Jump Slash


 * Not to be confused with the Jump Strike

The Jump Attack, also known as the Targeted Attack, is one of Link's most basic attacks, but it also one of his most reckless sword-based moves. He performs it by leaping forward into the air, then bringing down his sword towards the enemy. The force of the jump forward, the gravitational pull downwards, and the extra push added by using both hands all contribute to a stronger attack. In all cases of this move's appearance, it deals twice the damage of a regular sword strike. It was first introduced in Ocarina of Time, and subsequently appeared in all the 3D games. Its only 2D appearance so far has been in Four Swords Adventures.

This technique is effective against most enemies, but some foes, such as Darknuts in Twilight Princess, are able to dodge or counter it if the timing is not right. Moreover, after Link performs a Jump Attack, he will be unable to move for a short while and thus be vulnerable to enemy attacks.

Performing a Jump Attack
To perform this attack in any the 3D Zelda games, Link must have his sword drawn, and he must be targeting the enemy. When both conditions are met, a simple press of the action button will unleash a Jump Attack.

In Four Swords Adventures, the Jump Attack can be performed by "tapping" the control stick of a GameCube controller, or D-Pad of a connected Game Boy Advance, and simultaneously pressing the sword button. It is much harder to pull off than in other incarnations, but serves less of a purpose now, as the Roll Attack is better at dealing damage from a distance, and multiple regular strikes up close are comparatively equal in dealing damage up close.

Link performs the Jump Attack in Twilight Princess with only one hand instead of two, and this time around less enemies are affected by it. While in mid-air, if the player moves the Control Stick in a circle, Link will do a Spin Attack upon landing.

Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks also feature the Jump Attack. This time it can be performed simply by tapping on an enemy with the stylus, but only while Link is distant from his target. At closer range, Link will do a more modest sword thrust instead. In Spirit Tracks, Dark Link is also able to perform this move; however, he jumps much higher and slower than Link does.

Soulcalibur II
In Soulcalibur II, one of Link's moves is similar to the Jump Attack, although it is known as the Running Hack. The young hero can perform it by running up to the enemy and then pressing the vertical attack button. It can deal up to 42 HP worth of damage and is considered to be a mid-attack.