Character Discussion Thread

[Hotfeet444]

I think we'll see a random reveal this week, ala Marth in November. Hoping for Waro, Lucas, Ness, ROB, or Game and Watch. to be that random reveal.

April, I think will be a good month. If the newcomer pattern continues, we should see one there in a ND.

Here's to hoping our next newcomer isn't predictable, because everyone's saying Chrom thanks to the Fire Emblem anniversary. And although many held hopes for Ridley being announced this month, I'll say that his most likely reveal month is either going to be E3 for the sake of hype, or August, as August is a HUGE Metroid month. It's not only the anniversary of Other M, it's the anniversary of the Metroid franchise in itself, and it actually goes with the newcomer every two months schtick, so yeah, Ridley for August most likely.

 

[Louie G.]

I'm still thinking Takamaru for April.
I suppose Chrom would work, I can definitely see that.
I want a Chrom reveal ASAP, actually.

 

[BluePikmin11]

April will finally end the debates of FE newcomers, until Sakurai wants to be unpredictable like with Mac.
Going to expect something different for April.

 

[Jason the Yoshi]

April will finally end the debates of FE newcomers, until Sakurai wants to be unpredictable like with Mac.
Going to expect something different for April.

Hold your horses! The ND last month was on Punch-Out's anniversary, that's why Sakurai brought Little Mac that day

 

[Lasifer]

Here's to hoping our next newcomer isn't predictable, because everyone's saying Chrom thanks to the Fire Emblem anniversary. And although many held hopes for Ridley being announced this month, I'll say that his most likely reveal month is either going to be E3 for the sake of hype, or August, as August is a HUGE Metroid month. It's not only the anniversary of Other M, it's the anniversary of the Metroid franchise in itself, and it actually goes with the newcomer every two months schtick, so yeah, Ridley for August most likely.

Would also coincide with the month the Pyrosphere was revealed last year.

I'm still thinking Takamaru for April.
I suppose Chrom would work, I can definitely see that.
I want a Chrom reveal ASAP, actually.

Chrom's a given, I'd rather see characters that we don't know are in the game for sure, or one that could create a lot of hype like Little Mac did, someone such as K. Rool or Ridley would fill this quota.

 

[Louie G.]

April will finally end the debates of FE newcomers, until Sakurai wants to be unpredictable like with Mac.
Going to expect something different for April.

Like Takamaru.
Come to think of it Lip could be cool for May.
April showers bring May flowers and all.
And Palutena has the power to make it rain.
Interesting...

 

[BluePikmin11]

Sakurai could go for someone that has nothing related with the month.
He could reveal the Mii, or even Layton. Many possibilities for April.

 

[Louie G.]

Sakurai could go for someone that has nothing related with the month.
He could reveal the Mii, or even Layton. Many possibilities for April.

I would think Sakurai will go for a hype enduring character (not Mii) or a character that is actually going to happen (not Layton).
Takamaru, Chrom, and Palutena are the best options in my eyes.
All of them are pretty obvious and popular choices, it's about time we see one of them.

 

[False Sense]

Chrom's a given, I'd rather see characters that we don't know are in the game for sure, or one that could create a lot of hype like Little Mac did, someone such as K. Rool or Ridley would fill this quota.

Robin for April direct.

 

[Parmite]

I would think Sakurai will go for a hype enduring character (not Mii) or a character that is actually going to happen (not Layton).
Takamaru, Chrom, and Palutena are the best options in my eyes.
All of them are pretty obvious and popular choices, it's about theme we see one of them.

I haven't really seen any hints on Takamaru. With Chrom and Palutena, there's a ton of evidence that they're probably going to be in the game, but nothing with Takamaru so far. I wouldn't put my money on him.

 

[Hotfeet444]

Well, from what I can tell, if Smash 4 is getting a December 2014 release, here's what I can see happening in terms of newcomers:

April: Chrom/Palutena/Takamaru (Chrom thanks to Fire Emblem Anniversary, Palutena thanks to closest time of Kid Icarus Uprising release date (Which was today actually), Takamaru for the sake that The Secret of Murasame Castle came out in April)

June: E3 reveals new Zelda U title, Ganondorf is announced, if new Metroid from Retro is announced, than Ridley's announced as well. Last thing to consider is King K.Rool thanks to DKC: Returns' 3DS release date in Japan being in June, even around the same day as Nintendo's E3 (13th of June). Also, if anything, this is Mewtwo's perfect time to come back, and since we all know it's going to happen, better now than never. Also, Shulk may also be announced as June was the release date for Xenoblade Chronicles in Japan.

August: If no new Metroid is announced at E3, Ridley's release date will be august. Big Metroid month, the anniversary of the Metroid franchise, the anniversary of Other M, and the perfect irony that the stage that made people believe he was a stage hazard was released in August, it's poetic justice.

October: This month puzzles me, as there's no real signs to who could be made playable this month. All I can is that if Shulk isn't announced at E3, maybe X will be released in October and Shulk can go along with it.

December: If Palutena isn't announced in April, December's Kid Icarus anniversary making her the final shown-off newcomer would be a fantastic idea.

 

[Louie G.]

I haven't really seen any hints on Takamaru. With Chrom and Palutena, there's a ton of evidence that they're probably going to be in the game, but nothing with Takamaru so far. I wouldn't put my money on him.

I would.
Similarly to Pit, who was the most popular retro option back in Brawl, Takamaru is widely accepted and has popularity dating back to Brawl.
Sakurai has mentioned that he is interested in the character, and Takamaru has a mini game in Nintendo Land, along with some of the most iconic Nintendo series of all time.
So I think Takamaru is a safe bet at the moment.

 

[False Sense]

I haven't really seen any hints on Takamaru. With Chrom and Palutena, there's a ton of evidence that they're probably going to be in the game, but nothing with Takamaru so far. I wouldn't put my money on him.

Captain Rainbow reference? I mean, that's probably the closest thing they can show that's related to him without outright giving it away that he's playable. Something like a stage from his game would be a dead giveaway, I think. Characters like Chrom and Palutena come from larger series already represented in Smash; stuff like Arena Ferox or Palutena's Temple may suggest their appearance as playable characters, but those stages are also just good places to represent the latest game in their respective series. So I wouldn't say Takamaru is out of the picture just because he hasn't been hinted at as much.

On that note, we've seen nothing suggesting a Donkey Kong newcomer.

 

[Lasifer]

Robin for April direct.

Robin over Chrom would be a pleasant surprise in my eyes. I really want Robin over him.

 

[False Sense]

Robin over Chrom would be a pleasant surprise in my eyes. I really want Robin over him.

What a refreshing thing to hear after all the Robin hate I've seen lately.

 

[Louie G.]

What a refreshing thing to hear after all the Robin hate I've seen lately.

Robin is pretty popular around here.
I just find the idea boring, but that's just myself.
I hate nothing against the character nor do I really care about FE representation in Smash 4.

 

[BluePikmin11]

I'll just go list a series of newcomers that could be announced at any time that at least would cause crazy reactions, surprise, and hype:
1. Palutena
2. Shulk
3. Mii
4. Professor Layton
5. Takamaru
6. Chrom (Or any FE newcomer)
7. Tom Nook
8. a new Pokemon newcomer
9. Dr. Kawashima
10. Nintendog (Just in case)
11. K. Rool
12. Duck Hunt Dog
13. Tingle (or any Zelda newcomer)
14. Ridley

The rest I didn't list would probably be saved for post-release or E3 (Which is why I left Pac-Man out of this list, he seems like E3 material).

 

[Louie G.]

Here's what I'm thinking.

April: Takamaru/Chrom/Palutena - Any one of these. Reasons have been discussed.

June: Mewtwo/K. Rool/Ridley - All of them. These 3 would cause the most hype and overall reaction from the public.

And after watching the first Pokemon movie yesterday, how would everyone react if Mewtwo's trailer referenced the movie straight down to "Mewtwo Strikes Back" and the awesome score?

 

[Croph]

It's kind of funny...I asked because I'm in the process of working on one.
I'll give the basic idea and the Specials for now.

Chibi-Robo could be a "Turret-Fighter." In the games, Chibi-Robo has to plug into an outlet to recharge and gain energy. This would be more of a harmful thing in Smash, so to make him more true to his game mechanics, his Down Special would be to plug his cord into the stage itself. While in this state, he has limited movement options (only being able to go so far before the plug dislodges him from the stage), but his attacks get much more powerful. Other than him removing himself from the "outlet," he can be unplugged by a strong Smash attack. It is of note, though, that in this state, Chibi-Robo has reduced knockback done to him. Certain melee attacks include the use of his plug, but these are mainly aerials, so Chibi can't use Aerials while plugged in. Instead, he'd unplug himself.

His Neutral Special is the Chibi-Blaster, which is really helpful when plugged in, as it's a projectile. It has slight homing qualities. Chibi's Up Special is the Chibi-Copter, where he copters upwards with the propeller blades doing damage. Chibi-Robo's Side Special is the Toothbrush. Chibi vigorously sweeps the ground in front of him with a toothbrush, making that spot have less traction. If an opponent steps on that spot, they are far more likely to trip. As for a Final Smash, calling in Giga Robo from the first game to smash the stage could be neat.


Just the basic idea for now.

Plug it in, plug it in! ♪

Interesting moveset. I definitely think Chibi-Robo would be a unique fighter, especially due to his size. Plus he's a cute lil' guy, and probably holds some charm and nostalgic value.

At the very least, having some Chibi-Robo content would be nice, like a stage or AT.

There's so many unique and lesser-known series out there. It's a shame not all of them will get acknowledged in Smash (even if they're Japan-only), whether that'd be a playable character, or smaller stuff like trophies and music. But this is another reason why I love Smash -- seeing trophies from different games, reading their descriptions, and even viewing stickers... it's nice looking back at Nintendo's history, especially learning more about the obscure stuff. The Smash series really is a celebration of all things Nintendo, and now with added 3rd parties. It just keeps getting bigger, huh?

 

[Lasifer]

What a refreshing thing to hear after all the Robin hate I've seen lately.

I haven't played Awakening, but Robin would have a lot more potential than Chrom, being able to use magic an other non-sword weapons from what I understand.

 

[Parmite]

Captain Rainbow reference? I mean, that's probably the closest thing they can show that's related to him without outright giving it away that he's playable. Something like a stage from his game would be a dead giveaway, I think. Characters like Chrom and Palutena come from larger series already represented in Smash; stuff like Arena Ferox or Palutena's Temple may suggest their appearance as playable characters, but those stages are also just good places to represent the latest game in their respective series. So I wouldn't say Takamaru is out of the picture just because he hasn't been hinted at as much.

On that note, we've seen nothing suggesting a Donkey Kong newcomer.

I see where you're coming from, but when did he reference Takamaru with Captain Rainbow? I actually don't know.

 

[?????????????]

I haven't played Awakening, but Robin would have a lot more potential than Chrom, being able to use magic an other non-sword weapons from what I understand.

Depends on how far you want to take the character. In his/her main line of classes, the Avatar uses just swords and magic tomes, which is still pretty cool. He/she has to reclass entirely to use any other types of weapons.

As it is, some people get nit-picky about Chrom using lances and spears, despite them being a part of his main line of classes. Perhaps because we haven't seen it in a Fire Emblem character before; Ike can use axes, yet does not do so in Brawl.

 

[Rockaphin]

.....pretty sure it was more along the lines of "Hey, this character has proven to be really popular. We can't just let him disappear now...."
Don't get me wrong, the rabid Shadow fanbase is irritating (glad I'm not nearly as bad as them), but they didn't really get rabid until he came back.

I agree, there was nothing wrong with bringing him back, but the way they did was pretty bad. This topic is subjective however, but he should've came back in Sonic Adventure 3.

Spoiler

I miss the Chao Gardens

 

[False Sense]

I see where you're coming from, but when did he reference Takamaru with Captain Rainbow? I actually don't know.

Well, the chubby Little Mac trophy is from Captain Rainbow, which Takamaru appeared in. The acknowledgement of that game boosts the chances of any retro characters that appeared in it.

Depends on how far you want to take the character. In his/her main line of classes, the Avatar uses just swords and magic tomes, which is still pretty cool. He/she has to reclass entirely to use any other types of weapons.

As it is, some people get nit-picky about Chrom using lances and spears, despite them being a part of his main line of classes. Perhaps because we haven't seen it in a Fire Emblem character before; Ike can use axes, yet does not do so in Brawl.

Personally, I think Robin/Avatar is just fine using his/her sword and magic for a moveset. Magic alone is arguably more interesting than any other weapon he/she could use, and being able to use it simultaneously with a sword opens up a lot of possibilities. My personal favorite way of implementing this would be to make Robin a stance based character, one who could switch between using swords and magic very quickly to adapt to the situation. Sort of like transformation characters, only instead of becoming an entirely new character with different properties, Robin would just switch methods of attacking. This would bring an entire new play style into Smash that we haven't seen before, much like Rosalina did with her puppet style of gameplay, while also very accurately showing off some of the tactics of switching weapons used in the Fire Emblem games. Win-win situation.

Also, in regards to Chrom using lances, I'm one of those who finds it a little odd. Unlike Robin, who uses swords and magic equally and is actually noticed for being able to do so within conversations, Chrom primarily uses, and is most know for using, his Falchion sword for the majority of the game. Lances are a small ability he gains later on, and isn't really important to his character at all. It's an interesting way of making him unique as a fighter, but basing an entire moveset off of such a tiny detail just strikes me as odd and unfitting.

 

[?????????????]

Personally, I think Robin/Avatar is just fine using his/her sword and magic for a moveset. Magic alone is arguably more interesting than any other weapon he/she could use, and being able to use it simultaneously with a sword opens up a lot of possibilities. My personal favorite way of implementing this would be to make Robin a stance based character, one who could switch between using swords and magic very quickly to adapt to the situation. Sort of like transformation characters, only instead of becoming an entirely new character with different properties, Robin would just switch methods of attacking. This would bring an entire new play style into Smash that we haven't seen before, much like Rosalina did with her puppet style of gameplay, while also very accurately showing off some of the tactics of switching weapons used in the Fire Emblem games. Win-win situation.

Also, in regards to Chrom using lances, I'm one of those who finds it a little odd. Unlike Robin, who uses swords and magic equally and is actually noticed for being able to do so within conversations, Chrom primarily uses, and is most know for using, his Falchion sword for the majority of the game. Lances are a small ability he gains later on, and isn't really important to his character at all. It's an interesting way of making him unique as a fighter, but basing an entire moveset off of such a tiny detail just strikes me as odd and unfitting.

I myself agree in both regards. Should Chrom be playable, I would expect him to use nothing but Falchion, not that I would mind lance based moves. Likewise, should Avatar be playable, I would equally expect him/her to use swords and tomes.

 

[Starcutter]

or a character that is actually going to happen (not Layton).

HEY he has a chance.

Small chance but it exists.

 

[False Sense]

HEY he has a chance.

Small chance but it exists.

As a Professor Layton fan myself, I'd say he has a very small chance of becoming playable. VERY small. He (sadly) just doesn't quite match up to previous legends we've gotten as third party characters, so as much as I'd love to see him in, I very much doubt it will happen.

 

[Parmite]

As a Professor Layton fan myself, I'd say he has a very small chance of becoming playable. VERY small. He (sadly) just doesn't quite match up to previous legends we've gotten as third party characters, so as much as I'd love to see him in, I very much doubt it will happen.

It helps that he's on Nintendo consoles most the time. But yeah, he doesn't have that good of a shot.

 

[BluePikmin11]

Just because he's not as legendary as Snake or Pac-Man (You can't blame Layton for not existing in 1980-1990s), doesn't mean his chances are very little. If anything, he has a big connection to Nintendo to benefit him in his 7 year long run for Sakurai to consider, I think he has a decent chance of happening.

 

[False Sense]

Just because he's not as legendary as Snake or Pac-Man (You can't blame Layton for not existing in 1980-1990s), doesn't mean his chances are very little. If anything, he has a big connection to Nintendo to benefit him in his 7 year long run for Sakurai to consider, I think he has a decent chance of happening.

Actually, I might say that it does decrease his chances. He's just not the icon to video games that Snake, Sonic, Mega Man, or Pac-Man are, and that's what Sakurai is looking for when he adds third party characters. After all, this is a game meant primarily for Nintendo icons, so if a character were added that wasn't from Nintendo, logically that character would have to be a really big deal, and icon to gaming itself as a whole. Layton, while popular, is simply not at that level.

 

[Curious Villager]

Layton's chances are low, not impossible though. Just very low as much as I'd hate to admit it. And this is coming from someone who has Layton as his most wanted character......

Ah well.... I'd be content enough with Toon Link, Mewtwo and Rosalina anyway I guess....

I appreciate the optimism though.

 

[Louie G.]

Just because he's not as legendary as Snake or Pac-Man (You can't blame Layton for not existing in 1980-1990s), doesn't mean his chances are very little. If anything, he has a big connection to Nintendo to benefit him in his 7 year long run for Sakurai to consider, I think he has a decent chance of happening.

Listen, the idea may come up, but Sakurai said a third party must be legendary to be considered.
Layton is far from legendary status, sad to say.

 

[BluePikmin11]

Has anyone considered that "special situation" with third parties can mean many different things. Like a 3rd party character that has a very close relationship with Nintendo could be considered a "special situation." While additions like Snake and Pac-Man were added for their iconicness in videogame history could be considered a "special situation." Megaman (and maybe Sonic) had both of those special situations I mentioned.

 

[Louie G.]

Has anyone considered that "special situation" with third parties can mean many different things. Like a 3rd party character that has a very close relationship with Nintendo could be considered a "special situation." While additions like Snake and Pac-Man were added for their iconicness in videogame history could be considered a "special situation." Megaman (and maybe Sonic) had both of those special situations I mentioned.

Snake represents Konami's relationship with Nintendo, which I guess was strong at one point.
Pac-Man has a lot of ties to Nintendo, actually.
A character needs both, I believe, and Layton only has one.

 

[Lasifer]

Has anyone considered that "special situation" with third parties can mean many different things. Like a 3rd party character that has a very close relationship with Nintendo could be considered a "special situation." While additions like Snake and Pac-Man were added for their iconicness in videogame history could be considered a "special situation." Megaman (and maybe Sonic) had both of those special situations I mentioned.

I certainly have, and I hope it happens with Bayonetta.
pls sakurai

 

[False Sense]

Has anyone considered that "special situation" with third parties can mean many different things. Like a 3rd party character that has a very close relationship with Nintendo could be considered a "special situation." While additions like Snake and Pac-Man were added for their iconicness in videogame history could be considered a "special situation." Megaman (and maybe Sonic) had both of those special situations I mentioned.

Are you saying that Mega Man and Sonic AREN'T video game legends and icons?

Also, Pac-Man hasn't been added in yet as far as we know... there's that E3 leak, and even though it's fully plausible and perhaps likely at this point, it's not confirmed.

 

[BluePikmin11]

Are you saying that Mega Man and Sonic AREN'T video game legends and icons?

Also, Pac-Man hasn't been added in yet as far as we know... there's that E3 leak, and even though it's fully plausible and perhaps likely at this point, it's not confirmed.

I just said they both iconicness and close relationship with Nintendo on their side.

Snake represents Konami's relationship with Nintendo, which I guess was strong at one point.
Pac-Man has a lot of ties to Nintendo, actually.
A character needs both, I believe, and Layton only has one.

I would argue Simon Belmont represents Konami's relationship since he's brought up alot, and has a closer relationship with Nintendo and is (I think, but I'm sure) a very well known video game character.
Snake would be for his iconicness and doesn't really have alot of history with Nintendo.

 

[Gunla]

Also, Pac-Man hasn't been added in yet as far as we know... there's that E3 leak, and even though it's fully plausible and perhaps likely at this point, it's not confirmed.

I remember that E3 Leak being shot down because it was E3 2013. You know, it's not really a good evidence for Pac-Man. I'll admit, he's got a 50/50 shot, but not because of the Development Ties, not because of that leak.

But @ Hotfeet444 said it best, April is likely FE/Tuna/Takamaru.

 

[?????????????]

We don't know what Sakurai's specific criteria are for what makes a 3rd party character "special."

What we do know, from his previous choices of Snake, Sonic, and Mega Man, is that he cares if the character has general popularity as a video game character. With Snake, we know that he cares less about whether or not the character has a super strong tie to Nintendo, as long as they're associated with Nintendo whatsoever.

Given these examples, I think it is reasonable to conclude that a more iconic video game character, like Pac-man, would have a stronger chance of becoming playable in SSB than a less iconic character with more ties to Nintendo, like Professor Layton.

It could be an incorrect conclusion. But it's a reasonable conclusion.

 

[Hotfeet444]

We don't know what Sakurai's specific criteria are for what makes a 3rd party character "special."

What we do know, from his previous choices of Snake, Sonic, and Mega Man, is that he cares if the character has general popularity as a video game character. With Snake, we know that he cares less about whether or not the character has a super strong tie to Nintendo, as long as they're associated with Nintendo whatsoever.

Given these examples, I think it is reasonable to conclude that a more iconic video game character, like Pac-man, would have a stronger chance of becoming playable in SSB than a less iconic character with more ties to Nintendo, like Professor Layton.

It could be an incorrect conclusion. But it's a reasonable conclusion.

Let's just hope Snake comes back. I mean, considering an interview that happened rather recently, Kojima hasn't even be contacted about Snake's return in Smash Bros.