Ahhhh Tom Nook. I loved both the Animal Crossing franchise and the character, Tom Nook. Yet I also despised him for making work so hard to earn the bells! However, can his epicness be translated into Smash? Tom Nook has a couple things going against him that could hurt his chances of being in Smash 4.
Firstly, Sakurai has gone on the record in saying that Animal Crossing lacks a representative that has the ability to fight. I don't have the direct source so if someone could point that out to me; that would be awesome.
Secondly, there are many other characters who are able to fight or have a fighter oriented style. While Tom Nook has a potential move set, I could be seen as being awkward or clumsy.
Thirdly, Sakurai may see the Animal Crossing franchise just fine without a representative. There is always a possibility that Sakurai might be content with no AC rep and, possibly, may even extend this idea to other unrepresented franchises.
Lastly, if a AC character is considered, he has competition from the Human Villagers, K.K. Slider, and Mr. Resetti.
Despite this, Tom Nook does have some things going for him. Animal Crossing is a successful and an entertaining franchise that has spanned throughout Nintendo's history. While an AC game generally has a span of 3-5 years before the next one is released. it still remains popular and groundbreaking. To not have a character rep this series is ridiculous given it's popularity and history.
Tom Nook has competition from other characters established veteran franchises as well as unrepresented franchises such as Xenoblade, Golden Sun, Punch-Out!!, etc etc. However, Tom Nook would represent a veteran franchise as a newcomer. Something that has never been done before. As well, Tom Nook has tons of potential for a very unique move set. Just go over to the
Tom Nook support thread to find out for yourself.
I always found a franchise being repped by a stage, assist trophy, or item to be a interesting way of representing a franchise. While it was cool for AC, I felt it was kind of a slap in the face considering the AC, in particular Tom Nook, has some much potential. AC was repped by a stage, item, and a assist trophy in SSBB so it's time to go past that and start adding a character rep.
Tom Nook has competition from other AC characters as well. Human Villagers can be considered a potential AC rep that could use the same move set (or similar) to our loveable tanuki merchant. However, seeing as how AC villagers are randomized, it would be fairly difficult to switch this into Smash 4. While not possible, it would take a fair amount of programming. Tom Nook also faces competition from K.K. Slider and Mr. Resetti. However, both of these characters have proven to have mediocre support at best. K.K. Slider makes a fine background character and Mr. Resetti made a annoyingly funny assist trophy. Tom Nook, while not exactly a mascot of AC, seems to be one of it's most popular and iconic characters.
I think this debate is not only about Tom Nook but also for AN Animal Crossing character representative as a whole. Aside from Hannenbow, Animal Crossing is one of the only franchises not repped by a character. However, AC is much more popular and successful than Hannenbow. Yes, an AC might be deemed "not fight worthy" but you can bring Mr. Game and Watch, ROB, and Jigglypuff when you question battle worthyness.
Anyways, Tom Nook has a lot of obstacles to overcome but he has potential to be a zany object-based character that can control and zone the stage. I personally would love to see him in Smash 4. However, while a popular character, Sakurai seemingly shut the door on Animal Crossing reps and, unfortunately, feels they are unable to be included into the Smash universe. Therefore, regrettebly, Tom Nook is fairly unlikely considering Sakurai's feeling towards a AC rep.
For Tom Nook;
Want:
4.9
Likeliness:
1.3
Anna's Prediction:
1.5
Nominations:
M. Bison x5
Why'd u have to do that for...
