Can one Pulsewave while locked into close combat and not have the sharpshooter ability? or must one have the sharpshooter ability?

The power specifically says that you can use it while adjacent to opposing figure(s).

Granted, it didn't used to be that way, which is why X-Ray of the U-Foes was given the Sharpshooter ability. And then shortly thereafter, his combo was rendered moot, since every Pulse Waver could suddenly do it.

i thought you could too but someone told me they changed it and i thought i would just double check on it bc sometimes rules in this game can be confusing

Theavengerthor is correct.

Yup, Pulsewave is pulsewavable while based!