Clawshot

The Clawshot is an item introduced in Twilight Princess.

Clawshot
The Clawshot is based on the Hookshot, but instead of having a single point, it has three claws that are used to grab things to pull them closer to Link or pull Link to them.

Link receives the Clawshot in Lakebed Temple at the bottom of Lake Hylia, after defeating the local mini-boss, Deku Toad. It is important for beating the temple's boss, Morpheel.

Double Clawshot
Later in the game, Link finds another Clawshot in the City in the Sky, after defeating the mini-boss Aeralfos. Together, they are referred to in Twilight Princess as the Double Clawshots and in Skyward Sword simply as the Clawshots, and they enable Link to grapple onto an object while holding onto (or hanging from) another.

With the single Clawshot, Link's only option after grappling onto a target is to drop to the platform below. However, the combination of two Clawshots allows him to grapple and pull himself towards one target, then grapple another target without the need to drop down beforehand. This is vital, since many sections of the City in the Sky have pitfalls and holes instead of solid platforms.

The Double Clawshots are the key to defeating the boss of the City in the Sky, Argorok.

Clawshot vs. Hookshot
The Clawshot is a departure from the Hookshot, since it can no longer attach to the same variety of items and surfaces as previously possible. Where the Hookshot could latch on to torches, chests, rooftops, and other indicated targets, the Clawshot is more limited in what objects it can grasp. These objects are typically a form of grating, which somewhat diminishes the variety of different areas the Clawshot can cling to.

On the other hand, the Clawshot surpasses the Hookshot in other areas. The ability to cling to grates and use the second Clawshot to reach other areas opens up interesting new exploration abilities. The ability to move up and down along the Clawshot's chain is also useful, and is reminiscent of The Wind Waker's Grappling Hook.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

 * ''See SmashWiki's article on the Clawshot for more information.

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Clawshot replaces the Hookshot as Link's grab move. Like its predecessor, the Clawshot serves as the young hero's tether recovery to grab the edge of the stage and pull himself back up to it. The Clawshot is actually more efficient since it automatically latches on to a nearby ledge instead of having to fire it at the precise time. Moreover, the Clawshot retracts faster than the Hookshot in Melee. Should the young hero miss his target after a grab move attempt, he will be left open to attack while the Clawshot returns to its original position.