Heir to the Monado. Shulk General Discussion/Social Thread

[SmashChu]

SHULK IS NOW OFFICIALLY IN SMASHBROS!!! ARE YOU FEELING IT!?

Trailer Here

Pic of the Day

Spoiler

8/29/14
From Xenoblade Chronicles, Shulk joins the battle!! He's not the type of character that would usually appear in the Smash Bros. series, but we worked really hard to make it happen. We're very happy with how he turned out. This stage is Gaur Plain.

Shulk's sword, the Monado, slashes enemies with a beam when activated, so it can strike from long range. What really makes this weapon unique is that when the Monado Arts are activated, it can change Shulk's features and abilities! Emerge victorious in battle by changing your abilities strategically!!

[List of Monado Arts]
翔 (Jump): higher jumps, lower defense.
疾 (Speed): faster movement, weaker attacks.
盾(Shield): higher defense, slower movement.
斬(Buster): stronger attacks, weaker launch ability.
撃(Smash): Stronger launch ability, weaker attacks, lower defense against launching.

8/1/14
The legendary hero Riki appears as an Assist Trophy and in Shulk's Final Smash!! As an Assist Trophy, he uses many arts like Happy Happy, Freezinate, and Yoink! He sounds a bit like Tingle…but don't worry, Tingle will make an appearance too.
By the way, a cursor will appear above Assist Trophies and Pokémon to indicate which fighter is its ally. Now you can tell right off the bat who it belongs to!!"

Famitsu Scans

Spoiler

Guide who those who have never played Xenoblade

Who is Shulk and why is he special
Shulk is the main protagonist of Xenoblade a game developed by Nintendo first party company, Monolith Soft. The game was released in the US as a limited release, so many people didn't play it.

Monado
The weapon he uses is called the Monado. It can hurt the robotic race known as Mechnon (think robots). It can allow him to see the future and other cool things. Shulk is the only one who can wield it without being hurt.

"I'm really feeling it/Shulk time"
In Xenoblade, the characters say a lot of things mid combat which usually correspond to how well you're doing. "I'm really feeling it" is one of those. "Now it's Shulk time," is a direct reference to Reyn, another character in Xenoblade chronical who says "Now it's Reyn time."

Monado Arts
In the game, character's special abilities are called Arts. Shulk has two sets of arts. He has his normal arts (which include Air Slash and Backstab) but he also had Manado arts. A lot of these are buffs to the party though some are standard attacks (Buster is actually an attack). The Monado arts are a play off of this.

Visions
So the Monado actually lets Shulk see visions of the future which he can change. This was both a plot device and a gameplay mechanic. In the game, you would see a big attack and its impact and could then change it. In this game, it's a counter move which is fitting given this is essentially what you do in the game/cutscenes. This cutscene is how it usually works
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQSEdyCG-Uk
Riki and Dunban
Riki is a Nopon. They are you typical cut mascot creatures. Riki was choses as the "Heropon" but this was due to a debt he owned to his village. The games makes him out to not be a very competent fighter, and in game he uses DOTs and debuffs to deal with foes. The purple thing he shot was a move called Lurgy. Dunban is the Hero of the Hons (i.e. Humans). He uses to wield the Monado before Shulk but it injuried him and he can barely use his sword fighting arm. He's still a very competent fighter and is usually very calm and collected.

The final smash is based on Team Attack where your teammates can chain arts together and deal more damage. Note that Riki is also an assist trophy.

The Shadow
That's Metal Face. He's basically a giant robot who kills Fiora (Shulk's love interest). The Monado can't actually hurt him in it's early state. Not much else to say that wouldn't be a spoiler. Basically, he's a recurring bad guy in the game.

Big thing in the Background
That's the Mechonis. See, the world in Xenoblade Chronicals is actually made of two gods. The people of each one have been warring. As you play the game, you can usually see it in the distance. The sword is actually embedded in the Bionis, which is where Shulk and the others are from.

Music from the Trailer
Those Who Bear Their Name
Guar Plains
Mechanical Rhythm

Spoiler

No Shulk thread. Well let's change that kiddies

Who is this Shulk?

Shulk is the star of Xenoblade Chronicles, an RPG for the Wii made by Nintendo owned Monolith Soft. Shulk wields a powerful sword called the Monado which defeats the robotic enemy force called the Mechon. Power of Friendship too I guess.

What can he do?

Shulk has a lot of different abilities, called Arts in the games. He has moves like Backshash which do more damage from behind and Slit Edge which do more from the side. He has others like Air Slash and Stream Edge. His Monado can unleash special abilities like the huge Buster, Shield to keep the party safe, and Cyclone which is a huge attack all around him. Best part? Shulks special ability lets him see the future. He can see what happens and use his powers to try and change it. He can do quite a bit.

That's swell and all, but why should Shulk be in?

1. Xenoblade Chronicles has beat out most expectations and sold out when it came to Europe and did even better in the US. While it's no Mario, it didn't go unnoticed.
2. From those that played it, it's well liked. In Famitsu, readers ranked it as the 6th best Nintendo games. EVER.
3. He's unique. Sure, he has a sword. But it's an awesome laser sword that can let him see the future.
4. Unlike a lot of other candidates, Xenoblade is 100% owned by Nintendo, not like these other games which have others guys in it. Up till writing this, most characters in Smash are of the same status. Got to count for something.
5. The game is still in high demand. New copies can go for 90 bucks!!!

HMMM. Still not sold. How about music?

You got it.
Gaur Plains
Engage the Enemy (a personal favorite of mine)
Mechanical Rhythm
You Will Know Our Names
Main Theme
Beyond the Sky (Ending Theme)
Unfinished Battle

More Info

More info on Shulk
Xenoblade Wikipedia
NoE's Xenoblade page
Nice little article that gives more reasons for Shulk
thanks to foolssigma for this one.
Best scene in the game


A nice little moveset someone made (not sure who did it so speak up)

B: Slit Edge - Deals devastating damage if opponent is shielding; weak to moderate damage otherwise.
Up-B: Air Slash - A jumping attack that begins in a weak slash downward culminating in a spike attack below him. Breaks shields.
Side-B: Stream Edge - Damages targets a significant distance in front of Shulk.
Down-B: Shadow Eye - Shulk becomes invisible and invulnerable for a brief moment, allowing him to escape attacks. Makes a powerful slash when visibility returns.

Final Smash: Monado Arts - Shulk's eyes glow blue and the Monado extends for the following attacks. Effect lasts for 15 seconds. Raises speed slightly and defense drastically.

B: Buster - Damages all enemies within range of the sword.
Up-B: Cyclone - Raises a cyclone around Shulk that propels him upward and traps/damages anyone caught in it.
Side-B: Eater - Damages around Shulk; any opponent immediately surrounding Shulk to take continuous damage for a few seconds.
Down-B: Purge - A finishing blow that automatically ends the Monado Arts phase. Seals the opponent and then hits them for a critical attack with fantastic knockback. Get as much as you can out of the other attacks but risk missing the chance to finish them off with a purge, or go for the kill immediately?

Moveset by FirstBlade

Spoiler

My Shulk moveset is finally complete! Sorry about the wait guys, but I had midterms and other stuff to get to.

Playstyle: I designed this Shulk as a mix of a rushdown and power up character in a sense. The rushdown roots comes from the fact that he can have a relatively easy time approaching with the Monado for physical attacks due to his long reach and medium speed as well as the fact that he is quite powerful. He can be very dangerous at close ranges especially. The power up influence comes mostly from the Monado itself as it allows for a change in his special moves for a short amount of time (I go into more detail below). For the most part he is a pretty fast, agile character who has average jumping ability making him pretty well rounded. His attacks are also quite powerful, but not heavy hitter powerful (Ganondorf, Bowser, Samus, etc.) Regarding his weight, he is pretty middle of the pack leaning towards the heavy side (think Ivysaur). Regardless, he has okay jumping skills and some recovery options.

Moveset:
Weight: 6
Speed: 7
Jump: 5
Power: 8

Crouch? Yes
Crawl? Yes
Wall Jump? No
Wall Cling? No

Jab: Downward slice, upward slice, jumping slice
Dash attack: Swings Monado sideways with one hand, ending with it slightly outstretched in front of him
F-Tilt: Jabs Monado forward
U-Tilt: Upwards vertical swipe
D-Tilt: Low Monado swipe

N-Air: Twirls Monado in hand quickly. Reflective properties.
F-Air: "Air Slash"- a leaning downwards strike, slows enemy for split second allowing for follow-up (the opponent is stuck in a slow knockback animation)
B-Air: Turns around while swinging Monado behind him
U-Air: An upwards "flip kick" with Monado outstretched
D-Air: A horizontal strike below him, quickly shifting him to a "headfirst plunge" position

F-Smash: Shulk jumps forward and slams the Monado into the ground at the end of his leap.
U-Smash: Does a single side to side slice above him. The Monado pulses with electric like energy at the peak of the swipe.
D-Smash: Shulk spins around very quickly with Monado outstretched sending out 2 traveling beams of energy one either side of him as he does so. Ranged smash. VERY long range.

Grab: Grabs with 2 hands (one is still on the Monado)
Pummel: Knees opponent
F-Throw: Hits opponent in back of the head with hilt pushing them forward in the process
B-Throw: Kicks opponent backwards
U-Throw:Throws opponent upwards and hits them with an upward Monado strike. Multi-hit.
D-Throw: Slams opponent down on to the ground and brings the Monado down on top of them. Multi-hit.

Specials:
B: Slit Edge- The Monado glows a bluish hue as Shulk slices it forward. The exact direction of the blade can be controlled. Using it in succession causes the damage to increase on this move for up to 5 times. Charging this move allows for a blue wide hitting shockwave that also increases with consecutive uses when it makes contact with another character. The shockwave can hit all surrounding opponents close enough even if they aren't hit by the blade itself.
Over B: Stream Edge: Shulk's Monado once again glows a light blue as he swings it forward. A large horizontal cut like beam appears in front of him cutting through anybody in front of him (stretches about 1.5 Fox Illusion's). Comes out very quickly. Knockback is delayed slightly for opponents.
Up B: Air Slash- Shulk appears to warp to another location because of how fast he moves. The attack always goes upward, but the slope of his ascent can be angled. Shulk will slice diagonally directly where he shows up. If the attack connects with another character their descent will be suspended in slow motion for a split second (stuck in a slow knockback animation) allowing for follow up hits and combos. Shulk is not put into a helpless state when using this move but is unable to use this move again until he touches solid ground.
Down B: Activate Monado- Shulk activates the Monado for a short amount of time which completely changes his specials and powers him up. Shulk moves faster thanks to Monado Speed and his new specials are more powerful than his regular ones. Damage to him is slightly lessened due to Monado Armour. His normal attacks have a slight 2% increase in damage as well.

Monado Specials: (The Monado power up lasts for about 75 seconds. Once the slight power-up is done it takes at least 2 minutes for it to recharge with in a hidden gauge.)
B: Monado Purge- Using the Monado, Shulk shoots a green Ether blast forwards that explodes on contact with an opponent and pushes them backwards. This move weakens slightly as it is used in a succession over 5 times (5 MPurge's in a row). This move can be charged to release a bigger blast that does more damage and knockback.
Over B: Monado Eater- Shulk charges a dark purple ether shot and shoots it at his opponents. It can be angled at his opponents and travels the length of Final Destination no matter. It is extremely fast and hard to dodge and cuts straight through opponents pushing them upwards when it hits them.
Up B: Monado Speed- Shulk rushes off in the input direction cutting straight through anybody he hits. It goes farther than Air Slash.
Down B: Monado Cyclone- A chargeable move. It can be tapped quickly for a small vortex of golden particles that disappears quickly or charged for a larger vortex that can stay up to 5 seconds (depending on how long you charge it). A fully charged one also releases a powerful explosion at the end. This move forms a sort of protective shield around Shulk in a sense. It causes damage while also blowing characters near him away (making it perfect for edgeguarding). Weak projectiles like uncharged Charge Shots are blocked by the windy barrier.

Final Smash (Idea #1)- Monado Buster- This is probably the most common final smash idea for Shulk and works pretty much how it does in Xenoblade. Shulk's sword grows about 7x as long and glows a dark purple, he lifts it towards the sky and smashes it down towards the ground in which it extends a little longer than Final Destination. Anyone hit, is given massive damage and launched towards the side the Monado was facing. This is almost a guaranteed KO. Of course this, would happen pretty quickly so opponents would have to be on their toes to dodge this (like Marth's Critical Hit)

Final Smash (Idea #2)- Vision- Shulk has a vision of a Mechon (a MISER) using a powerful swiping attack on the stage. Seconds later, a gigantic Mechon appears and Shulk evades the attack using Monado Speed. Everyone else, on the stage can easily be hit by the Mechon's swipe which is powerful enough to KO under 50%. Of course, it can be evaded, but the attack covers a wide distance and is extremely fast, so timing would be crucial here (Or of course an opponent can get as far as possible from the stage).

Entrance: Shulk appears in a rush of blue light smilar to the effects of Monado Speed
Side Taunt: Gets into battle stance and says "The enemy's weak but don't drop your guard"
Up Taunt: Holds Monado up and says "The future doesn't belong to you!"
Down Taunt: Monado glows purple as if conducting Monado Enchant while Shulk holds it out to his side and says "You're not invincible"

Some artwork contributed by Members. Enjoy!

Spoiler

Image by deuxhero

Spoiler

Image contributed by N3on

#MONADOMONDAY???

Spoiler

A brand new character will be shown off this Monday (7 am Pacific time) on the official website Smashbros.com. Could it really be Shulk? Well.....

I posted this on reddit:

Takeda has only tweeted about games 3 times before:

• Retweeting Nintendo Direct that revealed Xenoblade Chronicle
• Retweeting Nintendo Direct that revealed Xenoblade Chronicle 2
• Tweeting about Nintendo Event showing Xenoblade Chronicle 2 Trailer
• Monday's New Fighter Announcement for Smash Bros

We'll find out Monday

Supporters (The Party Members)

Hey everyone, our goal is to get to 100 supporters. All you have to do is say "OMG, I love Shulk and want to have his babies and/or adopt babies with him." in the thread. No purchase necessary. You can also send a message to either me or BluePikmin (who is compiling the list). Thanks guys!!

AND IT HAPPENED. OVER 250 SUPPORTS WOW!!!

Spoiler

1. SmashChu
2. yani
3. Guybrush20X6
4. foolssigma
5. Zzuxon
6. DragonSniperNintendo
7. yoonb
8. Ember Reaper
9. R-Trigger
10. Final Smash Gamer
11. XStarWarriorX
12. Xenoblaze
13. Brawler610
14. BluePikmin11
15. egaddmario
16. DaDavid
17. TitanTeaTime
18. Lamasis
19. TaichiYaegashi
20. MooseSmuggler
21. MASTRLINKX
22. SkittleE
23. GuyWithTheFace
24. bentendo222
25. Solfiner
26. Severn
27. BluePsychic
28. ZXMechonHunter
29. Staarih
30. fogbadge
31. Creo
32. ChibiIceClimberz
33. Oracle_Summon
34. SmashLover777
35. Banjodorf
36. KingBro1
37. MorbidAltruism
38. Nonstop Hype Train
39. Blue Rogue
40. Mistress Nicole
41. Sheddy
42. HyperSlash
43. Spazzy_D
44. NonSpecificGuy
45. CrimsonVallier
46. Muster
47. Interloper
48. RawstyleEevee
49. Rikobomo
50. Jje09
51. Pega-pony princess
52. The Curious Volnutt
53. Megadoomer
54. Whit
55. Pacack
56. Raccoonman_900
57. FinalStarmen
58. BigAxle
59. SpindaMaster
60. Mechonis
61. Cereal Bawks
62. AuraWielder
63. Kikwi-kiwi
64. DraginHikari
65. APC99
66. Drclaw411
67. Altais
68. Ariand/AEM
69. Louie G.
70. Renji64
71. TCT-Phantom
72. Mirron
73. Mishudo
74. Reila
75. DustyPumpkin
76. CardiganBoy
77. WonderSmash
78. Es. Dinah
79. Mr. Seven
80. Oz37
81. Gengar84
82. Chandelure
83. Jerry Applesauce
84. 8-bit man
85. GuyWithTheFace
86. BlastState
87. JaidynReiman
88. GloriousV
89. ThatWasPeachy
90. False Sense
91. Mega Bidoof
92. Alvis
93. Plain Yogurt
94. HylianRaider
95. IronFish
96. Mega Hawlucha
97. CheeseBroJoe
98. Vegito2727
99. ultimatekoopa
100. Banjo-Kazooie
101. Neon Borealis
102. skaaaa
103. Hokori
104. ScatmansWorld25
105. obeymalleo
106. Zhadgon
107. Skyfox2000
108. Sonic Poke
109. ArcticWolf
110. WingedSnagret
111. Scoliosis Jones
112. shinpichu
113. XLemmy-KoopaX
114. JediSuperSonic
115. CrusherMania1952
116. Weeman
117. Spinosaurus
118. Gravitational23
119. Miffa
120. Shorts
121. Drakonis
122. RogersBase
123. DilowcsNollsnn
124. Ussi
125. ChronoTempest
126. Enlong
127. vanderzant
128. sheik93
129. 8-peacock-8
130. TheTizzler
131. Inawordyes
132. DarkAres
133. Weeginji
134. Wondra
135. kikaru
136. LaniusShrike
137. Omega-Smasher
138. Neanderthal
139. Captain Hotcakes
140. stevenchina
141. TWILTHERO
142. Vintage Creep
143. TerraRizerKing
144. Venus of the Desert Bloom
145. Holder of the Heel
146. Sabrewulf238
147. Z1GMA
148. ShichibukaJimbe
149. Bowserlick
150. TumblrFamous
151. Chris Baker
152. Weedy Spyze
153. Maxoxpower
154. FastBlade5035
155. Sonicguy726
156. Jocario Zero
157. YT123
158. Wanderer From Roseyard
159. DeadlyBlade999
160. Oblivion129
161. FirstBlade
162. soviet prince
163. Stompman
164. HotFeet444
165. Chromvoy
166. TwentyTwo
167. dezeray112
168. Aguki90
169. 106Ghost
170. Neo Zero
171. Sol_Vent
172. M23-X0
173. Rioni
174. ClinkStryphart
175. Omniomega
176. Fandangox
177. TS
178. KumaOso
179. A Lucky Person
180. samsparta21
181. Serpdrako
182. Karmantix
183. Tackman91
184. Sun Sol
185. GM_3826
186. Blue Fang
187. GOofyGV
188. R.O.B.
189. ErenJager
190. jaytalks
191. GraveEclipse567
192. MetalMario128
193. Non-Specific Action Hero
194. Makaronileo
195. hinata2000100
196. Glaciacott
197. Valyoda
198. Aurora Jenny
199. Lizardon
200. Zoroarking
201. Rosalina
202. LeeYawshee
203. Noiblade
204. Rebellious Treecko
205. TechPowah
206. ToothiestAura
207. simpleglitch
208. LEGOfan12
209. Supermodel from Paris
210. TheSmasher916
211. SiLeNtDoOm
212. ThomasTerminator
213. tehponycorn
214. CliffJumper
215. cephalopod17
216. Goesasu
217. Earthbound_PKMN_Trainer
218. Protom
219. Vann Accessible
220. DaUsername
221. UberMadman
222. Bladeviper
223. AncientBaby
224. sunfallSeraph
225. Grimnir
226. Artorias
227. Master of Blades
228. Robertman2
229. Gamer YTP
230. kaliskonig
231. Senselessbreak
232. Shrekitralph
233. Sazarith
234. Ascended
235. Cheesedork
236. Cheezey Bites
237. TheTuninator
238. Godzillathewonderdog
239. Cutthemac
240. Swampasaur
241. LadPrime
242. Chalphy
243. ZanZero
244. PITe
245. KaBlamJamDan
246. Laniv
247. KingofZeroX
248. TORNADO BUS DRIVER
249. Rosalina
250. ItsRainingGravy
251.xXIke-SamaXx
252.
253.
254.
255.
256.
257.
258.
259.
260.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HEY!! Want to see something added to the OP. THEN SEND ME A MESSAGE YA DUMMY. For your health.

 

[Shorts]

My preferred Blond Smaller Franchise newcomer.

How do you feel the relationship between Shulk and Isaac is Chu? Do you think there is competition between the two? Or do you feel the inclusion of either won't affect the other?

 

[Holder of the Heel]

Awesome! This should have been up earlier! XP And nice post Smashchu. I'll perhaps post the specials I came up with, I believe some others did as well.

It will be interesting to see how much people think he should be in and how likely his chances are.

Anyone who is here that hasn't Xenobladed, go Xenoblade NAO.

 

[yani]

Glad to see someone finally made it! You gotta add "Unfinished Battle" to the music Chu.

Shulk and Seven playable. Riki AT. Plz Sakurai?

 

[AetherEch0s]

I'd prefer Dunban, but Shulk is obviously more likely. Being a first party character from the best rpg this generation, I think a rep is guaranteed either way.

 

[SmashChu]

My preferred Blond Smaller Franchise newcomer.

How do you feel the relationship between Shulk and Isaac is Chu? Do you think there is competition between the two? Or do you feel the inclusion of either won't affect the other?

I don't think Issac will get in for the reasons I mentioned before. Sakurai likes to go for first party characters and represent second parties in other ways. So it's why I'm more confident in Shulk.

As for your question, I don't think any character is exclusive. I don't think Sakurai cares. If both characters are good enough, than he'll add both.

Glad to see someone finally made it! You gotta add "Unfinished Battle" to the music Chu.

Shulk and Seven playable. Riki AT. Plz Sakurai?

I'm on it. Riki would be the best AT and Seven would be an awesome character.

Also, best comment so far

Shulk and ROB team up in Subspace to take down Jin from Tekken who has been transformed into a Faced Mechon while this song plays. I will buy 30 copies.

 

[Holder of the Heel]

Here is yani's excellent set that he made and posted in the SSB4 thread.

B: Slit Edge - Deals devastating damage if opponent is shielding; weak to moderate damage otherwise.
Up-B: Air Slash - A jumping attack that begins in a weak slash downward culminating in a spike attack below him. Breaks shields.
Side-B: Stream Edge - Damages targets a significant distance in front of Shulk.
Down-B: Shadow Eye - Shulk becomes invisible and invulnerable for a brief moment, allowing him to escape attacks. Makes a powerful slash when visibility returns.

Final Smash: Monado Arts - Shulk's eyes glow blue and the Monado extends for the following attacks. Effect lasts for 15 seconds. Raises speed slightly and defense drastically.

B: Buster - Damages all enemies within range of the sword.
Up-B: Cyclone - Raises a cyclone around Shulk that propels him upward and traps/damages anyone caught in it.
Side-B: Eater - Damages around Shulk; any opponent immediately surrounding Shulk to take continuous damage for a few seconds.
Down-B: Purge - A finishing blow that automatically ends the Monado Arts phase. Seals the opponent and then hits them for a critical attack with fantastic knockback. Get as much as you can out of the other attacks but risk missing the chance to finish them off with a purge, or go for the kill immediately?

Here is something I posted long ago for Shulk:

I'm not sure if anyone has made a Shulk set here, but Monado Buster could be a side Special where the blade charges for a moment and lengthens into a powerful attack. Monado Speed could increase his speed (with start up lag) and grants a third jump (used as a recovery when off-stage by granting you a jump). Monado Shield could be his B where he can temporarily put a shield on him for a few seconds but has a start-up lag to prevent constant shield spamming. His Down B could be Monado Twister and envelop a tornado attack around him that could maybe allow a small glide in the air as a bonus.

Not as nice as yani's, but something to add nonetheless.

 

[yani]

A fellow at NS2 made that moveset, don't want that fellow to think I stole it

I like it, but maybe Monado Arts would feel better as his normal specials, and his FS could be

Spoiler

True Monado

.

 

[Holder of the Heel]

Oh, oops! My bad haha. Probably knew that, just forgot. >_<;

I love the True Monado in the new game plus. You reminded me that I said on here that I was going to finish that game again. :D

 

[yani]

No prob

I'm on a NG+ focusing on sidequests. I'd like to hit 100%, but I'm not sure if I can handle it . I need to get my characters to level 99 too

 

[Holder of the Heel]

Are sidequests that the best way to level up?

I'm still like 81, is grinding the best way to get higher? If so, do you know any good areas where I can do that?

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

Shulk SMASH!!!

 

[N3ON]

Even though I support Isaac, and I feel that they might hamper each other's chances (although I hope not), I'd still really also like to see Shulk in Smash. Just because they are both blonde RPG sword-wielders shouldn't mean they are in competition, because that's about where the similarities end, and they would both have great and different movesets.

The Monado is so unique, and the content and characters of Xenoblade are so good that it definitely deserves playable representation, as well as just about every other kind of representation too.
Plus now is the perfect time to include Shulk, with the Xenoblade attention still being relatively strong (especially if we don't get a sequel for a while).

 

[yani]

Are sidequests that the best way to level up?

Not at the level you're at now. It's very good for low level players though.

I'm still like 81, is grinding the best way to get higher? If so, do you know any good areas where I can do that?

I'm level 82 and when I do grind, it's at

Spoiler

Satorl Marsh

. There's some level 81 birds and those level 84/5 green beasts as well. It's probably the best spot at this level

I really hope Shulk gets in. THIS IS THE MONADO'S POWER!!

 

[KingRidley]

Shulk would be awesome....Xenoblade is a fantastic game, one of my all time favorites.

 

[Mikegamer0608]

Haven't been playing Xenoblade for long but i love it so far and I really consider Shulk to make it in SSB4

 

[SmashChu]

Are sidequests that the best way to level up?

I'm still like 81, is grinding the best way to get higher? If so, do you know any good areas where I can do that?

Yani said it already, but the quest wont give you enough experience to get that high. As a reference, I have been doing every quest and got everyone's 4th skill tree. I just made it too the Fallen Arm and I'm lv 58. In contrast to my last game (with no quest) I was lv 55 there.

Quest are still good. They help because you get a lot of money, equipment and gems. They will also unlock more Monado arts and skill trees. You can go get the 5th skill trees now as well as finish off Colony 6. You should have some new ones open up, so try those.

The marsh is OK, but all the enemies are spread out. Try looking at the Bionis Leg and Prison Island too.

 

[yani]

Yeah that's the bad thing about the marsh, it's very spread out. I completely forgot about Prison Island at the end since I don't have access to it yet on this file. That's probably the best place to grind!

 

[Supermodel From Paris]

Shulk is the only character I'm really, really hoping makes it into the game. It isn't really even that long of a shot! Shulk is owned by Nintendo, and Xenoblade was huge commercial and critical success.

His moveset is pretty easy, just gotta make sure some of his signature abilities are in the game as normal attacks, make sure his specials represent his in-game special abilities and we're good to go.

His specials need to topple, daze, break, etc! His recovery ability could be Air Slash, which is a short hop that slows the enemy when it connects.

His Final Smash is so obvious it hurts.

 

[SmashChu]

Good to see this on the front page!

My only concern with Shulk getting in is the same uncertainty for any character. He seems like one that could get passed over. There are quite a few like that. Hopefully he gets in. Love to see his stages.

Also, I always though air slash should be an air attack. Monado Purge could work as a recovery.

 

[Yomi's Biggest Fan]

Shulk has my vote for debuting in the one Wii game everyone should have. Monado Buster should clash with Falcon Punch in a fight between the godliest men.

 

[yani]

I think Shulk has an extremely good chance of getting in. Sakurai's going to be looking at Wii games for content such as stages/music etc. A Xenoblade stage seems pretty much guaranteed due to the success it has had. The soundtrack absolutely NEEDS to be in Smash. Xenoblade also doesn't face the problem AC/Nintendogs have for offering a playable character. Unless Sakurai has a limit on the amount of sword users he wants in the game, I don't think there's too much holding Shulk back.

 

[SmashChu]

Here, I'll type up a moveset real quick.

Shulk

Shulk is the main character of Xenoblade and uses the weapon the Monado. Basically, it's a giant beam sword, but legend says that the god, the Bionis used it to fight the Mechonis. Naturally, he has a lot of attacks and abilities. Let's look.

Stats
Shulk would be about average in his movements. He would be average in running and jumping. He'll have a similar jump to what you have in Xenoblade. He can pack more of a punch and has a decent attack speed.

Special moves
B: Monado Cyclone- Shulk summons wind around him hurting anyone in range. It can also make people trip on the edges of the attack.
Side B:Monado Buster-A long and powerful attack. The monado extends farther when Shulk slams his sword on the ground. It's not a very fast move, so it can be easily dodged
Up B: Monado Purge-Shulk jumps up and does an upward slices with the now green glowing Monado. It removes charge attacks from characters as well as some transformation items
Down B: Monado Sheild-Shulk protects himself with a shield. it reflect projectiles and absorbs special attacks. Shulk only takes 1 damage from those and no knock back, it will be the opponent who is pushed back (like when attacking a shield).

Final Smash: Vision
One Shulk uses this move, you will immediately play out a vision. It will be quite sudden. After about 5-8 seconds, it ends and everything returns to when Shulk used the final smash, but only he can move. You can now use what the other players did during that time to attack them. They even move slower now. Likewise, if you get hit, that character will now glow red. When you attack them before they attack you, you will do increased knock back and damage. The final smash (during your vision) will have you have increased power as well.

Other attacks
Shulk can use his normal arts in his standard attacks. His Slit Edge is his strong move while Back Slash is a Smash attack. It will even do more damage and knock back is the character is behind you. Air Slash is his forward air attack and he does Stream Edge for his running attack. His standard A attack is a two hit auto attack move.

Hope this came out OK.

 

[Guybrush20X6]

The only thing I disliked about Xenoblade was how Shulk's face didn't have enough polygons. I'm in full support of a smash 4 appearance to fix that.

 

[Curious Villager]

Shulk looks pretty cool. Sure I don't mind him in. I'll support him even though I haven't played xenoblade yet... ^^

 

[RhymesWithEmpty]

I'm not at all opposed to Shulk in Smash, and I think he could be a very cool character, but I have a legitimate question/concern. I've been watching a playthrough of the game, and as much as I like it, it occurred to me... the Monado is huge. And it works in his game, but I feel like it might be a little too huge for a game like SSB4. It seems like Shulk's range would be equivalent to any other character using fully charged beam sword swings, all the time, and that seems a bit broken to me.

Admittedly, I'm not very far into the playthrough, and I don't know a ton about the game, so maybe there are workarounds to this I haven't thought of yet. Am I overestimating the problem, or do guys think they'll just nerf the Monado's range a bit, or something? I don't really know how it could be handled, so I was curious to hear the opinions of some people who know more about it than I do.

 

[DakotaBonez]

I Love the comments on the Xenoblade Chronicles Pages on Youtube.

"If Shulk does appear in Smash Bros. 4, they should make it so that he talks EXTRA crap to ROB, and any other robot characters they put in."

Shulk: "Vile Mechon! You will pay for what you have done to the Emperor and Fiora!"
ROB: "?"

I kinda wanna play the game after reading those.

 

[RhymesWithEmpty]

That would be pretty funny, but could I request that you please use spoiler tags?

 

[MagmarFire]

Shulk has to be in SSB4. He has to. Make it happen, Sakurai-san!

Spoiler

And please make Melia an Assist Trophy, if you would. kthx =3

 

[yani]

Shulk looks pretty cool. Sure I don't mind him in. I'll support him even though I haven't played xenoblade yet... ^^

You gotta play it man! Best game on the Wii.

 

[Holder of the Heel]

Yani, when I first read that post I considered finding something like that and posting it but I was too lazy. XD Amazing.

 

[ClinkStryphart]

I agree shulk should be in. The game like the dev said is amazing. I think it would be a bad choice for them not to include him due to he has what it takes to be in smash enviornment. I think the moveset for shadow eye for him though should do what it claims like it does might make it easier. Powers up physical Art attacks. Unfortinatley it might be a little hard to do since theres soo many different moves to choose from.

 

[SmashChu]

I'm not at all opposed to Shulk in Smash, and I think he could be a very cool character, but I have a legitimate question/concern. I've been watching a playthrough of the game, and as much as I like it, it occurred to me... the Monado is huge. And it works in his game, but I feel like it might be a little too huge for a game like SSB4. It seems like Shulk's range would be equivalent to any other character using fully charged beam sword swings, all the time, and that seems a bit broken to me.

Admittedly, I'm not very far into the playthrough, and I don't know a ton about the game, so maybe there are workarounds to this I haven't thought of yet. Am I overestimating the problem, or do guys think they'll just nerf the Monado's range a bit, or something? I don't really know how it could be handled, so I was curious to hear the opinions of some people who know more about it than I do.

It's the same argument as Ridley. The concern assumes that the character can not be retooled. The Monado is huge, but they can change it when making the character.

 

[RhymesWithEmpty]

Well, I don't think it's quite the same as the Ridley's-too-big-argument (which I don't subscribe to) - it's not as if Shulk himself is this massive hulk of a character. If he was, I'd say, sure, shrink him a bit. But since it's only his weapon that's huge, it's more a matter of maintaining accurate proportions, and I can't help but think they'd have to shrink the Monado just a little too much in order to make it feasible. I'd say Ike has got some pretty good range on his sword attacks, but I'm having trouble picturing the Monado even that small. Maybe they could give it a little extra length for show, but keep his hitboxes a bit smaller. Would be easy enough to pull off with a blade made of energy, although I'm sure that would aggravate plenty of people, heh.

Of course, it's hard to know what it would really look like shrunken down to that size in your head, so it could end up looking just fine, and I might just be over-thinking it. I'll concede that that could be the case for now, I just thought it might be something worth discussing.

 

[SmashChu]

Well, I don't think it's quite the same as the Ridley's-too-big-argument (which I don't subscribe to) - it's not as if Shulk himself is this massive hulk of a character. If he was, I'd say, sure, shrink him a bit. But since it's only his weapon that's huge, it's more a matter of maintaining accurate proportions, and I can't help but think they'd have to shrink the Monado just a little too much in order to make it feasible. I'd say Ike has got some pretty good range on his sword attacks, but I'm having trouble picturing the Monado even that small. Maybe they could give it a little extra length for show, but keep his hitboxes a bit smaller. Would be easy enough to pull off with a blade made of energy, although I'm sure that would aggravate plenty of people, heh.

Of course, it's hard to know what it would really look like shrunken down to that size in your head, so it could end up looking just fine, and I might just be over-thinking it. I'll concede that that could be the case for now, I just thought it might be something worth discussing.

First, it's not bad that i's long so long as balance is maintained. Being a slower swinger would work well and makes sense since Shulk doesn't go all out like Seven. Still, things get morphed and changed in Smash and the sword being too long is not a problem in the slightest.

 

[DilowcsNollsnn]

While I didn't play Xenoblade, after watching a walkthrough I wish I had. Shulk is my second most wanted character in SSB4 (right behind Ghirahim and front of Mewtwo, so that's saying something). Shulk has the potential to become my new Lucario (once they replace him with Zoroark).

 

[SmashChu]

While I didn't play Xenoblade, after watching a walkthrough I wish I had. Shulk is my second most wanted character in SSB4 (right behind Ghirahim and front of Mewtwo, so that's saying something). Shulk has the potential to become my new Lucario (once they replace him with Zoroark).

Your missing out

Spoiler

Putting this in the OP

 

[Ussi]

More sword users? :[ i want Melia instead

(i support this)

 

[yani]

Yani, when I first read that post I considered finding something like that and posting it but I was too lazy. XD Amazing.

I'm glad you enjoyed it :3

Shulk for Smash!!!

 

[MagmarFire]

More sword users? :[ i want Melia instead

(i support this)

Why not have both? ;D