Heir to the Monado. Shulk General Discussion/Social Thread

[magiciandude]

Shulk receives a vision from the Monado!

Shulk: I see it! I w___ be in Smash Bros.!

 

[FlareHabanero]

Just had a thought upon looking at some Little Mac trailer analysis...

It's pretty clear that Bamco's experience with fist-fighters must've had some influence in putting together his moveset and playstyle, so I just kinda wonder if their experience with making different sword users actually feel totally different in Soul Calibur could be a boost to Shulk's chances or at least help to make even his sword based attacks feels fresh.

Drawing from his actual repertoire of moves of course, I just mean as far as their properties and probably tilts which tend to be nothing special.

Which is why I say that manipulating ether should be incorporated into standard attacks.

 

[DaDavid]

Which is why I say that manipulating ether should be incorporated into standard attacks.

I think so too. In the movesets I've drafted up I almost always have some version of Monado Cyclone as his up Smash or Eater as a side.

But that doesn't change the fact that many of his moves would just be sword swings, so I think having some guys on board who have experience in making sword swings be unique to a character can only help.

 

[DustyPumpkin]

Shulk would make an excellent playable character I'm sure
Sign me up for this guy!

 

[GreenKirby]

How popular is Xenoblade in Japan?

 

[DustyPumpkin]

How popular is Xenoblade in Japan?

According to http://smashboards.com/threads/obse...es-desires-for-smash-4-by-chronobound.338160/ Shulk is also getting a lot of requests over there too.

 

[DaDavid]

How popular is Xenoblade in Japan?

I'll just answer by saying that his Japanese popularity is pretty much the only thing that gives me legitimate hope that he might be added.

 

[Deleted member]

How popular is Xenoblade in Japan?

Xenoblade is rather popular in Japan. It's no Mario or Zelda, but it's still popular. Shulk is easily one of Japan's most wanted newcomers.

I'll just answer by saying that his Japanese popularity is pretty much the only thing that gives me legitimate hope that he might be added.

I'm more optimistic. I think that he stands a much bigger chance. I can see other areas want him or at least recognize him. In fact, that pic of the Monado on Sakurai's Twitter suggests that he at least considered Shulk for Smash.

 

[DaDavid]

Xenoblade is rather popular in Japan. It's no Mario or Zelda, but it's still popular. Shulk is easily one of Japan's most wanted newcomers.


I'm more optimistic. I think that he stands a much bigger chance. I can see other areas want him or at least recognize him. In fact, that pic of the Monado on Sakurai's Twitter suggests that he at least considered Shulk for Smash.

It shows that he's at least aware of Xenoblade; really says nothing about his consideration of Shulk.

But that's exactly what I mean, Sakurai, a Japanese man, is aware of Xenoblade in part I'm sure because of it's huge popularity there. Obviously it's popular elsewhere, but it's safe to assume that whatever is closest to home will impact him most.

 

[Deleted member]

It shows that he's at least aware of Xenoblade; really says nothing about his consideration of Shulk.

But that's exactly what I mean, Sakurai, a Japanese man, is aware of Xenoblade in part I'm sure because of it's huge popularity there. Obviously it's popular elsewhere, but it's safe to assume that whatever is closest to home will impact him most.

Shulk is a character that is definitely hard to overlook for Sakurai. I can't imagine Sakurai would leave out Xenoblade in terms of content. Whether it will be Shulk on the roster or getting a stage, AT, songs, stickers, trophies… I can't see SSB4 not having any of this.

I think that Sakurai did a lot of research worldwide. Seeing how Little Mac got in Smash, a character mostly wanted by the West and "meh"ed in Japan, it would be hard for me to imagine Sakurai not look at Shulk's worldwide popularity. I am 100% positive that Shulk will make it into Smash in some form.

 

[Hotfeet444]

My fellow Shulk supporters, I leave you this moveset video for your thread.

Feel free to enjoy and use this as you please, go Shulk!

 

[DaDavid]

My fellow Shulk supporters, I leave you this moveset video for your thread.

Feel free to enjoy and use this as you please, go Shulk!

Not in love with all his basic attacks and Smash's being sword based, or the lack of incorporating visions in any way, but I do love the gimmick you provided instead.

A Monado level up system not only fits the RPG motif, but also the upgrades the Monado itself sees throughout the game, and balancing it out by decreasing range as power increases is something you don't really see too much when people make their Shulk movesets. I personally have always thought Monado Eater would be a great side special that could do low damage on hit but inflict a DPS effect similar to White Pikmin, but other than that the selection of specials is pretty good, if a bit predictable compared to the rest of the move set.

Over all, one of the better ones I've seen. Arbitrary 8/10.

 

[foolssigma]

I have yet to watch the full video (i'll edit my post with my thoughts once I do) but right away I noticed a spoiler that should be covered when Metal Face is talking at about 1:10. Its minor but one of the things that always gets me with everything is even the slightest spoiler, anyways back to the video

Edit: Very unique and interesting with the whole RPG style levels. I wish you incorporated visions somehow, but I know how difficult that can be. Personally the only idea I have for that is a FS. Overall it is a well thought out move set that is true to his character. The thought occurred to me if there would be a way to level down in order to benefit from different move properties, although Idk if there would actually be any benefits to doing so. Plus you never level down in RPGs. Seems like Shulk would be rather technical with these moves

Great job!

 

[SmashChu]

Maybe it's just me, but it definitely seems like this thread has grown a bit with the inclusion of Little Mac. We're still very early in, so the support for Shulk give me hope that maybe he'll make it in.

 

[DaDavid]

Maybe it's just me, but it definitely seems like this thread has grown a bit with the inclusion of Little Mac. We're still very early in, so the support for Shulk give me hope that maybe he'll make it in.

I think just the thought of Sakurai including a character that has high fan demand in the west even though he previously over-looked him has given Shulk supporters a bit of hope that Sakurai is taking fan requests more seriously this time around.

 

[SmashChu]

I think just the thought of Sakurai including a character that has high fan demand in the west even though he previously over-looked him has given Shulk supporters a bit of hope that Sakurai is taking fan requests more seriously this time around.

That's true. He always does, but this game has been a bit interesting. There are a lot of odd ball characters.

Of course, he did add Megaman, and everyone wanted Megaman.

 

[foolssigma]

There are a few new faces around here every now and then, besides the usual crowd posting more. I still think Shulk can be an E3 reveal along with an epic X trailer (plus proper name reveal and release date). You're right the newcomers are very interesting to say the least. Basically anything can happen next it seems. It's reassuring to see Shulk in the top ten on the rate my chances thread along with being up there in the Japanese polls. Talking and hoping is all we can do.

 

[Creo]

We'll have our day, everyone. . . I still believe so, anyway. If we're going by any kind of current "logic" (though that may not always apply with Sakurai), an E3 reveal seems most likely as of yet. Aside from Shulk's inclusion (which is obviously most important), I do believe Xenoblade will (at the very least) have a stage and music representation. . . SSB4 literally begs of both, as far as I'm concerned.

 

[Deleted member]

Maybe it's just me, but it definitely seems like this thread has grown a bit with the inclusion of Little Mac. We're still very early in, so the support for Shulk give me hope that maybe he'll make it in.

With the inclusion of Little Mac, a character wanted highly in the west, it gives some hope to other characters. If Sakurai has studied the popularity and requests of characters very thoroughly, then he should have noticed Shulk is one of the most demanded characters worldwide. I would be shocked if Sakurai didn't include him in Smash.

While seeing Little Mac is comforting, I am still worried about the newcomer choices. Seeing Wii Fit Trainer and Rosalina makes my head shake…

 

[Sabrewulf238]

With the inclusion of Little Mac, a character wanted highly in the west, it gives some hope to other characters. If Sakurai has studied the popularity and requests of characters very thoroughly, then he should have noticed Shulk is one of the most demanded characters worldwide. I would be shocked if Sakurai didn't include him in Smash.

While seeing Little mac is comforting, I am still worried about the newcomer choices. Seeing Wii Fit Trainer and Rosalina makes my head shake…

Isn't Shulk more popular in Japan though? Or at least he's not at a loss for support in Japan.

The Little Mac comparison doesn't really work.

 

[yani]

Just dropping in to show love for Shulk!

 

[Deleted member]

Isn't Shulk more popular in Japan though? Or at least he's not at a loss for support in Japan.

The Little Mac comparison doesn't really work.

Shulk's popularity mostly comes from Japan.
http://smashboards.com/threads/obse...es-desires-for-smash-4-by-chronobound.338160/
According to Chronobound, Shulk is the most demanded newcomer from an unrepped series in Japan. But he is still highly wanted in other areas. Again, I would be surprised if Shulk doesn't make it in.

What I am trying to say with Little Mac is that I am glad that Sakurai is considering the fanbase worldwide. If he focused just on Japan, then I think that he would have a hard time making it into Smash. I am just worried that Sakurai will throw curve balls at us like he did with Rosalina and Wii Fit Trainer.

 

[Snagrio]

If this whole worldwide analysis thing is true, then I wonder what that means for Ridley's case...

But to be on topic, Shulk is looking more likely every day. Also I've noticed that, besides Rosalina, every newcomer we've gotten so far is the first playable rep of their respective franchises. Shulk would have have that distinction, plus be the youngest rep in terms of original debuts. It just makes so much sense.

 

[Deleted member]

If this whole worldwide analysis thing is true, then I wonder what that means for Ridley's case...

But to be on topic, Shulk is looking more likely every day. Also I've noticed that, besides Rosalina, every newcomer we've gotten so far is the first playable rep of their respective franchises. Shulk would have have that distinction, plus be the youngest rep in terms of original debuts. It just makes so much sense.

Ridley's chances may have increased due to Little Mac getting confirmed. He's a character wanted in the West and Japan recognizes his Western popularity. But I digress.

This could be a thing going for Shulk. It seems like Sakurai wants more series to get represented. I find that Shulk is by far one of the most likely candidates in Smash and to not have him in the game in some form or to not give Xenoblade any content would surprise me. Shulk is a character that I find will inevitably be in Smash; I just can't see any reason to not include him.

 

[foolssigma]

I actually tried googling reasons why shulk should not be in Smash Bros...

Instead I found this nice list of reasons why he should appear.

The 5 reasons they propose are:

5. Xenoblade Chronicles is ripe with beautiful music and scenery
4. Monolith Soft is owned by Nintendo
3.His move set could easily be converted and is unique
2. The Franchise has games coming out
1. The game is loved by fans and critics alike

Here's the link if you would like to read into more detail: http://nerdswole.com/2014/01/14/5-reasons-why-shulk-should-be-in-smash-4/

 

[DaDavid]

I am still worried about the newcomer choices. Seeing Wii Fit Trainer and Rosalina makes my head shake…

Aside from personal opinion, I can't imagine why. Both display unique fighting styles, Rosalina even having a very unique puppet character set-up. The inclusion of ANY character with that level of thought going into their moves should be good news when you realize that people who aren't too acquainted with Shulk often dismiss him because he's a sword user.

All the newcomers so far show us that Sakurai is going the extra mile to make characters interesting, so why on Earth would that be bad news for any character than can possibly get in?

 

[BluePikmin11]

I really think this is a franchise Sakurai could add into the great gallery of Nintendo all-stars. For what the game accomplishes, Shulk righfully deserves his spot in the roster.

 

[Staarih]

I've been following this thread for some time now but not contributed, as previously I didn't really think of Shulk as a worthy candidate for Smash 4 and I wasn't familiar with him and his game anyway. But now my mind has changed 360 degrees and I completely support Shulk. I'm still not familiar with Xenoblade, but just the fact that it's a new, popular and acclaimed game (which may become a bigger series after X) makes me support Shulk, because I feel we need more reps of today's games. I remember Sakurai mentioning something about there being very little new characters/new game series to choose from during Brawl, with Olimar & Pikmin being one of the sole ones eventually chosen. This time we do have Villager and WFT from recent popular games, but their series still stretch to the time of Brawl and beyond. Xenoblade and Shulk would truly be NEW and recent, which I think would be a fresh move to make.

 

[DraginHikari]

Isn't Shulk more popular in Japan though? Or at least he's not at a loss for support in Japan.
The Little Mac comparison doesn't really work.

His ability to be popular in the NA was hit with a number of problem due to NoA handling of Xenoblade's release in NA basically being a Gamespot exlcusive and not enough copies being shipped out causing the prices on the game to skyrocket at an abnormal rate. So I feel that Shulk wasn't nearly expose to western audiances. Also the standard issues with JRPGs in the west is still an issue.

However, given all those circumstances, Shulk still seems to be somewhat popular given that Xenoblade turned out to be a really good game and does have a western following which is something that cannot be said for for most JRPGs recent years.

 

[DaDavid]

His ability to be popular in the NA was hit with a number of problem due to NoA handling of Xenoblade's release in NA basically being a Gamespot exlcusive and not enough copies being shipped out causing the prices on the game to skyrocket at an abnormal rate. So I feel that Shulk wasn't nearly expose to western audiances. Also the standard issues with JRPGs in the west is still an issue.

However, given all those circumstances, Shulk still seems to be somewhat popular given that Xenoblade turned out to be a really good game and does have a western following which is something that cannot be said for for most JRPGs recent years.

yup yup. Even his relatively small popularity in the west is miraculous given the situation under which the west even knows about him.

 

[Deleted member]

Aside from personal opinion, I can't imagine why. Both display unique fighting styles, Rosalina even having a very unique puppet character set-up.

With WFT, I don't like how she was picked to have a character no one wanted. She kinda lost her charm on me over time.
With Rosalina, it's personal opinion. I wanted Bowser Jr. and I was rather ticked to see her over him.

The inclusion of ANY character with that level of thought going into their moves should be good news when you realize that people who aren't too acquainted with Shulk often dismiss him because he's a sword user.

Now you are making me curious to see how Sakurai would handle Shulk in Smash. Little Mac definitely shattered some doubts when people thought that "All he could do is punch." So, I am wondering what sort of thing Sakurai would do with Shulk… the Monado is definitely going to play a major role in his uniqueness and moveset.

I actually tried googling reasons why shulk should not be in Smash Bros...

Instead I found this nice list of reasons why he should appear.

The 5 reasons they propose are:

5. Xenoblade Chronicles is ripe with beautiful music and scenery
4. Monolith Soft is owned by Nintendo
3.His move set could easily be converted and is unique
2. The Franchise has games coming out
1. The game is loved by fans and critics alike

Here's the link if you would like to read into more detail: http://nerdswole.com/2014/01/14/5-reasons-why-shulk-should-be-in-smash-4/

The two other reasons that I would include are:
1. He has a great deal of demand. He is highly demanded in Japan where it matters the most. In fact, he is one of the most requested newcomers. It would be hard for Sakurai to ignore Shulk.
2. The pic of the Monado on Sakurai's Twitter definitely tells me that he is aware of Xenoblade. He might be a fan for all we know. Since Shulk has worldwide demand and Sakurai acknowledging the character and his game, I would be incredibly surprised if he was excluded from Smash.

It's also odd how you searched up reasons why he should be excluded and yet found a list of why he should be included. This tells me that Shulk is really a character that has a lot going for him and that his exclusion would be questionable. I can't think of any good or concrete reasons why he shouldn't be in Smash.

I really think this is a franchise Sakurai could add into the great gallery of Nintendo all-stars. For what the game accomplishes, Shulk righfully deserves his spot in the roster.

I agree. Xenoblade Chronicles was an amazing game with amazing characters, music, story, and areas. Shulk has earned a spot on the roster… let's just hope that he will obtain it.

I have an incredibly strong feeling that he will make it into Smash. Is it bad that I am wanting, hoping, and expecting Shulk to appear? Something just tells me that he will be on the roster… and I've had this feeling before I played Xenoblade.

 

[DaDavid]

Only thing that's weird for me is that your support pre-dates you playing Xenoblade haha. Typically people are very adamant naysayers until they've played. In fact I remember a user on GameFaqs who claimed to have played the game just to emphasize how much he hated it, and then he later admitted to me through PM that he hadn't and just didn't want his opinion to seem unfounded -_-

Anyway, that was slightly off topic >.> In a way I feel like I expect everyone in my sig, which would include Shulk (twice haha.) But I am personally somehow prepared to accept if they aren't, especially if the newcomers that do get in continue to look so damn solid.

 

[Snagrio]

My opinion of Shulk's possible conclusion before I knew of Xenoblade:

"Who's this guy? Eh, I guess he sounds cool or whatever."

After playing about half of Xenoblade (still haven't finished it btw):

"FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SAKURAI PLEASE ADD HIM!!!"

 

[Deleted member]

Only thing that's weird for me is that your support pre-dates you playing Xenoblade haha. Typically people are very adamant naysayers until they've played. In fact I remember a user on GameFaqs who claimed to have played the game just to emphasize how much he hated it, and then he later admitted to me through PM that he hadn't and just didn't want his opinion to seem unfounded -_-

Anyway, that was slightly off topic >.> In a way I feel like I expect everyone in my sig, which would include Shulk (twice haha.) But I am personally somehow prepared to accept if they aren't, especially if the newcomers that do get in continue to look so damn solid.

I kinda supported him before I played Xenoblade. I knew who Shulk was and his game prior, but I mainly wanted him in Smash because I really wanted a character from a recent series. I mean, Pikmin came out in 2001 and Brawl came out in 2008… that's a big gap. So, Shulk was my best option for a recent series to get repped. Now that I have played Xenoblade, my want for him skyrocketed him to my 2nd most wanted newcomer (behind a confirmed Little Mac).

I am prepared to accept everything that is for the best and for the worst.

 

[DaDavid]

I definitely agree that getting characters from recent series is something I want this game to do. After all, these games release so damn rarely that we probably won't get one until Shulk has become overshadowed by other X protagonists and other characters in general. This is pretty much what happened with Isaac if you ask me.

Now assuming Shulk doesn't get into the game right away, would ya'll be down for a "Xenoblade Smash Pack" as DLC sometime in the future? Like maybe the addition of Shulk, a stage or two and something like 4-6 pieces of music per stage.

 

[foolssigma]

I have my doubts about DLC in smash. Did Sakurai make a statement about that? If Shulk doesn't make it and there is DLC though, I won't hesitate to buy it. Thinking about that the exclusion of Xenoblade from Smash would be depressing. Only being represented through DLC seems like a way of neglecting the series. If nintendo chooses to go the DLC route, they will make tons of extra money if implemented properly. I'm undecided whether or not I'm for or against Nintendo doing something like that.

I've always wanted Shulk in Smash before Smash 4 was even announced. After I finished Xenoblade and it quickly became one of my favorite Nintendo games, it didn't take long for Shulk to follow on my Smash wish list.

It's good we all have high hopes for Shulk appearing as a newcomer, makes a lot of sense considering the thread title lol

 

[Deleted member]

I definitely agree that getting characters from recent series is something I want this game to do. After all, these games release so damn rarely that we probably won't get one until Shulk has become overshadowed by other X protagonists and other characters in general. This is pretty much what happened with Isaac if you ask me.

Now assuming Shulk doesn't get into the game right away, would ya'll be down for a "Xenoblade Smash Pack" as DLC sometime in the future? Like maybe the addition of Shulk, a stage or two and something like 4-6 pieces of music per stage.

While Shulk might have a problem getting overshadowed by the X protagonists later on, he could still get in if he is popular. If he is in SSB4, he might as well be a lock for every game as he is the first hero of the series.
I don't think Isaac's issue was the introduction of new protagonists but rather the fact that his popularity was mostly Western. (correct me if I'm wrong, I don't have too much pre-Brawl knowledge)

As for the DLC… I am not so sure. I think that he has to get in on the game disc. It's hard to determine DLC when there hasn't been much official word on it nor has there been any plans of it yet. I rather have Sakurai not focus on DLC at this time since it could affect the final product's content.

 

[DaDavid]

I have my doubts about DLC in smash. Did Sakurai make a statement about that? If Shulk doesn't make it and there is DLC though, I won't hesitate to buy it. Thinking about that the exclusion of Xenoblade from Smash would be depressing. Only being represented through DLC seems like a way of neglecting the series. If nintendo chooses to go the DLC route, they will make tons of extra money if implemented properly. I'm undecided whether or not I'm for or against Nintendo doing something like that.

Sakurai stated a long time ago (well around E3 I think) that he's not opposed to DLC, but it's not something he's thinking about right now. Which in my opinion is probably the best attitude towards DLC to have since that way you're not coming up with ideas and then dismissing them to DLC status, but rather you are incorporating all your ideas into the main game and just are open to the possibility of including ideas that come to you too late in development or even after launch.

Anyway, I don't think Xenoblade being represented through DLC would be a neglect in any way. I mean if it's a character, some stages, and tracks, it's really not missing anything that the on-disc character have except for maybe trophies and stickers. Which there's nothing to say couldn't be part of the package.

I'm definitely for DLC in general, and in Smash specifically it makes too much sense. Add the new, important aspects of Nintendo's history as it's happening instead of having to wait for the next full game. I mean what if some game in the next two or three years ends up being a ground-breaking success for Nintendo? Becomes one of it's biggest selling, best received franchises of all time. Wouldn't it be awesome to have that represented as soon as possible?

EDIT: Quick addition to cover something Brawler brought up; I wasn't saying that Isaac's problem was being overshadowed by another GS protagonist, since GS fans agree Isaac is better. I just meant that in general he was at the height of his popularity in a time when Smash wasn't on the horizon at all, and by the time planning for that game started he had kind of decreased in overall popularity.

 

[foolssigma]

@ DaDavid You make a lot of valid points. You're right, I agree. I also just noticed that we basically support all of the same characters, although I do not support two Shulks lol. There is also Smash 5 for those newer characters, however Sakurai always says this will be his last Smash Bros, then he makes another...I think.

I don't think the Isaac Shulk comparison is as similar as most people make it out to be. I wasn't really on Smashboards pre brawl much as I mostly lurked, but things are definitely different. I wonder if most of the Shulk fans here on Smashboards now are post Brawl

 

[DaDavid]

@ foolssigma
Well the double Shulk thing is 'cause I couldn't pick which little picture thing to use haha.

And I agree that the Isaac/Shulk comparisons get carried away, especially when people say things like "No Shulk till Isaac" as if the two are mutually exclusive or something.