bandana Waddle Dee]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/24/kirbys-return-to-dream-land-review |title=Kirby's Return to Dream Land Review |author=George, Richard |date=October 24, 2011 |publisher=Ziff Davis |work=IGN |access-date=April 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308183059/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/24/kirbys-return-to-dream-land-review |archive-date=March 8, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and as a playable character in [[Multiplayer video game|multi-player mode]].<ref name=hernandez/> After not appearing in ''[[Kirby: Triple Deluxe]]'' or ''[[Kirby and the Rainbow Curse]]'',<ref name=gaston>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/7-kirby-facts-you-might-have-missed-over-the-years/1100-6419579/ | title=7 Kirby facts you might have missed over the years | author=Gaston, Martin | date=May 15, 2014 | work=GameSpot | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=October 3, 2016}}</ref>{{efn|Though Meta Knight himself is absent of the game itself, a collectible mask based on Meta Knight is available in ''[[Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe]]'', an enhanced version of a minigame of ''Kirby: Triple Deluxe''.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/3ds-eshop/dededes_drum_dash_deluxe | title=Review: Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe (3DS eShop) | author=Sleeper, Morgan | date=September 6, 2014 | work=[[Nintendo Life]] | publisher=Nlife | access-date=October 3, 2016 }}</ref>}} Meta Knight made an active return to the series in ''[[Kirby: Planet Robobot]].'' In addition to being captured and transformed into the hostile "Mecha Knight" in the game's story mode,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/04/18/details-king-dedede-meta-knight-kirby-planet-robobot/ | title=Details On King Dedede And Meta Knight In Kirby: Planet Robobot | date=April 18, 2016 | work=[[Siliconera]] | publisher=[[Curse, Inc.]] | access-date=October 3, 2016}}</ref> he is rescued by Kirby and helps him to defeat ''[[Star Dream]]'' by letting Kirby pilot the Halberd.<ref name=brown>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/kirby-planet-robobot-review/1900-6416441/ | title=Kirby: Planet Robobot Review | date=May 25, 2016 | author=Brown, Peter | work=GameSpot | publisher=CBS Interactive | access-date=October 3, 2016}}</ref> Meta Knight appears as a boss and Dream Friend in ''[[Kirby Star Allies]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/02/video_meta_knight_is_bossing_it_in_this_new_kirby_star_allies_trailer|title=Video: Meta Knight Is Bossing It In This New Kirby Star Allies Trailer|date=February 12, 2018|website=Nintendo Life}}</ref> Meta Knight returns in ''[[Kirby Fighters 2]]'' alongside [[King Dedede]] as the main villain of the Story Mode, The Destined Rivals. He also appears as a playable character.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nintendowire.com/news/2020/12/17/meta-knight-and-more-showcased-in-kirby-fighters-2-copy-compendium-5/|title=Meta Knight and more showcased in Kirby Fighters 2 Copy Compendium #5|date=December 17, 2020|website=Nintendo Wire}}</ref> Meta Knight appears in the colosseum in ''[[Kirby and the Forgotten Land]]'', but does not encounter Kirby in the main storyline.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/facts-info-news-about-kirby-and-the-forgotten-land/|title = 10 Things We Know About Kirby and the Forgotten Land|website = [[Screen Rant]]|date = 29 January 2022}}</ref>

Meta Knight also appears in several spin-off games in the series. He makes brief appearances in ''[[Kirby's Pinball Land]]'' and ''Kirby's Avalanche''. In the latter, he is the penultimate challenger,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://kirby.classicgaming.gamespy.com/games/avalanche/character/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080214112834/http://kirby.classicgaming.gamespy.com/games/avalanche/character/ | archive-date=February 14, 2008 | title=Kirby's Avalanche - Bosses| work=[[GameSpy]] | publisher=IGN Entertainment| access-date=January 12, 2014}}</ref> and his name was revealed in-game for the first time.<ref name=complex/> He is an unlockable character in ''[[Kirby Air Ride]]''<ref>{{cite web|last=Mansfield|first=Chynna|date=September 11, 2024|url=https://gamerant.com/best-kirby-games-ever-ranked/|title=Best Kirby Games Ever, Ranked|website=Game Rant|access-date=November 20, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Fox|first=Glen|date=March 11, 2018|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/03/feature_a_kirby_retrospective_from_game_boy_to_nintendo_switch|title=Feature: A Kirby Retrospective: From Game Boy To Nintendo Switch|website=[[Gamer Network#Partnered|Nintendo Life]]|publisher=[[Gamer Network]]|access-date=November 20, 2024}}</ref> and ''[[Kirby: Canvas Curse]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cheatcc.com/ds/kirbycc.html |title=Kirby: Canvas Curse |date=7 December 2005 |publisher=Cheat Code Central |access-date=April 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150218191627/http://www.cheatcc.com/ds/kirbycc.html |archive-date=February 18, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Meta Knight also appears in four installments of the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' video game series; in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', he appears in the form of a trophy,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/28/smash-it-up-from-the-trophy-case |title=Smash It Up! - From the Trophy Case |date=September 27, 2007 |author=Thomas, Lucas M. |work=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=May 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515232504/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/09/28/smash-it-up-from-the-trophy-case |archive-date=May 15, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', he is a playable character.<ref name=ugo>{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/games/super-smash-bros-characters-metaknight |title=Meta Knight — Super Smash Bros. Brawl Characters |date=February 12, 2008 |publisher=IGN Entertainment |work=[[UGO Networks]] |access-date=April 22, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208163258/http://www.ugo.com/games/super-smash-bros-characters-metaknight |archive-date=December 8, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, Meta Knight was temporarily removed from some [[Electronic sports|professional gaming competitions]] in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] as he was considered to be too powerful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/03/meta-knight-banned-from-super-smash-bros-brawl |title=Meta Knight: Banned From Super Smash Bros. Brawl |author=George, Richard |date=October 3, 2011 |publisher=Ziff Davis |work=IGN |access-date=May 5, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223062809/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/03/meta-knight-banned-from-super-smash-bros-brawl |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Meta Knight returned as a playable character in [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Wii U'']] after the series' director, [[Masahiro Sakurai]], assured some changes to re-add him; among the changes, Meta Knight lost his ability to glide, and his unrivaled attack speed was toned down.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds-meta-knight-confirmed-s/1100-6421699/ |title=Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS -- Meta Knight Confirmed, Special Move Changed |author=Makuch, Eddie |date=August 13, 2014 |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=August 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141015175521/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds-meta-knight-confirmed-s/1100-6421699/ |archive-date=October 15, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> He reappears as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. Meta Knight's unmasked appearance is also available as an alternate skin for [[Kirby (character)|Kirby]] in that game.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/110303/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-profiles-meta-knight|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Character Profiles: Meta Knight|website=Shacknews|date=5 March 2019 }}</ref>

===Other appearances===
Meta Knight has made several appearances outside of the ''Kirby'' video game series, including the 1994–2006 [[manga]] ''[[:ja:星のカービィデデデでプププなものがたり|Hoshi no Kirby: Dedede de Pupupu na Monogatari]]'' written by Hirokazu Hikawa and published by [[Shogakukan]] in ''[[CoroCoro Comic]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://shogakukan-comic.jp/news/39308 |title=愛もクセも強め！ウワサの『星のカービィ』まんが、最新刊！ |work=Shogakukan Comic |date=October 28, 2022 |accessdate=June 8, 2024}}</ref> In the [[anime]] ''[[Kirby: Right Back at Ya!]]'' he is the last surviving member of the Galaxy Soldier Army, made up of "Star Warriors" and ninjas. He also makes various appearances in the [[restaurant chain]] known as ''[[Kirby Café]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/656/G065696/20231113030/ |title=「カービィカフェ PETIT」で「メタナイトの気高きチョコレートケーキ」が11月29日に登場。11月17日発売の商品情報も公開 |work=4gamer |author=Yawaragi |date=November 13, 2023 |accessdate=June 8, 2024}}</ref>

Various types of merchandising have been released based on Meta Knight's character. These include [[amiibo]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/5/15/8613087/marth-ike-meta-knight-amiibo-restocks-nintendo|title=Nintendo bringing back some older amiibo in the next few days|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=May 15, 2015}}</ref> [[nendoroid]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/08/nendoroid-meta-knight-figure-deserves-all-the-hugs/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827195203/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/08/nendoroid-meta-knight-figure-deserves-all-the-hugs/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 27, 2016|title=Nendoroid Meta Knight Figure Deserves All The Hugs|first=Mrtaco|last=Says|date=August 26, 2016|website=Kotaku Australia}}</ref> [[nanoblock]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.siliconera.com/kirby-nanoblock-mini-nano-sets-will-appear-in-september/|title=Kirby Nanoblock Mini Nano Sets Will Appear in September|date=August 12, 2021}}</ref> and [[plush]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://soranews24.com/2016/08/20/helpful-japanese-parent-gives-nintendos-meta-knight-a-seriously-weird-makeover/|title="Helpful" Japanese parent gives Nintendo's Meta Knight a seriously weird makeover|date=August 20, 2016}}</ref>

== Reception ==
He was referred to by ''[[Shacknews]]'' as "arguably Nintendo's most recognizable anti-hero".<ref name="Shacknews SSBU">{{cite web|last=Mejia|first=Ozzie|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Character Profiles: Meta Knight|website=Shacknews|date=5 March 2019 |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/110303/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-profiles-meta-knight}}</ref> ''Inside Games'' writer Sushi praised the scene of Meta Knight ordering his troops to evacuate, particularly Meta Knight murmuring an apology to them when they stay behind, saying that this scene helped make Meta Knight cool and a popular character.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.inside-games.jp/article/2017/08/05/109005_3.html |title=【特集】『星のカービィ』シリーズ、絶対に忘れられないシーン10選 |work=Inside Games |author=Sushi |date=August 5, 2017 |access-date=April 6, 2024}}</ref> ''[[Jeuxvideo.com|Jeux Video]]'' staff felt that their mysterious nature helped make him a more popular character. They speculated that Meta Knight's shift from being an opponent to being an ally was due to Meta Knight's appearance in the ''Kirby: Right Back at Ya!'' anime, as well as the departure of series creator [[Masahiro Sakurai]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.jeuxvideo.com/dossiers/00014774/la-serie-kirby-les-ennemis-de-kirby-meta-knight-le-chevalier-mysterieux-044.htm |title=Les ennemis de Kirby : Meta Knight, le chevalier mystérieux |work=Jeux Video |date=April 29, 2011 |access-date=April 6, 2024}}</ref> ''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]'' writer Chris Scullion felt excited to see him appear in ''Kirby's Epic Yarn'', identifying himself as a Meta Knight fan and attributing his appreciation for Meta Knight to Meta Knight's mysterious nature, discussing how his alignment was unclear. He also argued that Meta Knight was previously not one of Nintendo's bigger characters, only to become a "cult hero" due to his appearance in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/20322/blog/a-knight-to-remember/ |title=A Knight To Remember |work=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]] |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=October 5, 2010 |access-date=April 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517120104/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/20322/blog/a-knight-to-remember/ |archive-date=May 17, 2014}}</ref>

Meta Knight is a particularly strong, "[[tier list|high-tier]]" player character in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', which made him the subject of commentary by fans and critics alike. At [[Apex (tournament)#2012|Apex 2012]], Meta Knight was used by half of the top eight competitors, and 21 of the top 64 used him as well, the latter being three times as common as the next most-used character, [[Captain Olimar]]. This led to the director of Apex, Chris Brown, to announce that he would be banned from the tournament the following year. Brown believed that, with Meta Knight banned, the game would become more balanced. Apex 2012 was the last major tournament to feature Meta Knight before he was banned. He had been banned for use in prior tournaments, though such a ban was not required by the Unity Ruleset, the guidelines most tournaments in the US and Canada follow. The process of approving the ban involved both an agreement by the Unity Ruleset Committee and player consensus, polling members of the forums of [[Smashboards]], AllisBrawl, and the Brawl Back Room, the latter being a secret forum for the "best and brightest" ''Smash'' players. They also polled the top 100 players on Smashboards, who voted in favor of a ban 60–40. However, the ban took years before it was implemented, due in part to some professional players relying on Meta Knight to win tournaments, as well as the logistics of getting many tournaments on board. People were also concerned that tournament players from outside the US and Canada may avoid Unity Ruleset tournaments if such a ban went through.<ref name="Escapist">{{Cite web|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/the-banning-of-meta-knight/|title=The Banning of Meta Knight|date=May 8, 2012}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Kirby series}}
{{Super Smash Bros.}}

[[Category:Extraterrestrial characters in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional extraterrestrial humanoids]]
[[Category:Fictional knights in video games]]
[[Category:Fictional swordfighters in video games]]
[[Category:Kirby (series) characters]]
[[Category:Male characters in video games]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. fighters]]
[[Category:Video game bosses]]
[[Category:Video game characters introduced in 1993]]
[[Category:Video game characters who can move at superhuman speeds]]

Meta Knight - Revision history

imported>Criticize: Reverted Edit(s) by 2600:6C5D:4000:26E9:8EDD:3076:287E:BA6C (Talk)