I think the Ice Climber problem stems mainly from having two very detailed models going around at the same time, which seems fine, until everyone picks them. That may cause frame rate drops on the 3DS. Maybe this is why all the transformations were cut, as it also reduces loading times before matches as all models need to be loaded onto the ram. This way the game won't go into a loading screen when switching characters right?
Luma and pikmin are models with almost no detail. They could be considered doodles compared to the regular characters. This is why that works. Also might be the reason the amount of pikmin was decreased in case everyone picks Olimar.
I am by no means an expert but I have made a game before and have spent a year at a Game Dev Uni in the Netherlands.
I assume these may be reasons for Sakurai stating they were batteling with 3DS limitations, saying characters may be back but in reduced format, while saying the roster would be the same on both versions.
Rather than compromising on characters, Sakurai chooses to compromise more on stages and how the characters are being represented.
That's my educated guess anyway. If the Ice Climbers are still two instead of a single character (with male/female option) then that would also be great
![Stick Out Tongue :p :p](/styles/default/xenforo/smilies/tongue.gif)
. I am just wondering if he is trying to make it work as a dual character, by reducing the amount of objects the CPU, Ram and GPU may have to juggle all at once with all the new assist trophies and pokemon and whatnot.