Techniques: L-Jump
Discovered bykip, CAL Foolio
L-Jumping is a technique for getting extra speed and distance out of a jump.
To perform a basic L-Jump: Hold L, jump forward, and release L while Samus is about halfway up her ascent. You can do the same for the second jump, but the effect is much smaller by comparison. This time, release L immediately after the jump.
If done correctly, Samus should jump forward quite a distance, about twice as far as a standard jump. Once you're comfortable with them, L jumps should basically replace standard jumps.
Additional info:
- The key to understanding this trick is that holding L while moving forward (either on the ground or in air) will instantly put Samus at max walking speed. Normally, when jumping without L, Samus will slow down during the first quarter of a jump, and then accelerate the rest of the way. L-Jumping allows you avoid the initial slowdown (by holding L) while keeping the later acceleration (by not holding L).
- The optimal time to release L during the first jump is 13 frames (about 1/6 of a second) after Samus leaves the ground. After the second jump, it is 4 frames.
- There's no need to press L all the way that it clicks (only do that to lock on), just enough that the targeting crosshair appears in the middle of the screen. This may save you some finger fatigue.
- There is a speed cap for forward movement, but not for sideways movement. Because of this, additional speed and distance can be achieved by turning sideways after releasing L. Simply slide the control stick from up to up-right or up-left. Once you have turned completely sideways, return to holding up. For more information, see the R-Jump technique page.