Heir to the Monado. Shulk General Discussion/Social Thread

[SmashChu]

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/

Interesting. I'll add it to the front post.

 

[foolssigma]

Interesting. I'll add it to the front post.

Feel free to also add my sig if you'd like

 

[FlareHabanero]

I'd imagine Shulk being included if it was for the purpose of completing a package of content.

Like, including stages, music, stickers, trophies, have at you. So naturally you'd feel obliged to complete it with a character.

 

[Raetah]

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.

To be honest, I think that Little Mac and others characters like Isaac, Ray MK III, Starfy or even Saki were considered to be playable characters. But Brawl had too many new characters. Many people hope about some characters increased when Mac was revealed. Specially those related to west request and to characters that had minor roles in previous games. Great examples are Ridley and Isaac. Even so, I dont really think that Little Mac reveal increases chances, at least not significantly, of Ridley, Shulk or Isaac (perhaps im too negative). The only think that it really does is destroying the argument used against Isaac and the others AT, "All the AT are going to stay AT", Something that began when Starfy was confirmed to return as AT. And for some reason, some persons thought that AT Destinies are tied or something. But each AT is an individual entity and they dont really affect each other.

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…

What I said above and...
To be fair, newcomers revealed at the moment are favorable to other unrepresented series and to unique play style (Rosalina while she is from a big serie, she is different from others characters). Both things could be considered good signs to Isaac and Shulk. But being optimistic is not part of my personality.

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.

"Shulk's popularity mostly comes from Japan." Do you really think that? Im not in Japan smash community, but here. Shulk face is a freaking plague in roster predictions and after Ridley, King K. Rool, some veterans and confirmed newcomers. Shulk is in the group of most discussed characters for SSB4.
And consider that Xenoblade sales of NA were higher than the sales of the other regions combined. Even in Europe had more sales than in Japan.

 

[DaDavid]

Lotta stuff up there, but as far as your response to me individually, I'll just state my agreement that our gaining new information does not in any way affect their "chances" of being in, since that was probably decided on long before we even first saw the game.

 

[Scoliosis Jones]

Chances are a misunderstood concept when it comes to speculation.

It's not chances that Shulk WILL be added, it's chances that Shulk is ALREADY in the game.

 

[FlareHabanero]

Chances are a misunderstood concept when it comes to speculation.

It's not chances that Shulk WILL be added, it's chances that Shulk is ALREADY in the game.

But Scoliosis, clearly the entire roster will be revamped every time something new comes up!

 

[Scoliosis Jones]

But Scoliosis, clearly the entire roster will be revamped every time something new comes up!

Oh yes! You're right! Maybe my spine will suddenly straighten out and I'll get a few inches taller too!

 

[ChibiIceClimberz]

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

I actually wonder if some smashers and other Nintendo fans are even aware of Xenoblade's existence as a Nintendo property. The demand for Xenoblade would be even higher if Shulk were to be in Smash 4, but as of now his series still has a misconception about being second-party or third-party. For X especially, since I really want that game to receive the same treatment Kid Icarus: Uprising had due to Pit's inclusion in Brawl.

At the same time, though, I have a feeling that its "JRPG-ness" will turn off many people, ultimately putting the series in the same tier as Fire Emblem in terms of sales and appeal. However, the open world, big monsters, mechs, and gritty art style should be appealing to westerners, but people keep putting the game itself in the niche area and not acknowledging the said core aspects behind the game.

 

[Deleted member]

I just received a Puzzle Swap piece for Xenoblade Chronicles…
It's odd how we got one now…
I'm not saying that this affects Shulk's chances in any way, but I am glad to see Nintendo give the game some love.
I think it's been out for quite some time? I dunno. I haven't been on my 3DS in quite a long time to know.

And consider that Xenoblade sales of NA were higher than the sales of the other regions combined. Even in Europe had more sales than in Japan.

Can I have a link that says that NA's sales were higher than the other region's sales?

 

[DaDavid]

Well Imo Fire Emblem isn't a bad place to be, at least not after Awakening. I really think that the aesthetics of "X" will end up drawing in attention from Western audiences, especially if Nintendo does the smart thing and advertises it like crazy. It's essentially a new IP, it NEEDS extra help getting people attracted to it, and Shulk in Smash would at least draw attention to the Xeno series in general.

Also, the Puzzle Swap thing has been out for a while now. Regardless, it says SOMETHING about Nintendo's opinion of Xenoblade. They can make those region exclusive, so it's not like it's only in there due to the games popularity in Japan either.

 

[ChibiIceClimberz]

I just received a Puzzle Swap piece for Xenoblade Chronicles…
It's odd how we got one now…
I'm not saying that this affects Shulk's chances in any way, but I am glad to see Nintendo give the game some love.
I think it's been out for quite some time? I dunno. I haven't been on my 3DS in quite a long time to know.

Can I have a link that says that NA's sales were higher than the other region's sales?

The puzzle has been out for quite a while now, and that too made me appreciate Nintendo's awareness for the series. :D

And the sales are likely based off of VGChartz, and although it's not accurate, the numbers there should be somewhat close to the actual numbers sold. The pre-order numbers were nearly 200,000, so it's pretty much safe to say that it has sold more in North America than in other regions.

Well Imo Fire Emblem isn't a bad place to be, at least not after Awakening. I really think that the aesthetics of "X" will end up drawing in attention from Western audiences, especially if Nintendo does the smart thing and advertises it like crazy. It's essentially a new IP, it NEEDS extra help getting people attracted to it, and Shulk in Smash would at least draw attention to the Xeno series in general.

Also, the Puzzle Swap thing has been out for a while now. Regardless, it says SOMETHING about Nintendo's opinion of Xenoblade. They can make those region exclusive, so it's not like it's only in there due to the games popularity in Japan either.

Pretty much since the sales of the game have considerably sold more than 500,000 copies (370,000 retail and 80,000+ digital). Although I don't think Nintendo would massively advertise X since that'd be too expensive probably. Their marketing efforts seem lesser compared to other companies and usually rely on hype to sell their games. They have, however, been putting their marketing efforts well for Pikmin 3, Fire Emblem Awakening, and Bravely Default lately (with the exception of The Wonderful 101), so I hope X receives the same as well, especially at E3. I have a feeling Zelda will overshadow everything, though, unless it doesn't look good for its initial reveal.

 

[Mechonis]

All I'd like to say is, Shulk please.

...and Reyn as Assist Trophy that screams out "Reyn Time".

 

[Sabrewulf238]

I could probably post this in this thread or the Isaac thread but here will be fine. I was thinking the other day, Isaac and Shulk make for pretty striking counterparts. For example:

Isaac originates in an old school, turn based jrpg.
Shulk originates in a modern, action/time based jrpg.

Isaac is a silent (technically even though you do answer questions) protagonist.
Shulk is a speaking protagonist.

Isaac originates in a handheld exclusive series.
Shulk originates in a console exclusive game. (series if you think X is related to Xenoblade)

Isaac seems to be a teenager.
While Shulk seems to be a young adult.

Isaac has a stronger focus on magic (psynergy) and less on weapons.
Shulk is all about the weapon (Monado), although it could be considered a magic sword.

They couldn't possibly be much more different from each other.

 

[BluePikmin11]

Let me just say that the Puzzle Swap probably doesn't mean anything at all.
How could just a puzzle influence Sakurai's decision at all.

 

[Sabrewulf238]

Let me just say that the Puzzle Swap probably doesn't mean anything at all.
How could just a puzzle influence Sakurai's decision at all.

How could anything influence Sakurai's decision? How will we ever know what gets his creative gears grinding?

If nothing else it shows that Nintendo wants to acknowledge the game, they're hardly going to force his hand but any kind of support from Nintendo has the potential to rub off on Sakurai.

 

[foolssigma]

Based off this list, 95% of the Streetpass puzzles belong to major Nintendo franchises or titles. I don't think it really helps Shulk much, but it is worth noting. Monster Hunter is there too, but only JPN atm.

http://nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/Puzzle_Swap

 

[DaDavid]

Let me just say that the Puzzle Swap probably doesn't mean anything at all.
How could just a puzzle influence Sakurai's decision at all.

You misunderstand. It's not that the puzzle itself directly influences Sakurai, it's that the fact that Nintendo including a Puzzle Swap panel for it at all shows what Nintendo's opinion of Xenoblade is. Thus, Nintendo's opinion of Xenoblade might influence Sakurai's decision.

 

[RawstyleEevee]

You misunderstand. It's not that the puzzle itself directly influences Sakurai, it's that the fact that Nintendo including a Puzzle Swap panel for it at all shows what Nintendo's opinion of Xenoblade is. Thus, Nintendo's opinion of Xenoblade might influence Sakurai's decision.

It doesn't matter who's decision it is, If Shulk is left out, now that would be a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCHt8Eaesyo

 

[foolssigma]

It doesn't matter who's decision it is, If Shulk is left out, now that would be a http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCHt8Eaesyo

Ha, I made that same joke earlier in the thread. Glad to see other people have a similar train of thought

 

[FinalStarmen]

Of all the playable character exclusions I would be seriously disappointed in, it would most certainly be Shulk. The nearly-unlimited pool of potentiality not only extends its reach to Shulk's properties as a playable character, but also the inclusion of an adrenaline-pumping and emotionally engaging soundtrack, the aesthetically breathtaking stages, and (of most critical importance) a fully-widespread exposure to a worldwide audience. As successful as Xenoblade is (although there some problematic issues here and there), commercial advertisement within Super Smash Brothers can be a greatly beneficial asset towards introducing new players to another series, akin to Fire Emblem.

While there is always the unfortunate possibility Xenoblade's representation would be narrowly defined to only a theme song or an Assist Trophy (as Golden Sun was before), I would passionately argue Xenoblade (and even Golden Sun, for that matter) deserve much better treatment than to be restricted in such a constrained manner. A playable character within Shulk would do magnificent wonders, and thus allow even more universal characteristics to be featured.

Either way, come the next-gen Super Smash Brothers, I am reassuringly confident Shulk (or perhaps another Xeno character) will be fully accessible for game-play, if not already within this generation.



EDIT: I was actually more specifically referring to the Xenoblade Chronicles. Perhaps I should have avoided the use of the word Xeno within the last sentence, as the meaning can be misconstrued to refer to the entire series as a whole, rather than the more recent title).

 

[FlareHabanero]

For your information, but due to copyright conflicts, the only thing we'll be seeing in Super Smash Bros. is stuff relating to Xenoblade. Unless of course with Namco Bandai being involved we can somehow manage to squeeze in something relating to Xenosaga, but that's doubtful. Even if KOS-MOS would be a much better character then Pac-Man.

Anyway, I would feel like neglecting Xenoblade Chronicles would feel like a misstep in the wrong direction, because it's practically ignoring one of the more bold titles Nintendo has ever produced. I mean the series became a big sleeper hit despite the odds being against it, and just brushing it aside as something on par with Steel Diver would be an insult.

 

[SmashChu]

Let me just say that the Puzzle Swap probably doesn't mean anything at all.
How could just a puzzle influence Sakurai's decision at all.

It does mean that Nintendo recognizes it as a series along side games like Kirby and Mario. Confirms he's important to be in.

 

[foolssigma]

You guys know how Xenoblade was originally going to be called Monado: Beginning of the World? Well I'm glad it wasn't. Xenoblade sounds a lot cooler and less cliche. Any speculation on what X will be called?

Xeno...something or maybe Monado: End of the World, lol

 

[DaDavid]

You guys know how Xenoblade was originally going to be called Monado: Beginning of the World? Well I'm glad it wasn't. Xenoblade sounds a lot cooler and less cliche. Any speculation on what X will be called?

Xeno...something or maybe Monado: End of the World, lol

yeah I'm very glad that they decided to pay homage to the creator by going with a Xeno title. I hope they keep that up, but who knows what they'd call X... Would depend on what exactly is seen as the defining "thing" of the game.

 

[ZXMechonHunter]

You guys know how Xenoblade was originally going to be called Monado: Beginning of the World? Well I'm glad it wasn't. Xenoblade sounds a lot cooler and less cliche. Any speculation on what X will be called?

Xeno...something or maybe Monado: End of the World, lol

I had the idea that maybe they'd keep the name Xenoblade, and add a different subtitle. Like we had Chronicles, now we'd get...origins, or future, or something, just a thought I had. I highly doubt they'd do that though, I'm positive that instead it'll be Xenosomething.

 

[Deleted member]

I have been thinking about something and…
[collapse=If you haven't beaten Xenoblade Chronicles, don't click here!]remember at the end where the Machina, the people of Mechonis, said that they will live in harmony with the Homs, the people of Bionis? What if the mechs, or "Dolls", are actually Mechon that the Machina made for the Homs to use?[/collapse]

Any speculation on what X will be called?

If X is a sequel to Xenoblade Chronicles, I think that it could be possible that they will call it "Xenoblade Chronicles II" or "Xenoblade Chronicles Episode II," much like the Xenosaga series are ordered.

 

[DaDavid]

I have been thinking about something and…
[collapse=If you haven't beaten Xenoblade Chronicles, don't click here!]remember at the end where the Machina, the people of Mechonis, said that they will live in harmony with the Homs, the people of Bionis? What if the mechs, or "Dolls", are actually Mechon that the Machina made for the Homs to use?[/collapse]


If X is a sequel to Xenoblade Chronicles, I think that it could be possible that they will call it "Xenoblade Chronicles II" or "Xenoblade Chronicles Episode II," much like the Xenosaga series are ordered.

've thought that myself actually, kinda hope it's at least alluded to.

Anyway, if I remember correctly the Xenosaga games were all very direct sequels though, and I doubt that's the case here. Enough time seems to have passed just in terms of the tech we've seen that I doubt this would be a direct sequel, and naming it as such might keep others from buying if they feel like they need to have played the first one.

 

[SpindaMaster]

Of all the playable character exclusions I would be seriously disappointed in, it would most certainly be Shulk. The nearly-unlimited pool of potentiality not only extends its reach to Shulk's properties as a playable character, but also the inclusion of an adrenaline-pumping and emotionally engaging soundtrack, the aesthetically breathtaking stages, and (of most critical importance) a fully-widespread exposure to a worldwide audience. As successful as Xenoblade is (although there some problematic issues here and there), commercial advertisement within Super Smash Brothers can be a greatly beneficial asset towards introducing new players to another series, akin to Fire Emblem.

While there is always the unfortunate possibility Xenoblade's representation would be narrowly defined to only a theme song or an Assist Trophy (as Golden Sun was before), I would passionately argue Xenoblade (and even Golden Sun, for that matter) deserve much better treatment than to be restricted in such a constrained manner. A playable character within Shulk would do magnificent wonders, and thus allow even more universal characteristics to be featured.

Either way, come the next-gen Super Smash Brothers, I am reassuringly confident Shulk (or perhaps another Xeno character) will be fully accessible for game-play, if not already within this generation.


EDIT: I was actually more specifically referring to the Xenoblade Chronicles. Perhaps I should have avoided the use of the word Xeno within the last sentence, as the meaning can be misconstrued to refer to the entire series as a whole, rather than the more recent title).

I couldn't have said this better myself.

 

[foolssigma]

I've neither played nor seen any of the previous Xeno games. Do they have any relation to Xenoblade at even the most subliminal level besides the name?

@ SpindaMaster you and I both

 

[FirstBlade]

You misunderstand. It's not that the puzzle itself directly influences Sakurai, it's that the fact that Nintendo including a Puzzle Swap panel for it at all shows what Nintendo's opinion of Xenoblade is. Thus, Nintendo's opinion of Xenoblade might influence Sakurai's decision.

I must be missing something here. There are also Puzzle Swap panels for Rhythm Heaven Fever, Dillon's Rolling Western: The Last Ranger, Brain Age: CT and Chibi Robo: Photo Finder. I think it's a bit odd to be saying this increases Shulk's chances or Sakurai's decision and this is coming from a Shulk supporter...

 

[Deleted member]

I must be missing something here. There are also Puzzle Swap panels for Rhythm Heaven Fever, Dillon's Rolling Western: The Last Ranger, Brain Age: CT and Chibi Robo: Photo Finder. I think it's a bit odd to be saying this increases Shulk's chances or Sakurai's decision and this is coming from a Shulk supporter...

Personally, I don't think that the Puzzle Swap raises his chances significantly or even at all. It is still nice to see Nintendo acknowledge the game and even reference it in the Nintendo Direct. It gives me some hope that maybe Xenoblade will become something big in the future…

 

[Deleted member]

Personally, I don't think that the Puzzle Swap raises his chances significantly or even at all. It is still nice to see Nintendo acknowledge the game and even reference it in the Nintendo Direct. It gives me some hope that maybe Xenoblade will become something bigger in the future…

FTFY.

 

[foolssigma]

Here's a Gamexplain/Chuggaaconroy analysis of the new X footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XuBL2K-GZg&list=UUfAPTv1LgeEWevG8X_6PUOQ&feature=c4-overview

Goes rather in depth. Obviously he is going off as much information we have, but his points are well developed and researched. I wonder if we will see anything else on X in the inevitable international direct that will air in two months before e3.

 

[Deleted member]

Here's a Gamexplain/Chuggaaconroy analysis of the new X footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XuBL2K-GZg&list=UUfAPTv1LgeEWevG8X_6PUOQ&feature=c4-overview

Goes rather in depth. Obviously he is going off as much information we have, but his points are well developed and researched. I wonder if we will see anything else on X in the inevitable international direct that will air in two months before e3.

I'm glad that they got Chuggaaconroy to do this analysis and I hope that he continues doing them. I've seen many of his LPs and he is quite knowledgeable and he likes to go in detail in certain aspects (like what characters in Okami represent what story in Japanese myths).
Chugga is a big fan of Xenoblade; he might see things that we didn't notice or pay attention to in the trailer. The "United S" part made me think… how long does this game take place after Xenoblade if its a sequel and where does it take place? Does it take place in unseen colonies, like Colony 4? Or perhaps "United S" is a more developed Colony 6? The structures of the landscape in that trailer remind me of Guar Plains more than any other area.

I hope that we get X footage in the next Direct and I would love to hear his analysis of the trailers in the future. For now though, I am very impressed by this. Seeing as how attacks now do damage depending on height sounds like a great addition.

 

[DaDavid]

Yeah they've gotten Chugga for everything X related so far, so I imagine that's what took them so long in getting the analysis out in the first place. I fell out of Chugga as an LP-er, but eh, he is still good at what he does.

At any rate, the "United S" thing is something else which suggests to me that this is not likely to be a direct sequel. The landscape is similar to Guar Plains, but honestly nothing from Xenoblade should still be around exactly as it was, considering the ending >.>

 

[yoonb]

Chugga is a huge Xenoblade fan so I'm not surprised to see him back.

I would love for him to start an LP for it, but the game is ridiculously long.

At any rate, the "United S" thing is something else which suggests to me that this is not likely to be a direct sequel. The landscape is similar to Guar Plains, but honestly nothing from Xenoblade should still be around exactly as it was, considering the ending >.>

I'm pretty sure they kept everything for the most part.

Spoiler

The ending showed, that for the most part, Colony 9 stuck around. Although, that's just one area, I still think most locations are still around, just in different locations now. The only thing we know

Spoiler

disappeared for sure are the Bionis and the Mechonis. But if X does turn out to be a sequel, I wouldn't be surprised to see them coming back to life and wrecking havoc.

But yeah, X looks beautiful. Definitely one of the games I'm looking most forward to this year.

 

[DraginHikari]

I'd feel bad for LP of Xenoblade... not because it's a bad game, but I can't image how many parts and how much time would be needed for something that long.

 

[BluePikmin11]

That's why Xenoblade LPs won't do for you, you have to play the game in order have the greatest experience of all.

 

[DaDavid]

Chugga is a huge Xenoblade fan so I'm not surprised to see him back.

I would love for him to start an LP for it, but the game is ridiculously long.
I'm pretty sure they kept everything for the most part.

Spoiler

The ending showed, that for the most part, Colony 9 stuck around. Although, that's just one area, I still think most locations are still around, just in different locations now. The only thing we know

Spoiler

disappeared for sure are the Bionis and the Mechonis. But if X does turn out to be a sequel, I wouldn't be surprised to see them coming back to life and wrecking havoc.

But yeah, X looks beautiful. Definitely one of the games I'm looking most forward to this year.

Well that's my point, if the second of those spoilers is true, which we know it is, Gaur Plains shouldn't be around.

But yeah, I'm as anxious as any to see how and if this fits into the Xenoblade world.