Ryu and Shulk have been added to the Directory.
If you have rated Shulk before, check what you said about him on his original day!
The priority, Shulk, goes first. I said a few minutes ago that this rating from me will be a bit controversial, probably as controversial as my Bandana Dee rating. I don't want to prove anyone of anything, but this is how I feel.
Oh, and Shulk's and Ryu's ratings, Magnus's prediction, and my nominations will have Xenoblade quotes! (though some are slightly altered)
Heir to the Monado, Shulk
Chance: I CAN FEEL THE CHANCES! (75%)
Yes. I am this confident in Shulk. Something tells me that he is one of the most likely candidates to appear in SSB4 and there are a few reasons why. Though, let's start with the negatives. First off, Shulk only appeared in one game, so that might not warrant an inclusion in SSB4, though it looks like X will be a sequel to Xenoblade Chronicles. Second, his game didn't sell very well, but I find this argument to be a bit unfair. Xenoblade Chronicles was a game with a limited release and was released as a GameStop exclusive in the US; I believe that Xenoblade would have gotten more sales if it was a full retail release. However, it did sell rather well in other areas, especially Japan. Even with the limited release, the game left an impact with amazing critical praise. (EDIT: I've also heard arguments saying he's too new, which is stupid)
While these negatives hold against him, there are a lot of redeeming qualities to Shulk.
1. With Monolith Soft actively helping out with a ton of Nintendo projects, wouldn't they have a say in this one as well? They have been involved in other Nintendo projects like A Link Between Worlds, Skyward Sword, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, and even Super Smash Bros. Brawl. For all we know, they could be secretly involved with this game as well and might want representation. Legal issues aren't Shulk's enemy as he is a first party character. And with Sakurai working with Monolith before, he can easily go to them again.
2. Uniqueness. While Shulk is a sword user, he still has a lot going for him. He can easily be converted as a fighter thanks to his sword, the Monado, with various Arts from his game. He could create a shield, make a giant slash with the Monado with Buster, and use Cyclone as his Final Smash. Outside of Monado Arts, he has his own Arts such as Back Slash, Stream Edge, Slit Edge, and Air Slash. However, Sakurai isn't completely faithful to a character's representation, so he could borrow Arts from other characters. He could use Dunban's Gale Slash or Reyn's Aura Burst for example. Shulk can also see visions, though I can't imagine how that can work into his gameplay.
3. He barely has competition. His biggest competition comes from Isaac, but both can easily be added to the game. However, Shulk edges him out with his worldwide popularity, something that Isaac didn't have I believe. Starfy was also competition to Shulk, but Shulk's distant rival was shot down after he became an Assist Trophy again.
4. Sakurai acknowledges Xenoblade Chronicles. In fact, he posted this pic on his Twitter:
While this doesn't prove that Shulk is in SSB4, it does show that Sakurai acknowledges Xenoblade Chronicles and he could be a fan of the game. So, it kinda tells me that Shulk was definitely considered to be in SSB4.
5. This is the most important one: He has worldwide fan demand. OK, maybe it might not be as strong as it is in the US or in other areas, but it's still rather large. However, you have to keep in mind of how big Operation Rainfall was; this was a movement where people have fought for to bring this game, as well as The Last Story and Pandora's Tower, to come to the US. For all we know, those same people would support Shulk.
While US popularity isn't everything, Japanese popularity plays a major role… and he is one of the most requested characters according to Chrono. In fact, he is up there with a highly likely King K. Rool and an already confirmed Mega Man. With Sakurai taking into consideration as to what the fans want, I think that it's rather impossible for Sakurai to ignore Shulk or overlook him.
I know that people will DEFINITELY disagree with me here and I know that I will get some criticisms, but this is how I generally feel. I am NOT trying to convince you that he is a shoo-in; I feel as though he will have a 100% chance of making some form of appearance in the game, but he is more likely to be playable in my opinion. Heck, I argue that he is
slightly underrated. He is like the modern day Isaac, but there is just so much more to him.
Want: BEHOLD THE POWER OF THE MONADO! (100%)
Before, I would have given him a 65%. He looks cool and I primarily wanted him as he was my best bet to have a character from a recent series get added into Smash Bros. I mean, the first Pikmin was released in 2001 while Brawl was released in 2008; that's a pretty big gap. But I digress.
To quote BluePikmin, the true way to support Shulk is by playing Xenoblade. After when I found a copy of this game at my GameStop for $70, I played this game for hours and I still do. I am not even done with this game yet! (I think I'm close though) I love the battles as they don't feel overwhelming, I love this game's sense of exploration as you can explore the giant worlds of Xenoblade Chronicles and discover secret areas, I love the characters, the story, the writing, the graphics, THE MUSIC! IT'S SO GOOD! I feel bad for everyone who hasn't played this game! This game skyrocketed Shulk within my top 5 most wanted newcomers (excluding Bomberman, who I consider to be "god tier" in want).
While Shulk isn't my favorite character in Xenoblade, that honor goes to Reyn, I prefer it if he got in Smash. Yes, he appeared in one game, but I think that he deserves it. I wouldn't just be disappointed if he didn't make it in, but I would be disappointed if Xenoblade didn't get any content at all. With how beautiful the areas look on the Wii, I would love to see an area get an HD remake on the Wii U via a stage.
If Shulk gets confirmed, then this better play in his trailer or I will get upset…
I'm actually extremely hyped for him! Hell, I reacted like a little giddy kid when I saw the Monado pic!
BEHOLD THE POWER OF THE MONADO, SMASHERS!
Ryu
Chance: He never stood a chance… (0%)
Didn't Sakurai say that characters that originated from fighting games won't be playable? I sympathize with Sakurai on his decision as characters like Ryu wouldn't be so exciting to include in my opinion. Also, we have Mega Man, so why bother?
Want: Sonic, Mega Man, and Bomberman are working as one! And as one, they are unbeatable. (0%)
The quote above explains everything. Let Mega Man have his time to shine.
Mega Man beat Ryu enemy good.
Magnus Prediction: His chances are weak, but don't drop your guards! (5.75%)
I can't see him get added over Palutena, Hades, or Medusa, especially when he was in three chapters total. But still, his popularity will give him some good scores.
Hey Shulk! You better not hog all the glory! Why? Because…
Nominations: NOW IT'S REYN TIME! 5x