If you were in charge, what would you do first?

[M&Mavocado]

If you were placed in charge of developing the next Super Smash Bros game, what would be your first priority? Personally, I would make sure Ganondorf is his own character and at least midtier, followed by establishing King K. Tool as the 1st newcomer. How about you?

 

[Saikyoshi]

"Alright, team, first thing's first - nobody is getting cut. I want this one to be cumulative no matter what it takes. You, start working on the Ice Climbers. You, start working on Pichu."

 

[DoubleYooToo]

Completely overhaul Wario to play like a Wario Land representative

 

[Gidy]

I'd make BrawlEx

 

[Vann Accessible]

Ganondorf. We're fixing this *******.

 

[LancerStaff]

Put Sakurai back in charge.

 

[Wanderer from Roseyard]

I'd probably strip a lot of non-essential features and devote all time toward the core gameplay's excellence.

I'd keep it on one platform, and wouldn't be opposed to it being handheld exclusive, depending on the market by then.

Agreeing with Saikyoshi, I would try really hard to bring back every character there's been in addition to new ones.

Above all, I'd probably die from the stress.

 

[Game&Watcher]

Declone every (now former) clone that's getting in, especially . Re-add . Add Ridley. Add 9-Volt.

 

[guedes the brawler]

depends on how much time has passed between ssb4's release and this new game.

some characters i really want i wouldn't add if they are on longer relevant (Chrom, for example).

 

[Khao]

Not necesarily every character, but every unique moveset makes it back in one way or the other, only clones get cut. If a unique character can't return for whatever reason (like rights) their moveset passes on to a new one.

Characters from new series are more important than extending older ones, though only to a certain extent. The idea is that the game shouldn't be oversaturated with the big franchises like Mario, Pokémon or Zelda, but to be well balanced with characters taken from every corner of Nintendo's libraries.

Clones have to make sense, and be justified in that they're an entirely new character, but are similar to the character they're being cloned from in their original series. This also means that characters that are similar in their original games should at least start off as clones rather than getting an original moveset, even if there's "room" to do something completely unique with them. These rules would mean that Ganondorf becomes unique, Dr. Mario is only a costume, and Dark Pit is a clone. Clones are great. Clones are good. Clones can make sense and give justice to what they're representing. But they shouldn't be abused, or used as a last resort for a character that shouldn't be one under any kind of logic. (If it had been up to me and they were my only two choices, Ganondorf would have been introduced in Brawl with a unique moveset, not in Melee as a clone.) Under the same standards, characters that do make sense as clones like Falco and Toon Link stay as clones, but with perhaps even more extra key differences to make them similar, but unique in playstyle.

Add in game modes that could perfectly work as the main form of gameplay as much as Stock and Time are. Tag-Team Battles. Classic Street Fighter style "rounds" where the match resets after each K.O. A special mode with bars for Final Smashes instead of Smash Balls. There's endless possibilities.

The game should be fast and exciting, combo-friendly, and easy to get into.

Make every Final Smash fun to use, and fun to watch. Every single one of them is flashy, and interactive beyond a single button press to activate.

I don't know if these things would make for a better game than what we're getting, especially since I'm very, very happy with the end result even with plenty of things I would have liked that are missing, and things I didn't want that were made. But it's how I would have done things.

 

[PixelPasta]

I'd probably cut out everybody and then redo it all from the start, with 25 or so characters, all completely fresh.
I like what Sakurai has done, but I think it would be fun to ignore it for a new game and do it all over, just to see what it would be like.

Spoiler

Mario
Luigi
Peach
Bowser
Yoshi
Wario
Donkey Kong
Diddy Kong
Link
Zelda
Ganon
Samus
Pikachu
Charizard
Mewtwo
Kirby
King Dedede
Meta Knight
Villager
Fox
Captain Falcon
Marth
Olimar
Ness
Little Mac

 

[Jallis370]

Pay pro players for testing and suggestions. Have a goal for releasing every character up until now, with a good starting pool at release and cheap (one dollar cheap enough?) downloadable characters when they are ready. No clones. At least 3, preferably 4 color variations. Fluff like clothing and bigger variations are either unlockable or available at decent prices when they are made ready - a source for later income.
The game should be based on the original idea that new things can happen when pressing certain button combinations while utilizing the physics of the game.
2 online modes - for fun, where everything is available, and restricted, where the hosting player sets the restrictions with the option of letting the other players vote for restrictions.

 

[KaZe_DaRKWIND]

All previous characters. No clones. All characters that were clones have unique new movesets. Make it so techs have drawbacks so they aren't always the best choice. More alt costumes. Less variations of blue for alt colors. Look up top 5 most wanted newcomers and add them.

 

[gamer8]

Bring back every cut character, declonify every clone or at least luigify them, no clone FS either and then make sure to include Ridley, Mewtwo and King K. Rool as they're the most heavily requested along with the current final roster we're getting. Bam, perfect roster. Also make sure every character gets one "special" alt costume or color.

 

[Ridles the Space Pirate]

Ganondorf actually be ganondorf, not falcondorf
no cuts
every represented series that isn't a new competitor gets their main villain(ie: Ridley, K.Rool, Hades, Black Shadow, etc)
see who is in demand for newcomers and invite them

 

[Evello]

Well, to start, I'd give Sakurai the job back, since who on earth wants that pressure and responsibility? You'll be criticized and hated by people literally no matter what you do. No thank you.

If I had to keep the job, I'd basically do exactly what Sakurai has done. I agree with occasionally cutting characters, which is necessary when creating a balanced and exciting new product without taking decades to develop (you can only make so many characters, so all the time you spend re-making and balancing a veteran is time you could be spending on more newcomers or fun game modes). There is a balance to be maintained, of cutting a few of the less critical veterans in order to add enough newcomers to build excitement and a sense of individuality for each title. I would also continue to make a few clones now and then when the opportunity to expand the roster presented itself, though I might finally de-clone Ganondorf, since that one makes very little sense outside of consistency for the sake of past Ganondorf mains. Baiscally, I would focus on making the game as fun as possible, with new unique characters and a mix of popular and obscure fighters, just like past SSB games. I'm sure I would make a few different decisions here and there, but by and large I agree with Sakurai's decisions so I would be making similar calls.

Also, five new Fire Emblem newcomers!

 

[Naglfarii]

I can't believe people are like no cuts. What, not even pichu or Dr Mario? Please I'd cut like every clone, make them alts or diversify their moves or just remove them completely if they aren't interesting. I'd also like to cut out characters that aren't retro but also aren't relevant. Ie sheik is just a disguise zelda had to play the harp, I'd replace her with impa.

I'd do a lot of alt costumes instead to give more variety to people's fav fighters. A shirk alt even, for nostalgia, along with say the new link or light suit samus etc. Maybe it's dlc maybe not.

The ability to upload matches to YouTube similar to Mario Kart would be a priority

 

[the smash nerd]

"Alright, team, first thing's first Put Sakurai back in charge and Ganondorf actually be ganondorf, not falcondorf
Also, 3 new Fire Emblem newcomers! /

 

[Aunt Jemima]

I'd start by grouping everybody to different franchises to work on characters. I would have people start researching the new iterations of characters, mainly so that the veterans can be completely revamped. I don't need to see veterans using the same moves for another seven years, I want something new!

But in all honesty, I would hand the position back to Sakurai. While some of you are confident in your leadership skills, I'd be horrible, as I have absolutely no experience compared to Sakurai. The games would come out horrible if I was to direct them, haha.

 

[Enigma14]

Since a sample of the game needs to be developed -to appeal to investors, show off the engine and how it plays and stuff- that would be the first part really.

Not literally speaking, I'd make sure that the roster that I pick is both unique play style wise and balanced for competition. So lets say Geno is in, don't make him play like Megaman or if Mewtwo is back, make him faster and if GF allows me, make sure some new moves are included in its moveset.

 

[Ursaguy]

Not bring back every cut character. Pichu wasn't good, wasn't popular, and isn't relevant.

I'd put a bigger emphasis on stages. I'd want to have a lot of every type. Walk-offs, flying, screen switches, hazards, bosses, competitive, etc. People will play the game regardless of characters, the stages represent the meat of the game.

 

[Raijinken]

Kill the Original 12 rule and cut Jigglypuff.
Limit each series to six characters.
Give F-Zero, Mother, Metroid, and Kirbby an extra rep each.

 

[Gabukin]

I'd get rid of trophies and all other silly content, like multiman melee ETC to focus on actual gameplay and character balance. More characters and stages. I'd bring back every Veteran character either as alternate outfits or try to give them actual movesets that make them feel and play completely different from the rest of the cast. I'd add at least one villain character from every game, Like The Masked Man from mother 3, King K.Rool from Donkey Kong, Ridley From Metroid, ETC
Pretty much the only single player modes are Arcade mode (classic) and Training mode and the rest of the game would focus on Vs Mode and online play. Items would stay because even a competitive player like myself enjoys an occasional FFA.

 

[L9999]

Spoiler

Reveal Ridley is a stage hazard

 

[Game&Watcher]

Kill the Original 12 rule and cut Jigglypuff.

 

[ErenJager]

Create a roster in my vision.
Major cuts ROB, Mii Fighters, Wii Fit Trainer
Major adds Mewtwo, Giygas, Impa, Ridley, King K. Rool, Geno

No custom moves.
Meaningful, well thought out, balanced move sets.

Change Some Final Smashes

Olimar – Rock Pikmin
Villager – Bee Hive
Megaman – Rush Armor Adaptor
Captain Falcon – Super Falcon Punch
Donkey Kong – Coconut Gun
Link – Fierce Deity Link
Falco – Arwing
Toon Link - Bowwow

Character Revamps

Ganondorf - Swords & Magic
Black Shadow - Ganondorfs old moves
Toon Link - Skull Hammer, Deku Leaf, Bombchu

Alt Costumes That are characters not just skins/ recolours.

Peach -> Daisy

Alt Colors

Yoshi -> Black, White
Pikachu -> Shiny, Female Tail, Shiny Female
Mewtwo -> Mechanical Mewtwo
Toon Link -> minish cap, water tunic, fire tunic, etc

 

[liets]

Change Some Final Smashes

Link – Fierce Deity Link

*Casually walks away while whistling"

 

[willy410]

I would make it so the starting roster would be only the original eight and everybody else hadsto be unlocked because I like unlocking things

 

[Deleted member]

Disconfirm every major character.
Like immediately.
The entire second week of PotD's would be completely devoted to showing Ridley, Mewtwo, K. Rool, Geno, and Isaac as unplayable.

In seriousness I would try to add as many characters as was feasible (including fan favorites), and go the distance to try and get Banjo and Kazooie in there.

 

[TopSecretZone]

Stop focusing so much on modern series representation and add versions of characters and newcomer characters from all eras of Nintendo history from the early days until now picking based on what characters would seem the most fun or what moves we could think of for them, differentiate clones more, focus on quality over quantity of bonus unlockables like trophies, 1-2 full alt models for everyone, make Final Smashes a bit more unique, and ask Sakurai for input now and then.

For just a few examples I'd remove Ganondorf entirely and replace him with a Zelda1/AlttP-esque Ganon who's moveset is more magic and less Captain Falcon. I'd add some F-Zero reps since they haven't gotten attention in forever. Some of Link's normals and dodges would have their properties and animations changed to involve him using items from across the series like ice rods or magic capes, sorta like Mega Man's normals involve him using weapons from his games. This way if there were some classic alts for Link they would also feel at home seeing them use weapons from their own games.

 

[Commedore]

1) Make Lucario the weakest character
2) Revamp Mewtwo's moveset to make him less of a mindgames character and more viable
3) Have Mach Rider implemented
4) Publish the game and make it that last Smash ever with DLC
5) Make millions

 

[Samuel Intrater]

I would probably establish one huge official poll to determine who the most wanted Smash characters are and use that as my number one basis for deciding which characters to include.

 

[Booster]

Eliminate any and all clone characters and as a secondary goal to go with it replace them with legit characters.

Now if two things combined breaks the rules, then I would turn Falcondorf into Twilight Princess Ganondorf.

 

[Morbi]

My first and arguably only priority would be to scrap the 3DS version.

 

[Spirst]

Completely overhaul Wario to play like a Wario Land representative

I LOVED Wario Land. I remember getting Wario Ware Touched for the DS and thinking it was an amusing gimmick game but eventually got bored of it rather quickly. Does it represent Wario to me? No, not really. I really missed the eccentricity that the Wario Land games had rather than ADHD gameplay of Wario Ware. The former felt more like a full series. I do like Wario Ware but I feel like Wario Land was definitely the more interesting of the two.

 

[Ffamran]

Show the roster immediately - in chunks I guess, so starter characters first, followed by 5 characters every other week - so people can stop posting BS leaks every now and again. After that, people can whine and moan all they want 'cause there's nothing I will do to change the fact it's finalized. Hell, I might even pick out characters people want and tell them why they're not in. I will be a mean developer. Heh heh... MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Oh, you wanted Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII? Are you that stupid?

So you wanted Proto Man? Go make your own game.

Tingle? No.

That being said, that doesn't mean I won't listen and include certain characters that people rationally justified or that I was not aware of that existed. I will say why certain characters aren't in if technical issues were involved. So, let's say the roster draft called for Four Swords Links - four characters fighting as one -, but it wasn't possible on the current tech. I'd mention that after the game's release or if someone coincidentally asked for them.

Besides move set changes, especially if they're called for e.g. Bowser and semi-clones will be prioritized, I'd make it so costumes exist, but only if they relate to the character. So, stuff like palette swaps of Samus's suits are in, but if time allows it, I'd make her Light, Dark, Fusion, and Dark Suits look the part - Dark Suit would have to be based on the PED Suit since it'd be confusing to have a Dark Samus Assist Trophy and Samus running around at the same time in chaotic battle.

Character appearance would just be based of their latest game - main series over spin-offs unless there's a major gap between releases. So, we'd have a Skyward Sword Link and Zelda, but Sheik and Ganondorf would be based on their Twilight Princess looks, however, they might get costumes from their old games, so Twilight Princess Link and Zelda will be there, but the default is SS Link and Zelda.

Oh, and let's say in the future, there's a ton of characters. At that point, I'd make a franchise selection screen or something to lessen the insanity of 50+ characters. It'd be customizable so if you want an overload, go ahead, but if you want to streamline them, make it so it's only text, etc., sure.

Also, Lucina with her own move set immediately - or give Marth a fencing move set, while Lucina takes the old moves; still would change the specials between them. Link and Toon Link would also get different items from recent games so they don't have the same specials. Some things would stay like the bow and bombs, but I could make it so they're not specials - down smash could have Link roll a bomb or drop it 8-bit style. Basically making characters a bit more unique. Hmm, maybe Luigi should get the Thunderhand thing from Superstar Saga...

My first and arguably only priority would be to scrap the 3DS version.

Or just make it so the 3DS and Wii U have different characters, stages, and more so they're not just a handheld/console version of each other.

For example, the 3DS would have Vaati, but the Wii U would have Ghirahim for newcomers. The 3DS might be more singleplayer orientated, but that doesn't mean there's no multiplayer - Smash Run seems to be that idea. The Wii U will be more multiplayer orientated and a tournament system would be intricate, but easy to use along with mulitple ways to play multiplayer - local, online, tournament, ranked, fun, grouping, etc.

 

[Mr.Seven]

Major Cuts
- Cloned movesets
- Jigglypuff, since her relevance to the Pokemon series is almost nonexistent now.
- R.O.B.
- Vertical Moving Stages
- Pointless Menu Modes, like Masterpieces or Chronicle.

Major Adds
- Simon Belmont as a new 3rd party character.
- Board The Platforms, each individualized to a character.
- New I.P. representation in Smash. (almost every newcomer will be from an IP not represented.)
- Overhaul any and all clones. (Ex. Ganondorf would play like his Hyrule Warriors incarnation.)
- Stage transitions. (A character could be launched in a certain direction after meeting requirements while fighting, and after the kill is made, a quick scene happens in which they transition to another part of said stage.)
- A good story mode, with cutscenes and dialogue from characters that can speak.
- Overhauled Final Smashes. Anyone with a bad Final Smash would get a new one.

 

[D-idara]

I'd get rid of trophies and all other silly content, like multiman melee ETC to focus on actual gameplay and character balance. More characters and stages. I'd bring back every Veteran character either as alternate outfits or try to give them actual movesets that make them feel and play completely different from the rest of the cast. I'd add at least one villain character from every game, Like The Masked Man from mother 3, King K.Rool from Donkey Kong, Ridley From Metroid, ETC
Pretty much the only single player modes are Arcade mode (classic) and Training mode and the rest of the game would focus on Vs Mode and online play. Items would stay because even a competitive player like myself enjoys an occasional FFA.

Silly content? You mean everything that makes this game be much more than an insipid fighting game? Smash is a Nintendo celebration, and trophies are a must for that.

 

[ChooChoo]

Seriously, after reading these comments I'm glad Sakurai is still in charge. Focusing on stages over characters (each of which has its own play style in the end) and getting rid of collectibles would kill Smash Bros. within two installments, and the first one would be hardly profitable. Most people here are thinking of what they'd like for the game instead of what they, as responsible developers who actually care about sales figures, should do.
As for me, I'd seriously reconsider revamping the roster from the ground up. Make characters' movesets as reminiscing to their home series as possible. This could be extended to gameplay styles: make characters from simple games just as simple to pick up and play, while more obscure or niche games could see their reps be more gimmicky and difficult to master (such as Robin this time around). Also, as a homage to Nintendo history, I don't think DHD and ROB deserve to be more than mere trophies.
Adding more villains could make the game more marketable. How can a hero prove to be so if there's no evil side to take on? Taking the ESRB leak's as the final roster we're getting just TWO villains (3 if you found Dedede) with 100% original moves, and one of them is Bowsy, whose clown Car does the job for him. It's appalling when you think of it.

 

[Kevandre]

1) Bring back all cut veterans, yes including clones. The trouble here is Roy/Lucina and Young/Toon Link overlap. Though to be honest, Lucina can go back to being a Marth costume to make Roy a character and then just have Young Link have a Toon costume. Ganondorf's moveset would move to Black Shadow as a newcomer and then Ganondorf would have his own unique moveset.

2) Listen to the community on what they want for newcomers... But don't necessarily only take their suggestions.

3) Steal stages from the Stage Creation Thread

4) Melee-style adventure mode w/ branching paths. Slightly longer but not too much.

5) Viable online mode