Heir to the Monado. Shulk General Discussion/Social Thread

[Juliusaurus]

It's not a bad thing. I'm saying he needs it. Just as Link needs those clothes and hat.

Not that Shulk couldn't also use a couple more distinctions, especially on his person (clothing, hats, etc.). But the Monado is something, a good something, that makes him stand out visually.

 

[Solfiner]

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.



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.

Ridley is easily the most requested character from the american fanbase, but pretty much no one cares about him in japan. Shulk is the most requested in Japan, and he is still requested a lot in the west. So yeah, I would say that they are about even.

 

[Dunban]

It's not a bad thing. I'm saying he needs it. Just as Link needs those clothes and hat.

Not that Shulk couldn't also use a couple more distinctions, especially on his person (clothing, hats, etc.). But the Monado is something, a good something, that makes him stand out visually.

Alright then, if that's the case then could you explain your argument again? You said he was generic but he has a clear distinction that separates him. Not only that but the distinction isn't better nor worse than Link's.

 

[Spazzy_D]

Ridley is easily the most requested character from the american fanbase, but pretty much no one cares about him in japan. Shulk is the most requested in Japan, and he is still requested a lot in the west. So yeah, I would say that they are about even.

I think Mewtwo is still number 1 in Japan, but I don't consider him a newcomer.

 

[Juliusaurus]

Alright then, if that's the case then could you explain your argument again? You said he was generic but he has a clear distinction that separates him. Not only that but the distinction isn't better nor worse than Link's.

My beef is that there could be more to Shulk that makes him stand out. Maybe it's not completely necessary, but his most visual distinction isn't even a part of his character, it's the weapon he holds. If they added the goggles it'd be great. They added Pit's crown (or whatever that leafy thing on his head is called) from of Myths and Monsters, and that made him more distinctive, so maybe they'll add something to Shulk too. It would certainly help separate him from Robin who has a very similar face.

 

[Spazzy_D]

World wide, I would actually think K. Rool is number one.... he is top 3 everywhere so that has to even out I'd think.

 

[Solfiner]

World wide, I would actually think K. Rool is number one.... he is top 3 everywhere so that has to even out I'd think.

But Shulk is pretty much top 2 in japan and at least top 4 here, so that also evens out. But like I said, pretty much impossible to say right now imo.

 

[Dunban]

My beef is that there could be more to Shulk that makes him stand out. Maybe it's not completely necessary, but his most visual distinction isn't even a part of his character, it's the weapon he holds. If they added the goggles it'd be great. They added Pit's crown (or whatever that leafy thing on his head is called) from of Myths and Monsters, and that made him more distinctive, so maybe they'll add something to Shulk too. It would certainly help separate him from Robin who has a very similar face.

Well the goggles are the most obvious choice, but there are other things I would associate with Shulk, the red jacket being an example. But remember, Shulk has only starred in one game so far, so that's the only thing they can draw from.
It's called a laurel wreath by the way.

 

[zippy3214]

When you think of a character in a game, you associate them with the weapon or tools they can use. Mario and Luigi are associated with jumping and fire. Samus is associated with her Varia suit and power beam. Pit is associated with his bow. Link with the Master Sword and all of his tools. Sonic and running fast. Olimar and his Pikmin. Without these, you take away what makes the character unique, and therefore they are no longer as distinctive.
Edit: This makes saying that the Monado is not part of Shulk impossible, because all other characters are associated with their weapons.

 

[Juliusaurus]

When you think of a character in a game, you associate them with the weapon or tools they can use. Mario and Luigi are associated with jumping and fire. Samus is associated with her Varia suit and power beam. Pit is associated with his bow. Link with the Master Sword and all of his tools. Sonic and running fast. Olimar and his Pikmin. Without these, you take away what makes the character unique, and therefore they are no longer as distinctive.

It's more than that, it's also their visual distinctions, their iconic appearances. They matter too.

In general, it's nice to cover all bases.

 

[Bosspon]

My beef is that there could be more to Shulk that makes him stand out. Maybe it's not completely necessary, but his most visual distinction isn't even a part of his character, it's the weapon he holds. If they added the goggles it'd be great. They added Pit's crown (or whatever that leafy thing on his head is called) from of Myths and Monsters, and that made him more distinctive, so maybe they'll add something to Shulk too. It would certainly help separate him from Robin who has a very similar face.

The game is called "Xenoblade". The sword is important. It's the symbol of the game and yes, it is part of Shulk's character since it's his weapon throughout the game. Without the sword, he still looks pretty unique with his red vest/jacket thing. Seriously. Show me another character that looks like Shulk. And no, he doesn't look like Robin.

 

[Juliusaurus]

He looks like Robin.

 

[Solfiner]

The game is called "Xenoblade". The sword is important. It's the symbol of the game and yes, it is part of Shulk's character since it's his weapon throughout the game. Without the sword, he still looks pretty unique with his red vest/jacket thing. Seriously. Show me another character that looks like Shulk. And no, he doesn't look like Robin.

I never got why people compare Shulk to robin.

Spoiler: Big pictures

They don't even look remotely similar. Their hairstyles are completely different, unlike what some may say, and blond =/= white hair.

 

[TheFearsomeRyan]

It's more than that, it's also their visual distinctions, their iconic appearances. They matter too.

In general, it's nice to cover all bases.

Well the problems with that is that Shulk has only been in one game, and hasn't had a chance to be "iconic" Mario, Link, and Samus have all become so popular with their franchises that their appearance has become "iconic" what keeps Samus from being just another armor suit or Link another green clad boy? They've got history, that made them iconic, and thus they have that iconic appearance. Shulk has only one game under his belt, he wasn't had a chance to become iconic. If he did then everyone would recognize his red jacket and get up that he has in all the game art.

 

[MooseSmuggler]

He looks like Robin.

That is your completely subjective opinion. I don't see the resemblance, never will. And as several people said, show me one character who is viable for Smash and looks exactly like Shulk down to the clothes.

 

[TitanTeaTime]

...I am sorry my fellow Xenobrothers, but I went to that gamefaqs poll and... and...
voted Ridley...
probably because I do want Ridley ever so slightly more than Shulk

 

[ChibiIceClimberz]

I think Shulk's design is distinctive enough like most people have said here. Most JRPG protagonists tend to be overly and dramatically designed (#1, #2, #3), while Shulk's vest jacket and shorts makes him look like your average young adult wanting to live a normal life.

Although I think the reason why the Fire Emblem characters aren't distinctive enough is because of their outfit. The Fire Emblem series has always taken place in a medieval fantasy setting, and if we replaced them with western-looking characters, then we'd probably say that they look generic as well.

 

[GuyWithTheFace]

He looks like Robin.

I don't think they look alike at all. Other than similar hairstyles, Robin wears a long dark robe and looks more "fantasy." Shulk wears a short red vest and looks more "sci-fi."

 

[Rikobomo]

It's more than that, it's also their visual distinctions, their iconic appearances. They matter too.

In general, it's nice to cover all bases.

The fact that you think he looks generic in contrast to all other playable character's in Smash must mean he stands out to you, right?

Also, there's no character with a red- hooded jacket, a turtle-neck jumper, long shorts and big boots in Smash. And definitely no character who wields a big, red energy blade. There's more to Shulk then what's skin-deep.

 

[Juliusaurus]

White flowy hair, about the same length for both characters, typical anime pretty-boy face... C'mon, how can you say they don't look similar in those areas? Stick some goggles on Shulk though and you've got a more unique face. But sure, they wear different clothes... Not really the most iconic and simple looking clothes that strike an impression though, they're kind of generic in appearance, really. Buttons and straps are the norm with these sorts of character designs. You know, designers that didn't know when to stop designing.

 

[Dunban]

He looks like Robin.

If anything, Robin looks like Shulk.
Don't get me wrong, I love both characters. But Awakening came out in early-mid 2013 whereas Xenoblade was released as early as 2010 in Japan.

 

[Andyjoe522]

He looks like Robin.

I have been waiting for someone to give me an excuse to use this image in this thread! Thank you!

Spoiler: WARNING! FOUL LANGUAGE. Usage not necessarily aimed at any individual.

 

[BluePikmin11]

We only need 10 more supporters to reach to 400, who will be those last 10?

 

[Solfiner]

...I am sorry my fellow Xenobrothers, but I went to that gamefaqs poll and... and...
voted Ridley...
probably because I do want Ridley ever so slightly more than Shulk

That's okay, he needs all the support he can get since Shulk is currently stomping him in that poll.

 

[Juliusaurus]

Wow, silver vs. white?!? That's SO different... Seriously, the differences are incredibly subtle. Let me make an animated gif showing you the differences between Link and Pit, oh wait, that's not necessary because it's incredibly obvious.

 

[SpindaMaster]

White flowy hair, about the same length for both characters, typical anime pretty-boy face... C'mon, how can you say they don't look similar in those areas? Stick some goggles on Shulk though and you've got a more unique face. But sure, they wear different clothes... Not really the most iconic and simple looking clothes that strike an impression though, they're kind of generic in appearance, really. Buttons and straps are the norm with these sorts of character designs. You know, designers that didn't know when to stop designing.

Robin may have white, flowy hair, but Shulk's hair is blonde and not-flowy. Not to mention their faces are completely different from each other. Just look at their eyes.

 

[Solfiner]

Wow, silver vs. white?!? That's SO different... Seriously, the differences are incredibly subtle. Let me make an animated gif showing you the differences between Link and Pit, oh wait, that's not necessary because it's incredibly obvious.

Just like how the differences between Shulk and Robin are incredibly obvious.

 

[Rikobomo]

White flowy hair, about the same length for both characters, typical anime pretty-boy face... C'mon, how can you say they don't look similar in those areas? Stick some goggles on Shulk though and you've got a more unique face. But sure, they wear different clothes... Not really the most iconic and simple looking clothes that strike an impression though, they're kind of generic in appearance, really. Buttons and straps are the norm with these sorts of character designs. You know, designers that didn't know when to stop designing.

Shulk isn't adrogynous like modern Final Fantasy characters. He isn't a 'pretty-boy', he's just supposed to be a young, handsome chap. They only look similar if you were born with crap eyes and a crap mind.

 

[Juliusaurus]

Just like how the differences between Shulk and Robin are incredibly obvious.

Your argument is backed up with incredible detail, I'm knocked out over here.

Guys, I want Shulk in, I want him in not because of his character, but because of his franchise, can't we just get along because of that?

 

[MooseSmuggler]

Wow, silver vs. white?!? That's SO different... Seriously, the differences are incredibly subtle. Let me make an animated gif showing you the differences between Link and Pit, oh wait, that's not necessary because it's incredibly obvious.

Okay, I'm gonna be the one to say it, because I'm done.

If all you came in here to do is rant about how "generic" you think Shulk looks, why did you even bother coming in here? Like, this thread is usually an upbeat and positive thread, don't get "that guy" and ruin the atmosphere. You're never going to get anyone here to agree with you, so what's the point? You're just poking the bear at this point.

Edit: hey now, let's not throw androgynous people/effeminate guys under the bus. Nothing wrong with being either.

 

[TheFearsomeRyan]

Wow, silver vs. white?!? That's SO different... Seriously, the differences are incredibly subtle. Let me make an animated gif showing you the differences between Link and Pit, oh wait, that's not necessary because it's incredibly obvious.

that's not looking at the bigger picture. A character's defining characteristic doesn't always have to be his/her hair or some sort of headgear. Though no doubt that's what a lot of character designers do use. Even if we were to agree the hair looked the same there's still the entire rest of the character that looks different. Robe vs jacket and shorts, their face, height, stance. Mario and Luigi look very similar outside of the red and green but it's characteristics like these that make them stand out.

 

[Spazzy_D]

Are there any gems in particular that people could see making it in? Or type of gems I should say. If you had to pick 4, which would they be?

 

[MegaLagann]

Me and this thread right now

EDIT: But seriously though this is reminding me of Gamefaqs *shudders*. Let's just agree to disagree and move on.

 

[zippy3214]

Well, seems like he left.


For Now...

 

[Andyjoe522]

Are there any gems in particular that people could see making it in? Or type of gems I should say. If you had to pick 4, which would they be?

I could definitely see Strength, Muscle and Agility gems working as status buffs. Then there could also be the elemental damage gems which add effects to your attacks like electric damage, fire damage, etc.

 

[egaddmario]

When you think of a character in a game, you associate them with the weapon or tools they can use. Mario and Luigi are associated with jumping and fire. Samus is associated with her Varia suit and power beam. Pit is associated with his bow. Link with the Master Sword and all of his tools. Sonic and running fast. Olimar and his Pikmin. Without these, you take away what makes the character unique, and therefore they are no longer as distinctive.
Edit: This makes saying that the Monado is not part of Shulk impossible, because all other characters are associated with their weapons.

>read "Mario and Luigi are associated with"
>think "Oh hammers! Because of the Mario & Luigi series"
>finish reading
>oh.

Wow, silver vs. white?!? That's SO different... Seriously, the differences are incredibly subtle. Let me make an animated gif showing you the differences between Link and Pit, oh wait, that's not necessary because it's incredibly obvious.

Shulk's hair is blond. Not sure where you're looking. And Shulk has plenty of differences to Robin in clothing and weapons alone. But if you want to say their faces look similar, Lucina and Marth would like to have a word with you. And yes, they're distantly related, but the point i'm making is they're both in the same game while looking similar enough to ORIGINALLY have one be a skin of the other but instead being a full character. Lucina alone trashes your whole argument.

 

[Spazzy_D]

I could definitely see Strength, Muscle and Agility gems working as status buffs. Then there could also be the elemental damage gems which add effects to your attacks like electric damage, fire damage, etc.

Adding spike damage could be fun.

 

[Deleted member]

Guys, if someone is bothering you, you can always Ignore them. That function has a purpose, you know.

Let's just get back to discussing Shulk, OK? So, how would a direction-basing (like attacking from the back is more powerful than the front) and buffing moveset would work for Shulk?

 

[Solfiner]

Adding spike damage could be fun.

That would be a good way to represent the most hellish Xenoblade mechanic actually.

 

[derrickd95]

Guys, if someone is bothering you, you can always Ignore them. That function has a purpose, you know.

Let's just get back to discussing Shulk, OK? So, how would a direction-basing (like attacking from the back is more powerful than the front) and buffing moveset would work for Shulk?

Back Slash is kinda obvious, but I really wonder how Slit Edge would work, since you can't attack from the side in Smash. Maybe Sakurai could adapt it to doing more damage in the air or on a shield, or something similar?