By: Ryan Ramakrishnan
With this announcement, it’s hard not to be excited to hear what Nintendo has in store for players in their largest title in the series. Equally hard to avoid is speculation of what character reveals are to come.
After careful consideration and breakdown, I’ve compiled a list of 10 characters I’d like to see be revealed as playable fighters in “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” in tomorrow’s Direct.
Check out my list and then be sure to let me know your own.
10. KEN MASTERS
Ken Masters of “Street Fighter” fame would undeniably be a great Echo Fighter.
“Super Smash Bros for Wii U’s” introduction of Ryu through DLC brought the fighting game series into another one altogether. Now it it is time for another member, and who better than the famous alternative to Ryu?
With the history of “Street Fighter,” Ken, unlike today, was basically the same character with a couple of simple differences as Ryu. This was effectively Echo Fighters before the term was ever coined. With that being said, it’s hard not to imagine Ken’s place in the “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” roster.
Ken’s similarities alongside his unique features, as well as his appropriate presence in the most recent leak suggest he belongs on the battlefield with Ryu and the rest of gaming’s icons.
9. ISAAC
Few characters have been requested or demanded at the same level as “Golden Sun’s” Isaac for newcomers in “Super Smash Bros.”
Last week’s leak showed Isaac alongside my number nine pick of Ken to be characters in “Super Smash Bros Ultimate.” This makes sense given the innumerable amount of requests gamers have expressed loudly to Masahiro Sakurai and Nintendo.
Ridley and King K. Rool were recently confirmed, proving Sakurai’s ability to listen to fans. This inevitably opened then door for the many heavily demanded characters.
Losing his place as an Assist Trophy this time around, not only do I believe his likelihood of making it in is quite high but I believe Isaac would be an exciting newcomer, one that appeal to gamers everywhere.
8. FUNKY KONG
Rightfully an Echo Fighter if anything, Funky Kong would be a welcomed fighter to the roster of “Super Smash Bros Ultimate.”
Dixie Kong as an Echo Fighter for Diddy Kong makes perfect sense too and is often requested; however, I think Funky Kong would bring something more fresh to the table than Dixie could.
Back in 2008, my introduction to Funky Kong was through “Mario Kart Wii,” and I was sold on the campy charm of the character. Today, everything from reading his dialogue as he sells me balloons to surfing across spikes with no concern of damage, “Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze” makes the character all the better.
I think Funky Kong’s personality and similarities to Donkey Kong would help him fit the build for an Echo Fighter perfectly. Whether it’s using the surfboard as a physical attack or to actually surf the airs above your opponents, I see Funky Kong as a more-than-suitable member for “Super Smash Bros Ultimate’s” roster.
7. SORA
One of the most delightful and powerful protagonists of gaming, Sora fits the part of a “Super Smash Bros” fighter perfectly.
Sora also happens to share some history with Nintendo. While the “Kingdom Hearts” series is predominantly PlayStation based, Sora has appeared on many of Nintendo’s handheld platforms more than a couple of times.
The character has a legacy, welcoming to Nintendo and non-Nintendo gamers alike.
Sora was also created by the same publishers who let Cloud Strife appear in “Super Smash Bros for Wii U.”
If Cloud and his Buster Sword can make the cut, then, save for a Disney copyright or two, why can’t Sora alongside his wide array of magical skills, awesome summons and epic Keyblades do the same.
6. SHADOW
Significantly darker than Sonic yet not so different, Shadow the Hedgehog would be a well-placed Echo Fighter.
With the introduction of these type of characters, “Sonic the Hedgehog’s” Shadow seems to fit the build for what goes into these Echo Fighters. Shadow has an edgier and darker style but would no doubt play similarly to Sonic, Echo or not.
I believe Shadow’s odds of making it into “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” are higher than Sonic’s other allies and associates like Silver or Tails for one of two reasons.
For starters, Shadow, as I said, has a unique aura and way of taking care of business, yet simultaneously isn’t incredibly different from Sonic. Shadow therefore has what it takes to sit right in the middle of vastly different and all too familiar.
Likewise, Shadow has lost his place as an Assist Trophy, giving the title to a certain echidna. With that being said, it’s hard not to imagine Nintendo wouldn’t have a safe seat in their next roster with Shadow’s name all over it, allowing the hedgehog to work his way up in the world.
As a result, Shadow’s role as a newcomer in “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” is all the more likely and exciting.
5. RAYMAN
If one relationship in contemporary gaming is an admirable example, it’s that of Nintendo and Ubisoft. The Switch’s life has only just begun and Ubisoft has already provided two wondrous experiences through collaboration.
Of all franchises, Nintendo allowed them to use “Super Mario” and create a strategy game with it. And not a year later, Ubisoft would use “Star Fox” in a brand new, risky I.P.
Digging past the gritty, realism of much of Ubisoft’s portfolio, you’ll find a strange but delightful limbless hero in Rayman.
Rayman is the star of some of this decade’s finest platformers, right at home on Nintendo’s platformers.
With the stability of their relationship with Nintendo, I think it’s time Ubisoft sends over their charming character to fight alongside platforming legends Mario, Kirby, Sonic and the rest of the crew.
If you’re not sold already, just think of the music, the unforgettable, lovely, excellent music.
4. BANJO KAZOOIE
The Nintendo 64 gem of a duo, Banjo and Kazooie, are always going to associated with Nintendo.
The developer of “Banjo-Kazooie,” Rare was once owned by Nintendo and produced some of the best games on the Nintendo 64 but many years ago, Microsoft bought the company. After a poorly received and resultantly forgotten sequel on the Xbox 360, the franchise was inadvertently put on hold.
The characters however have never been ignored by gamers. Always remembering the great times with the collect-a-thon of a platformer, Banjo and Kazooie are some of the most beloved characters in gaming, often asked to appear in “Super Smash Bros.”
With the history that the duo of bear and bird holds in gamer’s hearts, it’s hard not to imagine Banjo and Kazooie fitting in quite well alongside many of the other fifth generation console greats.
Banjo and Kazooie being leaked to appear in “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” is nothing short of a thrilling idea, one that would bring 90’s kids’ dreams everywhere to fruition.
3. DOOM SLAYER
While, the third place on this list is a bit far fetched when taking into consideration, it’s impossible not to imagine how epic the appearance of Doom Slayer would be in “Super Smash Bros Ultimate.”
Known by the UAC as DM1-5, “Doom’s” main protagonist is one of gaming’s coolest in all of history. With the most recent iteration of the series in the form of “Doom,” often called “Doom 2016,” this character’s epic maneuvers across the map and means of killing make him nothing short of epic, perfect for a fighting game.
The history of Doom Slayer and the series as a whole traces back to the origins of what made and continues to make a great first person shooter. With “Super Smash Bros Ultimate’s” celebration of gaming, Doom Slayer would fit well enough.
It’s however not the sole reason for “Doom’s” main character to be in “Super Smash Bros.” Bethesda has shown incredible support to Nintendo with their hybrid platform. By porting “Doom” (2016) to the Switch, they quickly got me thinking, the odds of Doom Slayer appearing in a “Super Smash Bros” game is that much more likely.
Of course, the gloriously violent action and gunplay of the “Doom” games that would only be necessary in Doom Slayer’s movepool may not fit into Nintendo’s M.O.
Maybe it would, maybe it would not, probably the latter, but I can still dream at night about breaking a Smash Ball and accessing the BFG, can’t I?
2. CRASH BANDICOOT
The runner-up is one of the most recognizable faces in gaming, one that absolutely deserves a spot in this year’s “Super Smash Bros” roster. That is Crash Bandicoot.
Crash goes back to the original PlayStation where he made a name for himself as a platforming great alongside the likes of “Super Mario 64.” Crash, as a result, holds a special legacy in gaming.
Activision seems to have had the desire to bring the character back into relevance. This allowed Vicarious Visions to deliver the impressive “Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.” The trilogy even made its way over to the Switch just this past June.
With Crash appearing on the Switch and feeling right at home on the hybrid platform, it was inevitably going to be questioned his odds of being in “Super Smash Bros Ultimate.” I, like gamers everywhere, asked the same in pure excitement at the idea of this possibility.
Crash’s legacy alone in the world of video games makes him worthwhile to fight alongside gaming greats like Mario, Link and Sonic. It also doesn’t hurt that Crash, in appearance and execution, plays the part of a Nintendo character better than many of their own.
Coupling everyone's favorite bandicoot’s legacy with his fresh appearance on a Nintendo platform and add the many spin moves and apples at his disposal and you have one of the most fitting newcomers for a “Super Smash Bros” game.
1. ZERAORA
The top spot on this list belongs to one of the most exciting new Pokemon, that being Zeraora.
Zeraora is the latest edition to the massive National Dex, just behind the brand new Meltan and Melmetal. The Pokemon has an interesting following giving its mythical nature. In fact, with a Gamestop event live in the U.S. I currently just got my hands on this electric type.
Zeraora, in my opinion, fits the nature of “Super Smash Bros” quite well in its roster. The addition of this mythical Pokemon would be quite fitting thanks to many of its statistics and moves in “Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.”
Zeraora boasts quite a speed stat, holding a base of 143. This would easily make it a fast character, one that could go toe to toe with the likes of Pikachu, Fox and even Captain Falcon.
In addition to the welcoming speed of Zeraora, it also has a potential movepool to do numbers on the battlefield. Zeraora could get up close and personal with opponents’ best fighters thanks to some moves including but not limited to Thunder Punch and Wild Charge.
Of course, Zeraora is a Pokemon, and potential “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” fighter that would also be able to perform well regarding crowd control. It could use attacks such as Thunderbolt or Discharge and act as both a projectile-based fighter but also just an all around versatile one.
With the seemingly inevitable chance of a “Pokemon” representative making its way over to “Super Smash Bros Ultimate,” there are plenty of options thanks to the 800 and counting monster in existence. Zeraora however, with its speed, legendary and mythical status and versatile electric moves, is the most worthy and exciting option for my money.
And that’s the list. Those are 10 characters from various games who I feel deserve a place in “Super Smash Bros Ultimate’s” roster.
Given the fact that Nintendo’s Direct focused entirely on the game will run some 40 minutes, there’s no way character reveals aren’t going underway. How many characters will make their debut and how many will be left to unveil after the Direct nobody knows. It is more than a little exciting, so be sure to tune into the stream to see just what Nintendo has in store for us.
And prior to then, be sure to provide me your list. Which characters do you hope to see revealed for “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” in this Direct? Do you believe the most recent leaks, or any for that matter? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
No comments:
Post a Comment