Heir to the Monado. Shulk General Discussion/Social Thread

[N3ON]

Well Xenoblade isn't really the "hot new game" anymore (still one of the best things Nintendo's done recently though), so there's not too much new to discuss with Shulk (especially since like Swampasaur said - a lot of people don't have the game and therefore aren't too familiar with him), but discussion will probably spike again when we get more details about "X". Especially if we learn of Shulk's possible involvement in the game.

 

[Scoliosis Jones]

I still think that if Shulk isn't involved in the game, that it may effectively hurt his chances. Of course that also depends on when the releases of the new game and Smash 4 occur. Or we could get both Shulk and the new guy. Highly unlikely I know, but its possible

 

[SmashChu]

I've noticed that things are getting quiet for Shulk. I might be because people are not exactly aware or are simply that confident for the character. But I will say that I would like the character as an offensive mix-up character.

Probably not much else to say. Hard to keep these things alive when we know nothing about the game.

 

[PIKA321]

I will totally main Shulk if he's in. At least for a time.

 

[DragonSniperNintendo]

Shulk's alt costume

I believe Shulk will get in because he is a popular character and the game was one of Nintendo's biggest new IPs on the Wii (and is popular).

 

[8-peacock-8]

Shulk would be my main if he gets in.

 

[FlareHabanero]

The only alternate costume for Shulk would be him wearing only underwear. Hilariously, you can actually do that in Xenoblade with pretty much anyone, and it becomes reflected in the cut scenes. The downside is that there is no stat boosts due to wearing no armor, which means characters become more frail then desired.

Also yes, I would play as Shulk. Not sure if it "main" material considering we don't have a clue on anything at the moment.

 

[FalKoopa]

I wonder if his armor and clothes should fall away after increasingly taking damage.

 

[SmashChu]

The only alternate costume for Shulk would be him wearing only underwear. Hilariously, you can actually do that in Xenoblade with pretty much anyone, and it becomes reflected in the cut scenes. The downside is that there is no stat boosts due to wearing no armor, which means characters become more frail then desired.

Also yes, I would play as Shulk. Not sure if it "main" material considering we don't have a clue on anything at the moment.

Although, you can go naked Dunban for a while and it is effective.

 

[N3ON]

So, not necessarily to do with Xenoblade or Shulk, but I thought this could potentially be pretty interesting. In a recent interview, Shulk's VA said:

I'm always interested in doing more voice work on games. They're great fun & the games industry has been very kind to me. I have been working on a new game recently. I can't say what it is yet but I was very pleased to see it trending on Twitter when it was announced. It's very satisfying to know there's a buzz and anticipation for a project you're involved in.

A new game that's already been announced that he can't talk about? I have no idea if "X" was ever trending on Twitter, but this could possibly be a good sign Shulk might return. I also hope, if it is Shulk, he's not recast for the NA version with an American accent, I liked the British ones.

 

[8-peacock-8]

The British voice fits him perfectly.

 

[Deleted member]

The British voice fits him perfectly.

This is not a surprise.

Japaneses LOVE Europeans.
It's a fact.

 

[8-peacock-8]

ATLUS doesn't.

 

[kikaru]

I just finished Xenoblade today and would like to say that it is one of the best games I have ever played. And while the graphics were definitely lacking, I frankly do not care for graphics as long as the game can make up for it.

The characters were simply amazing. Not only was the cast memorable and likable, they were believable. The characters (even outside the party) were unique, their personalities were well done, and most importantly it felt as though your party was not simply a collection of characters you pick up along the way, but a band of brothers and sisters that were destined to be together.

Personally I also enjoyed the story very much. The pacing and flow of the plot was excellent, it was definitely not as predictable, and it felt resolved. Although the story wasn't as mind-blowing as say Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward, it was still a most excellent storyline.

The gameplay was unique and something I haven't seen before. Each character definitely had their own role and once you begin to better understand the game you'll find yourself switching back and forth between teammates to discover different play styles. It's unlike, for example. earlier Final Fantasy games where your team is completely reliant on a healer/ White Mage, thus limiting combinations of teammates on the battlefield.

The music... did I not mention the music? The soundtrack is absolutely amazing and overall, one of the best I've heard in an individual game.
-------------

As far as a moveset goes SmashChu's looks very reasonable. To be honest the moveset I came up with almost matches exactly so I'll have to think of something else. But for the time being I am glad I got the chance to enjoy the pleasure that is known as Xenoblade Chronicles.

 

[Snakeyes]

Eh, I'd support the protagonist of X before Shulk. He could switch between different weapons like in the trailer and pilot the mech for his Final Smash.

Wouldn't mind seeing Shulk, though.

 

[FlareHabanero]

Well the thing to remember about X at the moment is we have no idea who the protagonist is. No name or anything. Where's we have at least Shulk, who we at least know the ins and outs via Xenoblade and has some form of popularity with Smash fans. Not saying the guy from X should be counted out entirely, but saying that guy over Shulk is a bit foolhardy.

 

[Snakeyes]

It's more of a personal preference.

 

[DragonSniperNintendo]

Well the thing to remember about X at the moment is we have no idea who the protagonist is. No name or anything. Where's we have at least Shulk, who we at least know the ins and outs via Xenoblade and has some form of popularity with Smash fans. Not saying the guy from X should be counted out entirely, but saying that guy over Shulk is a bit foolhardy.

I agree, but the guy from X would be interesting if it involved the Doll (Mech) being there. However we would then miss out on the Monado.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

I agree, but the guy from X would be interesting if it involved the Doll (Mech) being there. However we would then miss out on the Monado.

Sniper supporting the original protagonist of a series?

What madness is this?!?!?!?

 

[DragonSniperNintendo]

Sniper supporting the original protagonist of a series?

What madness is this?!?!?!?

It depends on the situation

 

[N3ON]

It depends on the situation

I'd love to hear the "logic" behind this one.

 

[DragonSniperNintendo]

I'd love to hear the "logic" behind this one.

Shulk is the only main character from the Xeno series so far for Nintendo. All of the past Xeno games were not with Nintendo, and X is not out yet (on top of the fact we know nothing yet outside of the fact the "lead" looks similar to Shulk).

While franchises like Advance Wars, Golden Sun, Sin & Punishment, Custom Robo, etc have had multiple lead characters in them. Thus they have more choices to pick from, and it could vary from Isaac, Andy, Saki, or Ray Mk II to Matthew, Will, Isa, or Ray Mk III.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Shulk is the only main character from the Xeno series so far for Nintendo. All of the past Xeno games were not with Nintendo, and X is no out yet (on top of the fact we know nothing yet outside of the fact the "lead" looks similar to Shulk).

While franchises like Advance Wars, Golden Sun, Sin & Punishment, Custom Robo, etc have had multiple lead characters in them. Thus they have more choices to pick from.

So once we get a name of the new protagonist and assuming that the new X game will come out before SSB4, will you support him over Shulk?

 

[N3ON]

Shulk is the only main character from the Xeno series so far for Nintendo. All of the past Xeno games were not with Nintendo, and X is no out yet (on top of the fact we know nothing yet outside of the fact the "lead" looks similar to Shulk).

While franchises like Advance Wars, Golden Sun, Sin & Punishment, Custom Robo, etc have had multiple lead characters in them. Thus they have more choices to pick from.

So you support the original protagonist of the series when it's the only protagonist of the series. That should be a given. I don't disagree with the logic to support the original protagonist (you often do), but you always prioritize recency above everything, which rarely works in the favour of the original protagonist. What if X came out before SSB4 (which it likely will) and it's directly related to Xenoblade? Would you support Shulk, or the new protag?

EDIT: Well I've been ninjad. I was in no rush to respond to DSN, what a surprise.

btw Xenogears, Xenosaga, and Xenoblade aren't the same series. There is no "Xeno" series.

 

[DragonSniperNintendo]

So once we get a name of the new protagonist and assuming that the new X game will come out before SSB4, will you support him over Shulk?

I will support Shulk because he is the Xenoblade lead character. A game that has been out for a while, that people like, and has garnered numerous amounts of popularity. X's game is being developed alongside Smash Bros 4, so Sakurai might not know anything either. Could he? Sure. Is that a guarantee? No. Sakurai might want to pull a Roy with this character but no one would be certain though.

Same applies to the other franchises listed above, except that their current characters have already been out for years. Isa since 2009/2010, Matthew since 2010, Ray Mk III since 2007 I believe, and Will since 2009. Some of their originals have showed up recently too, like Isaac, Saki, and Andy. It is more of a toss up for them. going either way.

So you support the original protagonist of the series when it's the only protagonist of the series. That should be a given. I don't disagree with the logic to support the original protagonist (you often do), but you always prioritize recency above everything, which rarely works in the favour of the original protagonist. What if X came out before SSB4 (which it likely will) and it's directly related to Xenoblade? Would you support Shulk, or the new protag?

EDIT: Well I've been ninjad. I was in no rush to respond to DSN, what a surprise.

btw Xenogears, Xenosaga, and Xenoblade aren't the same series. There is no "Xeno" series.

I don't know why but I feel that way about certain things, after hearing other thoughts and looking into them. I would guess in actuality it depends on the franchise and if the creators have a say or not.

If the game comes out really close to SSB4's release, I would stick with Shulk since most of the roster will have been decided by then. If the difference was at least a little over a year or more I would be indifferent because they might go with the X protagonist since it would have been out for a little while and garnered interest.

Unless of course the guy is the next Roy.

 

[N3ON]

You'll still support Shulk even if X turns out to be directly related to Xenoblade and part of the Xenoblade series?

Just want to get things clear for my impending follow up post.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

You'll still support Shulk even if X turns out to be directly related to Xenoblade and part of the Xenoblade series?

Seems contradictory to me....

 

[DragonSniperNintendo]

You'll still support Shulk even if X turns out to be directly related to Xenoblade and part of the Xenoblade series?

Just want to get things clear for my impending follow up post.

Only because Xenoblade has proven to be big, people wanting a rep in, and because it was one of the big new Nintendo IPs on the Wii.

On top of that, it might be too late. And even if not, I wouldn't support it (at least not entirely).

Seems contradictory to me....

Sorry about that, it happens sometimes

 

[Neanderthal]

I haven't played Xenoblade yet but the fact that he looks so similar suggests to me that he is in some way going to at least be seen as Shulks spiritual successor.
That could mean in a similar way to how the different Links are spiritually the same character but different beings in different times.
Or it could mean the new guy is a relative of Shulk (Grandchild? further distant relative?)

In any of these cases it may be possible to create a character representing both incarnations.
Especially if he has the same name. If not then would we really care if the name is the only major difference? (Similar appearance, similar personality, similar sword, similar moveset etc).

Another nice alternative would be we get both as clones

 

[Neanderthal]

In other news... I've decided I'm going to play Xenoblade. Only problem is, this is by far the most difficult game to get my hands on that I've ever encountered.

Does anyone have any recommendations in regard to which control to use?
Would the Wii mote and nunchuck or Classic control be best?

 

[N3ON]

Oh boy...

Only because Xenoblade has proven to be big, people wanting a rep in, and because it was one of the big new Nintendo IPs on the Wii.

So your criteria for supporting the original protagonist is... they have to be big (i.e. successful)... people wanting them in (i.e. popularity)... and because it's a new IP (which matters **** all to Sakurai, he doesn't give new IPs priority. If anything, most aren't proven enough to him... or i.e. recency).

Well let's see here DSN... you support Matthew over teenage Isaac and Isa over Saki, do you not? Yet teenage Isaac is more popular than Matthew (more people wanting him), both Isaac's games were "bigger" than Matthew's by at least three times. Saki is also more popular than Isa, and his game's release on the VC was the whole reason the second, which bombed hard btw, was even made. Even on the VC, it was more successful. So both original protagonists of these two series are more popular and more successful, and in Isaac's case, were the protagonist more than once (even if shared). They meet two of your three criteria, yet you support the other candidate. Hmm.

As for recency, yes, that is where Matthew and Isa are the choice, but one, Marth should prove recency doesn't take top priority, and two, wouldn't that mean you should support the protagonist of X, if it is directly related to Xenoblade, over Shulk? I mean, recency is the reason you support the other two, you've convinced yourself it's the determining factor to Sakurai (which... it isn't), you can't just abandon your logic when it doesn't suit your bias DSN.

If you want to stick to your old logic, there's no reason why the Shulk would get in over the X protag, unless teenage Isaac and Saki also get in over their counterparts. You contradicted yourself majorly, and put a huge whole in your logic. The only defense now really is to admit your bias, which was pretty obvious from the beginning anyway...

On top of that, it might be too late. And even if not, I wouldn't support it (at least not entirely).

Sakurai was adding characters last year. He goes to, or at least consults, the development teams when adding characters. If he were to add Shulk, he would've had to have come into contact with Monolith. Last year X would've existed in some stage, Sakurai has been aware of it since last year, if he did contact Monolith at all for Smash. Not that I think the new protagonist would be added over Shulk either (for very different reasons), but it's not too late.

Sorry about that, it happens sometimes

...it shouldn't. Makes your opinions looks even less credible than before, which is saying something.

 

[Ember Reaper]

Woah. I already wanted Saki and Isaac more than their sons, and Neon convinced me even more. Props there, awesome arguments

 

[Scoliosis Jones]

In other news... I've decided I'm going to play Xenoblade. Only problem is, this is by far the most difficult game to get my hands on that I've ever encountered.

Does anyone have any recommendations in regard to which control to use?
Would the Wii mote and nunchuck or Classic control be best?

I used the remote and nunchuk. It worked pretty well for me. I'm sure you'll love it. It's a great game.

As far as the other conversation, I would really prefer Shulk over a supposed new character. However, there are particular things to consider. What I am going to post isn't increrdibly likely, but it's a "what if?" scenario, as I sometimes like to do.

So lets say the new "X" game is a sequel to Xenoblade, and Shulk shows up in the game. Would they add just the main character to from "X" because it was more recent? This is essentially a Golden Sun situation, regarding the mascot of the series. I would absolutely say that Shulk is the "Mascot" of Xenoblade (like Marth to Fire Emblem), so if they continue the Xenoblade series with a sequel, he will remain the "Mascot".

This brings me to my next point. Is it plausible to have another Fire Emblem situation on our hands? Introduce a new character, as in Shulk, and then advertise the newest entrance into the series with the new protagonist. While it isn't likely that a relatively new series will get two characters when the additions are going to be fewer, it isn't impossible, especially if they are building on an extended series via adding sequels. Basically Shulk would be SSB4's Marth, while the newbie would be Roy in this case.

Just a thought. I have no issue with this if they play differently, and all the other notable characters get in. Basically Ridley, K.Rool, Palutena, Mewtwo, FE rep (and or Roy), etc.

By the way, if any of you have the chance to play Bioshock Infinite, I STRONGLY recommend that you do. I damn near **** myself by the time I was done with it.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

This brings me to my next point. Is it plausible to have another Fire Emblem situation on our hands? Introduce a new character, as in Shulk, and then advertise the newest entrance into the series with the new protagonist. While it isn't likely that a relatively new series will get two characters when the additions are going to be fewer, it isn't impossible, especially if they are building on an extended series via adding sequels. Basically Shulk would be SSB4's Marth, while the newbie would be Roy in this case.
.

Unless "X" becomes this giant game, I don't think the series will warrant two character any time soon.

By the way, if any of you have the chance to play Bioshock Infinite, I STRONGLY recommend that you do. I damn near **** myself by the time I was done with it.

Was it the terrifying kind of ****?

Or the "ZOMG DIS GAME IS DA BEST GAME EVER" ****?

Or both?

 

[Scoliosis Jones]

Basically more of a: HOLY **** THAT WAS AWESOME. The ending basically makes you reconsider the entire game. It's amazing. Quite possibly one of my favorite games of all time.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Basically more of a: HOLY **** THAT WAS AWESOME. The ending basically makes you reconsider the entire game. It's amazing. Quite possibly one of my favorite games of all time.

Ahhh. The mind**** ****.

The best kind. I have to get the game now!

 

[Neanderthal]

I used the remote and nunchuk. It worked pretty well for me. I'm sure you'll love it. It's a great game.

As far as the other conversation, I would really prefer Shulk over a supposed new character. However, there are particular things to consider. What I am going to post isn't increrdibly likely, but it's a "what if?" scenario, as I sometimes like to do.

So lets say the new "X" game is a sequel to Xenoblade, and Shulk shows up in the game. Would they add just the main character to from "X" because it was more recent? This is essentially a Golden Sun situation, regarding the mascot of the series. I would absolutely say that Shulk is the "Mascot" of Xenoblade (like Marth to Fire Emblem), so if they continue the Xenoblade series with a sequel, he will remain the "Mascot".

This brings me to my next point. Is it plausible to have another Fire Emblem situation on our hands? Introduce a new character, as in Shulk, and then advertise the newest entrance into the series with the new protagonist. While it isn't likely that a relatively new series will get two characters when the additions are going to be fewer, it isn't impossible, especially if they are building on an extended series via adding sequels. Basically Shulk would be SSB4's Marth, while the newbie would be Roy in this case.

Just a thought. I have no issue with this if they play differently, and all the other notable characters get in. Basically Ridley, K.Rool, Palutena, Mewtwo, FE rep (and or Roy), etc.

By the way, if any of you have the chance to play Bioshock Infinite, I STRONGLY recommend that you do. I damn near **** myself by the time I was done with it.

Thanks alot.

I'm guessing this X mystery won't be cleared up until E3, so still more than 2 months of blind speculation.

Just looked up Bioshock and it looks immensely good. Thanks for the plug. Pretty keen to play that now too after Xenoblade if I ever get the time.

 

[Scoliosis Jones]

I'm telling you, that game is amazing. Too bad SSB4 can't have the Songbird. Then we could have the battle of the giants between Ridley and the Songbird

 

[Gingerbread Man]

I bought a bundle of bioshock 1 and 2 on a steam sale for $10
The game is bugged though and it wont launch after the start menu... I heard it was a fantastic series though.

As for the Xenoblade getting two reps thing, maybe after the game's release and it gets a lot of hype they'll have character dlc for smash. I know a lot of people hate the idea but I wouldn't mind it if the character was going to be completely excluded otherwise. (not trying to start a dlc debate here)

 

[Scoliosis Jones]

I bought a bundle of bioshock 1 and 2 on a steam sale for $10
The game is bugged though and it wont launch after the start menu... I heard it was a fantastic series though.

As for the Xenoblade getting two reps thing, maybe after the game's release and it gets a lot of hype they'll have character dlc for smash. I know a lot of people hate the idea but I wouldn't mind it if the character was going to be completely excluded otherwise. (not trying to start a dlc debate here)

Bioshock 1 is leagues better than 2. Bioshock 2 wasn't even led by Ken Levine so that basically explains it. I swear the man is a genius.

I'm a huge advocate for DLC. I mean think about it. Smash 4 will likely be out without another sequel for lets say 6-8 years. That's a really long time for other deserving characters that don't make it to remain absent. DLC would prevent this, releasing packs of 2-3 characters every few months or so. Maybe a stage here or there.

For example, say Shulk doesn't make it in. He could be included in a "Project Rainfall" pack, which includes Shulk, Zael, and Aeron with a stage and music for a total of say $10, with the option of buying them seperately. Or another example could be Mario characters. Say Bowser Jr. is the only one who makes it. they can release a pack of Waluigi, Paper Mario and or Toad for the same price as another pack.

Many people think that while DLC may be present, characters will not be included, but that's not really plausible. If you're planning on selling DLC for a profit, the main way of doing so would be including characters. I mean really. That would likely move the most units.

Sorry for going off topic. that would just be the alternative for Shulk if he just doesn't make it.