Link

Link is a playable character in the Super Smash Bros. series. He made his debut in the first game in the series and has consistently appeared in every game since. Initially he appeared to be based off of his model in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time but starting from Super Smash Bros. Brawl he is mainly inspired by the Twilight Princess incarnation of the character. In every game in the series he has been available as a fighter from the start.

Fighting Style
Link's main advantage over other fighters is his large range of projectiles inspired by numerous weapons in The Legend of Zelda series. Additionally because he has a sword his reach is slightly longer than many other characters and attacking is somewhat safer. The Hylian Shield can also protect Link against enemy projectiles if he is standing still.

Other References to The Legend of Zelda series
Link's forward dodge and back dodge resemble the forward roll and backflip techniques he can sometimes use in The Legend of Zelda series starting from Ocarina of Time. His attack when getting up off a ledge also resembles the crouching stab Link could use in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. One of Link's taunt features Link sheathing his sword similar to how he does so in Twilight Princess. Another taunt also has him playing with what appears to be the Cursor Fairy.

Link's alternate costumes refer to several Tunics he has worn throughout the series. Including the Goron Tunic, Zora Tunic, the purple Link from The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords, Link when using the Great Fairy's Tears, Dark Link, Link's Skyloft outfit and the Fierce Deity Armor worn by Fierce Deity Link.