Heir to the Monado. Shulk General Discussion/Social Thread

[Vintage Creep]

How do you guys feel about that face at the end of the first trailer? Do you guys think that's Shulk because I do believe that there are many similarities between the two. Or maybe even his son?

They could go the Link way. Basically the same character but in two different times.

 

[Weeginji]

How do you guys feel about that face at the end of the first trailer? Do you guys think that's Shulk because I do believe that there are many similarities between the two. Or maybe even his son?

I'm uncertain as to whether or not it actually is Shulk. However, I also believe that it wouldn't have been put at the end of the first trailer as if it were some kind of big reveal and made to look like Shulk by pure coincidence. Basically, if it's not Shulk then it was likely put there because they knew that we would confuse it for him. They know that they're known for Xenoblade and they know that the new game looks like what's essentially Xenoblade 2, so it's a hype generator regardless of whether or not it actually is a direct sequel.

Either way, Xenoblade is acknowledged as its predecessor. Whether or not Shulk has good chances for Smash depends on how Sakurai himself views the relationship between the two games.

 

[Altais]

Just finished the story mode of Xenoblade Chronicles. This game was simply amazing. At first, I did not think I was going to like it much, which was why I was reluctant to buy it when it first came out, but boy was I wrong. Both the story and gameplay were great. I would highly recommend this game to anybody whom likes RPG's.

Anyhow, now that I have finished the game, I think I will try writing a moveset for Shulk. It should be fairly easy for me, given the many options Shulk has. If he did get in Smash 4, I fancy he would be a powerful, but lightweight, character.

 

[Vintage Creep]

His moveset should be based on the Break-Topple combo, but I can't think of anything that would work well.

 

[jaytalks]

How do you guys feel about that face at the end of the first trailer? Do you guys think that's Shulk because I do believe that there are many similarities between the two. Or maybe even his son?

This game looks to took place in Xenoblade's future, so my guess is its his descendent.

 

[SmashChu]

Smash tends to add characters from a series, rather than characters from a singular game. I was following up from N3ON's point.

X has not been confirmed as an official continuation of Xenoblade to my knowledge. So at this point, Xenoblade is a singular game. I dont think it will be in the long run, as I do believe X is a continuation of the series, but at this point, it officially still is a single game.

Consider that Pikmin and Wii Fit had only two games before being added (Wii Fit U was released during development). That is one more game than Xenoblade. Likewise, long running series haven't had a character, like Advance Wars. What your are describing is very loose. What constitutes a series really? If Shulk and Xenoblade aren't in Smash, it wouldn't be because of too few games.

 

[Scoliosis Jones]

I think all that characters require is something that draws Sakurai to them. But that requires some sort of notoriety, or something that WOULD draw Sakurai in. Xenoblade and Shulk do that, hence why I believe he has quite a bit going for him right now.

 

[FlareHabanero]

His moveset should be based on the Break-Topple combo, but I can't think of anything that would work well.

Maybe have a playstyle that revolves around forced tripping and mechanics designed to encourage it. An example is that your force someone to trip, then your next attack will do double the knockback.

 

[jaytalks]

Consider that Pikmin and Wii Fit had only two games before being added (Wii Fit U was released during development). That is one more game than Xenoblade. Likewise, long running series haven't had a character, like Advance Wars. What your are describing is very loose. What constitutes a series really? If Shulk and Xenoblade aren't in Smash, it wouldn't be because of too few games.

What constitutes a series is precisely that. More than one game. Because that means its a brand. It's a series, meaning that there was more than one, hence the definition:
series: a number of things, events, or people of a similar kind or related nature coming one after another.

For example, the Last of Us. Really great game. Did phenomenally well. But at this point, since it's one game, it's not a franchise and not a series. You can't say that the Last of Us series is your favorite video game series. The Last of Us can be your favorite game, but it's not a series. Yet.

AW not getting in does not disprove this line of thinking. I'm not saying if you are a series that you are definitely getting in. Or the length of time the series affects anything like that. Nothing close to that. Series = more than one iteration.

 

[Deleted member]

Dropping by saying that I support Shulk to appear in SSB4.

While Shulk has only appeared in one game, I feel as though he should be added on the roster. Operation Rainfall is a rather recent, yet important part to Nintendo's history and I believe that he should represent that in SSB4.

Also, I am extremely lucky as I have found a copy of Xenoblade Chronicles at my GameStop; $70 it was, which isn't too bad. I only played 2 hours and I am really enjoying this game.

 

[8-peacock-8]

Once again, glad i got it at launch.

 

[Scoliosis Jones]

Okay. So Shulk may be a standalone protagonist for one game.

Same goes for Lucas. While Mother is a series, he only starred in one game before being added to Smash. I don't think the longevity of a character makes the difference. It is what they can add to the game, and I think Shulk can add quite a bit.

 

[BluePikmin11]

The only things I think he can only add is changing or slowing down time just to hit the opponent. A controlling-time user sounds real interesting, though the sword itself would be slow but powerful attacks just like Shulk in-game. I think he would be a good character for players who like to take it slow and try to aim properly.

 

[FlareHabanero]

Shulk doesn't actually control time, he has the ability to foresee into the future and can change it based on his actions.

 

[BluePikmin11]

I can't really see how that could translate well to Smash though, you can't really foresee a player's actions during a multiplayer battle.

 

[Sabrewulf238]

Well, if anyone can find a way to make precognition work in a moveset it's Sakurai.

Think about what precognition results in rather than how it actually works

It could be a final smash in that he sees into the future of the match, then for a period of time after (probably longer than most final smashes since it wouldn't offer immunity) he has a high chance of dodging moves and countering moves. (attacks might not connect, shulk might counter when attacked, all without you doing anything)

Since it wouldn't be an OP final smash it could probably last a bit longer than most.

 

[Altais]

Yeah, incorporating Shulk's foresight is definitely the hardest part. I already have mine moveset for him done for the most part, but I have yet to think of a good way to incorporate his seer powers. Right now, I am debating between making his foresight a special move or a Final Smash--or both.

Hmm, I guess I will sleep on it and see what ideas I have the following day(s).

 

[8-peacock-8]

I think that the best way to incorporate it is as an easter egg. Unless Sakurai can find a great way to do it. (Easter Egg: His eyes glow blue when he dodges or blocks an attack)

 

[Sabrewulf238]

What if his final smash allowed him to dodge/ignore the effects of the next final smash? (by seeing it in advance, he knows how to avoid it)

Not particularly flashy or explosive but still could be useful....especially for final smashes that are difficult to avoid.

 

[BluePikmin11]

What if he's able to foresee the location where the Smash Ball and the other items are, that would take advantage of his foresight.

 

[Sabrewulf238]

What if he's able to foresee the location where the Smash Ball and the other items are, that would take advantage of his foresight.

Oooh like seeing where items will spawn a few moments before they do? That could be very interesting. Sounds like a good way to incorporate his foresight. It could be a passive ability.....

He could also get earlier warning signals for stage hazards.

Only thing is it would amount to nothing in a no items brawl.

 

[BluePikmin11]

Maybe he could foresee stage hazards also, but they are pretty predictable in my opinion once hang around a stage for too long.
The only kind of way I can see foresee working with the opponent is if time slowed down when the opponent is close so he's able to hit the opponent.
It would be a unique kind of counter attack.

 

[Sabrewulf238]

Maybe he could foresee stage hazards also, but they are pretty predictable in my opinion once hang around a stage for too long.
The only kind of way I can see foresee working with the opponent is if time slowed down when the opponent is close so he's able to hit the opponent.
It would be a unique kind of counter attack.

Yeah, unless there are stage hazards with some kind of randomness. Then it would be far more useful.

This idea is a bit wacky but hear me out. Whenever you play as Shulk a small image appears next to pokeballs and assist trophies, telling you what they'll summon before anyone even picks them up. When you think about it, foresight is like having a cheat sheet.

You could say Shulk had a premonition before the match, so he knows these things in advance. It wasn't completely clear though....so some things like attacks and the winner was unknown to him.

 

[BluePikmin11]

Oh man that would be such an awesome idea actually. XD
But maybe the rumble feature could be implemented too with foreseeing, it will rumble harder to the spot where the item will drop.

 

[Sabrewulf238]

Oh man that would be such an awesome idea actually. XD
But maybe the rumble feature could be implemented too with foreseeing, it will rumble harder to the spot where the item will drop.

I was thinking more like a holographic/ghostly item would appear in place of where the actual item will spawn.

That combined with the pokeball/assist trophy foresight would make Shulk a very unique character.

Maybe you can't foresee other players, but you can foresee everything else. It would mean players would have to rely on their own unpredictability to counter Shulk.

 

[BluePikmin11]

The item would maybe bit foggy and invisible too, and gets slightly less foggier when Shulk gets closer to where the item will spawn.

 

[Sabrewulf238]

There wouldn't be huge amount of warning about items spawning, just a few seconds beforehand. Otherwise it could be too powerful.

If an item was going to spawn on one side of Hyrule castle, with you on the other. You probably shouldn't be able to make it over there before it even spawns.....just to be in the process of travelling over to the item should be enough warning.

 

[BluePikmin11]

But maybe it's accompanied by the fact the he's a pretty slow character just like in the game, so he won't be able to foresee every item only the items that will spawn from a platform distance.

 

[Gunla]

Flying in to say something I should have said a long time ago.

Xenoblade is one of my favorite games of all time. I got it at the launch day and loved every single minute of it (Well, most of it). When I started thinking about Smash 4 and my rosters, I thought that Shulk was an excellent choice. I've placed him on all rosters I use (As many of you have seen) and I'm firm on thinking that he has a serious shot in it. Most people compare him to Issac, but I really don't know why.

To me, he fits the qualities that it can take to be a good character in a fighting game to a t. I'm saying it now that Shulk is, has been, and will be effectively my second most wanted newcomer (Behind Bandana Dee, for your information). Hopefully he'll get in!

 

[BluePikmin11]

Just got Riki and Melia, with them together as a team, they are pretty horrible if I had to be honest. o-o

 

[FlareHabanero]

I think one idea to incorporate the ability of foresight is to have Shulk on occasion foresee an attack signified by his glowing eyes. When this happens, dodging and shielding will become buffed, with longer invincibility frames for the former and an automatic perfect shield for the latter. Maybe also implement an option that allows Shulk to attack during the middle of shield or dodge in a pinch, acting like a split second attack to prevent shield pressuring or tech chasing.

 

[jaytalks]

Okay. So Shulk may be a standalone protagonist for one game.

Same goes for Lucas. While Mother is a series, he only starred in one game before being added to Smash. I don't think the longevity of a character makes the difference. It is what they can add to the game, and I think Shulk can add quite a bit.

missing the point. Lucas comes from a generational, long running series. I never said it was about how many appearances a character has; it's about a character coming from a franchise. Mother is a franchise. Ness was also a standalone protagonist, but that's not what I'm talking about.

And again, this is based on what I think Sakurai's methodology will be. I think X is probably going to be a continuation of some sort of Xenoblade (that just hasnt been confirmed). I want Shulk to be in the game.And Sharla as an assist trophy. And Bionis' Leg as a stage.

 

[FlareHabanero]

And Sakurai's methodology is that if he finds something interesting, he'll want the developers to include it.

Don't see why people are treating some imaginary criteria like it's actually real.

 

[Scoliosis Jones]

And Sakurai's methodology is that if he finds something interesting, he'll want the developers to include it.

Don't see why people are treating some imaginary criteria like it's actually real.

That's what I was basically saying. There are characters from all kinds of different franchises. Xenoblade got enough recognition to spawn what appears to be a sequel, and has a main character from the first game with sufficient uniqueness to be added to Smash.

 

[BluePikmin11]

From the trailers so far, it seems like it's going to be a whole new franchise again, which may not star Shulk at all.

 

[8-peacock-8]

From the trailers so far, it seems like it's going to be a whole new franchise again, which may not star Shulk at all.

But it does have a guy who looks EXACTLY like Shulk.

 

[BluePikmin11]

But it does have a guy who looks EXACTLY like Shulk.

You mean this?

I'm not so sure about that, as he doesn't really look like Shulk.

 

[Scoliosis Jones]

Here's a comparison. Marth was the first protagonist on the Fire Emblem series, and he starred in 2 games within the series as the main protagonist.

Shulk is a part of the "Xeno" series, and was the main protagonist of a critically acclaimed title on the Wii, which is where a lot of the source material for Smash Bros will be coming from. Sakurai knows of Xenoblade (Idk of his opinions of it) but at the very least he may know what Shulk can do.

Maybe it's just me, but since Rosalina, my expectations of Shulk have risen. He's by far the most unique sword user, and I don't think Sakurai would pass that up if he could come up with something we've never seen before.

 

[jaytalks]

And Sakurai's methodology is that if he finds something interesting, he'll want the developers to include it.

Don't see why people are treating some imaginary criteria like it's actually real.

And I don't get why people don't understand that when making a prediction, it's not that big a deal. Basically, whenever we make a prediction on anywhere on this forum, its made either guessing what developer is going to do, or taking a shot in the dark. It's what everyone does when making a prediction; they just don't say it that way.

Everything I said is based what I think is going to happen. Of course, it's not real; it's a prediction. If a prediction is different than what you think, that's fine. What fun would be a forum be if everyone thought the same.

Here's a comparison. Marth was the first protagonist on the Fire Emblem series, and he starred in 2 games within the series as the main protagonist.

Shulk is a part of the "Xeno" series, and was the main protagonist of a critically acclaimed title on the Wii, which is where a lot of the source material for Smash Bros will be coming from. Sakurai knows of Xenoblade (Idk of his opinions of it) but at the very least he may know what Shulk can do.

Maybe it's just me, but since Rosalina, my expectations of Shulk have risen. He's by far the most unique sword user, and I don't think Sakurai would pass that up if he could come up with something we've never seen before.

Rosalina has not affected my predictions for any character other than maybe Dixie Kong. I don't see much in common between her and Shulk.

The "Xeno" series is not a series in the same way as Fire Emblem. The Xeno name itself referss a meta-series that contains titles with the name Xeno developed by Monolith Soft. The games are not connected in cannon and the preceding metaseries entries, Xenogears and Xenosaga, are not owned by Nintendo or Monolith Soft. And thus, Xenoblade is a stand-alone game (for now, until X is revealed as connected).

I get what you're saying and hope it's true. But that doesnt change the fact that Xenoblade is still a singular game, not a series. I would say that elemental abilities of Isaac/Matthew, as well as Djinn, make them more unique than Shulk. And Robin is no slouch either.

 

[Starphoenix]

Bleh, all of this Golden Sun vs. Xenoblade comparison. All I know is Golden Sun wasn't a very fun game for me, and this is a guy who has played and enjoyed some pretty obscure RPGs. I'm 99.99% sure there is going to be a Xenoblade stage on the Wii U game at the very least, which means Sakurai will be forced to decide what he wants to do with Shulk since he'll be looking at the series anyways.