Falco Lombardi first appeared as a member of the Star Fox team, and he became a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Melee, released for the GameCube in 2001. His short attack shouts, including this 'hiyaaa' cry, come from his in-game voice lines during fast moves and combos. The clip spread through the Smash community, soundboards and short-form gaming edits, where players reuse it to mark stylish Melee moments. It remains popular because it is instantly recognisable to Smash fans, takes less than a second to play, and captures Falco's confident, cocky attitude in a single sound.