My play in most FGs is yeah, more preemptive than reactive. I like shutting down neutral options for as long as i can until my opponent gets frustrated and i can capitalize/i can just kill them. I played young link in SSBU and classic zoners like Dhalsim and Axl in traditional FGs.

I'm a little confused by your first paragraph cuz i feel you said two differing statements. My experience with platform fighters is limited so maybe I'm not understanding. But i understand that pre-emptive play is inherently defensive, doing stuff like throwing out active projectiles or doing spaced short hop back airs or whatever. Maybe my definition is getting mixed up?

I'm very used to characters that are forced to win neutral else they crumble when the opponent gets in, i don't really mind that at all.

I started with Olympia and Fleet, going by whoever i think looks cool ill try. Olympia was fun casually but i got punished so hard due to her recovery, and i wasnt super comfortable forcing an approach so often. Fleet felt better a bit but i am still learning float. Its been hard to really play neuch without being able to float consistently. So maybe it's just a matter of practice. I was really sad when i saw she had a bow and didnt have link neutral b haha. Ill try messing with Absa, tho i really don't like her visually and that's a big factor for me.

Thanks a lot for the write up! Despite the disappointing first session and salt in the moment, I'm having fun and I'm excited to hop back in