Official Smash Ultimate Discussion

[Nauzgo]

Hey there, haven't been very active lately and since this thread's already on page 154, I'm not up to date about which topics have already been discussed. But I wanted to hear your opinion on which currently unrepresented franchises are frontrunners for getting new characters. I figured that there not that much important franchises left with fitting characters for Smash.

Splatoon with Inkling should be first in line to get in, but I think also the Rhythm Heaven, Chibi Robo, Golden Sun, and Advance Wars should get their own characters. Kinda weird cause Chibi, GS and AW weren't very successful lately but still I cant think of many franchises that would do better in Smash or deserved it more. Same goes for Custom Robo, Sin & Punishment and Starfy, never very successful and on a current hiatus but still some of the most iconic "other" game series. Then there are still 1080, Pilotwings, Excite and Wave Race but I don't think their characters would fit, sorry Lark fans.
So whats your opinion on that?^^

 

[Swamp Sensei]

ut I wanted to hear your opinion on which currently unrepresented franchises are frontrunners for getting new characters

Far as I know, there are three main ones.

Splatoon and ARMS for being successful new IPs that have been pushed a lot, and Rhythm Heaven because it was planned for Smash 4 and still gets games.

Other franchises like Golden Sun, Chibi Robo, etc aren't seen as likely due to circumstances involving hiatuses and in Chibi-Robo's case, the literal death of his franchise.

RIP Chibi-Robo.

I'd love all those series in Smash though.

 

[DJ3DS]

Hey there, haven't been very active lately and since this thread's already on page 154, I'm not up to date about which topics have already been discussed. But I wanted to hear your opinion on which currently unrepresented franchises are frontrunners for getting new characters. I figured that there not that much important franchises left with fitting characters for Smash.

Splatoon with Inkling should be first in line to get in, but I think also the Rhythm Heaven, Chibi Robo, Golden Sun, and Advance Wars should get their own characters. Kinda weird cause Chibi, GS and AW weren't very successful lately but still I cant think of many franchises that would do better in Smash or deserved it more. Same goes for Custom Robo, Sin & Punishment and Starfy, never very successful and on a current hiatus but still some of the most iconic "other" game series. Then there are still 1080, Pilotwings, Excite and Wave Race but I don't think their characters would fit, sorry Lark fans.
So whats your opinion on that?^^

I personally feel Splatoon is far and away most likely, but otherwise agree with Swamp Sensei . The only character I'd expect to see more than an Inkling is Ice Climbers returning and that's only because they had them working on the Wii U.

 

[Delzethin]

So did anyone catch the EVO Japan announcement? One thing to note is that the Wii U version is confirmed for it.

This means it's highly likely that the rumored Switch version will not be out by when the tournament happens in January. Raises the odds of a March-ish release at the earliest.

 

[Verde Coeden Scalesworth]

So did anyone catch the EVO Japan announcement? One thing to note is that the Wii U version is confirmed for it.

This means it's highly likely that the rumored Switch version will not be out by when the tournament happens in January. Raises the odds of a March-ish release at the earliest.

I honestly wouldn't be surprised if it's a new game at this point. But yeah, if there's a port, it's taking a long time to announce it(which could be a good or bad thing. I do like seeing a strong build at announcement, especially one that would feel unique in its own right. Basically, if it's a port with no completely new features from either version of Smash 4, I'd rather they just outright said it. You don't need too much for that. Of course, it'd still be cool to have one that's a combination of both games instead of a straight port of one or the other, but yeah).

 

[WeirdChillFever]

I never really expected Smash Switch to be released before March 2018 anyway so this doesn't really surprise me

 

[Arcadenik]

But I wanted to hear your opinion on which currently unrepresented franchises are frontrunners for getting new characters. I figured that there not that much important franchises left with fitting characters for Smash.

Smash 64 started with 10 franchises:
Melee added 3 franchises:
Brawl added 4 Nintendo franchises:
SSB4 added 6 Nintendo franchises:

I think that SSB5 could add 7 Nintendo franchises: Splatoon, Arms, Rhythm Heaven, Murasame Castle, StreetPass Mii Plaza, Pushmo, NES Remix

Newcomers

• Inkling
• Spring Man
• Chorus Kids
• Takamaru
• Wandering Hero
• Mallo
• NES Remix (an 8-bit sprite team consisting of Urban Champion, Excitebiker, Balloon Fighter, and Bubbles - the NES characters rejected by Sakurai in favor of the Ice Climbers in Melee)

 

[Zerp]

So did anyone catch the EVO Japan announcement? One thing to note is that the Wii U version is confirmed for it.

This means it's highly likely that the rumored Switch version will not be out by when the tournament happens in January. Raises the odds of a March-ish release at the earliest.

How does EVO Japan using Smash Wii U instead of a hypothetical switch version make it anymore likely that a SSBS is not coming before said tourney? Is there any reason Nintendo would inform them ahead of time, like, does the staff at EVO have any links to Nintendo that I'm missing?

 

[Schnee117]

How does EVO Japan using Smash Wii U instead of a hypothetical switch version make it anymore likely that a SSBS is not coming before said tourney? Is there any reason Nintendo would inform them ahead of time, like, does the staff at EVO have any links to Nintendo that I'm missing?

All the EVO Japan games are titles that are already out (notice how Pokken DX isn't there) plus Nintendo aren't going to announce and release a Smash game between now and January. They're gonna want to give ARMS and Pokken some time to shine too, Smash would overshadow them a lot.

Smash is the sort of thing to announce in a January direct or at E3 though I'd be happy to eat crow and see it get announced in a random direct.

 

[Nauzgo]

Splatoon and ARMS for being successful new IPs that have been pushed a lot, and Rhythm Heaven because it was planned for Smash 4 and still gets games.

Other franchises like Golden Sun, Chibi Robo, etc aren't seen as likely due to circumstances involving hiatuses and in Chibi-Robo's case, the literal death of his franchise.

Makes sense what you say. Besides Chibi, Splatoon, Arms and Rhythm Heaven none of the other franchises are relevant enough right now for being in smash. Did Zip Lash really so bad that Chibi is really dead? Would be a shame... Still, the other 3 should be definitely in the next installment. But maybe they give Chibi one last chance and push him with implementing him into Smash. His last game isn't that old so he should have some relevance still lately.

I personally feel Splatoon is far and away most likely, but otherwise agree with Swamp Sensei . The only character I'd expect to see more than an Inkling is Ice Climbers returning and that's only because they had them working on the Wii U.

Yeah Inkling should be a shoe-in. Ice Climbers should return anyway. Actually I'd rather have the veterans back and characters from currently unrepresented franchises than another new Mario/Pokemon/Zelda/FE whatever character.

I think that SSB5 could add 7 Nintendo franchises: Splatoon, Arms, Rhythm Heaven, Murasame Castle, StreetPass Mii Plaza, Pushmo, NES Remix

Haha nice ideas but I think Takamaru's chances are low cause he's been considered 2 times already but didn't make it. For the others: you never know what Sakurai will do. Wandering Hero would be pretty awkward indeed but Sakurai is full of surprises.

 

[Luminario]

None of y'all mentioned Style Savvy or Swapnote in regards to newcomer frontrunners and I, quite frankly, feel betrayed.
Honestly though, I think a lot of you are sleeping on the chance of a 3DS console rep, be it Nikki, Mii Plaza character, or even the bunny from the Badge Arcade. A character like Nikki could not only bring such characters together in a single moveset, but also bring in a vast amount of potential by using everything in the 3DS itself. A 3DS rep would fit perfectly as a modern version of what ROB and DHD represent.

 

[Delzethin]

Like...the thing with bringing new franchises into Smash is it isn't done just to bring something new into Smash. There's always a more practical purpose, whether it be interesting content or a newcomer who can do new things or otherwise. It's not as if they have a "new series" or "new rep" quota they have to fill every time, and so we need to take that into account to make our speculation more accurate. They wouldn't bring in a newcomer to "represent the 3DS era", that'd just be one extra angle if a character from that era got the nod for other reasons.

Haha nice ideas but I think Takamaru's chances are low cause he's been considered 2 times already but didn't make it.

Keep in mind, though, the reason Takamaru was passed on both times was over concerns that he wasn't very well known outside of Japan. Now, thanks to his Assist role in Smash 4 and his game getting an eshop release worldwide, he is. The situation's a little different.

 

[Nowahh Crocs]

Seeing a variant of Pokemon Trainer come back with a different generatio of pokemon would be cool without all the stamina and type effective bs. I would like to see Gen 7 mons like decidueye, but getting the popplio line to move around without looking stupidly weird would be a hard task. I think that seeing Gen 6 mons in the order of Chespin, Braixen and Greninja would be cool, and if possible they could make it so that taunts change the pokemon. However this probably wouldn't happen as Gen 6 has come and gone in relevance.

 

[N3ON]

There's no quota of new series Smash needs to hit so trying to look for patterns seems a bit of a fool's errand. New series will be included as they always have been, the same standards (although ever decreasing), and whether that results in more or less new series is simply contingent on what Nintendo has to offer at the time.

Also a "3ds rep" is the same logic that didn't get Mallo, Dillon, Nikki or anyone included this time around, because that's... not how it works... so don't hold your breath on that one, or any "system reps". Not even the NES.

 

[Bowserlick]

ARMS may be one of those new franchises. Here is a move-set to feast upon and savor.

Spring Man
~moveset~​

Spring Man brings a long-ranged brawling strategy to Smash. Different arms can be selected at the character selection screen to customize your fighter. Spring Man's mechanic allows him to attack with his second ARM after certain moves by pressing "A" again. Charge his fists and pound your opponents into oblivion from a distance.

Mechanic {Follow-up Attack} Pressing "A" after tilts and most aerials, allows Spring Man to deliver a second punch.

At the character selection screen after picking Spring Man, you must select one of three arm weapons for each arm. The same weapon can be selected for the primary and secondary arm.

• Toaster Arm: Does the most damage uncharged or charged out of his three arms. Adds fire damage if charged for more damage.

• Boomerang Arm: Delivers a curved punch that does some damage (without hit-stun) during an opponent’s sidestep, roll, or air dodge. If charged the arm adds more knock-back to an attack.

• Tribolt Arm: The Tribolt arm is the fastest in delivering attacks out of the three arms. A charged attack adds a little hit-stun.

Spoiler

SPECIALS​

B {ARM CHARGE} Charges up both fists. Charge takes a third of the time as DK’s windup punch. A full charge gives elemental properties and additional damage to the next fist-attack if it connects.

Pressing B after a full charge: Throws out two curved punches simultaneously, which crash into each other at a set distance resulting in an elemental explosion.

Side B {Dash} Does a short grounded or aerial dash to the left or right. The dash is slower and goes a shorter distance if used in quick succession after a previous dash.

The initial startup creates a blue whirlwind around Spring Man, which deflects projectiles.


Down B {ARMS Throw} Pulls his arms behind his body, before launching homing hands at the closest enemy for a grab. The grab can be knocked away with a well-timed, medium-strength attack.

Once the enemy is grabbed, Spring Man pulls himself to their position. Then he slams them in the gut with one fist and uppercuts them with the other.

Up B {ARMS-copter} Shoots up vertically, spinning his arms around him. During each rotation, the arms extend a bit more and are at peak range at the top of the move. The last two swings with the fist have the most knock-back. Then Spring Man goes into free fall.

ATTACKS​

A: Flip kick

Side A: Extended, ranged Punch (Pressing “A” will add a follow-up punch with the secondary arm)

Down A: While squatting, sends out a shorter, lower punch than his tilt. But the force sends him sliding a little bit backwards. (Pressing “A” will add a follow-up punch with the secondary arm)

Up A: Spins an arm in an extending arc over his head (Pressing “A” will add a follow-up punch with the secondary arm)

Dash A: Launches his extended arms behind him and pushes off the floor allowing his to spring forward quite a distance for a long drop-kick.

All Smash attacks go further the longer they are charged.


Forward Smash: Clasps his fists together and swings in an arch, crashing his fists to the ground. If used on an edge, the fists will go off the stage and swing in an arc until they hit the side of the stage.

Down Smash: Looks at the screen with fierce determination and sends out a punch at each side. The move is strongest at the apex of each punches’ full distance.

Up Smash: Punches rapidly straight above with both fists, before finishing off the move with a hard uppercut from the secondary arm (if the secondary arm is charged, it will release its elemental damage on the last hit)

AERIALS​

Forward A: Sends a diagonal punch forward and down. (Pressing “A” will add a follow-up punch with the secondary arm)

Back A: A swinging backhand that goes behind him at an upward angle. (Pressing “A” will add a follow-up punch with the secondary arm)

Up A: Delivers an uppercut (Pressing “A” will add a follow-up punch with the secondary arm)

Down A: Punches straight down. One frame has a small meteor effect at the apex. If a charged fist connects the floor of the stage, an elemental ripple will result. (Pressing “A” will add a follow-up punch with the secondary arm)

Neutral A: Swings both arms around him in vertical circles at his side. First use of the move in the air stalls him a bit. Multi-weak hits.

Throws ​

Spring Man lunges his arms out with the longest tether grab in the game. Brings the character over to him.

A: Knee

Forward throw: Yanks the opponent behind and above his body, before heaving him forward with a ranged toss

Back Throw: Whiplashes the enemy back and forth over his head, before tossing them backwards

Down Throw: Throws the enemy onto ground, leaps up high and machine gun punches downward with extended fists. Launches enemy to the side afterwards.

Up Throw: Extends arms high above his head, pushing the enemy into the air

 

[Luminario]

Like...the thing with bringing new franchises into Smash is it isn't done just to bring something new into Smash. There's always a more practical purpose, whether it be interesting content or a newcomer who can do new things or otherwise. It's not as if they have a "new series" or "new rep" quota they have to fill every time, and so we need to take that into account to make our speculation more accurate. They wouldn't bring in a newcomer to "represent the 3DS era", that'd just be one extra angle if a character from that era got the nod for other reasons.

I didn't mean to make it sound like someone should get in simply to represent the 3DS, just that the 3DS as a whole has good potential to create a moveset. With AR, Swapdoodle, Badge Arcade, and even just drawing on the touch screen, there's lots of good stuff to pull from so I really think a character using it would have a good shot as a fighter, similar to how DHD is a character who uses the Zapper as good moveset material.

 

[GmanSir]

I do think ARMS has a 100% percent chance of having a character in Smash 5. You guys gotta remember that EAD franchises/games are treated as higher class citizens. I do think that Inlking, ARMS, and a retro character are a lock.

As for a Smash 4 port to the Switch, I don't know the chances for an ARMS character are. We've never had this happen before.

 

[NonSpecificGuy]

I do think ARMS has a 100% percent chance of having a character in Smash 5. You guys gotta remember that EAD franchises/games are treated as higher class citizens. I do think that Inlking, ARMS, and a retro character are a lock.

As for a Smash 4 port to the Switch, I don't know the chances for an ARMS character are. We've never had this happen before.

I'd say they're still pretty strong. Both Splatoon and ARMS had been a home run in terms of new Nintendo IPs. Pikmin and Animal Crossing didn't even receive as warm of a welcome upon release, sales wise at least.

Honestly, though if we consider that Smash, even a port, is a big enough game to show off at E3 then it's looking more and more likely that the next game will be entirely new. Considering the development cycle for a Smash game is usually 2 and a half years, and DLC ended in February of last, then by now a new game would be well into development. We may possibly even see a release by next year while an appearance at E3 2018 is nearly guaranteed. While Holiday 2018 is most certainly a possibility sometime in 2019.

It's pretty surreal to think that by that point Smash 4 would have been out for 5 years...

 

[ItsMeBrandon]

I've always thought that we're more likely to get a Smash 4 port if the Switch gets a Smash game early on. Porting Smash 4 would obviously be less time-consuming than making an all-new Smash 5 (though I really wouldn't be against them using assets from Smash 4 in that case), so the later Smash for Switch gets announced/released, the more likely it is to be completely new.

I'm increasingly getting the mindset that we won't be getting a port, and instead Smash 5. Given everything we know about how Sakurai operates, that's probably the more likely shot. I'd still be all for a Smash 4 port if that's what they decide to do, though.

As for timing, I definitely agree that there's a high chance of us seeing Smash at E3 next year- I wouldn't be surprised if it had a low-key appearance, though. I'm of the mind that we're going to see Smash later than sooner. I think early 2019 is the earliest Smash for Switch will come out, personally, but I'm willing to wait, given everything else that's coming down the pipeline for the console.

 

[Deleted member]

I don't think we'll get Smash 5 for a while. I honestly expect us to get Smash 4.5, or Smash 4 Switch, before a new iteration comes out. I think it will be Smash 4 Wii U, but with added 3DS stages, some new characters, and character tweaking.
I think the Inklings are a highly likely character because Splatoon is a pretty popular new IP, it sold well considering how small the Wii U's market was, and Nintendo has been prominently putting the Inklings in some promotional material. I think they would've been DLC for Smash 4 if they weren't so unique; the game would need some overhauls to represent Splatoon perfectly, such as inking the stage to move around for one of their specials.

It's a bit too early for an ARMS character right now in my opinion. I dunno how well ARMS has been selling, but I can see an ARMS character happen if it's preforming well. The most likely addition in my opinion is Spring Man.

 

[UserKev]

Smash has 8 player Smash now and if Sakurai didn't want new guest characters, we wouldn't have gotten them.

Also lmao at the assist trophy comment

Dude, stop replying to my posts and shut up. I'm just sick of you in general. As soon as I write a new response to this thread, I immediately get a reply from you and the same other user. All you do is blow out of proportions and pass it on to the rest of the topic. I can tell by now your on this site 24/7 with that essay you wrote. Get a life.

A matter of fact, blocked.

 

[Cutie Gwen]

Because of Sonic Forces hype, I'v been wondering. Do you guys feel Fist Bump would be in Smash? And if so, the Hoobastank version or just the instrumental version?

 

[Schnee117]

Because of Sonic Forces hype, I'v been wondering. Do you guys feel Fist Bump would be in Smash? And if so, the Hoobastank version or just the instrumental version?

I'd honestly prefer Infinite's theme.

Fist Bump is alright but Infinite's theme is legitimately fantastic.

 

[Cutie Gwen]

I'd honestly prefer Infinite's theme.

Fist Bump is alright but Infinite's theme is legitimately fantastic.

As cool as that it, there might be issues from the Dangerkids group, royalties and all.
Also if it got in the game the cartridge would be so sharp it could cut diamonds lol

 

[Deleted member]

I'm growing fond of the Inklings and I have not even played the games. I should check out the manga (assuming it is any good).

Thinking about it, I am going to get Smash 5 regardless of what happens. Smash 4 fatigued me with all the hype I put into it (way too much in fact) and the attachments I had for my favorite characters (including Mega Man, the only newcomer I wanted that I got) in the desperate hope I would be right with at least one of my favorites. It's crazy in hindsight how much "work" I did for the thousands of hours of speculation I put myself through, but to say it was fun and memorable is an understatement. Of course at the end, I experienced a huge burnout, thinking it would be permanent. But perhaps years later, I will be much more hyped for a new game.

Going into prospective SSB5 discussion, perhaps the biggest change going into it is that I do not find myself caring specifically whenever or not someone gets in (in that it would not affect me negatively). There are certainly characters that I want but not any that I am invested in. In general, I feel much more detached to fictional characters but I still like the Nintendo characters and universe enough to still anticipate another Smash release (and Nintendo IPs). Albeit, of course, in a much more mellow and subtle way. Perhaps this is the point of growing up, what seems exciting to us as adults is much different than what sounds exciting as chidren or teenagers.

So did anyone catch the EVO Japan announcement? One thing to note is that the Wii U version is confirmed for it.

This means it's highly likely that the rumored Switch version will not be out by when the tournament happens in January. Raises the odds of a March-ish release at the earliest.

This makes me wonder, if we get a Smash 4 port, should we expect a new game this generation too? I say this because Mario Kart 8 Deluxe happened and I am expecting a Mario Kart 9 for the Switch but I am not sure if Smash would do the same.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Hey there, haven't been very active lately and since this thread's already on page 154, I'm not up to date about which topics have already been discussed. But I wanted to hear your opinion on which currently unrepresented franchises are frontrunners for getting new characters. I figured that there not that much important franchises left with fitting characters for Smash.

Splatoon with Inkling should be first in line to get in, but I think also the Rhythm Heaven, Chibi Robo, Golden Sun, and Advance Wars should get their own characters. Kinda weird cause Chibi, GS and AW weren't very successful lately but still I cant think of many franchises that would do better in Smash or deserved it more. Same goes for Custom Robo, Sin & Punishment and Starfy, never very successful and on a current hiatus but still some of the most iconic "other" game series. Then there are still 1080, Pilotwings, Excite and Wave Race but I don't think their characters would fit, sorry Lark fans.
So whats your opinion on that?^^

My opinion? This is unfortunately not the Brawl-era anymore... It would be terrific to have new franchises in Smash, especially from 'cult favorite'-like franchises like Golden Sun and Advance Wars, but am honestly not feeling it anymore. At this rate, it's not even sure if long-running franchises like Zelda, Donkey Kong or Kirby even get a new character in for example. The competition is tight, and since Smash 4 am pretty sure that sales and "relevance" matter the most.

What new Nintendo franchises did Smash 4 really introduce? Wii Fit and Animal Crossing probably make more money than veteran Smash franchises as DKC, StarFox and Kirby nowadays. Pretty sure Wii Fit Trainer only got in cause of massive sales alone. It's not just the 'WTF-factor'. Duck Hunt is the only non-cash cow franchise that's new, outside of third party character and franchises of course. And Duck Hunt got in cause it's an old classic, as the retro 'rep' (cause that's still a thing / trope that keeps returning in Smash).

Rhythm Heaven and Chibi Robo have a slight chance I agree. But Golden Sun and Advance Wars are next to dead (unless a new game comes out, then it's a likely scenario again) so am not expecting anyone at the moment (die hard Isaac supporter however ). Inkling is so logical to include, it would be a bad move not to have them in. They are almost as guranteed as Little Mac and Palutena where pre Smash 4 (everyone knew they'd be in). Or Diddy, Wario, Sonic and King Dedede for Brawl. Inklings will without a doubt be playable. ARMS might also be included in due time, am not sure if they are first priority, but it wouldn't surprise me (voted 40% chance on the poll btw).

Mario might get a new character, not sure who but I think Geno is more likely than ever. Heiachi from Tekken also seems very likely to me. I still have hopes for King K.Rool, he's extremely popular but desperately needs a new appearance to seal the deal completely. Then there's Pokemon and Fire Emblem with what people call 'flavor of the month' characters. Extremely likely we'll get New Lord and New Starter / Flagship 'Mon. Then Hyrule Warriors might get a new character due to massive sales success and the lack of anything that stands out in Breath of the Wild (at least this is what I hope). After that, Wolf's return, those kids who hold the Monado in the new Xenoblade, and some stuff that shocks us, as well as additional DLC and I think that's more than enough in terms of characters honestly.

 

[Opossum]

My opinion? This is unfortunately not the Brawl-era anymore... It would be terrific to have new franchises in Smash, especially from 'cult favorite'-like franchises like Golden Sun and Advance Wars, but am honestly not feeling it anymore. At this rate, it's not even sure if long-running franchises like Zelda, Donkey Kong or Kirby even get a new character in for example. The competition is tight, and since Smash 4 am pretty sure that sales and "relevance" matter the most.

What new Nintendo franchises did Smash 4 really introduce? Wii Fit and Animal Crossing probably make more money than veteran Smash franchises as DKC, StarFox and Kirby nowadays. Pretty sure Wii Fit Trainer only got in cause of massive sales alone. It's not just the 'WTF-factor'. Duck Hunt is the only non-cash cow franchise that's new, outside of third party character and franchises of course. And Duck Hunt got in cause it's an old classic, as the retro 'rep' (cause that's still a thing / trope that keeps returning in Smash).

Rhythm Heaven and Chibi Robo have a slight chance I agree. But Golden Sun and Advance Wars are next to dead (unless a new game comes out, then it's a likely scenario again) so am not expecting anyone at the moment (die hard Isaac supporter however ). Inkling is so logical to include, it would be a bad move not to have them in. They are almost as guranteed as Little Mac and Palutena where pre Smash 4 (everyone knew they'd be in). Or Diddy, Wario, Sonic and King Dedede for Brawl. Inklings will without a doubt be playable. ARMS might also be included in due time, am not sure if they are first priority, but it wouldn't surprise me (voted 40% chance on the poll btw).

Mario might get a new character, not sure who but I think Geno is more likely than ever. Heiachi from Tekken also seems very likely to me. I still have hopes for King K.Rool, he's extremely popular but desperately needs a new appearance to seal the deal completely. Then there's Pokemon and Fire Emblem with what people call 'flavor of the month' characters. Extremely likely we'll get New Lord and New Starter / Flagship 'Mon. Then Hyrule Warriors might get a new character due to massive sales success and the lack of anything that stands out in Breath of the Wild (at least this is what I hope). After that, Wolf's return, those kids who hold the Monado in the new Xenoblade, and some stuff that shocks us, as well as additional DLC and I think that's more than enough in terms of characters honestly.

I mean, I wouldn't exactly call Punch-Out!! a "cash cow franchise." It sells pretty well, but not extraordinarily well, and doesn't have new games coming out regularly. I also wouldn't call Xenoblade one, and especially not when the roster was chosen. Shulk was a cult favorite. So it's about half and half. Shulk, Little Mac, and Duck Hunt weren't cash cows, but Villager, Miis, and Wii Fit Trainer were (and Villager and Miis kind of indisputably deserved to get in, honestly).

 

[Staarih]

Inkling is definitely a lock for a future Smash game. I can't wait to see how well Splatoon 2 sells (and has sold already), it's sure to be a hit especially in Japan. It has been really exciting to witness a new, successful IP for Nintendo to be born and keep growing.

I was sort of betting on an ARMS character for Smash before, but gradually I'm leaning towards a "not so sure"-area. The game has sold decently but I kinda have a feeling it hasn't taken off as well as hoped. Of course, it's still in its early ages, so maybe time (and future content updates) will tell if it really kicks off or not.

As for Zelda, I don't personally own BotW, but it does seem like it opened up a whole new "phase" within the Zelda franchise. That's why I'm sure a future Smash game will have a decent amount of BotW-material, likely even a playable character. Now, if I've understood correctly, there doesn't seem to be any one character that stands out in BotW, but the Champions being key characters, wouldn't one of those work? I wonder who is the most popular of them anyway?

Oh and I'm all for (other) new franchises getting representation. Rhythm Heaven, for example, is still going strong these days.

 

[Diddy Kong]

I mean, I wouldn't exactly call Punch-Out!! a "cash cow franchise." It sells pretty well, but not extraordinarily well, and doesn't have new games coming out regularly. I also wouldn't call Xenoblade one, and especially not when the roster was chosen. Shulk was a cult favorite. So it's about half and half. Shulk, Little Mac, and Duck Hunt weren't cash cows, but Villager, Miis, and Wii Fit Trainer were (and Villager and Miis kind of indisputably deserved to get in, honestly).

Forgot about those honestly, mostly Shulk.. He's so overshadowed on the roster, can't really blame me

But yeah, just a very small amount of characters felt 'genuine' additions. Monolith also could've had a saying in Shulk's inclusion in Smash 4, but yeah it's farrrr less of a 'business deal' than the likes of Ryu, Cloud and Bayonetta. And I always hated the Mii's, and will probably continue to do so in the afterlife, so let's not bother with that one. Villager yes, retrospectively he would've been best included in Brawl, same with Bowser Jr. honestly. And I think Diddy, Wario and King Dedede should've been in Melee.

Anyway, yeah guess there where 3 'genuine' new characters... That's not really a lot in the end. I hope that this time around we get something that's actually aimed towards the fanbase. Mewtwo and Mega Man where the biggest bones they threw at us, and Mewtwo should've been on the base roster (I never felt for Mega Man myself honestly).

 

[Opossum]

Forgot about those honestly, mostly Shulk.. He's so overshadowed on the roster, can't really blame me

But yeah, just a very small amount of characters felt 'genuine' additions. Monolith also could've had a saying in Shulk's inclusion in Smash 4, but yeah it's farrrr less of a 'business deal' than the likes of Ryu, Cloud and Bayonetta. And I always hated the Mii's, and will probably continue to do so in the afterlife, so let's not bother with that one. Villager yes, retrospectively he would've been best included in Brawl, same with Bowser Jr. honestly. And I think Diddy, Wario and King Dedede should've been in Melee.

Anyway, yeah guess there where 3 'genuine' new characters... That's not really a lot in the end. I hope that this time around we get something that's actually aimed towards the fanbase. Mewtwo and Mega Man where the biggest bones they threw at us, and Mewtwo should've been on the base roster (I never felt for Mega Man myself honestly).

???

It was more than just Mega Man and Mewtwo. Palutena and Little Mac were often part of the "Big Five" newcomer choices alongside Ridley and K. Rool, especially around here. Bowser Jr. was battling Toad for most supported Mario character. Villager, Shulk, and Rosalina had smaller, but notable, fanbases (and in Villager's case, it was only small because of Sakurai previously dismissing him). Greninja wasn't chosen for popularity, since it was chosen pre-reveal, but among the Pokémon fanbase he was an incredibly popular starter, both casually and competitively. Lucina also had a sizable fandom outside of Smash. Pac-Man had lots of supporters but feared they'd use the Ghostly Adventures design.

Pretty much the only outright unpopular ones prior to their reveal were Dark Pit (who was pretty liked by the Uprising fandom but not in a Smash context, and even then he was a bonus clone), Robin (not that he was unpopular, just MOSTLY unexpected...he was received incredibly well), Duck Hunt (for being the token retro surprise), Wii Fit Trainer (who no one thought about), and Miis (who were basically split half and half). And for DLC, literally all newcomers but Corrin were popular requests (Bayonetta won the ballot, and Sakurai even stated Ryu and Cloud had sizable popularity).

So when you say they should have "aimed it more toward the fanbase," how? Ridley and K. Rool? Literally the only two big choices they left out (besides Chrom, but Fire Emblem got other characters), one of which had a clear reason for exclusion?

 

[Deleted member]

- Animal Crossing
- Mega Man
- Wii Fit
- Punch-Out!
- Mii
- Xenoblade
- Duck Hunt
- Pac-Man
- Mega Man
- Street Fighter
- Final Fantasy
- Bayonetta

We had a total of twelve franchise additions last game, which is more than any other game in the franchise's history. Granted, five of them were third-party, but even only considering Nintendo-owned franchises, that's still more than Melee and Brawl.

On the discussion of new franchise additions into Smash 5, something worth noting is that despite the large amount of franchises added, every one of these characters had a game appearance before 2011 (the year when SSB4 was announced as in the works at E3) and if I remember correctly, the character roster was decided sometimes next year. During this time, the Wii was a massive success and we even managed to get two relatively obscure franchises in Xenoblade and Bayonetta. Outside of Mega Man, I would say that the influx of new franchises with a playable character is the best part about Smash 4's roster.

In contrast, after the Wii sales plummeted and the Wii U was a sales disaster, about the only significant new franchise that came out of last generation for Nintendo was Splatoon. Since many smaller franchises like Golden Sun, Starfy, Sin & Punishment, and Custom Robo are irrelevant (and none have received a new game in seven or longer years), there is not as much to dig through.

That said, there is some hope for new franchises in the next game. I wouldn't be surprised to see an Arms character (Spring Man maybe) in the next game since the game seems to be popular. I also hope that Nintendo goes back and reconsiders a Rhythm Heaven character since I like the idea of a character with move set inspired by rhythms (and I listen to far more video game music than what is sane ). With the Switch being a huge success, I can see us getting more successful new franchises assuming that a new game announcement isn't heading our way soon.

Right now, I expect Inklings from Splatoon and I could also see Spring Man from Arms and a new Rhythm Heaven character. It will be even more interesting what other new franchises joins the fray.

 

[Deleted member]

So when you say they should have "aimed it more toward the fanbase," how? Ridley and K. Rool? Literally the only two big choices they left out (besides Chrom, but Fire Emblem got other characters), one of which had a clear reason for exclusion?

But of course.
Don't you get it? Sakurai doesn't give a **** about the fans. If he did, he would've included those two. It's undisputable fact.

 

[Diddy Kong]

But of course.
Don't you get it? Sakurai doesn't give a **** about the fans. If he did, he would've included those two. It's undisputable fact.

Pretty sure K.Rool was considered pretty often but the lack of a recent appearance didnt help him at all. And Ridley will simply never be playable, and his popularity is heavily over exaggerated. He's only truly popular on the internet and has an obnoxious and loud fanbase. Sakurai tried with the stage hazzard, but it was the best he could do. Am sure there'll be a Metroid newcomer but it won't be Ridley.

Mewtwo and Mega Man where also more popular than both K.Rool and Ridley I'd like to add. Even Roy was more popular than Chrom. I think they where the additions mostly aimed at the fan base.

About Little Mac and Palutena.. they where more expected than actually very popular. And they where expected for good reasons. Palutena was pretty much locked after Kid Icarus Uprising, and Mac was already popular as a retro addition before his new game.

 

[Opossum]

Pretty sure K.Rool was considered pretty often but the lack of a recent appearance didnt help him at all. And Ridley will simply never be playable, and his popularity is heavily over exaggerated. He's only truly popular on the internet and has an obnoxious and loud fanbase. Sakurai tried with the stage hazzard, but it was the best he could do. Am sure there'll be a Metroid newcomer but it won't be Ridley.

Mewtwo and Mega Man where also more popular than both K.Rool and Ridley I'd like to add. Even Roy was more popular than Chrom. I think they where the additions mostly aimed at the fan base.

About Little Mac and Palutena.. they where more expected than actually very popular. And they where expected for good reasons. Palutena was pretty much locked after Kid Icarus Uprising, and Mac was already popular as a retro addition before his new game.

Not at all. Little Mac and Palutena were genuinely among the most wanted characters (on here at least, and some other places like YouTube. Not sure about 'FAQs).

 

[Cutie Gwen]

Not at all. Little Mac and Palutena were genuinely among the most wanted characters (on here at least, and some other places like YouTube. Not sure about 'FAQs).

Palutena's popularity was mentioned aswell iirc, especially in Japan

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Diddy come on.

You know Palutena and Little Mac were both extremely popular. You were there for the fan polls.

Don't distort reality to fit a narrative.

 

[Curious Villager]

I still remember all the hype for Little Mac when he was first revealed, which seemed pretty genuine to me. So I'm not sure where the whole idea that he was more expected is coming from. Palutena was also a highly anticipated character, being considered one of the "big 4" (or big 3 or 5 or however many characters people where particularly banking on, I don't remember) at least, around these circles.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Basically we had a "Smashboards Elite Four" and a champion for requests.

Mewtwo was the champion for being the most popular request period.

The Elite Four was originally...

• Mega Man
• Ridley
• K. Rool
• Little Mac

In no particular order.

After Mega Man was revealed in the first showing of the game, he got replaced with Palutena.

From there, the Elite Four didn't change after Little Mac and Palutena were revealed. No one else got to that level. Though Isaac and Shulk got super close.

 

[Deleted member]

Basically we had a "Smashboards Elite Four" and a champion for requests.

Mewtwo was the champion for being the most popular request period.

The Elite Four was originally...

• Mega Man
• Ridley
• K. Rool
• Little Mac

In no particular order.

After Mega Man was revealed in the first showing of the game, he got replaced with Palutena.

From there, the Elite Four didn't change after Little Mac and Palutena were revealed. No one else got to that level. Though Isaac and Shulk got super close.

Elite 5 when Japan's requests for Black Shadow are factored.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

View attachment 131715

Elite 5 when Japan's requests for Black Shadow are factored.

Well.

I meant the Smashboards Elite Four.

That said, Black Shadow died down, didn't he?