Raptor Boost

Raptor Boost is Captain Falcon's side special move in every Super Smash Bros. game since Super Smash Bros. Melee. When used, Captain Falcon lunges forward to throw a flame-engulfed punch, which differs depending on his position: he throws an uppercut while he is on the ground, or an overhand while he is airborne. The uppercut will launch an opponent vertically, but if it fails to hit an opponent, Captain Falcon stumbles and falls forward. The overhand can potentially meteor smash an opponent (and is guaranteed to do so in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl), although it renders Captain Falcon helpless unless he lands on-stage, grabs an edge (as of Super Smash Bros. Brawl), or hits an opponent (as of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate).

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, the Raptor Boost's first custom variant is Heavy Raptor Boost, which is stronger and grants knockback resistance, but at the cost of slower speed and much less travel distance. The second is Wind-up Raptor Boost, in which Captain Falcon steps back before charging forward; the move also charges faster, but at the cost of slightly less power and travel distance.

Ganondorf's Gerudo Dragon in Super Smash Bros. Melee functions similarly. However, it deals much more damage and launches the opponent diagonally upward, regardless of whether or not the move is used in the air or not. As of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, his Flame Choke uses a similar animation, but is a grab instead of a punch.