Heir to the Monado. Shulk General Discussion/Social Thread

[Banjodorf]

The sword barely cuts it (hyuk). For example, look at Pikmin. The real star and the real distinction is the Pikmin themselves, but that doesn't mean Olimar can't be a little unique himself. And so both are made unique. Shulk has the unique sword, but as a character without the sword he's just a nobody, a boring old nobody. He's got the Pikmin quality, but not the Olimar quality.

Doesn't matter, it's just something I think makes the character less appealing at large. Fire Emblem character suffer the same issue generally, and they're still included. Shulk will be too. I just wish he wasn't so dull (and who knows, maybe Sakurai will include goggles for him, giving me a little itty bitty something to be happy about).

If we're talking unique moveset potential, even without the Monado Shulk had access to his own arts, largely based around positioning for maximum effect, and inflicting status conditions, and Xenoblade also has the Break-Topple-Daze mechanics, which is something Shulk could bring without the Monado.

 

[MegaLagann]

I just saw the POTD. Robin's nosferatu does more damage if hit from the back. And now these two Pokemon have buff moves.
Shulk is so close I can feel it.

 

[Whit]

The sword barely cuts it (hyuk). For example, look at Pikmin. The real star and the real distinction is the Pikmin themselves, but that doesn't mean Olimar can't be a little unique himself. And so both are made unique. Shulk has the unique sword, but as a character without the sword he's just a nobody, a boring old nobody. He's got the Pikmin quality, but not the Olimar quality.

Doesn't matter, it's just something I think makes the character less appealing at large. Fire Emblem character suffer the same issue generally, and they're still included. Shulk will be too. I just wish he wasn't so dull (and who knows, maybe Sakurai will include goggles for him, giving me a little itty bitty something to be happy about).

Honestly it just sounds like you don't like anime

 

[Juliusaurus]

Honestly it just sounds like you don't like anime

Link and Pit are anime style and they still do enough to be distinctive visually.

 

[Bosspon]

The sword barely cuts it (hyuk). For example, look at Pikmin. The real star and the real distinction is the Pikmin themselves, but that doesn't mean Olimar can't be a little unique himself. And so both are made unique. Shulk has the unique sword, but as a character without the sword he's just a nobody, a boring old nobody. He's got the Pikmin quality, but not the Olimar quality.

Doesn't matter, it's just something I think makes the character less appealing at large. Fire Emblem character suffer the same issue generally, and they're still included. Shulk will be too. I just wish he wasn't so dull (and who knows, maybe Sakurai will include goggles for him, giving me a little itty bitty something to be happy about).

...If you don't like his appearance so much, then why are you still here, surrounded by people who like his appearance and find him to be unique and interesting enough to have a spot in Smash?

Edit: Oh, he just left the thread. Success?

 

[Whit]

Link and Pit are anime style and they still do enough to be distinctive visually.

So…what do you want? A hat? Some wings? Cause if you've seen his other armor sets you'd know that Shulk can get pretty gaudy. It really seems to me that the sum of your arguments is that Shulk isn't flashy enough.

EDIT: I toned the original post down a bit, sorry about that

 

[SnapDrake_Games]

Wow. A detractor. This is gonna get violent.

OK, thread, I'm legitimately impressed here. A detractor shows up so sporting the arguments we all hate and actively mock. I expected y'all to go nuts.

And yet here everyone is acting respectful and such. You know; not going for blood. So I'll try to keep this toned down.


Anyways, first, even if you're not really a fan of RPG' s, you should give Xenoblade another chance and you'll get an interesting battle system, a great story, and most likely a new view towards Shulk.

Second, I don't know why the "generic anime" thing is even a problem. First off, Shulk is not generic as you can get, he's got a freaking awesome laser sword and matching red vest. I will give you this, he's not very expressive in the official artwork, but in game he gets perfectly emotional and likeable in cutscenes. But second off, why would you even care about looks? When you get smash 4 and play as him, you're going to fall in love because he's going to play uniquely and unlike anything you've seen before. The point has been brought up a billion times before- graphics don't make the game. So why should character designs? Why should you let a semi-generic design ruin a unique, interesting, and otherwise downright loveable character like Shulk?

 

[Banjodorf]

...I'm actually most interested in why Link without a hat is any more unique than Shulk without the Monado, visually.

Shulk's wearing a bunch of crazy crap while Pit's just an angel (I love Pit, do not murder.) and Link's basically Robin Hood. (See Pit.)

I'm confused.

 

[Dunban]

I'm proud of you all. We'll done handling the situation.
Also, you're right about Shulk being a nobody without the Monado. In fact you're spot on. He's just a researcher who sits in a lab tinkering all day. But that is why he is such a great character. The way his character develops is part of what makes him so thrilling and interesting a character. If Xenoblade really doesn't gel with you then watch the 'film' which is all of the cutscenes and stuff thrown in with a little bit of gameplay where it's necessary. It'll help you understand why the story is so great.

 

[Minato Arisato]

My goodness, it seems I missed a detractor. Oh well.

That PotD is making me think about Shulk... Ugh, why can't September get here fast enough?!

 

[Lamasis]

I missed him, too. But it seems that he isn't very good at annoying other people.

 

[AlvisCPU]

I'm glad that (most) people acted civil and logical with that. Not everyone has to like Shulk, so good job at not going "A different opinion! LET'S THROW INSULTS AROUND!" That's not to say I agree with the his opinion, but it's exactly that; an opinion. (And that's my opinion of it!) Everyone's been relatively well behaved. Your mother and I are very proud.

I'm proud of you all. We'll done handling the situation.
Also, you're right about Shulk being a nobody without the Monado. In fact you're spot on. He's just a researcher who sits in a lab tinkering all day. But that is why he is such a great character. The way his character develops is part of what makes him so thrilling and interesting a character. If Xenoblade really doesn't gel with you then watch the 'film' which is all of the cutscenes and stuff thrown in with a little bit of gameplay where it's necessary. It'll help you understand why the story is so great.

I think that Shulk would still be very unique if he didn't have the Monado but had the same character development. I think that in itself sets him apart from the masses.

 

[Solfiner]

I'm proud of you all. We'll done handling the situation.
Also, you're right about Shulk being a nobody without the Monado. In fact you're spot on. He's just a researcher who sits in a lab tinkering all day. But that is why he is such a great character. The way his character develops is part of what makes him so thrilling and interesting a character. If Xenoblade really doesn't gel with you then watch the 'film' which is all of the cutscenes and stuff thrown in with a little bit of gameplay where it's necessary. It'll help you understand why the story is so great.

Little boy lost his Monado and can't do a thing without it?

 

[Neo Zero]

I should hope you guys handled it as peacefully as Shulk does

...wait, then he'd be skewered by a laser sword...well, just peacefully in general : p.

With or without spoilers (obviously more so with) I love the progression Shulk has, from who he is to just character growth in general. A great protagonist with a lot of depth : )

 

[Sabrewulf238]

Even though we complain about the arguments made against Shulk, I don't think any of us feel threatened by them. I know I don't at least.

What's the point of getting angry? I'm already perfectly assured of Shulk's worth.

(By the way I don't think Shulk looks boring or generic at all. Maybe his design doesn't scream "Hey! Hey! Look at me!" but that doesn't make him look generic. I think he looks softer and more subtle than most jrpg protagonists. He's not trying to be some hip saviour of the world, he's Shulk.)

 

[Dunban]

(By the way I don't think Shulk looks boring or generic at all. Maybe his design doesn't scream "Hey! Hey! Look at me!" but that doesn't make him look generic. I think he looks softer and more subtle than most jrpg protagonists. He's not trying to be some hip saviour of the world, he's Shulk.)

I read this and immediately pictured a weird mixture of Shulk and Navi...
Oh dear...

 

[xLemmy_KoopaX]

I read this and immediately pictured a weird mixture of Shulk and Navi...
Oh dear...

Well, now I'd like to see Shulk's head on Navi.

 

[RawstyleEevee]

Hey guys, since we're all Shulk supporters (and probably players of Xenoblade Chronicles), can I have some game help? I mean, if you want to help, of course.

Well In my new playtrough I'm also at the point of reaching Valak Mountain, but just like you I felt in that area & the one that comes after it the "going went going & the though got thougher" due more enemies tend to have spike damage starting at that point

However maybe buy some new Armour, I currently have all of my party members in the Sky armour(which kinda makes the cast look like they just have their default armour), but the cool thing about this is that you can buy it at alcamoth & they all have slots

This time i'm going to be prepared due after Valak mountain comes Sword Valley & thats when the spike got me, due I was lv 48, but my armour was the one I still had from Makna & correct me if I'm wrong fellow Shulk supporters due this was in my first playtrough, you really need the armour you can buy in Sword Valley to get the right defence boost for the enemies in that area, but the majority didn't have slotted versions in the shop, so its better to farm ones, but good luck doing that with early game armour due the enemies are in the 52-57 range

Once I reach Sword Valley I'll aim for the Brave armour due all pieces have slots & you only need to farm for the tops & bottoms, while the cap gloves & shoes can be bought in Sword Valley with Slots.
A level 50 -52 party right before the end portion off Valak Mountain is perhaps the best to tackle on the Valak Boss(48) & to be prepared for the power creep you'll see in Sword Valley

Anyway like other people mentioned you should aim for the 4th skill trees for all Party members

Spoilers for the skill tree quests

Spoiler

Shulk: Désiré's future (Colony 9)
Requirements are a 4.5 star affinity in Colony 9 & Jackson's awakening completed.

Reyn: Cook-Off showdown (Colony 6)
Requirements are Colony 6 Housing & Commerce need to be level 2, Hoko(Frontier Village) & Ma'crish(Alcamoth) migrated, Missing lodger & Cook-Off Final Blow? quests Completed

Sharla: Avenge & Mamapon's Death (Frontier Village)
Requirements area 4 star affinty in Frontier Village, excess to Eryth Sea, Disinsectization & Secret Innovation quests completed

Melia: Trouble at the Lighthouse (Eryth Sea)
Requirements are The Hode Attack quest needs to be completed

Riki: Getting Bigger! (Frontier Village)
Requirements are a 3.5 star affinity in Frontier Village & Mislabeling Problem quest needs to be completed

Dunban: The Balance of Power (Valak Mountain)
Requirements are Chilkin Changes Complete

Do all of this and you will easily should be reaching lv 50 if not higher & if you are aiming for a 100% playtrough make sure to defeat all the Unique monsters once you reach Sword Valley & area's that come after Sword Valley, due they are missable & collectables of those area's will also be very hard to get if you ignore them on your first visit.

Hope this helped

 

[Solfiner]

I read this and immediately pictured a weird mixture of Shulk and Navi...
Oh dear...

Well, now I'd like to see Shulk's head on Navi.

You should have expected this.

 

[Dunban]

View attachment 20647

You should have expected this.

I most certainly did, and despite that fact I am still overwhelmingly disturbed.
In other words, you did a good job

 

[Spazzy_D]

I apparently missed out on the fun. In any case, Shulk has a very particular anime look that no other character has. It's some what Sci-Fi and more reminiscent of post FF 6 Final Fantasy or even games like Star Ocean, and no character on the roster currently has that sort of look. He would actually be filling that visual niche if he got in.

Anyway, today's Pic of the Day introduces Pokemon that actually boost player stats and have effects on things like super armor and knock back. Maybe we actually can get gems as item then.

 

[Solfiner]

I apparently missed out on the fun. In any case, Shulk has a very particular anime look that no other character has. It's some what Sci-Fi and more reminiscent of post FF 6 Final Fantasy or even games like Star Ocean, and no character on the roster currently has that sort of look. He would actually be filling that visual niche if he got in.

Anyway, today's Pic of the Day introduces Pokemon that actually boost player stats and have effects on things like super armor and knock back. Maybe we actually can get gems as item then.

Or Monado armour. That would be cool.

 

[Rikobomo]

I wonder if the mention of Robin's Nosferatu dealing more damage from behind., and Pokemon ATs giving you buffs is Sakurai's subtle way of teasing Shulk since he knows these are things only deep Xenoblade fans would pick up on.

 

[RawstyleEevee]

I wonder if the mention of Robin's Nosferatu dealing more damage from behind., and Pokemon ATs giving you buffs is Sakurai's subtle way of teasing Shulk since he knows these are things only deep Xenoblade fans would pick up on.

Are you detchibe btw from Gamefaqs xp
http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/633202-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/69798699, you're post looked similair xp

 

[Solfiner]

I wonder if the mention of Robin's Nosferatu dealing more damage from behind., and Pokemon ATs giving you buffs is Sakurai's subtle way of teasing Shulk since he knows these are things only deep Xenoblade fans would pick up on.

Monado purge in Robin's trailer. He probably doesn't even know how much of a tease he is with all of these hints.

 

[Andyjoe522]

Soo... I found another poll on GameFAQs poll if anyone's interested.
http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/633202-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/69794143

 

[Solfiner]

Soo... I found another poll on GameFAQs poll if anyone's interested.

shulk shulk shulk shulk shulk

y i can only voet 1

 

[TheFearsomeRyan]

It would be interesting to hear from Sakurai himself if he meant to tease at Shulk in these ways.

Soo... I found another poll on GameFAQs poll if anyone's interested.
http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/633202-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/69794143

looks like we just passed them xD

 

[Juliusaurus]

...I'm actually most interested in why Link without a hat is any more unique than Shulk without the Monado, visually.

Shulk's wearing a bunch of crazy crap while Pit's just an angel (I love Pit, do not murder.) and Link's basically Robin Hood. (See Pit.)

I'm confused.

Link needs the hat to be visually distinctive. Just as Mario needs his hat, and Pit needs his wings, and Shulk needs his crazy LAZER SWORD!!!

 

[Spazzy_D]

It would be interesting to hear from Sakurai himself if he meant to tease at Shulk in these ways.



looks like we just passed them xD

Did @BluePikmin11 ever add you to the support list? I should probably not be lazy and look that up.

 

[Deleted member]

So, from these hints with the Xerneas buffs and Robin's Nosferatu, we could infer that Shulk would be a character who's attacks are stronger depending on where he hits them (his side smash being Back Slash is stronger if he attacks them from behind) and would be able to buff himself. That latter part reminds me of Lucas in Project M...

Anyone wanna attempt at making a moveset around this?

 

[TheFearsomeRyan]

Did @BluePikmin11 ever add you to the support list? I should probably not be lazy and look that up.

Not sure, I think I remember that getting brought up but I'm not sure where the list is.

 

[Oracle_Summon]

Link needs the hat to be visually distinctive. Just as Mario needs his hat, and Pit needs his wings, and Shulk needs his crazy LAZER SWORD!!!

Each Nintendo character has something that defines their characteristic. Like the Master Sword for Link, Hat for Mario, Varia Suit for Samus, Captain Falcon's Blue Falcon, Pit's Bow, Fox's Arwing.

If you take any of those things away, you take away what gives those characters great defining characteristics. For characters like Samus and Captain Falcon, taking away the Varia suit and Blue Falcon takes away their major identity.

Link and his Master Sword are synonymous, just like Shulk and the Monado.

 

[Juliusaurus]

I wouldn't say the sword for Link, although it is pretty recognizable among gamers... For the general public though, it's definitely the green clothing and night cap/elf hat. But sure, he needs that sword and shield, it's part of his get up, but for someone to recognize him as link, it just needs to be a sword and a shield, not a specific one.

But Shulk on the other hand does need that specific sword in order for him to be recognized as Shulk (or that dude from Xenoblade, if the general public is even aware of such a game).

 

[Solfiner]

Soo... I found another poll on GameFAQs poll if anyone's interested.

"Ridley is more requested, I don't need a gamefaqs poll to tell me otherwise, gamefaqs is like the home base for Shulk and Xenoblade fanboys , so he is probably going to win, probably..." -random gameFAQ's user.

Where do I begin... First of all, I REALLY want Ridley. He is easily in my top 5, but this is just stupid. Ridley is more requested based on what? How can he know which character is more requested WITHOUT "stupid" polls? The Smashboards thread? Sure, the Ridley thread is easily the biggest character thread here, but then you also have to consider how little Ridley is requested in Japan compared to Shulk, and that the Shulk thread is the second biggest.

Also, that the Shulk thread is THIS big on a mostly western website speaks volumes for how popular Shulk has gotten over here lately too. And I'm not saying that Shulk is A LOT more requested than Ridley, I'm just saying that it's pretty impossible to decide who actually is more requested at the current moment.

My jimmies are rustled.

 

[Oracle_Summon]

I wouldn't say the sword for Link, although it is pretty recognizable among gamers... For the general public though, it's definitely the green clothing and night cap/elf hat. But sure, he needs that sword and shield, it's part of his get up, but for someone to recognize him as link, it just needs to be a sword and a shield, not a specific one.

But Shulk on the other hand does need that specific sword in order for him to be recognized as Shulk (or that dude from Xenoblade, if the general public is even aware of such a game).

The Master Sword was not in the NES games, but since Link has held the Master Sword since A Link to the Past, he is now associated with it.

When you think of Link you think of the Master Sword. Without the Master Sword, Link's purpose in games drops significantly. The only thing that Link has without the Master Sword is the Triforce of Courage, but even still Link is famous for wielding the Sword of Evil's Bane.

 

[Dunban]

"Ridley is more requested, I don't need a gamefaqs poll to tell me otherwise, gamefaqs is like the home base for Shulk and Xenoblade fanboys , so he is probably going to win, probably..." -random gameFAQ's user.

Where do I begin... First of all, I REALLY want Ridley. He is easily in my top 5, but this is just stupid. Ridley is more requested based on what? How can he know which character is more requested WITHOUT "stupid" polls? The Smashboards thread? Sure, the Ridley thread is easily the biggest character thread here, but then you also have to consider how little Ridley is requested in Japan compared to Shulk, and that the Shulk thread is the second biggest.

Also, that the Shulk thread is THIS big on a mostly western website speaks volumes for how popular Shulk has gotten over here lately too. And I'm not saying that Shulk is A LOT more requested than Ridley, I'm just saying that it's pretty impossible to decide who actually is more requested at the current moment.

My jimmies are rustled.

Allow me to unrustle them

 

[Spazzy_D]

Link needs the hat to be visually distinctive. Just as Mario needs his hat, and Pit needs his wings, and Shulk needs his crazy LAZER SWORD!!!

I know it's doubtful, but I have always advocated Shulk having his goggles in his default out fit. Kirby with Shulk hair plus goggles would be AMAZING.

Also, I just want to point out that you can say a character is done in an "anime style," but that style does not dictate their over all appearance. Even Samus can be described as having an "anime" look afterall. The thing about all the "anime swordsmen" that are currently present in Smash Bros. is that they are all drawn to fit into a European Fantasy setting. Shulk doesn't have that problem as his look skews more towards Sci-Fi with a bit of Steam Punk and traditional fantasy. No other character in Smash currently has that sort of look... so even if he looks like a particular genre cliche, that cliche is not present in Smash at the moment.

It would be like getting mad at Takamaru for being a generic anime swordsmen when we don't have any other Samurai in Smash Bros.

"Ridley is more requested, I don't need a gamefaqs poll to tell me otherwise, gamefaqs is like the home base for Shulk and Xenoblade fanboys , so he is probably going to win, probably..." -random gameFAQ's user.

Where do I begin... First of all, I REALLY want Ridley. He is easily in my top 5, but this is just stupid. Ridley is more requested based on what? How can he know which character is more requested WITHOUT "stupid" polls? The Smashboards thread? Sure, the Ridley thread is easily the biggest character thread here, but then you also have to consider how little Ridley is requested in Japan compared to Shulk, and that the Shulk thread is the second biggest.

Also, that the Shulk thread is THIS big on a mostly western website speaks volumes for how popular Shulk has gotten over here lately too. And I'm not saying that Shulk is A LOT more requested than Ridley, I'm just saying that it's pretty impossible to decide who actually is more requested at the current moment.

My jimmies are rustled.

I love Shulk and all, but Ridley is by far the more popular choice in America. Factor in Japan, however, and the numbers are probably pretty close.

 

[Dunban]

I wouldn't say the sword for Link, although it is pretty recognizable among gamers... For the general public though, it's definitely the green clothing and night cap/elf hat. But sure, he needs that sword and shield, it's part of his get up, but for someone to recognize him as link, it just needs to be a sword and a shield, not a specific one.

But Shulk on the other hand does need that specific sword in order for him to be recognized as Shulk (or that dude from Xenoblade, if the general public is even aware of such a game).

Just a quick question. Why is it a bad thing that the Monado is something that defines Shulk? I mean, take away the Heroes Clothes and Link would look like someone straight out of a Final Fantasy game...
Also, questioning whether the public acknowledges a game in a support thread for it's protagonist is downright offensive.

 

[egaddmario]

Just a quick question. Why is it a bad thing that the Monado is something that defines Shulk? I mean, take away the Heroes Clothes and Link would look like someone straight out of a Final Fantasy game...
Also, questioning whether the public acknowledges a game in a support thread for it's protagonist is downright offensive.

Nah, the sword's not big enough