KO Influence

KO Influence is a new mechanic introduced in Super Smash Bros for the PC.

Description
KO Influence allows you to choose how you want to be KO'd when launched into the upper blast line. To do this, you must Smash DI in a certain direction when in hitstun but before being launched. Each direction will cause a different KO, Smash DI'ing sideways will result in Blast KOs, upwards for Star KOs and downwards for Screen KOs. This mechanic is actually very important, as each KO has their benefits:

Blast KOs: The shortest KO, use it when you need to get back into the fight quickly.

Star KOs: The longest length KO, this is essential when two or more players are being launched into the blast line either at or around the same time and if time is running out, last stock, etc. The Star KO's length will allow the Star KO'd player to win.

Screen KOs: The medium-length KO. While it's not really fun to be on the screen, it can block other players' view (even CPUs).This is the best option when there's a bomb on stage, as if a player can't see where a bomb is, they will run right into it.

An update has changed this mechanic: For Blast KOs, a launched player must wait until they are in between the top of the camera's view and the upper blast line itself. Then, they will have to press whatever the "grab" key is. The faster the player is launched, the harder it is to do this. For Star & Screen KOs, a player must now DI in a certain direction: up or down results in Star KOs and sideways results in Screen KOs. This actually balances the gameplay a bit. When being launched upwards, DI'ing downwards will help you survive some percent longer, but if you are still KO'd, a Star KO will happen, which is the longest KO. However, an upside to this, is the aforementioned "two or more players being launched towards the upper blast line at or around the same time". The player that DIs downward will stall their ascent to the upper blast line and they will be Star KO'd, winning the match if the other player doesn't DI. Of course, if both players happen to do this, it will result in a Sudden Death.

For convenience, the frequency of each KO normally is listed here (subject to change):

Star: 40%

Screen: 40%

Blast: 20%

Another possible mechanic is that each stage has their own KO frequency.