If "U" Were Sakurai

[verysleepywolf]

My only complaint is trying to make him work in Smash Bros. without making him seem like a vanilla sword fighter (in spite of his personality), spoiling the game, or making him unrecognizable.

What about his magic? His style of magic is quite different from Ganondorf or Zelda, I think that combined with his double black swords would make for an interesting fighter that is unlike other swordsmen in SSB. Although I'm only pointing out that he has moveset potential, not that it overrides his other downsides.

Yes, I would love to see Ghirahim playable. I admit it. But if I had to choose 1 new Zelda character above all others it would be a tie between Skull Kid and Midna, both whose chances have been shot to smithereens.

 

[Dr. James Rustles]

He seemed like someone who was needed to get the plot of Skyward Sword moving and it just so happened that the plot of that game is relevant to the plot of the rest of the games.

Good argument. Despite how colorful he is, literally and figuratively, he is a a plot device, and his relevance is greatly dependent on coincidence. Deliberating over a great Zelda inclusion is probably one of the more frustrating parts of the planning process.

 

[Mr. Mumbles]

What about his magic? His style of magic is quite different from Ganondorf or Zelda, I think that combined with his double black swords would make for an interesting fighter that is unlike other swordsmen in SSB. Although I'm only pointing out that he has moveset potential, not that it overrides his other downsides.

Yes, I would love to see Ghirahim playable. I admit it. But if I had to choose 1 new Zelda character above all others it would be a tie between Skull Kid and Midna, both whose chances have been shot to smithereens.

I really love Majora's Mask. But I do not understand the support for Skull Kid. It is because he was the most memorable character in that game? Personally I'd rather see a Link with the different transformation masks. Mostly because fighting as Zora Link would be great.

 

[verysleepywolf]

I really love Majora's Mask. But I do not understand the support for Skull Kid. It is because he was the most memorable character in that game? Personally I'd rather see a Link with the different transformation masks. Mostly because fighting as Zora Link would be great.

Well, to each their own hehe. A version of Link with the different transformation masks would be interesting, but Skull Kid wears the iconic mask that's in the game's title and I always liked the design of the mask. MM is my favorite game of all-time so I'm a little biased. Or maybe I get excited at the prospect of playing as an impish character with dark magic, I suppose... Fierce Deity Link as a Final Smash sounds really appealing for the theoretical "Masks Link" however, hehe.

But in reality I don't think any of the discussed Zelda characters deserve to be in the game. I would just be happy if they decloned Ganondorf and TL.

 

[Mr. Mumbles]

Well, to each their own hehe. A version of Link with the different transformation masks would be interesting, but Skull Kid wears the iconic mask that's in the game's title and I always liked the design of the mask. MM is my favorite game of all-time so I'm a little biased. Or maybe I get excited at the prospect of playing as an impish character with dark magic, I suppose... Fierce Deity Link as a Final Smash sounds really appealing for the theoretical "Masks Link" however, hehe.

But in reality I don't think any of the discussed Zelda characters deserve to be in the game. I would just be happy if they decloned Ganondorf and TL.

I agree completely with this post. Though I guess the reason I'm not excited about the whole dark magic thing is the only things the Skull Kid did with it was make Link a Deku Scrub and Make the moon ugly. oh and something about crashing into the earth.

 

[verysleepywolf]

I agree completely with this post. Though I guess the reason I'm not excited about the whole dark magic thing is the only things the Skull Kid did with it was make Link a Deku Scrub and Make the moon ugly. oh and something about crashing into the earth.

All of the abilities that Majora uses against you in the final battle I imagine being used by Skull Kid. In my mind he has this beastly and broken moveset...

 

[Dr. James Rustles]

But I do not understand the support for Skull Kid. It is because he was the most memorable character in that game?

I think it has to do with being memorable, but I also think it's combined with the game featuring a different major antagonist and belonging to a certain Golden Age in the series.

Going off on a tangent here, whenever I see Skull Kid included in a roster (and named so), Skull Kid is always wearing Majora's Mask, which leads me to believe that a lot of people, if not most, probably have trouble distinguishing Skull Kid and Majora as two separate entities. As it stands, I don't see either by themselves warranting inclusion, but that's just my impression.

If I had to include Majora, I think an interesting thing to do would play the Majora possession theme straight and have Skull Kid be a proxy fighter with a possession, transformation, and tentacle-based moveset, but I think the best thing to do would be to include Majora unbounded. It would be a great opportunity to bring in other Nintendo developers and flesh out a character that so far exists only in Zelda mythology.

 

[SmashShadow]

My 64 Roster:

Cuts: Jigglypuff
New Additions: Charizard

I personally think this would have been a much preferred change to the roster. Charizard is more popular and prominent in the series.

My Melee Roster:

Cuts: Jigglypuff, Young Link, Doc Mario, Pichu, Roy, Sheik
New Additions: Ridley, Diddy Kong, K.Rool, King Dedede, Solo Zelda

I got rid of copy/paste characters like YLink, Pichu and Doc while getting rid of Sheik because she will likely never be heard from again in her series. Roy, while I currently support him(as you can see in my sig) and want him back cause I never thought he deserved a cut, probably wouldn't have added him in over other more important characters. he probably wouldn't have been on most people's radar at the time. Replacing them are the major villains of several series and Diddy Kong who was very prominent at that time.

My Brawl Roster:

Cuts: Snake, Pokemon Trainer, Samus/ZSS
New Additions: Isaac, Solo Samus, Solo Zero Suit Samus, Samurai Goroh

Now I know what you're thinking; "What! Why did you cut Snake?" The reason is that if there are less 3rd parties, then there are more Nintendo characters and it we would have less people suggesting 5 new third parties for next game -_- Not only this but I never thought he had a strong Nintendo background when compared to Sonic. As for Pokemon Trainer, I think it was a nice concept but I don't think that we need a character that takes up 3 roster spots especially when Charizard and to a lesser extent Squirtle are the only popular ones while the Trainer does practically nothing. Plus transformation characters are already a little messy. People always either love all the combined character or hate being chained to the other half of a character. This is why I'd rather just ZSS get her own spot. Anyways, enough of the cuts. Isaac was added having 2 games between melee to brawl and Samurai Goroh was added as the second F-Zero rep so Capt. Falcon isn't all along.

My Smash 4 Roster:

Cuts: Wii Fit Trainer
New Additions: Toad, Bowser Jr., Dixie Kong, Palutena, Impa, Vaati, Little Mac, Waddle Dee, Villager, Takamaru, Ray, Mega man

Wii Fit trainer being cut is more about appeal really then her not deserving her spot. Toad and Junior as the two most important characters left and both being feature in major roles multiple times in the latest Super Mario games. Dixe's revival with DKCR:TB she's a great choice. Palutena for a second KI rep since it got a new game. Impa and Vaati are two of the most recurring important members left in the Zelda series. Impa has had a new role in SS. Not to mention that Toon Link won't stick out so much now with him having a major villain on the roster as well. Little Mac is a solid choice for a new rep with all the games under his belt and his post-brawl game on the Wii. Waddle Dee while not the most important character, has been in a couple games and most notably Return to Dreamland. It also helps keep the Kirby series as a forerunner when it comes to roster representation which I think is deserved. Villager reps the popular Animal Crossing series that just got a new game. Takamaru is the new retro character. Ray has had people's attention since Melee and Megaman is the new 3rd party with large request and history. As to Pokemon, Mewtwo will dual rep 1st and 6th Gen with his Final Smash.

 

[Dr. James Rustles]

My Melee Roster:

Cuts: Jigglypuff, Young Link, Doc Mario, Pichu, Roy, Sheik
New Additions: Ridley, Diddy Kong, K.Rool, King Dedede, Solo Zelda

Maybe the new additions are ideal to you, but I doubt you would have been able to include all of them for Melee's release. Each character you cut besides Sheik were implemented in relatively short development cycles.

My Brawl Roster:

Cuts: Snake, Pokemon Trainer, Samus/ZSS
New Additions: Isaac, Solo Samus, Solo Zero Suit Samus, Samurai Goroh

Now I know what you're thinking; "What! Why did you cut Snake?" The reason is that if there are less 3rd parties, then there are more Nintendo characters and it we would have less people suggesting 5 new third parties for next game -_-

Sometimes it feels like the third-party debate parallels with the immigration debate.

 

[TheBakonBitz]

The only reason Snake got in is because him creator and Sakurai are buddies, and Snake's creator was begging since Melee. I think he is gonna stay for SSB4 because if Sakurai cut him it would be a slap in the face.

 

[SmashShadow]

Maybe the new additions are ideal to you, but I doubt you would have been able to include all of them for Melee's release. Each character you cut besides Sheik were implemented in relatively short development cycles.

While they were added relatively quickly, if I were Sakurai I probably wouldn't have had the same release date as a deadline. Plus, I don't think adding characters takes nearly as much time as you think. The entirety of Melee was made in basically a year. Probably 1-2 months at the max to add those minus the time spent on the other few characters.

Sometimes it feels like the third-party debate parallels with the immigration debate.

... I know what you mean...but I don't know how you mean it.

The only reason Snake got in is because him creator and Sakurai are buddies, and Snake's creator was begging since Melee. I think he is gonna stay for SSB4 because if Sakurai cut him it would be a slap in the face.

Thanks but I've known this for awhile already. It's not a question of what will happen but rather if you were him how things would have been made to look like. I would have never added him in the first place. That doesn't mean that I dislike Snake or don't want him to return in Smash 4 because I do.

 

[Dr. James Rustles]

...if I were Sakurai I probably wouldn't have had the same release date as a deadline.

I think you are being too arbitrary with this exercise. This isn't exactly about creating a dream roster, there is already a thread for that, and more relevantly this isn't about trying to represent Nintendo franchises in an even manner, but if that is what you would do as Sakurai then I suppose that's all that really matters. Additionally, although this game was developed rapidly it seems you disregard the amount of input that it took to effect that.

 

[SmashShadow]

I think you are being too arbitrary with this exercise. This isn't exactly about creating a dream roster, there is already a thread for that, and more relevantly this isn't about trying to represent Nintendo franchises in an even manner, but if that is what you would do as Sakurai then I suppose that's all that really matters. Additionally, although this game was developed rapidly it seems you disregard the amount of input that it took to effect that.

Oh, this isn't my dream roster! There's a severe lack of Geno, Skull Kid, Masked Man and Shadow the Hedgehog.


I never disregarded how much effort Sakurai put into the game. I've seen that interview many times now. I'm well aware of the intense work and stress making these games has put on him. Melee was my favorite game of all games. Doesn't mean that it couldn't have used a little more time to refine certain aspects such as the roster. Ask anybody and probably their worse gripe about Melee is the clones. Knowing me, the game wouldn't have came out for 6 more months. Though, refining probably wouldn't be the main reason for that. I'm simply not as dedicated as Sakurai is.

 

[Luigi player]

64 roster:

Additions: Charizard, Banjo
Cuts: Jigglypuff, Ness

[collapse=Reasons]Charizard/Jiggs: Much more popular and cooler than Jiggs.
Banjo/Ness: I'm not really familiar with Ness outside of Smash. Not to mention his game got only released in Japan. Someone else had to join, and I had no idea who that would be. Banjo also was really popular at that time I think.
[/collapse]

Melee roster:

Additions: (Charizard), Diddy, Scizor, Ridley, Dedede
Cuts: (Jigglypuff), Dr Mario, Roy, Pichu, Young Link, Sheik, Mr GaW

[collapse=Reasons]Banjo got out, because of Rare-stuff (I also forgot to include him, I think Rare left later, but w/e).
Diddy included, because he's the 2nd most important character in DK games, and DK games were really popular.
Scizor instead of Pichu: 2nd gen rep that isn't a troll like Pichu was.
Ridley: pretty popular
Dedede: Kirby villain

Dr. Mario: no need for 2 Marios.
Roy: I don't feel like FE was big enough around the world at that time... but it's probably just me (adding 2 FE characters might be a bit much anyway...)
Young Link: no need for 2 Links.
Sheik: Zelda is enough, for now...
Mr GaW: dunno, but we already have ICs added as a "retro" character.
[/collapse]

Brawl roster:

Additions: Bowser Jr., King K. Rool, Midna, (Mewtwo), (Scizor), Deoxys, (Ridley), Samurai Goroh
Cuts: (Jigglypuff), (Mr GaW), Toon Link, Pokemon Trainer, ROB, Lucas

[collapse=Reasons]Bowser Jr.: Mario deserves another rep (even though Wario kinda is one already, but he has his own symbol...).
LoZs new reps are Midna and Sheik.
K. Rool: pretty popular and DK deserves a new character...
Deoxys: 3rd gen rep, also had a main roll in a Pokemon movie.
Samurai Goroh: 2nd rep for F-Zero.

Toon Link: no need for 2 Links.
Pokemon Trainer: no need for such a gimmicky character with not as popular Pokemon. Charizard is already there, and Deoxys and Lucario are the new ones.
ROB: I don't like adding random troll-characters.
Lucas: I guess I rather added other characters than him... even though Mother 3 came out, it doesn't seem like there's a true need for him... I guess he could've replaced Ness, but meh...
[/collapse]

Smash for Wii U roster:

Additions: ??? (we don't know all characters yet)
Cuts: Wii Fit Trainer

[collapse=Reasons]Wii Fit Trainer: see ROB.[/collapse]

 

[Arteen]

Also Ridley. I don't think Sakurai cares about him, because I don't think Sakurai is inspired by what Ridley can do, and I don't think he is that concerned about making sure the Metroid franchise has at least 2 (or 3 if you count ZS as he probably does) reps.

Sakurai obviously cares about Ridley. He got two separate boss battles in Brawl that represented him well. Sakurai just didn't think he'd work out as a playable character.

Sakurai also cares a lot about Nintendogs, but that doesn't mean Toy Poodle gets a spot on the roster.

 

[Mr. Mumbles]

Sakurai obviously cares about Ridley. He got two separate boss battles in Brawl that represented him well. Sakurai just didn't think he'd work out as a playable character.

Sakurai also cares a lot about Nintendogs, but that doesn't mean Toy Poodle gets a spot on the roster.

Eh, I suppose I should have been more specific. My statement was something of a vast over-simplification of him having no desire to see Ridley on the roster.

 

[Dr. James Rustles]

Sakurai obviously cares about Ridley. Sakurai just didn't think he'd work out as a playable character.

I really think the best way to approach the Ridley situation is to recognize that he comes in a few different incarnations and, as it is in the comic book world, his appearance and the nature of the incarnation is really just a matter of convenience. In fact, he used to be Samus' height in Metroid before he was retconned in Zero Mission. Personally I would try to bring Meta-Ridley into the game since there is a little bit more to work with and you do not have to justify most of the scaling. If the implementation was extremely successful I might consider using the traditional organic Ridley.

 

[Depressed Gengar]

Dead thread is dead.
Anyway, I only have my 64 roster ready right now.

Spoiler

 

[Shuckle89]

Overall my opinion is: the more the better. If I were sakurai I would do as many chars as possible. So I'm just happy with everything that's added to the character screen. Although I'd definitely would want to add Naruto and if possible some other anime characters (Luffy/Ichigo). I know it makes 0 sense in a game like this since they've got nothing with nintendo, but I still think they'd be awesome and would be a great addition to the roster as naruto, especially, would be a character that's nothing like super smash has ever seen before. And I love the new styles and more customization.

 

[ミスティック Speed]

Overall my opinion is: the more the better. If I were sakurai I would do as many chars as possible. So I'm just happy with everything that's added to the character screen. Although I'd definitely would want to add Naruto and if possible some other anime characters (Luffy/Ichigo). I know it makes 0 sense in a game like this since they've got nothing with nintendo, but I still think they'd be awesome and would be a great addition to the roster as naruto, especially, would be a character that's nothing like super smash has ever seen before. And I love the new styles and more customization.

Not this again....

 

[Shuckle89]

What again? It's simply a thread asking what I would do if I were sakurai. I don't know what there is to 'this again', as I'm here since today.

 

[kylexv]

Overall my opinion is: the more the better. If I were sakurai I would do as many chars as possible. So I'm just happy with everything that's added to the character screen. Although I'd definitely would want to add Naruto and if possible some other anime characters (Luffy/Ichigo). I know it makes 0 sense in a game like this since they've got nothing with nintendo, but I still think they'd be awesome and would be a great addition to the roster as naruto, especially, would be a character that's nothing like super smash has ever seen before. And I love the new styles and more customization.

Well, your dream has (almost) come true. Try playing Super Smash Flash 2.

ON TOPIC:

Smash 64:

Cut: Jigglypuff
Add: Charizard

Melee:

Cut: Dr. Mario, Ice Climbers, Pichu, Roy, (Jigglypuff) and Sheik.

Add: Wario, King Dedede, (Charizard), and Pit.

Brawl:

Cut: Jigglypuff, Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Sheik.

Add: (Mewtwo), Dixie Kong, Villager, and Blaziken.

 

[D-idara]

The only reason Snake got in is because him creator and Sakurai are buddies, and Snake's creator was begging since Melee. I think he is gonna stay for SSB4 because if Sakurai cut him it would be a slap in the face.

It would be fitting with Kojima's slap on the face to the Wii U...

64 roster:

Additions: Charizard, Banjo
Cuts: Jigglypuff, Ness

[collapse=Reasons]Charizard/Jiggs: Much more popular and cooler than Jiggs.
Banjo/Ness: I'm not really familiar with Ness outside of Smash. Not to mention his game got only released in Japan. Someone else had to join, and I had no idea who that would be. Banjo also was really popular at that time I think.
[/collapse]

Melee roster:

Additions: (Charizard), Diddy, Scizor, Ridley, Dedede
Cuts: (Jigglypuff), Dr Mario, Roy, Pichu, Young Link, Sheik, Mr GaW

[collapse=Reasons]Banjo got out, because of Rare-stuff (I also forgot to include him, I think Rare left later, but w/e).
Diddy included, because he's the 2nd most important character in DK games, and DK games were really popular.
Scizor instead of Pichu: 2nd gen rep that isn't a troll like Pichu was.
Ridley: pretty popular
Dedede: Kirby villain

Dr. Mario: no need for 2 Marios.
Roy: I don't feel like FE was big enough around the world at that time... but it's probably just me (adding 2 FE characters might be a bit much anyway...)
Young Link: no need for 2 Links.
Sheik: Zelda is enough, for now...
Mr GaW: dunno, but we already have ICs added as a "retro" character.
[/collapse]

Brawl roster:

Additions: Bowser Jr., King K. Rool, Midna, (Mewtwo), (Scizor), Deoxys, (Ridley), Samurai Goroh
Cuts: (Jigglypuff), (Mr GaW), Toon Link, Pokemon Trainer, ROB, Lucas

[collapse=Reasons]Bowser Jr.: Mario deserves another rep (even though Wario kinda is one already, but he has his own symbol...).
LoZs new reps are Midna and Sheik.
K. Rool: pretty popular and DK deserves a new character...
Deoxys: 3rd gen rep, also had a main roll in a Pokemon movie.
Samurai Goroh: 2nd rep for F-Zero.

Toon Link: no need for 2 Links.
Pokemon Trainer: no need for such a gimmicky character with not as popular Pokemon. Charizard is already there, and Deoxys and Lucario are the new ones.
ROB: I don't like adding random troll-characters.
Lucas: I guess I rather added other characters than him... even though Mother 3 came out, it doesn't seem like there's a true need for him... I guess he could've replaced Ness, but meh...
[/collapse]

Smash for Wii U roster:

Additions: ??? (we don't know all characters yet)
Cuts: Wii Fit Trainer

[collapse=Reasons]Wii Fit Trainer: see ROB.[/collapse]

I'm really glad you're not the developer, Mr. Game & Watch is NOT a troll character, he's one of Nintendo's first, ROB's not a random troll character, neither is Wii Fit Trainer, and Pokemon Trainer reps Pokemon far better than Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo, Greninja, Lucario or anyone else will ever hope to do.

 

[Shuckle89]

Whoa, that's pretty cool. But still, I know I'm in the minority here and there isn't also a cell in my body that thinks naruto could ever be in it, but this is just something I would love. For brawl, there were several character mods including one of naruto and that made me realise how awesome it would be for it to be actually in it because it would be unique. Besides obviously being a naruto lover, it would add a character different from all the others because most moves leave shadow clones so it would be amazing for mindgames.

For other games as well... it would be so cool to have other games use the same concept as super smash. All-star battle royale and teenage ninja turtles smash up are obvious attempts at that, but use a hp bar so they kind of fail at their attempts to recreate the glory of super smash. But that might never happen. So I can only dream different and unique characters from different companies join.

 

[Farorae]

No offense but I am glad that none of you guys are Sakurai (though I'm sure you guys could say the same for me lol)
Personally I wouldn't make too many changes. The first change I would make would have been to cut Jigglypuff after 64 and replace her with Mew or Mew instead of Mewtwo (sorry I always liked Mew better), whichever was necessary and keep Mew through brawl, smash 4, etc. And the last change I would make would be to cut R.O.B. from Brawl because I have such a disdain for this character, I don't know why and he doesn't deserve it but I hate him for some reason.
A few years ago I would've said the same about Game&Watch but he really grew on me for being a funny and quirky character and R.O.B. just hasn't and I don't think ever will.

 

[Shuckle89]

No offense but I am glad that none of you guys are Sakurai (though I'm sure you guys could say the same for me lol)
Personally I wouldn't make too many changes. The first change I would make would have been to cut Jigglypuff after 64 and replace her with Mew or Mew instead of Mewtwo (sorry I always liked Mew better), whichever was necessary and keep Mew through brawl, smash 4, etc. And the last change I would make would be to cut R.O.B. from Brawl because I have such a disdain for this character, I don't know why and he doesn't deserve it but I hate him for some reason.
A few years ago I would've said the same about Game&Watch but he really grew on me for being a funny and quirky character and R.O.B. just hasn't and I don't think ever will.

I actually agree with you xD I don't like jiggly and ROB either. Mew would have been a cool addition. But then again, everything is a nice addition in my eyes.

 

[Second Power]

Cuts: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Super Smash Bros. for 3DS
Additions: Super Smash Bros. Clash, Super Smash Bros. Scrap

Only thing that really bugs me.

 

[ThatLunaticFeline]

Okay, I'll give this a go cause it sounds fun!

Smash 64

Add:
Bowser (he deserved a spot, honestly. Such a cool character not getting any love.)
Banjo-Kazooie (every fan of the game has wanted these two in Smash, and they would have fit perfectly!)
Cut:
Luigi (He's pretty much necessary, but not in 64.)
Yoshi (I love you, but you suck.)

Melee

Add:
Ricky Winterborn (from Wave Race: Blue Storm, he'd be more like a lighter version of Captain Falcon with water-based specials)
Billy Hatcher (came out after Melee, but Roy made it in, so...)
Banjo-Kazooie
Cut:
Pichu (plain awful. worst character in the game.)
Roy (unnecessary... would have been cooler if Marth was unique.)
Luigi

Brawl

Add:
Wolf Link and Midna (It would work!)
Krystal (A staff fighter based on Adventure's combat would be awesome, right?)

Cut:
R.O.B. (A pretty unique idea that didn't work well. Should have been a better character in that slot.)
King Dedede (Fat, ugly, and unnecessary. Sakurai just splurging over his own characters again.)
Diddy Kong (I don't care how high-tier he is, I think he sucks. Maybe I just have a hatred for all Kongs.)
Falco (One of fave characters from Melee got his shine and F-Smash nerfed... noooo)

4 Wii U/3DS

Add:
Shulk (Perfect fit for Smash, everything about him just works!)
Ghirahim (Another great fit, and the most likely Zelda newcomer.)
Krystal
Cut:
I can't really suggest anything cause we don't know the full roster/haven't played them all, but I'd personally leave Lucina and Toon Link out of the game just cause we don't need clones, and they're both just so... eh. Robin is a cool, unique FE character. Lucina isn't necessary. Toon Link just seemed to me to be promotion for WWHD.

 

[josh bones]

Okay, I'll give this a go cause it sounds fun!

Smash 64

Add:
Bowser (he deserved a spot, honestly. Such a cool character not getting any love.)
Banjo-Kazooie (every fan of the game has wanted these two in Smash, and they would have fit perfectly!)
Cut:
Luigi (He's pretty much necessary, but not in 64.)
Yoshi (I love you, but you suck.)

Melee

Add:
Ricky Winterborn (from Wave Race: Blue Storm, he'd be more like a lighter version of Captain Falcon with water-based specials)
Billy Hatcher (came out after Melee, but Roy made it in, so...)
Banjo-Kazooie
Cut:
Pichu (plain awful. worst character in the game.)
Roy (unnecessary... would have been cooler if Marth was unique.)
Luigi

Brawl

Add:
Wolf Link and Midna (It would work!)
Krystal (A staff fighter based on Adventure's combat would be awesome, right?)

Cut:
R.O.B. (A pretty unique idea that didn't work well. Should have been a better character in that slot.)
King Dedede (Fat, ugly, and unnecessary. Sakurai just splurging over his own characters again.)
Diddy Kong (I don't care how high-tier he is, I think he sucks. Maybe I just have a hatred for all Kongs.)
Falco (One of fave characters from Melee got his shine and F-Smash nerfed... noooo)

4 Wii U/3DS

Add:
Shulk (Perfect fit for Smash, everything about him just works!)
Ghirahim (Another great fit, and the most likely Zelda newcomer.)
Krystal
Cut:
I can't really suggest anything cause we don't know the full roster/haven't played them all, but I'd personally leave Lucina and Toon Link out of the game just cause we don't need clones, and they're both just so... eh. Robin is a cool, unique FE character. Lucina isn't necessary. Toon Link just seemed to me to be promotion for WWHD.

THis seems more like a wishlist then a roster imo

 

[ThatLunaticFeline]

THis seems more like a wishlist then a roster imo

You got me, yeah Could be argued that any roster is a wishlist, though, cause it's what we would choose if we were in Sakurai's place.

 

[josh bones]

You got me, yeah Could be argued that any roster is a wishlist, though, cause it's what we would choose if we were in Sakurai's place.

I feel that the logic behind it is key, cutting pichu for mor diverse roster, fine, cutting diddy kong because you dont like him, not fine.

 

[ThatLunaticFeline]

I feel that the logic behind it is key, cutting pichu for mor diverse roster, fine, cutting diddy kong because you dont like him, not fine.

That's a good point. I just have personal vendettas against Dedede and Diddy Kong cause I dunno.

 

[StarLight42]

I'm sorry but adding Bowser and Peach before Luigi is just ...stupid.

I would have used a better word for that but I can't find one.

I know Luigi is very similar to Mario but he's much bigger in the Mario franchise than Peach or Bowser even though he flat out didn't even appear in some of the big 3D Mario games.

 

[TheNerdyOne_]

I'm sorry but adding Bowser and Peach before Luigi is just ...stupid.

I would have used a better word for that but I can't find one.

I know Luigi is very similar to Mario but he's much bigger in the Mario franchise than Peach or Bowser even though he flat out didn't even appear in some of the big 3D Mario games.

While that may be true now, that wasn't true when Smash 64 came out, that's why people would cut Luigi in favor of Bowser or Peach.

 

[Sabrewulf238]

If I was Sakurai I'd do exactly what Sakurai has done, because I'd be Sakurai. I wouldn't be able to make my decisions because I'd no longer be me.

A more meaningful question would be "What would you do if you were in Sakurai's position?"

 

[Totally Casual]

Yeah i'll have a go at this. Note: for this i'm assuming Sakurai's rosters don't exist at all because i've been in charge from the start.

Super Smash Bros. Roster

Added: Bowser, Diddy Kong, Mewtwo, Ganondorf, King Dedede
Removed: None

I think the original roster does a very good job of showing the important franchises of the time, which is why none are cut. However, that's not to say a better job couldn't have been done with the representation of these franchises. For one thing, there's the lack of villains. Iconic since the NES days, Bowser Ganondorf (picked over Ganon because of the success of Ocarina of Time) and King Dedede are added, because part of the fun of the arguments that spawned Smash is whether Link/Samus/Fox/Mario/Kirby could do a better job defeating Ganon/Bowser/Andross/Mother Brain etc. If additions are being made then the global hit that was Pokemon deserves another one from that incredible 150 strong roster. As the most powerful 'mon in the game and effectively a boss fight of sorts, Mewtwo makes it into Smash a little earlier than in our universe. And if Pokemon, Mario, Kirby and Zelda get extra representation, Donkey Kong deserves one as a huge hit through the SNES/N64 era, and as such Diddy comes in as the second most recognisable rep of the franchise. Metroid has to settle for one because of the lack of anything on the N64, F-Zero and Mother because of being the smallest two franchises represented, and Star Fox for not being as established as Mario/Pokemon/Zelda.

Super Smash Bros. Melee Roster

Added: Toad, Paper Mario, Wario, Charizard, Feraligatr, Saki, Takamaru
Removed: Doctor Mario, Pichu, Ice Climbers

Yes i'm sorry that this is mostly Mario, Mario spin-offs, Zelda and Pokemon but whatever. Ice Climbers didn't get in because if Sakurai's roster doesn't exist the obscure NES game stays almost completely forgotten. Toad replaces Doc Mario as the biggest Mario name who was previously missing and an excuse to take potential movesets from spin-offs or forgotten Super Mario moments. Paper Mario exists for his potential great moveset and because of the popularity of Paper Mario. Wario is also added because of his successful spin-off and potential to have a crazy original moveset. The Zelda roster remains unchanged because nothing needs adding. Pichu is replaced for being pretty useless and sort of clone-y, replaced by Charizard as a massively popular and powerful Gen. 1 Pokemon, while Feraligatr represents Gen. 2 as one of the starters (would be Typhlosion but Charizard is also a Fire starter) Metroid, Star Fox, Fire Emblem, Mother and F-Zero are of course unchanged, and Saki comes in because of Sin and Punishment's popularity on the N64. Game & Watch and Takamaru are added because I like the idea of Smash as a History of Nintendo and there isn't much else that represents the NES (or pre-NES), plus both again have fun, useful movesets.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Roster

Added: Toon Link, Sheik, Ridley, Meta Knight, Lucario, Wolf, Ike, Olimar, Villager, Mii, Sonic
Removed: Young Link, Feraligatr, Roy, Ice Climbers, Lucas, Pit, R.O.B

Not many additions and a few removals but it's a nice roster. No changes for the Mario franchise because I feel i've squeezed ever drop I could from that pre-Galaxy. Donkey and Diddy remain the DK reps because of the lack of Donkey Kong platformers and issues with Rare. Toon Link replaces Young Link for the reasons he did in Brawl, Zelda & Sheik separated because I feel it gives the more freedom in their movesets. Ridley comes in because with the success of the Prime series there really is no reason not to give Metroid more representation. Meta Knight is added for the reasons he was in Brawl. Lucario replaces Feraligatr as the Gen. 4 rep, there Gen. 1 Pokemon stay because of their popularity. Wolf comes in as a mainstay of the Star Fox series and an interesting villain. Olimar and Villager are added as reps of an interesting Gamecube franchise with plenty of moveset potential, Miis come in as the face of the Wii, and Sonic because he was available and why wouldn't you. Ice Climbers, Lucas, Pit and R.O.B all fail to make the cut simply because I wouldn't have thought of them as reps rather than anything they've done.

Super Smash Bros. 4 Roster

Added: Rosalina, Dixie Kong, King K. Rool, Pac-Man, Pit, Palutena. Chrom, Little Mac, Greninja, Serperior, Knuckles, Shulk, Mega Man
Removed: Wii Fit Trainer, Robin, Lucina, Lucario

Lot of additions this time. Rosalina is added to the roster because of the Galaxy/3D World success, which also helps keep Toad in. Dixie and K. Rool come in because of the revival of Donkey Kong Country, Dixie because of her role in that game and K. Rool as a nod to the history of the series and the SNES era. Pac-Man comes in because of the Namco role and why wouldn't you have an icon like him in? No changes to Zelda because I don't find Ghirahim interesting and see no need to replace Sheik with Impa when they'd play so similarly. Pit and Palutena come in because i'm assuming in this universe Kid Icarus: Uprising comes in. No changes to Kirby because there's no one left to add really. Chrom replaces Ike in Fire Emblem with Robin & Lucina out because that's all I thought would happen pre-reveal and I haven't played FE:A so wouldn't know what to do with the others. Punch-Out!!! Wii reminds me of Little Mac's role as a great retro character. Olimar keeps his Pikmin role obviously. Pokemon keeps its Brawl reps except Lucario loses out. Smash was announced at a point between Gen. 5 and 6 so Serperior comes in as the most popular Gen. 5 starter and Greninja as the most popular Gen. 6 starter. The rest stay because of popularity. No changes to Animal Crossing, Metroid and Star Fox because they aren't needed, Knuckles comes in to celebrate Sonic's new closeness to Nintendo. The only other two changes are Shulk coming in due to Xenoblade's popularity and Mega Man because why wouldn't you. Wii Fit Trainer doesn't make it simply because I wouldn't have imagined a moveset for her or considered her, even though now I love the idea.

That's my roster. Bet you're happy i'm not Sakurai now.

 

[Flaxr XIII]

Well...... I'm glad none of you are Sakurai then.
And I'm not saying I'd be any better. Trust me, you don't want me to be Sakurai.

 

[Luigi player]

I'm really glad you're not the developer, Mr. Game & Watch is NOT a troll character, he's one of Nintendo's first, ROB's not a random troll character, neither is Wii Fit Trainer, and Pokemon Trainer reps Pokemon far better than Pikachu, Charizard, Mewtwo, Greninja, Lucario or anyone else will ever hope to do.

Hm, it doesn't seem I said GaW's a troll character. Just a retro character, and that ICs fulfill that role anyway. I like them, but GaW is a little weird. I can't imagine anyone liking something like that. I mean sure it's fun and stuff.. but it's just a 2D puppet thing with no nothing. I played GaW games and don't care about him as a playable character in Smash Bros.
To me ROB and WFT are "random troll" characters, I have never heard anything about ROB before, and like nobody thought of WFT (except for Sakurai or something), because nobody wanted her, she's not even really a character, just a puppet that tells you what moves to do. :/ Sure now some people appreciate her (but mostly because of the troll factor, maybe some who played Wii Fit like her too), but pretty much everyone would have wanted 1000s of other characters instead before thinking about this one. And yes, PT does indeed rep Pokemon more accurately, but forced switching is annoying, it's much better to be able to play as the character you want to play as. But if you like PT more than single ones, that's cool with me. Almost everyone doesn't like it like that though.

 

[Zzuxon]

I've actually already prepared these. I decided to stay with the same number of characters, except in melee, where I sacrificed 6 clones for 1 non clone.
64:

Removed: Jiggs, Yoshi

Added: Charizard, Marth.
Charizard is more famous and popular than Jiggs. Yoshi only had 1 game, 2 if you count SMW2, while fire emblem was already an established series.

Melee:

Removed:
The 6 clones: Doc, Young Link, Falcondorf, Pichu, Falco, Roy.
Sheik
Jiggs
Ice Climbers

Added:
Non-Clone Ganondorf
Banjo & Kazooie
Dedede
Charizard

Brawl:

Removed:
Toon Link, Sheik, Squirtle, Ivysaur, Jiggs, ZSS, Falco, Wolf, Lucas, Ice Climbers, Snake
Added:
Toad, King K. Rool, Ganon, Ridley, Villager, Isaac, Pac-Man, Mewtwo, a 5th PMN Char, Andy, Banjo & Kazooie.

Smash 4:

Left is main roster, right is DLC.

 

[josh bones]

Hm, it doesn't seem I said GaW's a troll character. Just a retro character, and that ICs fulfill that role anyway. I like them, but GaW is a little weird. I can't imagine anyone liking something like that. I mean sure it's fun and stuff.. but it's just a 2D puppet thing with no nothing. I played GaW games and don't care about him as a playable character in Smash Bros.
To me ROB and WFT are "random troll" characters, I have never heard anything about ROB before, and like nobody thought of WFT (except for Sakurai or something), because nobody wanted her, she's not even really a character, just a puppet that tells you what moves to do. :/ Sure now some people appreciate her (but mostly because of the troll factor, maybe some who played Wii Fit like her too), but pretty much everyone would have wanted 1000s of other characters instead before thinking about this one. And yes, PT does indeed rep Pokemon more accurately, but forced switching is annoying, it's much better to be able to play as the character you want to play as. But if you like PT more than single ones, that's cool with me. Almost everyone doesn't like it like that though.

So the guy who saved gaming is a random troll character?
Never be sakurai, never be sakurai