So now to think of 21 3rd party characters... oof
Here's what I ended up with
Alright so let's talk about these choices.
As for the Nintendo characters, I picked what I felt were the big Nintendo franchises, basically sticking with the OG Eight from SSB with two exceptions. I've swapped out Pikachu for Pokemon Trainer, and Fox for Robin. Oh and Yoshi's gone but he's almost a Mario character anyway and I was restricted to 7
Pokemon Trainer is an easy explanation- Pikachu's the mascot, but the Trainer is the actual main character, using Pokemon that people who've played the games are MUCH more likely to encounter in a substantial way than Pikachu. Plus I can't betray my girl Ivy lol
Starfox has been... Not so relevant, in the last few generations of vidya games. Sure, we've had a couple games come out, but none of them were particularly successful or well reviewed. Fire Emblem, on the other hand, has come
such a long way. And, similar to Pikachu above, I know that Marth is the recognizable one, but Robin is the main character of the game that turned the series around. He's unique, he's fun, and I think he represents the FE series a lot better with his moveset than anyone else does.
As for the rest of these, some will be nothing descriptions, some may be more in depth.
Junpei- I don't know how he'd play in Smash Bros, but Zero Escape is one of my very
favorite 3rd party franchises that has appeared on Nintendo consoles (Even originating on them to begin with, on the DS). When thinking of 3rd party games from Nintendo, I couldn't pass it up. Plus I just played through 999 again lol
Derek Stiles - A character that at one point felt like he was a de facto mascot of gaming from the OG DS. I think the Doctor thing could be interesting, being able to heal himself or team mates, as well as using a scalpel/sutures/etc, might be fun. Healing Touch being the final smash an obvi.
Flynn - I never really played SMTIV but I have met MANY people who say it's one of the best games in the 3DS library, and between the sword and the monsters, he could bring a lot to the table.
Doomguy - A MAJOR character in video game history. I'd specifically make him be old school Doom Guy with pixelated weapons and such so he can use his whole arsenal without increasing the ESRB rating.
Megaman - As is
Phoenix Wright - They somehow made it work for MvC, so why not? again, he originated on Nintendo consoles and is still very popular today.
Ryu - As is
Otus - While I personally didn't "love" Owlboy, I think he could have a TON of moveset potential, especially if he swaps around using his three different companions with their three very different attack options.
Razputin - Psychonauts always should have been on Nintendo. Raz has appeared as a guest character in a game on a Nintendo console, so he counts, lol. And with Ness gone we need that psychic boi. He's got enough moveset potential to be in the game over people who are already there.
Hat Kid - Hailing from a game that is specifically inspired by Mario games like Sunshine? She's got a ton of different stuff she can do, especially with different hats. Possibilities are endless
Bomberman - Everyone wants him, get him in there.
Richter - Simon's more iconic but Richter brings the better music and looks like he belongs in Smash a lot more than Simon does
Snake - Eh why not. He's a mainstay at this point
Sub-Zero - I was p surprised when Ryu was announced for Smash 4 and no other fighting game character came. I've always felt like Mortal Kombat was a much more important series. It's certainly much more well known, and not just due to controversies. Now, my choice of Sub-Zero specifically is more due to what the rest of this roster lacks- If I were adding any MK character to the existing Ultimate roster, I'd probably pick Liu Kang. But Sub-Zero would be the only ice-based character in this potential roster and I think he'd have a lot to do with that. Though I've long since been of the opinion that we need an ice guy anyway. Ice Climbers and Lucas don't really do the element justice
Pac-Man - I didn't want him in Smash 4 but now that he's here he might as well stick around
Yoshimitsu - This is a character that is a regular fighter in both Soul Calibur and Tekken. Rather than having a character from one or the other, I thought we might as well do both. And Smash could use a flamboyant samurai.
Crash - I mean, why not? Sonic's here, so Crash should be too.
Quote - I know NOTHING about Cave Story aside from that it was the first commercially successful indie game and that people like it. That's important enough tbh. I remember people being amazed that it came to Wii
Banjo - See Bomberman's. Banjo is long past due
Billy Hatcher - If for no other reason than to just imply that there's interest for a sequel. Come on man, you release a DOPE game on Gamecube and there's no follow up? Get out of here Sega
Sonic - Obvi
Cloud - In general, I'd have picked a different FF character. But Cloud's iconic and already in. Plus his moveset is pretty good
Crono - Never played the game but it sure is popular, and might potentially shut Goku people up
Primrose - By far the most intriguing character from Octopath, and I think a dancer would be really interesting. Before Corrin was announced for Smash 4 I had been hoping for Azura instead because I thought she might bring an interesting style to a moveset
The Knight - Hollow Knight was HELLA dope my dudes. I'd be happy to see him in Smash, especially if his moveset is VERY like the original.
Rayman - Damn you Artsy Omni...
Shantae - Didn't care about her until we played Half Genie Hero on the youtube channel. Now I'm really into Shantae. she'd be fun, and can replace Bayonnaise as the hair based character (Until Dixie DLC)
Shovel Knight - I was bummed he was an assist because he's got endless potential. He'd just be so much fun, and I'd love to see what stages Sakurai would make for him.
I was half tempted to add Luigi as a Luigi's Mansion character, lol.
