Furthermore, what game did you play first and what did you think of their franchise? This isn’t limited to playable characters. Discovery by trophy, item or even stickers is A-OK.
Personally, I have had several characters in Super Smash Bros. which led me to playing their games.
Link's inclusion in Super Smash Bros. 64 as well as Toonami's review of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker hyped me for my first game in the Zelda franchise. I thoroughly enjoyed The Wind Waker and am an avid Zelda fan to this day. The Wind Waker is my favourite game of all time; I was very excited when Toon Link was announced for the Brawl roster and as a returning character for Smash 4.
Technically I had already played Metroid Prime prior to having interest in Metroid as a franchise. Despite Samus having appeared initially in Smash 64, it wasn't until Super Smash Bros. Melee that I became truly interested in the series. Someday we'll receive another "true" Metroid game, but until then, Zero Suit Samus can at least stay top tier.
I had never heard of Kid Icarus before Pit was announced for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Sakurai must have been truly happy to work on Kid Icarus: Uprising following his inclusion in Brawl. From Fire Emblem to Kid Icarus, Sakurai knows how to bring interest to a series in Smash Bros.
No surprise here. Without both Roy and Marth being in Super Smash Bros. Melee, we probably wouldn't even have Fire Emblem in the West. Admittedly, I did no research into the franchise when the first game Western release came around on the Game Boy Advance. Imagine my surprise when neither Roy nor Marth appeared in the game. Regardless, I consider Fire Emblem to be one of my favourite franchises today.
Next, we have Ness from Earthbound. As with Samus and Metroid, I initially had no interest in playing Earthbound when I first played as Ness in Smash 64. I even listened to Fobbies Are Borange, an online radio drama of Earthbound from Starman.net, prior to playing the game. However, after discussing the game with my friends Marriland and Chuggaaconroy, I not only played Earthbound but even played around with Ness as a main for a few months after the release of Smash 4. You have no doubt heard the hype surrounding the game from its dedicated community – they're absolutely right in admiring it – it's a fantastic game. Mother 3DS 2K16, Nintendo?
Ice Climbers were a pretty cool duo in the Smash series, up to their exclusion in Smash 4. Icy why many players play them competitively and for fun. While I gave their NES Classic a try on the Game Boy Advance and thought it was enjoyable, I don't think they've hit their peak quite yet. Your move Sakurai – time for Nana and Popo to receive the Kid Icarus treatment.
Kept ya waiting, huh? Last on this list is Snake from Metal Gear Solid. When Metal Gear Solid 3D was announced for the Nintendo 3DS, I knew I had to pick up this game. At the time I didn't know the Snake from Brawl and Snake in Metal Gear Solid 3 were different, but none of that matters now. Metal Gear Solid quickly became one of my favourite franchises as well as Metal Gear Solid 3 becoming my second favourite game of all time.
Personally, I have had several characters in Super Smash Bros. which led me to playing their games.
Last edited: