Sarki Soliloquy
Smash Champion
TL;DR Courtesy of Equal:
Recently on a segment from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Reggie answered some Twitter question from fans. The last of which was asking him if he could be an unlockable character in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS. Reggie lauded the idea, but he understands as much as we do that it's up to Sakurai's approval if he would get in or not. Soon after, a petition to get him in the game was made by fans, accumulating a milestone of 1,500 signatures and counting by this time of writing.
Amongst the overwhelming appraisal that the idea of having Reggie's ready body playable, there are other considerations about his hypothetical inclusion that worry others. My argument to this demonstrates possible scenarios from this that could potentially affect the games beyond for the worse.
1: Memetic status
His body is ready. He feels like a Purple Pikmin. He's a zombie who likes French food. Then let's roll in the hype train with Iwata and Miyamoto chugging along! Reggie's comical performances can lift the spirits in even the most drab presentations. So much so that his persona has manifested itself as an Internet meme. His quotes are recited and altered to every joke the Internet carries around as a fad. Let's face it; how many times can we hear the same old jokes over and over again until they've lost their charm? Reggie has much more dimensions than that, but without his memetic status, why would we even care so much about a possibility of his inclusion? Instead of immortalizing him in Nintendo fame, it would just tack on a bunch of recursive jokes that were felt at one point in time. Of course, this approach would be the best way to capitalize his character, so the joke character would be great. But for being the WTF addition, hasn't Sakurai included characters such as Mr. Game & Watch, R.O.B., and Wii Fit Trainer that are quirky throwbacks to historical Nintendo trends present in those periods? Not to mention they've all originated from video games. This is a fundamental rule that Reggie violates four leagues down, and this prospect will be the dealbreaker for Sakurai's consideration. The wealth of joke characters doesn't falter here with two of them to be confirmed or not. His placement will be undermined by the oddball assortment already installed. Play this card too much and you'll disgruntle the fanbase. Don't get me started with Reggie's Mii; that's a cop-out. Besides, playable Miis are a whole 'nother beast to discuss.
2: Opens up doors for real life celebrities (Rise of the 5th party?)
As previous explained, Reggie's fundamental drawback could violate the upcoming roster or even ones down the line. Just imagine the absurdity (and suggestiveness) of this statement, "I've played every Nintendo game in Smash, even Reggie!" Of course, this can only take effect if he is concluded. Sakurai strictly considers all characters within the realm of the video game medium. Anything beyond 3rd parties without at least one Nintendo appearance should instantly be dashed from any hopes of consideration. Even extending to Goku or Batman would open the gates far too wide for who knows who could potentially be included. Yet alone real life people such as Reggie. Do you ever hear any sensible people speculate on celebrities? I've heard a few. All of which didn't contribute to the importance of video games. Mike Tyson in the original Punch-Out! was a special case due to his sport's and personal popularity at the time. He's a living, breathing, cognitive-thinking corporeal being who isn't bound by code to what he can do. Wasn't there a sex scandal involving him around his hayday? I think they can no longer use him or his name in the games such as Punch-Out! or the international Street Fighter II due to lawsuit fears. But given the other example, that's a fire starter for controversy with consecrating real life people. It makes me wonder about Danica Patrick in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed or Justin Bieber in NBA 2K13. I'm not saying I expect their careers to plummet. Just thinking about the nature of celebrities. Besides, where would he have a concrete establishment to base the "uniqueness" he would provide to Smash off of? Memes would be too unpredictable in nature and ideas to use from there would be selective to Sakurai. During Brawl's development, Sakurai remarks about on he on studying the games he adapts characters from, this would be a major element into creating a character. On that note, an executive tie-in like Reggie's inclusion is an idea that is pretentious to prioritize over video game mascots. It just really hurts Smash's authenticity as an all-star fighter showcasing Nintendo's finest. Given Sakurai's track record for characters, I doubt he'd go too far with this one.
3: His role to Nintendo and there business situation
Reggie's charismatic persona never hurt anybody, but why do you think he's installed on Nintendo's corporate ladder in the first place? He's first and foremost the CEO of one of Nintendo's regional branches. His role is to manage Nintendo's business and make sure all departments are running on the necessary amount of force to keep the corporation's performance fluid. None of the Big 3 are infallible to the faults of business decisions. They always have someone to go about these strategies and that someone might very well be held responsible. Some people hate the likes of Iwata and Reggie for how they go about competition, sales performance, fan satisfaction, etc. What would happen if one of them really screwed up down the line to an abysmal result for their company?
Will you be able to see past his cult of personality then? That's when having Reggie as a playable character becomes more of an effigy than a consecration. Given all the disbelief-suspending pain the characters in Super Smash Brothers have to endure, does that seem like nice wishes in our reality? Would the effect be any different to using him as my punching bag in Training Mode?
In conclusion, the people who signed the Reggie Fils-Aime for Sm4sh petition may not speculate the possible results from a myopic demonstration of support like this. Whether Sakurai considers it or not, I'm sure there are myriads of other characters decided or being explored over Reggie. There should always be a second thought before you think about supporting a cause. Even if I can't change those who agree, hopefully these arguments will at least pique why you support Reggie's inclusion.
Reggie Fils-Aime. Current CEO of Nintendo of America and Internet celebrity. Since his stellar exposure to the gaming populous during Nintendo's E3 2005 presentation, he became a viral sensation. He's all about kickin' ass, takin' names, as well as making games. He would even say he's already done that.Equal said:
Recently on a segment from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Reggie answered some Twitter question from fans. The last of which was asking him if he could be an unlockable character in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. for Wii U/3DS. Reggie lauded the idea, but he understands as much as we do that it's up to Sakurai's approval if he would get in or not. Soon after, a petition to get him in the game was made by fans, accumulating a milestone of 1,500 signatures and counting by this time of writing.
Amongst the overwhelming appraisal that the idea of having Reggie's ready body playable, there are other considerations about his hypothetical inclusion that worry others. My argument to this demonstrates possible scenarios from this that could potentially affect the games beyond for the worse.
1: Memetic status
His body is ready. He feels like a Purple Pikmin. He's a zombie who likes French food. Then let's roll in the hype train with Iwata and Miyamoto chugging along! Reggie's comical performances can lift the spirits in even the most drab presentations. So much so that his persona has manifested itself as an Internet meme. His quotes are recited and altered to every joke the Internet carries around as a fad. Let's face it; how many times can we hear the same old jokes over and over again until they've lost their charm? Reggie has much more dimensions than that, but without his memetic status, why would we even care so much about a possibility of his inclusion? Instead of immortalizing him in Nintendo fame, it would just tack on a bunch of recursive jokes that were felt at one point in time. Of course, this approach would be the best way to capitalize his character, so the joke character would be great. But for being the WTF addition, hasn't Sakurai included characters such as Mr. Game & Watch, R.O.B., and Wii Fit Trainer that are quirky throwbacks to historical Nintendo trends present in those periods? Not to mention they've all originated from video games. This is a fundamental rule that Reggie violates four leagues down, and this prospect will be the dealbreaker for Sakurai's consideration. The wealth of joke characters doesn't falter here with two of them to be confirmed or not. His placement will be undermined by the oddball assortment already installed. Play this card too much and you'll disgruntle the fanbase. Don't get me started with Reggie's Mii; that's a cop-out. Besides, playable Miis are a whole 'nother beast to discuss.
2: Opens up doors for real life celebrities (Rise of the 5th party?)
As previous explained, Reggie's fundamental drawback could violate the upcoming roster or even ones down the line. Just imagine the absurdity (and suggestiveness) of this statement, "I've played every Nintendo game in Smash, even Reggie!" Of course, this can only take effect if he is concluded. Sakurai strictly considers all characters within the realm of the video game medium. Anything beyond 3rd parties without at least one Nintendo appearance should instantly be dashed from any hopes of consideration. Even extending to Goku or Batman would open the gates far too wide for who knows who could potentially be included. Yet alone real life people such as Reggie. Do you ever hear any sensible people speculate on celebrities? I've heard a few. All of which didn't contribute to the importance of video games. Mike Tyson in the original Punch-Out! was a special case due to his sport's and personal popularity at the time. He's a living, breathing, cognitive-thinking corporeal being who isn't bound by code to what he can do. Wasn't there a sex scandal involving him around his hayday? I think they can no longer use him or his name in the games such as Punch-Out! or the international Street Fighter II due to lawsuit fears. But given the other example, that's a fire starter for controversy with consecrating real life people. It makes me wonder about Danica Patrick in Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed or Justin Bieber in NBA 2K13. I'm not saying I expect their careers to plummet. Just thinking about the nature of celebrities. Besides, where would he have a concrete establishment to base the "uniqueness" he would provide to Smash off of? Memes would be too unpredictable in nature and ideas to use from there would be selective to Sakurai. During Brawl's development, Sakurai remarks about on he on studying the games he adapts characters from, this would be a major element into creating a character. On that note, an executive tie-in like Reggie's inclusion is an idea that is pretentious to prioritize over video game mascots. It just really hurts Smash's authenticity as an all-star fighter showcasing Nintendo's finest. Given Sakurai's track record for characters, I doubt he'd go too far with this one.
3: His role to Nintendo and there business situation
Reggie's charismatic persona never hurt anybody, but why do you think he's installed on Nintendo's corporate ladder in the first place? He's first and foremost the CEO of one of Nintendo's regional branches. His role is to manage Nintendo's business and make sure all departments are running on the necessary amount of force to keep the corporation's performance fluid. None of the Big 3 are infallible to the faults of business decisions. They always have someone to go about these strategies and that someone might very well be held responsible. Some people hate the likes of Iwata and Reggie for how they go about competition, sales performance, fan satisfaction, etc. What would happen if one of them really screwed up down the line to an abysmal result for their company?
Will you be able to see past his cult of personality then? That's when having Reggie as a playable character becomes more of an effigy than a consecration. Given all the disbelief-suspending pain the characters in Super Smash Brothers have to endure, does that seem like nice wishes in our reality? Would the effect be any different to using him as my punching bag in Training Mode?
In conclusion, the people who signed the Reggie Fils-Aime for Sm4sh petition may not speculate the possible results from a myopic demonstration of support like this. Whether Sakurai considers it or not, I'm sure there are myriads of other characters decided or being explored over Reggie. There should always be a second thought before you think about supporting a cause. Even if I can't change those who agree, hopefully these arguments will at least pique why you support Reggie's inclusion.
