The Ultimate Smash Bros. 4 Character Analysis Topic. (Retro Characters Analysis Is Up!)

[FalKoopa]

Very well written retro analysis.

Though I have a couple of questions.
- What do you think about the Lip's stick (it has been confirmed for Smash 4) affecting Lip's chances?

- Can I request an analysis for Wild Gunman?

 

[True Blue Warrior]

Great analysis. I love the run down on several aspects of Nintendo history, finding them to be informative and helpful in seeing the notability of certain franchises and characters. I do love the concept of having token retro characters as I feel they help spice up the roster in their own manner. I have several things to note of:

1. The people who think ROB is someone "likely to be cut" are really repeating a mistake that had no business being made. You'd think common sense would dictate that if Mr. Game and Watch wasn't even on the chopping block in Brawl, making it back safe and sound back then due to historical importance, then ROB, a character who is essentially the Mr. Game and Watch of Brawl due to his importance, have no business being counted among Ike, Lucas, Toon Link (before his confirmation), Wolf as one of the "likely cuts" and should be generally counted as a likely character to return unless he has something going against him (which, of course, he doesn't). Once again, history repeats itself.Thankfully speaking, most people within the speculative community sees ROB as a character that would most likely return.
2. Do you think Lip will ever be in a Smash game? Also, they could just give her trousers to solve the whole "upskirt" problem
3. How do you think the a new Nazo no Murasame game would be like?
4. Considering they would most likely not appear as the retro playable character this time around, I hope Lip, Sheriff, Sukapon, Mike Jones, Prince Sable and Muddy Mole can all appear as Assist Trophies.
5. Can't say I don't agree that the most likely time to reveal a retro newcomer would be at E3 this year, which would make sense. Hey, nothing helps revivals more than press exposure!

Finally, assuming Takamaru makes it into this game, would you have any idea as to who could be considered the most likely retro for the next game?

 

[dezeray112]

@ ChronoBound - Very interesting analysis.

 

[Pacack]

"Platinum Games head designer, Hideki Kamiya, has also expressed interest in making a new Nazo no Mursame."

You forgot jo.


And I feel obligated to point out that the Game and Watch is so notable because it was Nintendo's earliest product to garner major success (43.4 million units sold worldwide). That should be noted in the analysis. (It was mentioned by someone notable in an Iwata Asks that is no longer up. Wikipedia uses it as its official source in their Game & Watch article.)

(Also, if you'd include Daitoryo in the non-contender section, then I would highly appreciate it, as Nintendo's Hanafuda origins are a whole lot more important historically than Sheriff's debut was, even if Daitoryo is tossed around a lot less than him.)

 

[Aurora Jenny]

Interesting analysis on the Retro series there, Chrono. I must say I agree with you.

 

[Smashoperatingbuddy123]

I looked at retro character section fantastic job

I really like the part about R.O.B I'm glad you explain the part about people thinking he's going to get kicked and this is kind of the same scenario as ice climbers some people doubt but as likely to come back as mr game and watch and ice climbers

Oh ps I have to point this's out there was 6 playable pokemon in brawl not 4. Pokemon trainer is 3 in 1 in brawl so its 1+1+1+3 playable Pokemon in brawl. Sakurai said transformations are gone so its its either 5 playable pokemon 30% 6 playable pokemon 70%

(Percentages is my opinion)

 

[woopyfrood]

You forgot to mention that a big point in Mr. Game & Watch's favor is the fact that he is, comparatively, a simple character to create. Though he technically uses 3D geometry which is then flattened using a visual effect, Mr. Game & Watch's model is first and foremost a stylized stick figure, with all the sculpting effort that entails. Most of Mr. Game & Watch's animations consist only of keyframes with no in-between movement as a deliberate evocation of the limited animation used for his LCD games, meaning he is also extremely easy to animate.

I might even go so far as to say that Mr. Game & Watch's ease of creation would mean he is likely the very first fighter completed in a Smash game's development, and used to test the engine in cases where a finished fighter is wanted.

 

[BluePikmin11]

Thanks for the retro analysis, though I will probably disagree when it comes to the Gameboy characters you went in-depth into.

 

[smashkirby]

I don't suppose you'll be doing an analysis on "new series" (Pilot Wings, Brain Age, Rhythm Heaven, Nintendo Wars, Custom Robo, Golden Sun, Jam with the Band, Nintendo eShop, etc maybe?

 

[Pacack]

You forgot to mention that a big point in Mr. Game & Watch's favor is the fact that he is, comparatively, a simple character to create. Though he technically uses 3D geometry which is then flattened using a visual effect, Mr. Game & Watch's model is first and foremost a stylized stick figure, with all the sculpting effort that entails. Most of Mr. Game & Watch's animations consist only of keyframes with no in-between movement as a deliberate evocation of the limited animation used for his LCD games, meaning he is also extremely easy to animate.

I might even go so far as to say that Mr. Game & Watch's ease of creation would mean he is likely the very first fighter completed in a Smash game's development, and used to test the engine in cases where a finished fighter is wanted.

Agreed. Having looked at the frame data, he typically has only two frames per attack and only one or two hitboxes per body part (hand, head, etc.). He's extremely simple.

 

[Vickand]

Great work with the analysis! I'm hoping to see the Fire Emblem one

 

[Guybrush20X6]

Only three more analyses to go and they're the tough ones. Good luck.

 

[True Blue Warrior]

So, any new analysis?

 

[Guybrush20X6]

With the absence of Wonder Red and Dillon the new series list got shorter. Not sure if that makes the write-up easier or harder.

 

[woopyfrood]

Ike confirmed. Once again, Chrono bides his time to much avail.

 

[True Blue Warrior]

Please can you do FE next?

 

[Shinru202]

Mother (EarthBound) series:

The Mother series is among Nintendo’s longest running, yet ironically only had three installments throughout its 16-17 year history. Only one of its installments (Mother 2/EarthBound) was released internationally). This series, unlike many other Nintendo series that are currently on hiatus, may have been definitively concluded. Shigesota Itoi, the creator, writer, and director to all three games in the Mother series, has said repeatedly that there won’t be a Mother 4 and that he likes to think as the series as having been concluded. This means that at this point the future of the series is either a compilation (with all three games), future Virtual Console releases, and at best remakes.

This series has had a playable character ever since the first installment of Smash Bros., Ness. However, this was the only piece of content that the Mother series had in the first installment of Smash Bros. (one of two series in that game not even to receive a stage). However, the series got far more notice in Melee. In Melee, Ness again returned (though Sakurai was contemplating cutting him in place of Lucas, however, Mother 3 ended up being cancelled for the Nintendo 64, so that idea was dropped). The series received two stages as well (Onett and Fourside), an item (Mr. Saturn), and a few trophies.

In Brawl, the series received two playable characters (due to the release of Mother 3). In addition, it had two stages (a new stage New Pork City, and veteran stage Onett), two items (Mr. Saturn and the Franklin Badge), an Assist Trophy (Jeff), a boss (Porky), a number of stickers, and trophies of nearly all of the Mother content that appeared in Brawl.

Despite the relatively profile to the series in comparison to many other veteran Nintendo franchises, the series has two playable characters. However, as it stands, this series very likely won’t receive an additional newcomer ever in Smash Bros. The two conditions for why this is the case will be the lack of any true future releases, as well as the relatively low demand for an additional Mother character at this point.

The only activity this franchise has shown since Brawl’s release was the Virtual Console release of EarthBound. Other than that, this franchise has been dormant since 2006.

For the actual Smash 4, the series will receive anywhere from one to two playable characters in Smash 4. Ness is virtually guaranteed, while Lucas has the possibility of being a “low priority veteran”. The most likely scenario is for this series is that both Ness and Lucas return. There are no other plausible contenders for the Mother series in Smash 4.

Ness:

Ness is the main protagonist of Mother 2 (EarthBound). He still remains the most popular main protagonist of the Mother trilogy (likely due to the fact how Mother 2 is still the most popular game in that series, and it remains by far the most played due to being the only one released internationally). Ness has been playable in every Smash Bros. game to date. Although Sakurai had considered cutting him for Lucas back during Melee, he is the more likely of the two Mother veterans to return to Smash 4. He is more likely overall due to his seniority (as seen with Jigglypuff during Brawl) as well as his higher popularity. The main question though is whether Ness will be confirmed prior to the game’s release (like with Melee), or whether he will continue to be a character hidden until close to the game’s release (like was the case with Smash 64 and Brawl). Sakurai seems to like confirming veterans alongside new game releases or anniversaries (as was the case with Peach), as such, it may be until next August (the release of Mother 2 in Japan), that Ness is confirmed for Smash 4.


Lucas:

Lucas is the main protagonist of Mother 3. He is probably the most popular character in the series after Ness. Lucas was a character considered for Melee, but was scrapped since Mother 3 had been cancelled for the Nintendo 64. He was a newcomer in Brawl (Mother 3 had finally been released for the Game Boy Advance), confirmed a few months prior to the Brawl’s release.

However, despite Lucas having been a starter in Brawl, and Ness a hidden character, Lucas’s chances of returning are weaker than that of Ness. There are several reasons for this. For one, Lucas seems like someone whom would be a “low priority veteran”. A “low priority” veteran is typically a character whom could be bumped out due to time constraints. Jigglypuff, Mewtwo, Roy, and Dr. Mario were examples of this in Brawl (with Jigglypuff being the only one to actually get in).

This time the “low priority veterans” probably consist of Lucario, Lucas, Roy, Ike, one of Falco or Wolf, and maybe Jigglypuff. Lucas, due to being less popular (than Ness), a clone, and from a game never released internationally, looks like he could be a low priority veteran.

However, in favor of Lucas, Toon Link (who also had low priority veteran credentials), was among the first characters confirmed for Smash 4 after E3 2013. That a character such as Toon Link was finished so early on, boosts the prospects in general of all low priority veterans.

As to when Lucas could be confirmed if he does return for Smash 4, the release date of Mother 3 was April 20. That is the same date as the release for FE1 (Marth), FE9 (Ike), and FE13 (Chrom and My Unit), so it is unknown what character Sakurai decides to unveil on that date.

The most likely scenario though is that Lucas returns for Smash 4, however, it might be the case where he is not confirmed until the game’s actual release.

Other Mother characters:
These are Mother characters that are unrealistic for a playable spot for Smash Bros. 4, but have some support for playable status among the Smash Bros. fanbase.

Masked Man/Claus:
This character was one of the main antagonists for Mother 3. He was also the most wanted Mother newcomer during the pre-Brawl period (after Lucas was confirmed), and may be the most supported Mother newcomer at this point. However, support for him is much lower now than it was during pre-Brawl. Claus did make an appearance in Brawl as a sticker, and was referenced as a palette swap of Lucas (however, the Masked Man no appearance at all). Its possible that the Masked Man and/or Claus will make an appearance in Smash 4 as a trophy and/or sticker.

Porky:
Porky is one of the main antagonists of Mother 2 and Mother 3. He is probably the one thing that connects both Ness and Lucas together. Porky may be the most supported Mother newcomer at this point, but support for him is still very low in the grand scheme of things. Porky made an appearance in Brawl as a boss, and he also appeared as a trophy and a sticker. Due to his very high importance to the Mother series, he will likely be referenced in Smash 4 (trophy or sticker). It may even be possible that he reprises he role as a boss.

Kumatora:
Kumatora is one of the protagonists of Mother 3. She had quite a bit of support during the pre-Brawl period, but nearly all of that support has evaporated. Kumatora did end up making an appearance in Brawl as a sticker though. It is possible that Kumatora could make an appearance in Smash 4 as an Assist Trophy due to her popularity (as well as having an obvious attack like PK Ground). She will probably make an appearance as a trophy or sticker as well.

Paula:
Paula is one of the protagonists of Mother/EarthBound. She did come up as a possible clone newcomer choice before Mother 3 was released. She made an appearance in Melee as a trophy, and in Brawl as a sticker. She will likely reprise her role in Smash 4 as a trophy and/or sticker, though its possible she could be an Assist Trophy.

Jeff:
Jeff is one of the protagonists of Mother 2/EarthBound. He was the sole Assist Trophy representing the Mother series in Brawl. He also made an appearance as a trophy in Melee, and as both a trophy and sticker in Brawl. Its possible that Jeff will reprise his role as an Assist Trophy in Smash 4, and that he will continue to make an appearance as a trophy and/or sticker.

Poo:
Poo is one of the protagonists of Mother 2/EarthBound. He was a cult favorite for a possible newcomer during the pre-Melee period (think like how Geno was during pre-Brawl), and for a bit of the pre-Brawl period (prior to Mother 3’s release). He has barely any support as a playable character at this point though. He made an appearance in Melee as a trophy, and appeared in Brawl as a sticker. He will probably make an appearance in Smash 4 as trophy and/or sticker, though its also possible he may become an Assist Trophy as well.

Duster:
Duster is one of the protagonists of Mother 3. He made an appearance in Brawl as a sticker. Its possible that he will make an appearance in Smash 4 as a trophy and/or sticker.

Boney:
Boney is one of the protagonists of Mother 3. He made an appearance in Brawl as a sticker. Its possible that he will make an appearance in Smash 4 as a trophy and/or sticker.

Ninten:
Ninten is the main protagonist of the first installment of Mother. Due to his very strong aesthetic similarities and abilities with Ness (to the point where people even ask if they are the same person), its unlikely he will ever be added in as a playable character in Smash Bros. Ninten did make an appearance in Brawl as a sticker though. Ninten may make an appearance in Smash 4 as a trophy and/or sticker.

Ana:
Ana is one of the protagonists of the first installment of Mother. She mad an appearance in Brawl as a sticker. Its possible that she will make an appearance in Smash 4 as a trophy and/or sticker.

Lloyd:
Lloyd is one of the protagonists of the first installment of Mother. He made an appearance in Brawl as a sticker. Its possible that he will make an appearance in Smash 4 as a trophy and/or sticker.

Teddy:
Teddy is one of the protagonists of the first installment of Mother. He made an appearance in Brawl as a sticker. Its possible hat he will make an appearance in Smash 4 as a trophy and/or sticker.

Overall Analysis:

The Mother series at the very least will have one playable character in Smash 4 (one of Ness or Lucas, much in favor of Ness though), and have two playable characters (Ness and Lucas) at best. While Ness may be confirmed for Smash 4 for next August, Lucas may end up being hidden until the game’s release.

The only debate that exists for this series in terms of playable representation is whether Lucas will return, and when Ness and Lucas will be confirmed. Due to the special conditions to this franchise (its own creator stating that it is over), its likely that Ness and Lucas will be the only two Mother characters to ever be playable in Smash Bros.

Overall, the most likely scenario for the Mother series in terms of playable representation in Smash 4 is the same as it was in Brawl, with both Ness and Lucas returning.

What about this guy?

Gigue is the main antagonist in the MOTHER SERIES and is similar to Mewtwo in shape and powers; Gigue can also used PK just like Ness and Lucas.

 

[Dalek_Kolt]

What about this guy?

Gigue is the main antagonist in the MOTHER SERIES and is similar to Mewtwo in shape and powers; Gigue can also used PK just like Ness and Lucas.

Wait, that's not a more realistic interpretation of Mewtwo? He has the purple tail and everything...

 

[False Sense]

What about this guy?

Gigue is the main antagonist in the MOTHER SERIES and is similar to Mewtwo in shape and powers; Gigue can also used PK just like Ness and Lucas.

I would think that's Mewtwo, not Giygas. There's that purple tail and that connector thing on the back of his head.

 

[Curious Villager]

Some people tend to draw Giegue a little bit like Mewtwo because they see him as a lookalike of him and all.

Then again, we kinda only have this to base him off...

 

[Dalek_Kolt]

Some people tend to draw Giegue a little bit like Mewtwo because they see him as a lookalike of him and all.

Then again, we kinda only have this to base him off...

Imagine the uproar that would ensue if Mewtwo was shafted in favor of this guy.

 

[Curious Villager]

Imagine the uproar that would ensue if Mewtwo was shafted in favor of this guy.

Considering people are already getting very butthurt over the return of Lucario and the inclusion of Greninja for "not being Mewtwo". I suppose that would kinda be another typical day for Smash Bros.... :T

 

[Dalek_Kolt]

Considering people are already getting very butthurt over the return of Lucario and the inclusion of Greninja for "not being Mewtwo". I suppose that would kinda be another typical day for Smash Bros.... :T

Greninja and Lucario at the very least LOOK different. But this?

 

[Curious Villager]

I don't think a modernized Giygas would look that similar to Mewtwo. Though it would be pretty interesting to see how it would look by todays standard. I think he'd look a lot slimmer than Mewtwo though with probably a few other design changes and all.

 

[woopyfrood]

He was right.

 

[Fire Emblemier]

With Marth, Ike, Robin, and Lucina confirmed, the Fire Emblem series is very likely complete for this iteration of Smash. Too bad I didn't get to read what you thought of the possible newcomers chances prior to the reveal. Yet, by the seems of your list of possible candidates, Lucina was quite the curveball. Anyways, I can't wait for your analysis of the two newcomers, and the chances they boost/hinder to other possible smash representatives.