In JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, stands are wild, often downright strange powers that somehow capture the user’s quirks, personality, and fighting style. One of the more curious, yet deadly stands in this universe is Soft Machine, wielded by Mario Zucchero, a character who knows how to stay under the radar. While Soft Machine might lack the dramatic flair of some better-known stands, it’s uniquely dangerous when used the right way.
Who Is Mario Zucchero?
Zucchero is a member of Passione, a major crime syndicate in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind. He’s a quiet, focused operator, not the type to seek the spotlight or engage in long speeches. He’s a bit of a loner, methodical and calm, which pairs perfectly with his stand’s stealthy abilities. Zucchero keeps a low profile, letting others take the risks while he waits for the right moment to strike. He may not be flashy, but he’s sharp and has a knack for using Soft Machine’s power to maximum effect when it counts.
What Exactly Does Soft Machine Do?
At first glance, Soft Machine might seem a bad stand overall, certainly not the showiest stand around. Unlike some stands with explosive powers or endless adaptability, Soft Machine has just one trick, but it’s a weirdly useful one. Its main ability is to “deflate” objects and people, flattening them like a popped balloon. Imagine grabbing someone and seeing them go limp and paper-thin, unresponsive yet unharmed. Once Zucchero’s target is flattened, he can roll them up and hide them, making for easy concealment or transport.
One of Soft Machine’s eeriest aspects is that this deflation doesn’t hurt the victim, it just immobilizes them. The target can’t move or fight back, but they aren’t injured or killed. This makes Soft Machine incredibly useful for stealth missions, kidnappings, or sneak attacks, as Zucchero can literally fold someone up and stash them out of sight.
What It can do
Soft Machine isn’t built for brute force; it’s a master of ambush and surprise. Here’s what makes it so effective in Zucchero’s hands:
- Perfect for Sneak Attacks: Zucchero can sneak up on a target and deflate them before they even realize he’s there, leaving them completely vulnerable.
- Kidnapping and Hostage Tactics: Since Soft Machine doesn’t harm its victims, Zucchero can safely capture people without causing physical damage, making it perfect for situations where he needs to gather intel or hold someone hostage.
- Discreet Moves: When Zucchero flattens someone, he can hide them away in tight spaces, drastically lowering the odds of them being found. It’s a stealthy tool for undercover missions or setting up traps.
- No Lasting Damage: The deflation is temporary; once released, targets return to normal, meaning Zucchero can use Soft Machine repeatedly without worrying about accidental fatalities.
Soft Machine’s Limitations
Of course, Soft Machine has its share of weak points. It’s not a catch-all tool, and Zucchero must be careful to work around its limitations:
- Close-Range Only: Zucchero has to be right next to his target to deflate them, so getting spotted too early could lead to disaster. If his approach fails, he could be in real trouble.
- Single-Use Ability: Soft Machine isn’t versatile—it only deflates. If an opponent catches on to this tactic, they may stay out of range or create a counter-strategy.
- Brief Control Window: Deflation doesn’t last forever, so Zucchero has to act fast before his target regains their full form.
- Poor in Direct Combat: In a fair fight, Soft Machine struggles. If Zucchero’s opponent sees him coming and has time to react, he’s left with few options besides retreating.
The Ideal Environment for Soft Machine
Soft Machine is most effective when Zucchero can control the battlefield. In cramped spaces or areas filled with good hiding spots, he can lurk in the shadows, stalking his prey until the perfect moment to strike. When his targets are unaware, even seasoned stand users can be caught off guard and helpless against the unexpected deflation. Zucchero’s success hinges on surprise and subtlety.
Soft Machine Compared to Other Stands
Soft Machine doesn’t have the raw strength or lightning-fast reflexes of heavy hitters like Star Platinum or The World, but it offers a unique approach. Its deflation ability trades sheer power for the potential to render even strong opponents harmless—if Zucchero can get close enough. Yet, in a head-to-head brawl, Soft Machine doesn’t stand a chance against opponents who can keep their distance or counter its limited abilities.
Zucchero’s stand may be low-profile, but under the right circumstances, it’s downright terrifying. For opponents who aren’t careful or who underestimate him, Soft Machine can be a devastating surprise.
