A Warrior of Light! Black Mage for Super Smash Bros.! (#BlackMage4Smash4DLC!))

[Depressed Gengar]

A Warrior of Light: Black Mage for Smash!

Not hate, but love.

—Dissidia: Final Fantasy, Black Mage Lore

http://www.deviantart.com/art/Black-Mage-for-SSB4-384963770
Credit goes to Elemental-Aura


I've always thought the Final Fantasy series was long-deserving of a place in the Super Smash Bros. universe, and who else is there to represent it but the original Black Mage himself?

This thread will be about support for the original shrouded mage that we all know and love in RPGs, and his chances of getting into the Super Smash Bros. series as a playable character.

Spoiler: Arguments

Arguments

So, wait, what about Geno and Cloud? Aren't they supposed to be more popular in the fanbase or something?

…Yeah, about that, the problem with Geno is that despite popular belief, he was never recognized as an iconic character worthy of recognition by Square Enix or Nintendo. He has only made appearances in two games during his entire lifetime, and not only that, his popularity has taken a huge nosedive in recent years. The days of Super Mario RPG have been long gone since then, whereas the old-school Final Fantasy games still live on in rereleases and ports.

While Cloud is the unofficial mascot of the more recent Final Fantasy games, his problem is that he is more or less associated with the Sony systems, and the marking point when Square stopped developing mainline Final Fantasy games for Nintendo. To put him in over any one of the mainline protagonists for the first six games would be a complete waste of an opportunity to showcase the 'golden age' of the Final Fantasy series, back when all of the original developers were still working at Square.

Okay, but why should the Black Mage be playable over the other starting classes? Why not the Warrior?

It's true that the Fighter has seen more representation in terms of concept art, boxart, and a playable appearance in the Dissidia subseries. But on a series-wide scale, the Black Mage has been featured more prominently in popular media, as his design has never strayed from his appearance in the original game. Also, Sakurai has confirmed time and time again that when he is looking for a new fighter to put into the roster, the biggest priority for him is whether that character can bring something new to the table. While it's possible that the Warrior can be a potentially interesting character, the Black Mage clearly exceeds him in everything with regards to originality in Smash, and so it's safe to assume that if we were to get a playable character from the starting job classes, it would be Black Mage.

But Square Enix doesn't care about Nintendo!

Argue all you want about Final Fantasy XV and how it isn't going to be released for the Wii U, but you're choosing to ignore everything else Square Enix has made for Nintendo in recent years, including games for the 3DS. There's the Bravely Default series, a Final Fantasy subseries that's managed to gain its own audience of Nintendo fans, as well as Final Fantasy's sister series Dragon Quest, which is still getting mainline releases on Nintendo systems.

Also, you might want to look at this article if you think Sony and Square Enix are still buddy-buddy.http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2014/04/17/should-nintendo-buy-square-enix.aspx

Third Party DLC will never happen, so stop dreaming!

Who said this was only a DLC support thread? This is the place where Black Mage supporters can rally together and speculate on his chances as a fighter in the future. What matters most is that we get our voices heard by Sakurai, Nintendo, and Square Enix. Besides, Sakurai and Nintendo haven't ruled out third party DLC, and nobody else has said that this was an impossibility. The Black Mage is a good candidate for DLC because he has the potential to catch the fanbase completely by surprise (in a good way), showing them that it's possible that anyone can be made playable DLC regardless of whether they were made by Nintendo or not. Either way, third party DLC is possible now, ever since Ryu was added.


Slime is more likely to be playable!

That's highly debatable. While it's true that Dragon Quest has had a longer lasting impact in its home country and abroad in the RPG genre, the Final Fantasy series has always had it beat in terms of popularity worldwide. Also, Japanese fans as a whole care more about the franchise than they do for Slime, so it would make more sense to add someone who is better seen as both a mascot and a viable fighter for Smash than someone they might be indifferent towards. And now that Ryu's in Smash ALONGSIDE Mega Man, they could coexist.


He's not relevant!

Come on, that's just grasping for straws. Relevancy is, well, irrelevant to the Super Smash Bros. series so long as they mean well to Nintendo's history and can bring something unique as a fighter. The Black Mage is one of the most recognizable symbols in the Final Fantasy series, up there with the Chocobos, Moogle, and the name "Cid". He's made appearances in almost every Final Fantasy spinoff game imaginable, and the archetype itself is still prominent in more recent Final Fantasy games such as Final Fantasy X, X-2, XIII-2, and XIV.

Spoiler: Consideration

Consideration

So, who or what is Black Mage?

The Black Mage isn't exactly an established character with his own backstory and personality, but rather, one of the many job classes seen throughout the Final Fantasy series. This job class was first seen in the original Final Fantasy game back in 1987, as one of the first classes to choose from (i.e. Warrior, Monk, Thief, White Mage, etc.) for your party. He's made appearances in almost every noteworthy game throughout the series since then (including spinoffs), and has even been playable in two crossover games with Nintendo's Mario series (Mario Hoops 3-on-3 and Mario Sports Mix). See how awesomely adorable he is in these games?

Spoiler

D'awww.

Hmm, okay. But why does he deserve to be playable?

The simplest answer to that question is originality! The Super Smash Bros. series is well-known for its diverse cast of playable fighters, each of them with their own unique attributes and playstyles for players in these chaotic environments. But despite exploring almost every possible niche available for Smash characters, we have yet to see a pure mage that specializes in status effects to some degree. And that's where the Black Mage comes in.


Got it. But still, he's just a wizard, right? What could Black Mage possibly bring to the table in terms of originality?

Coming from the Final Fantasy series, Black Mage can use all sorts of black magic spells in his arsenal, from Bio, Break, Osmose, and the Fire-Thunder-Blizzard spells. These spells will be very powerful to use, but they come at the cost of his MP meter. If you run out of magic in your meter, you will be left helpless, with nothing else to use but your staff. Over time, it will slowly replenish, but in order to restore it to full power quickly, you must use the spell Osmose on the other fighters. In the Final Fantasy series, the spell Osmose absorbs MP from opponents and replenishes your MP meter. In Smash Bros., it will chip away at your opponents' percentage, but will help restore your MP meter to the point where you can cast powerful spells again.

Spoiler: Concepts

Concepts
Are there any playstyles that Black Mage can adapt to? What kind of fighter is he supposed to be, specifically?

As a mage who specializes in weakening his opponents to the point of vulnerability, Black Mage can be a "Trap Layer" who focuses on casting spells to send against his opponents from afar, but when up close, that's when he's most vulnerable.

Black Mage could even be a "vampiric" fighter who "feeds" on his opponents' percentages to fill his MP meter, which can drain dangerously fast. He could also be a "summoner" who calls upon the powers of the elemental summons/espers/eidolons to boost his power, which can be changed through customs.

That sounds complex. Shouldn't he be a little more accessible to everyone playing the game?

It's true that he doesn't sound very easy to master, but these are all just my ideas. If you have any other ideas for how Black Mage can play in Super Smash Bros., feel free to share them here! I will accept any and all potential movesets from his supporters.

Spoiler: Movesets

Movesets

STANDARD and THROW ATTACKS

TAP AND TILTS
A: A quick magical puff to knock enemies backwards.
Up: Pulls out a magical tome and opens it above him, sending sparks out.
Side: Swings his hand out in front of him, leaving a trail of fire.
Down: BM stomps the ground, causing a bit of earth to pop up and launch enemies.

SMASHES
Up: BM charges a spark in between his hands and then sends his hands upward in an explosion of electrical energy.
Side: BM pulls out a curved cane from his cloak and swings it with both hands.
Down: BM pulls out a long wooden staff and jumps up a bit and starts spinning it underneath him, hitting enemies on both sides.

AERIALS
A: He crackles with electrical energy, like Mewtwo's neutral aerial.
Up: BM twirls a staff above him.
Side: BM inhales and releases a burst of wind to the side. This pushes him back a bit.
Back: Swings backwards with a cane.
Down: BM opens a magical tome below him, unleashing a gout of flame downwards.

THROWS
A:
Up: BM summons a geyser of water to knock his enemy upward.
Forward: BM summons a gust of wind (Aero) to throw the foe forward and then shoots a string of white orbs (Pearl) up after the thrown enemy.
Back: BM shoots a ball of ice to knock the enemy back which then shatters into shards of ice that shotgun in the direction of the thrown enemy.
Down: BM drops the enemy to the ground and summons a spire of rock to knock the enemy away.

SPECIALS

All of his specials can be charged to go from the base spell to the strongest form over the course of three seconds (Tap: Fire => Fira => Firaga => Full charge: Firaja).

-Casting leaves the BM vulnerable to attack; all of his spells can be interrupted by stronger attacks but weaker attacks will only deal damage.
-When casting a spell in the air, the Black Mage is suspended in place until the spell is cast or interrupted.
-After casting a spell in the air, the BM isn't left helpless but he cannot cast another spell again until landing/getting hit. This is so he can't keep himself suspended in the air forever.

Up Special
GRAVITY

​

A visible targetting circle forms around the BM. When released, enemies caught in the circle's radius are slammed downward if in the air and launched upward if on the ground. At the same time, the Black Mage is boosted into the air to recover.

Gravity => Gravira => Graviga => Gravija​

Increasing the spell level increases the effect radius, damage, launching, and height of the Black Mage's recovery jump.

Neutral Special
FIRE

​

A small aura of flame surrounds the BM as he charges the spell. The aura hurts nearby enemies lightly and changes color based on which spell level is about to be cast. when the spell is released, a fireball is launched diagonally towards the ground. When it hits the ground, it summons a gout of flame to launch enemies upwards. Higher spell levels make the fireball bounce and continue moving to summon additional flame gouts on impact.

Fire (red) => Fira (yellow) => Firaga (blue) => Firaja (white)​

Increasing the spell level increases damage, number of fireball bounces/flame eruptions, and launching power.

Side Special
BLIZZARD

​

Controls like Zelda's Din's Fire but hits like Lucas's PK Freeze. Essentially, a tracer travels sideways and detonates in a freezing blast on release.

Blizzard => Blizzara => Blizzaga => Blizzaja​

Increasing the spell level increases effect radius, freeze time, and the damage.

Down Special
THUNDER

​

Two tracers move slowly away from the BM's left and right. On release, lightning bolts strike down at the location of the tracers. A bolt stops and explodes once it has hit anything: ground, object or enemy.

Thunder => Thundara => Thundaga => Thundaja​

Increasing the spell level strengthen the bolt's attack and raises the blast radius.

FINAL SMASH

Final Smash
ULTIMA

​

A slowly expanding purple circle of death starts to form around the Black Mage. It continues expanding until it is about the size of JigglyPuff's FS when it collapses upon itself, launching all foes caught inside. Imagine it as a super powered Smart Bomb centered on the Black Mage that only hits enemies.

Spoiler: Stages

Stages

Final Fantasy (yes, that's the name of the stage) is a transitioning stage that transports the fighters to some of the most iconic locations in the classic Final Fantasy series. Like Kalos Pokemon League, each location has their own unique stage element that can change the tide of the battle in someone's favor. But unlike that stage, all the locations have a distinct stage layout, so that certain characters can never have a definitive advantage over the other.

FFI: Chaos Shrine, the first and last dungeon of the original game. The exterior of the stage is a ruined temple, much like the one in the original game. If you look above, you can see the portal to Chaos's realm looming over the stage. It's quite similar to the second portion of the Castle Siege stage, with randomly placed destructible broken pillars that can serve as platforms, and a hallway leading down to an empty throne, which may or may not feature Chaos sitting on it.

There are two stairways on the sides that lead to higher platforms, making it a walkoff stage. It is the most basic stage outside of the main platform transporting the fighters.

FFII: Pandaemonium, the final dungeon of this game.
The central platform is 1.3x wider than Battlefield's, and the layout is generally favored towards characters with a good airgame. There are three other platforms that the fighters can stand on, two of which are below the main platform and contain hazardous spikes that may or may not emerge and send them flying (if they're at a high percentage).

There is another platform to the right that is a walk-off. At the bottom of the stage towards the right, there is a floating broken pillar that players could use to wall jump or cling to if necessary, potentially saving them from falling to their death.

Spoiler: Altar Cave

FFIII: Altar Cave, the very first dungeon of the game.
This is a somewhat unusual stage in that players will be granted elemental attributes from the Wind Crystal, one of the elemental crystals in the original game that gave the protagonists their first job classes.

A large, central platform lays below the platform with the Wind Crystal in stasis, which is positioned to the right of the area. There are several smaller platforms above the central platform to the left, which serve as steps to the Wind Crystal. Underneath the Wind Crystal's platform, there are several medium-sized crystals burgeoning, which are obstacles to fighters sent flying at high percentages. There are also some massive crystals positioned closely to these objects, coming out from the ground of the central platform.

The Wind Crystal doesn't do anything at first, but when it starts to shine brightly, you will know that it will soon give the players a random elemental power to use.

Spoiler: The Giant of Babil

FFIV: The Giant of Babil, the second-to-last dungeon of the game.
This segment is based on the exact location where you refought theElemental Archfiends in Final Fantasy IV. Except there's a twist: You aren't able to directly fight the Archfiends themselves, as they were already slain by Cecil in the original game. Instead, you will be facing one of their restless spirits in the battle. A member of the Elemental Archfiends (whoever appears is random) will show up and act as a menace to all the fighters on the stage, using their powerful magic to try and destroy you, even if it means taking out parts of the central platform.

There are no floating platforms on this stage, making it seem almost like Final Destination. However, the central platform is just slightly bigger than non-Omega Pyrosphere itself, large enough to accompany the presence of one of the Elemental Archfiend's spirits, which are relatively enormous compared to the fighters.

Spoiler: Big Bridge

FFV: Big Bridge, the one of the first locations in the Second World after Galuf, Bartz, Lenna, and Faris reunite.

The stage layout is like the Bridge of Eldin, except that the camera is at fixed position from the center and doesn't zoom in or out, recreating the feel of a traditional Final Fantasy battle on the SNES. It's a little hard for me to describe what I'm trying to say here, so just look at this example from Chrono Trigger so that you know what I'm talking about.
Gilgamesh is the stage hazard of this location. Unlike the Elemental Archfiends, you can actually fight and defeat him. This doesn't mean that Gilgamesh won't put up a fight, however. Gilgamesh has the size and strength befitting a demonic samurai (he's twice the height of Ganondorf), using quick, merciless sword swings along with magic that can cover large ground. However, he's not quite as mobile as he brags about (he's quite the talker in battle), and if you can see where he's going, you can dispatch him pretty easily.

Whoever KOs him in battle will obtain his heralded weapon, the Excalibur. The Excalibur is a powerful sword with high knockback, easily able to KO at around 10-20% in a Smash attack. However, it has a limited amount of uses, so use it wisely if you can.

Spoiler: Floating Continent

FF:VI The Floating Continent, one of the last dungeons in the game.
This portion appears to be a relatively simple stage, at first. The Floating Continent is a massive platform for the fighters, twice the size of Final Destination, with two additional platforms rising up in the center and in the right-hand corner. After thirty seconds of playing on the stage, the Warring Triad in the distance will unleash their power and destroy the continent and the platform, taking it apart piece by piece. Eventually, all of the fighters will be put into freefall mode until landing on top of the Blackjack airship.
Kefka makes a small cameo in the distance, but you can't fight him (unfortunately).

The stationary crystal in the main platform transports the fighters to some of the most iconic locations in the series. The exact location of where you're going next depends on the color of the crystal. For example, FFIV's color is dark blue, FFVI's color is red, FFII's color is pink, etc. There will also be a portal in the background of the stage showing clips from the original games much like the one in Magicant, except in this case they're additional signs to where you're going next.

What happens is that first you start off on the transporter platform in a realm resembling the Interdimensional Rift. This setting will last for thirty seconds before transporting the fighters to a new location, in accordance to the crystal's change in color. Seeing as that the layout of each stage location is completely different from the other, the "transition" change effect resemble Castle Siege's, so that players can save themselves from a potential self-destruct.

Each segment will last about one minute and thirty seconds. After that, the crystal will reappear along with the transporter platform above the stage, so that the players can get up there and prepare themselves for the next sequence...or try to prevent everyone else from getting on board. The transporter isn't going to wait for everyone, after all. In a typical two-minute match, players will only be able to fight on the transporter platform and one of the original six FF locations.

Spoiler: Music

Music

FINAL FANTASY (Allows the segments to play their own respective themes)Battle Theme (Chaos Shrine)
Main Theme of Final Fantasy I (Chaos Shrine)
Chaos Shrine Theme (Chaos Shrine)
Pandaemonium Theme (Pandaemonium)
V.S. The Emperor (Pandaemonium)
Tower of the Magi (Pandaemonium)
Eternal Wind (Altar Cave)
Battle 1 (Altar Cave)
Altar Cave Theme (Altar Cave)
Battle with the Archfiends (Giant of Babil)
Giant of Babil Theme (Giant of Babil)
Battle 2 (Giant of Babil)
Battle on the Big Bridge (Big Bridge)
The Four Warriors of Dawn (Big Bridge)
Unknown Lands (Big Bridge)
Floating Continent Theme (Floating Continent)
Battle to the Death (Floating Continent)
Searching for Friends (Floating Continent)
Final Fantasy Medley
Retro Final Fantasy Medley
Super Smash Bros. de Chocobo
Airship Medley

Spoiler: Magical Fanart!

Credit goes to AngelUnlimited

Credit goes to Kirbeanie08

Credit goes to RAAKILE

Credit goes to EricYoungArt

Supporters
@Wintropy
@AustarusIV
@ Depressed Gengar
@ LaniusShrike
@ Fire Emblemier
@ 8-peacock-8
@ Knight Dude
@ darkcat1
@ AlRex
@R.O.B.
@ Starcutter
@ Tepig2000
@ Substitution
@ andimidna
@ Bedoop
@ Hong
@oni333
@Mikegamer0608
@SonicSmasher1
@ FalKoopa
@SMAASH! Puppy
@Kalimdori
@Guybrush20X6
@Tricky Al
@Burruni
@M.P.
@False Sense
@AutismSpeaker
@B.H. and DD
@SuperLittleTY
@Geno Boost

Spoiler: Original post by LaniusShrike

BLACK MAGE

Master of the Elements

(Credit: Isaiah Jordan)

STANDARD and THROW ATTACKS

Spoiler

TAP AND TILTS
A: A quick magical puff to knock enemies backwards.
Up: Pulls out a magical tome and opens it above him, sending sparks out.
Side: Swings his hand out in front of him, leaving a trail of fire.
Down: BM stomps the ground, causing a bit of earth to pop up and launch enemies.

SMASHES
Up: BM charges a spark in between his hands and then sends his hands upward in an explosion of electrical energy.
Side: BM pulls out a curved cane from his cloak and swings it with both hands.
Down: BM pulls out a long wooden staff and jumps up a bit and starts spinning it underneath him, hitting enemies on both sides.

AERIALS
A: He crackles with electrical energy, like Mewtwo's neutral aerial.
Up: BM twirls a staff above him.
Side: BM inhales and releases a burst of wind to the side. This pushes him back a bit.
Back: Swings backwards with a cane.
Down: BM opens a magical tome below him, unleashing a gout of flame downwards.

THROWS
A:
Up: BM summons a geyser of water to knock his enemy upward.
Forward: BM summons a gust of wind (Aero) to throw the foe forward and then shoots a string of white orbs (Pearl) up after the thrown enemy.
Back: BM shoots a ball of ice to knock the enemy back which then shatters into shards of ice that shotgun in the direction of the thrown enemy.
Down: BM drops the enemy to the ground and summons a spire of rock to knock the enemy away.

SPECIALS

Spoiler

All of his specials can be charged to go from the base spell to the strongest form over the course of three seconds (Tap: Fire => Fira => Firaga => Full charge: Firaja).

-Casting leaves the BM vulnerable to attack; all of his spells can be interrupted by stronger attacks but weaker attacks will only deal damage.
-When casting a spell in the air, the Black Mage is suspended in place until the spell is cast or interrupted.
-After casting a spell in the air, the BM isn't left helpless but he cannot cast another spell again until landing/getting hit. This is so he can't keep himself suspended in the air forever.

Up Special
GRAVITY

A visible targetting circle forms around the BM. When released, enemies caught in the circle's radius are slammed downward if in the air and launched upward if on the ground. At the same time, the Black Mage is boosted into the air to recover.

Gravity => Gravira => Graviga => Gravija​

Increasing the spell level increases the effect radius, damage, launching, and height of the Black Mage's recovery jump.

Neutral Special
FIRE

A small aura of flame surrounds the BM as he charges the spell. The aura hurts nearby enemies lightly and changes color based on which spell level is about to be cast. when the spell is released, a fireball is launched diagonally towards the ground. When it hits the ground, it summons a gout of flame to launch enemies upwards. Higher spell levels make the fireball bounce and continue moving to summon additional flame gouts on impact.

Fire (red) => Fira (yellow) => Firaga (blue) => Firaja (white)​

Increasing the spell level increases damage, number of fireball bounces/flame eruptions, and launching power.

Side Special
BLIZZARD

Controls like Zelda's Din's Fire but hits like Lucas's PK Freeze. Essentially, a tracer travels sideways and detonates in a freezing blast on release.

Blizzard => Blizzara => Blizzaga => Blizzaja​

Increasing the spell level increases effect radius, freeze time, and the damage.

Down Special
THUNDER

Two tracers move slowly away from the BM's left and right. On release, lightning bolts strike down at the location of the tracers. A bolt stops and explodes once it has hit anything: ground, object or enemy.

Thunder => Thundara => Thundaga => Thundaja​

Increasing the spell level strengthen the bolt's attack and raises the blast radius.

FINAL SMASH

Spoiler

Final Smash
ULTIMA

​

A slowly expanding purple circle of death starts to form around the Black Mage. It continues expanding until it is about the size of JigglyPuff's FS when it collapses upon itself, launching all foes caught inside. Imagine it as a super powered Smart Bomb centered on the Black Mage that only hits enemies.

So, be a good Smash Bro and support Black Mage.
Enigmatic cloaked caster, thaumaturge supreme, ruler of the skies and seas, and lady's man.

(Credit: Sarcopdead)

 

[Fire Emblemier]

I can see this mage competing with slime from dragon quest, and I support both, he was part of the only good Final Fantasy games which are 1-9.

 

[8-peacock-8]

I'm torn between him and Slime. Slime and Black Mage are both very deserving as far as Square Enix characters go but there can only be one. I have a feeling that fortune will favor Slime more then Black Mage IF we end up getting a Square Enix character that is.

 

[LaniusShrike]

I can see this mage competing with slime from dragon quest, and I support both, he was part of the only good Final Fantasy games which are 1-5, 7-9

No love for FF6?
Ahem. Anyway, that's not important right now...
I do feel like the Slime might have the edge up on BM because of the new Dragon Quest X for the Wii and Wii U, keeping the Slime's relation to Nintendo more recent. Unfortunately for the Black Mage, I don't think they made an appearance in any of the Nintendo exclusive Crystal Chronicles games.

However, more importantly, Black Mage is completely badass and I'm happy with the moveset I made. I hope both of them get in (sure, the chances of even one getting in are low, but still)

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

Maybe his final smash should be hadoken

 

[FalKoopa]

Ah, Black Mage. My favourite character in SSF2. I'd main him.

 

[Shorts]

Love me some Black Mage. Favorite character in SSF2 as well. I wish I didn't have a hard on for Geno so much, otherwise he'd be my pick for SE.

 

[LaniusShrike]

I've honestly gotten kind of over Geno. I love SMRPG and I like him in concept and the way I imagine him, but I never like the way he looks in drawings/3D models.
There's a chance he actually just looks like a creepy almost-naked ventriloquist dummy.

How are people feeling about my moveset? Any other cool ideas?

 

[Depressed Gengar]

How, this thread isn't even as big as my Kawasaki thread. Can I take over?
I support either way.

 

[Knight Dude]

He'd be cool. So I guess I support the inclusion of the character. Not too sure how likely he is though.

 

[LaniusShrike]

How, this thread isn't even as big as my Kawasaki thread. Can I take over?
I support either way.

Sure, you can take over the thread. I think you have to PM a mod or some such, go crazy.

 

[darkcat1]

The reason I like the idea of Black Mage as an SE rep is that he's iconic to classic Final Fantasy and even gamers who did not grow up in that era know who he is.

 

[AlRex]

You have my support here. This guy's my favorite potential Square-Enix rep.

 

[Depressed Gengar]

Sure, you can take over the thread. I think you have to PM a mod or some such, go crazy.

Sorry for the WAY late response, but thanks. :D

 

[Capybara Gaming]

I love BM, but he's kinda been done already.... SSF2 and all did him prefectly.

 

[LaniusShrike]

Sorry for the WAY late response, but thanks. :D

I... wha? I replied to you an hour and a half after you asked on Monday.

I love BM, but he's kinda been done already.... SSF2 and all did him prefectly.

I feel like "he's been shown off awesomely in a Smash fan game" isn't really an argument against a character's inclusion for actual Smash?
(he was awesomeee in SSF2. I would love to see that. Kind of like Megaman, but made out of pure destruction.)

 

[Capybara Gaming]

No, it doesn't - i would be excited but he's been done and i wouldn't freak out from happiness.

Pac-Man or bust for last third party spot.

 

[LaniusShrike]

No, it doesn't - i would be excited but he's been done and i wouldn't freak out from happiness.

Pac-Man or bust for last third party spot.

Oh right. Yeah, BM's entirely unlikely. Who even says there is gonna be another third party spot... Really, Square Soft should just make their own "across the worlds" fighting game that's clearly ripping off Smash Bros. No, Dissidia doesn't count... didn't have Black Mage or a moogle.

 

[Capybara Gaming]

Oh right. Yeah, BM's entirely unlikely. Who even says there is gonna be another third party spot... Really, Square Soft should just make their own "across the worlds" fighting game that's clearly ripping off Smash Bros. No, Dissidia doesn't count... didn't have Black Mage or a moogle.

Black Mage vs. Agent 47 vs. Slime vs. Sora - For the win.

If my dream were to come true, we'd have Simon, Sonic, Mega Man, Pac-Man, Rayman, and a FF rep - but it's not happening

 

[Yomi's Biggest Fan]

How the hell did I miss this? Black Mage would be my absolute most wanted Square rep since he was awesome in SSF2 and I loved the NES Final Fantasy titles. He may not be as overrated as Cloud or as pretty as Lightning, but he's a great idea of a Final Fantasy rep nonetheless.

 

[Starcutter]

Mega Man, Simon Belmont and Black Mage are THE 3rd party nintendo icons.


plus, Black mage himself has cross-overed with nintendo before. Twice, if I recall.

 

[Hong]

Shield your eyes, my children! Let not your soul be tainted of this desecration of magic!

Black magic is the origin and epitome of all EVIL. It corrupts the mind and body, and leaves nothing but a husk bent on destruction. Let yourselves not fall into the depths of shadow.

OP should be ashamed of themselves for posting this. Reported.

Sincerely,

White Mage

 

[Depressed Gengar]

Oops, forgot to mention, but @ FalKoopa could you change the title to "Praticing his Black Magic; Black Mage for Super Smash Bros.! (Under new management!)"?

 

[Starcutter]

Oops, forgot to mention, but @ FalKoopa could you change the title to "Praticing his Black Magic; Black Mage for Super Smash Bros.! (Under new management!)"?

I think there's an option in the top right or something now, mods don't have to do it.

 

[FalKoopa]

Oops, forgot to mention, but @ FalKoopa could you change the title to "Praticing his Black Magic; Black Mage for Super Smash Bros.! (Under new management!)"?

I think there's an option in the top right or something now, mods don't have to do it.

In any case, I've changed the title.

 

[StaffofSmashing]

Mario Sports Mix was awesome.

Black Mage could use stuff like Warp, Fire, Thunder, Flare, Random Black Magic, you name it!

 

[SethTheMage]

If Final Fantasy gets a playable character in Smash, it should be Black Mage. If my avatar doesn't give it away, they are my favorite FF class, and I would love to see one in Smash. However, the reason why I don't actively support Black Mage is because I don't see a chance in hell of this happening. I would be ecstatic to see Sakurai prove me wrong, but I would rather put my energy into supporting characters that actually do have a chance of appearing in Smash. Chances aside, though, Black Mage has plenty of moveset potential, and could be a very unique and fun character to play as (just play SSF2 if you have any doubts). He would probably be an instant main for me.

I think this idea has been suggested before, but I also think it would be cool if they could make a "Warriors of Light" team of Black Mage, White Mage, and Ninja, a la Pokemon Trainer. Together, they could reference their appearance in Mario Hoops 3-on-3 and Mario Sports Mix, and I think they could easily have 3 dynamic playstyles to warrant a trio character like PT. Ninja could be a fast ground melee fighter with swords and ninjutsu abilities, White Mage could be a slow, floaty character with Protect, Reflect, and Holy based attacks, and Black Mage could be a slow zoning character with a variety of black magic spells. Now THAT is an idea that I can actively support (too bad this is probably even less likely).

 

[Depressed Gengar]

While I don't think Black would get in, he still has decent chances. Why? For starters, FF is an iconic and popular gaming franchise and Black is partially considered the face of said series, and this is criteria for 3rd parties. He also has the move set potential, which is huge this time around.
He isn't too likely, but he's certainly possible.

 

[LaniusShrike]

@ SethTheMage
The problem with the trio characters is that for tag teams in Smash you ultimately are just playing each character one at a time, so you aren't actually padding the other characters' weakspots. I feel like in the trio you suggested, the slower zoning characters Black Mage and White Mage would have trouble keeping up with the in-your-face speedsters Black Belt or Fighter.
Y'know... like Zelda and Sheik.
It's not like it's impossible for it to work out in a balanced way, just that I have very low faith in that working out satisfactorily.

 

[Depressed Gengar]

Updated the OP a bit, what do you guys think?

 

[Yomi's Biggest Fan]

I looks great, but certain things needs to be spaced out to look better.

 

[Starcutter]

BTW I'm a supporter.

 

[Depressed Gengar]

Is it possible to add a poll to a thread once it's made?

 

[Tepig2000]

Is it possible to add a poll to a thread once it's made?

If I recall correctly, you need to choose the "more options" option when editing the OP to do it. Also, I support because he is awesome in SSF2 and I love Final Fantasy II.

 

[praline]

I think it'd be cool. He's not my most wanted character but if was playable I'd be cool with that.

 

[Substitution]

I'll support!
...Mostly cause I'm trying to main him in SSF2...

 

[Depressed Gengar]

If I recall correctly, you need to choose the "more options" option when editing the OP to do it.

Ain't working. Maybe a mod could do it?

 

[andimidna]

I support.

Who wouldn't? We all know it's unlikely, but I still want it.
I also really like White Mage...
Black&White Mage Duo for Smash! :3

 

[Bedoop]

Here's a thing I made on a seperate thread, but it got locked because I was stupid and didn't see Black Mage's name on the list.

[WARNING: A bit of his Moveset will be based off his SSF2 moveset. Thank you for understanding.]

Ah, Black Mage. Appearing in 2 Mario Games (albeit Spin-Offs, but still Mario Games.), almost a staple of the Final Fantasy Series, and a part of NES' history, Black Mage seems like he has a pretty good shot at Smash.
--TECHNICAL STUFF--

Spoiler

Walk Speed: A bit faster than Ganondorf's.
Run Speed: Same as Bowser's in SSBB.
Jump Height: Less than Ness', but more than Luigi's.
Falling Speed: A bit faster than Kirby's.

--MOVESET--
[A MOVES]

Spoiler

Jab 1: A towards-foreground swing with his cane.
Jab 2: A towards-background swing with his cane.
Jab 3: A headbutt forwards.

Strong Upward: Does a jumping-spin, similar to Wario's Up Smash, but weaker. Can Multi-hit.
Strong Forward: Swings his cane, and a small explosion comes out. Can hit twice, once with cane, once with explosion.
Strong Down: Sweeps his cane across the ground, can cause tripping.

Up Smash: Using Blue Magic, he uses the Goblin Punch to do an uppercut. Good KO-ing Move. [SLIGHTLY BASED OFF SSF2]
Forward Smash: Produces a thunderbolt out of his cane, which has forward range and 90 degree turns downward at the end of the range. Can do 2 hits if opponent is caught at the start. Great KO-ing Move.[BASED OF SSF2]
Down Smash: Tip of Cane gets frozen, and Black Mage swings it around his body twice. Can slow-down the opponent if sweet-spot (Frozen part of Cane) is hit. Has a bit of Starting/Ending Lag.

Normal Air: Does a Somersault while having his cane above his head, similar to Kirby's old Air Forward B from Melee, but weaker.
Up Air: Swings Cane around above his head, with electricity coming from it.
Forward Air: Using Blue Magic, Black Mage uses a Chocobo Kick to kick forwards. [BASED OFF SSF2]
Down Air: Tip of Cane lights on fire as Black Mage swings downward with his Cane. Can Meteor Smash. Has a bit of Starting Lag.
Back Air: Leans his body forward--as if he's laying down--and kicks behind him.

Dash Attack: Turns himself into stone, and does a headbutt similar to Pikachu's dash attack, returns to normal after he hits the ground. Has to get up after the attack, so a bit of ending lag. Can Meteor Smash if used at an edge. [SLIGHTLY BASED OFF SSF2]

[B MOVES (Note, Basically all of these are Based off SSF2 in some way, because they're pretty good.]

Spoiler

Up B: Warp - Black Mage falls slower, and a cursor appears, which goes in the direction the player inputs, and can change direction mid-travel by player input, than Black Mage teleports to where the cursor was.
Normal B: Meteor - Spawns a Meteor, and throws it infront of him, Meteor curves to ground, and explodes on impact with Ground/Wall/Objects. Can be charged for a bigger Meteor, with more damage on the explosion. While Meteor is traveling, it can hit players, but not for much damage/knockback. Great KO-ing Move if charged fully. [SLIGHTLY BASED OFF SSF2]
Forward B: Haste - Black Mage runs on the spot, and teleports to the Player infront of him within a certain range (Range = About the distance Ness' PK Fire Travels, just a tiny bit shorter.). Once he teleports, he Pummels the Player before dashing forward, knocking them forward. Can be hit out of everything but the ending dash by another person. Will put Black Mage into Helpless Mode if it misses, and has a long start-up Lag. Good KO-ing Move. [MODIFIED VERSION OF SSF2'S FOWARD B.]
Down B: Stop - Basically like Mewtwo's Disable, it freezes the Opponent in range (same as Mewtwo's) for a moment, allowing comboing or a quick Dash Attack. [HEAVILY MODIFIED VERSION OF SSF2'S NORMAL B]

FINAL SMASH: Team Attack - Sorta like Link's Triforce Slash, but with Black Mage, White Mage, Ninja (and maybe a Moogle) all attack the opponent at once, then Black Mage throws a fully-charged Meteor that explodes on the opponent, sending them flying.

[GRABS, PUMMEL & THROWS]

Spoiler

Grab: Black Mage reaches his cane forward, catching an enemy and pulls them in. Has a bit of ending-lag if it misses, like Yoshi's grab.
Dash Grab: Black Mage skids forward, spinning with his cane in attempt to catch the enemy. If it misses, Black Mage trips.
Pivot Grab: Black Mage turns around and swings his cane in attempt to catch the enemy.

Pummel: Black Mage headbutts the grabbed opponent.

Up Throw: Black Mage freezes his hat, and headbutts the opponent upward.
Forward Throw: Black Mage does 3 weak hits on the opponent, than dashes forward, pushing them the same direction. Can Multi-hit at low percentages, due to the opponent following Black Mage at low percents. Very similar to Haste.
Down Throw: Black Mage throws his opponent to the ground, turns into Stone, and slams atop of them, launching them to the side. Good KO-ing Move.
Back Throw: Basically Mario's Back Throw, Black Mage swings the opponent around and launches them behind him.

[TAUNTS/IDLES]

Spoiler

Idle Stance: He basically just stands there. Simple enough.
Idle 1: Black Mage looks at his Staff, twirls it around a bit and goes back to his stance.
Idle 2: Black Mage spins hit hat around while it's still atop his head.
Idle 3: Black Mage looks around, cautiously, then goes back to his stance.

Up Taunt: Black Mage raises his arms and jumps for joy, similar to the classic Victory Animation from Final Fantasy 1.
Side Taunt: Black Mage plays the Lute from Final Fantasy.
Down Taunt: Black Mage twirls his Staff, with small Embers, Snowflakes and Lightning Bolts trailing behind it.

----------
[ALT. COLORS]

Spoiler

Blue: Normal Coloring (Shown at top and Below)
Red: Alt. Color from Mario Sports Mix (shown Below)

Green: Green Coat, Black Cape + Design (look at the Yellow on Blue Black Mage's Coat, make it Black.), Brown Hat + Shoes, White Pants.
Yellow: Yellow Coat + Hat, Red Cape + Pants, Green Design (same as above.) + Shoes.
Purple: Purple Coat + Hat, Blue Cape, Black Design (same as the ones above) + Pants, Red Shoes.
White: Based off of White Mage. (Shown below)

(White Coat + Pants, Red Design + Shoes + Cape, Pink Hat.)

----------
[ALT. STUFF]

Spoiler

Symbol:

What his SSB4 Pose could be based off of:

(This means I'm a supporter.)

 

[Depressed Gengar]

Looks great. I'd add that to the OP if I wasn't on mobile. I can still add you to the supported list though.