So, decently popular among Zelda fans... but more popular than Toon Link, Tetra, Midna, Tingle, Ghirahim? (Taking into account both Western and Japanese fandoms)
But I meant I dunno how well-known he is among people who aren't Zelda fanatics. If you didn't play Minish Cap and had no interest in Four Swords (which describes a lot of people who have played the console Zeldas, I think) then...
When one creates a Zelda fanwork, they usually pick a game to base it upon.Your most common selections are usually Ocarina of Time (#classic), Twilight Princess (#Midna), Skyward Sword (#recency), and Four Swords. I have no idea what draws people to Four Swords and Vaati... but it seems to happen a lot. Generally, I tend to avoid the Four Swords fanwork; making a generalization, it's usually a lower quality than the other stuff.
Now, comparing Vaati to another character is a bit tricky. He's not as prominent as Ghirahim, but Ghirahim has recency on his side. You see his name about as often as you see Midna's nowadays... but generally everyone sees Midna as a more developed character. Tetra seems to be on a bit of a hiatus nowadays; while she still is popular, Wind Waker isn't as "classic" as Ocarina or as "recent" as Twilight Princess and Skyward Sword.
Vaati is especially prominent among cosplayers, from my experiences. I'm one of the only Groose cosplayers out there, but you see a LOT of Vaati. Ghirahim suffers in this department... but that may be due to the... difficult... nature of cosplaying him.
And as for Tingle... he's Tingle. I think I'm his only fan.
Vaati's Chances: 5%
Groose Pre-Brawl said:
Vaati: 50%
Vaati is the second most recurring villain in the Zelda franchise. It's pretty much between him, Tingle, and maybe Beast Ganon. I'm pretty sure we'll see someone new from Zelda, and I don't think that we'll see Tingle. Vaati is my frontrunner here.
Ah... how times have changed, Groosey. I once thought that that he was the most likely Zelda newcomer. Since that time... he's done absolutely nothing. New characters and old ones have once again re-entered the scene. Now he faces competition from Ghirahim, Tetra, roster-limatations, and his old enemy, Tingle.
I bet on him before. I'm not doing it again.
Vaati Want: 10%
I've never been a fan. Ganondorf is my favorite villain of all-time... and try as he might, Vaati just couldn't live up to such high expectations. He always just seemed like a Ganondorf wannabe, complete with a transformation into a beast form.
My favorite Zelda villains (other than Ganondorf) are the ones who don't try to live up to Ganon... the ones who go in completely different directions. The Skull Kid and Majora were great because of their story and mystery; Ghirahim was great because he screamed, "I'm the ANTI-GANON!" I'd much rather have either of them, or Tingle, or a decloned Ganondorf, or Beast Ganon, or Mask Link, or Midna... you kind of get my point, right?
Saki Prediction: 34.53%
He was a popular pick a year ago. But that was a different forum and a different time; he's not nearly as popular in the here and now.
Medusa x5!
Those who lurk in the darkness must be made to face the LIGHT!
DAY OVER
RETURN OF GROOSE