NEWCOMER: Mach Rider (Mach Rider: Unchained)
Unlockable Costume: Excitebike Outfit
Mach Rider is a strong and yet underestimated retro revival contender because most people don''t even know what this franchise is or what it is capable of. Basically it featured a guy on a motorcycle outfitted with many different high tech weapons like chain guns and other explosives. If he were to get killed he would reform back to his human state sort of like the T-1000 from Terminator 2. His story was a vague revenge mission (according to SSBM's trophy info) out to destroy an alien threat while also trying to liberate neighboring cities and regions under the alien's control. Anybody remember that reboot announcement, Mach Rider Unchained? This game was announced a year or two ago but since then not a peep has come out about the project, hell it could of been cancelled or never existed in the first place.
Imagine an open world exploration game with just a man and his motorcycle equipped with a powerful armored suit of unknown origin and abilities looking for parts and upgrades to make his life easier. Suddenly an alien invasion strikes Earth lead by a new extra terrestrial villian vowing to harvest Earth's resources etc. Mach Rider's family is killed in the beginning and so starts his ultimate quest to do what ever he can to save others maybe even build up his own team of fellow outsiders/travellers, who knows! Boss battles on foot and on motorcycles it can't get anymore epic than this!!
NEWCOMER: Ray (Custom Robo Games)
Unlockable Costumes: Other Ray models
Ray is Nintendo's only japanese looking "mecha" hero recurring in 5 or 6 Custom Robo games making him the most recurring robo fighter with Chibi Robo closely behind. He is a solid addition to add to the roster and holds a plethora of potential. His default appearance should be his 01 version utilized in the Nintendo Gamecube's version because this was the first Custom Robo game released internationally & in western markets. In game he should stand at the height of Toon Link or Olimar and come equipped with special jumping manuevers not applicable to any other fighter.
Even if you never played a Custom Robo game wouldn't you get a little hyped up just seeing this guy playable? I don't know if there are any Custom Robo fans on this board, but imagine a giant arena based multiplayer game with tons of customizable options, DLC, enviroments, different physics etc, all shown in glorious HD, the possibilities with this franchise are endless. The Holosseum would also make an awesome stage for Smash Bros.
NEWCOMER: Ricky Winterborn (1080 Snowboarding & Wave Race games)
Unlockable Costumes: Panda Man & Ice Man Suits
C'mon you can't get anymore unique/nostalgic than this, seeing an elemental snowboard warrior representing both franchises: 1080 Snowboarding and the Wave Race games (Blue Storm). Ricky Winterborn according to the fans is the most popular character from the franchise and I think he would be a better choice over Ryota from Wave Race, because a snowboarder would offer a much more unique moveset (Winterborn was a playable character in Blue Storm) . Snowboard boomerang? Frost Knuckles, snowboard tricks, ice surfing? Ricky Winterborn is the closest thing to seeing a playable Rundas (Metroid Prime 3). Where the hell are the next gen 1080/Wave Race games at anyway? Wii U Wave Race...with us?
Also keep in mind Smash Bros does not feature many 1st party "modern" looking characters. Snake & Samus were the closest but Winterborn could fill the void of a modern looking teenage guy with an mp3 headset, vest and other winter gear probably appealing to more of the casual players and other hardcore sport oriented fans etc.
Mac & Saac (Punch-Out & Golden Sun)
Unlockable Costumes: Classic Mac (hair) & Jogger Outfit / Dark Dawn Isaac (older more grizzled) & Mathew's Outfit
Perhaps the most likeliest and strongest duo to enter the fray of Smash Bros, Little Mac is long over due and Isaac would lay waste to the field of battle with his unparalleled adept abilites and sword attacks. Lots of buzz going around on the internet about these two but I think it is almost obvious they both will be included. I just wish people did not forget about the other worthy franchises that could make a comeback via smash bros like the the first 3 characters shown here on the list. Maybe they won't appear in this installment, but there will always be another... I hope.