Impa, the Enigmatic Sheikah, Sage of Shadow

[Spire]

They'd only appear like Ice Climbers due to being a duo, but they'd function more like Olimar & Pikmin, where the latter follow the former's every move. Nana follows, but also fights. Diddy and Dixie would not fight simultaneously: one is always following—and only following—the other. It'd be no different than Sheik and Zelda being separate entities wherein one followed the other (and was invulnerable), and the transformation special would switch which was being controlled.

The Diddy/Dixie duo would function identically to Zelda/Sheik, but borrow the duo resemblance of Ice Climbers with the following A.I. of Olimar & Pikmin.

 

[Pacack]

They'd only appear like Ice Climbers due to being a duo, but they'd function more like Olimar & Pikmin, where the latter follow the former's every move. Nana follows, but also fights. Diddy and Dixie would not fight simultaneously: one is always following—and only following—the other. It'd be no different than Sheik and Zelda being separate entities wherein one followed the other (and was invulnerable), and the transformation special would switch which was being controlled.

The Diddy/Dixie duo would function identically to Zelda/Sheik, but borrow the duo resemblance of Ice Climbers with the following A.I. of Olimar & Pikmin.

I see. We had a miscommunication somewhere, I guess.

It would be interesting, I can say that much. Maybe the banana peel could be changed to sideways-b in that case? The banana is the best part about Diddy, after all, and Sakurai would get a lot of people angry if he removed that.

 

[TheTuninator]

I just don't want to see Diddy depressed when Impa doesn't make the cut. It's easy to get depressed when we invest a lot of time into something that fails: in this case, promoting Impa.

I've seen Diddy shove Impa in peoples' faces and if she were to make it, I could see him rubbing a lot of people the wrong way. This is something else I'd rather not see happen.

example. The attack stays on the spot, so to say. The Phantom will spawn, and move around. I think it's a whole new gimmick in Zelda's moveset, and it trades off for an old gimmick. It's not really rocket science here...[/quote]

I agree that people really shouldn't hype themselves up before we have more information. I don't want to see people build themselves up on an ephemeral tower of unsubstantiated guesses only to be massively disappointed if their hopes don't pan out.

We need to wait for more evidence before making conclusive statements either way.

 

[Spire]

There are four video game characters I would like to see added to Smash Bros above all else. This would essentially be my dream:

• Impa (Legend of Zelda)
• Black Mage (Final Fantasy)
• Medusa (Kid Icarus)
• Dracula (Castlevania)

Two females, two males. Two heroes, two villains. All shadowy people. Considering they are all video game characters who originated on Nintendo consoles, there is actually a possibility they may be playable in Smash Bros some day. Definitely not with Smash 4, but a future installment, perhaps... The odds are extremely slim, they're low enough as-is for the likes of Black Mage and Dracula. Impa and Medusa have low chances as well, but the potential for the two of them to be added in this very Smash Bros installment actually exists, which is exciting! Won't get my hopes up, but I can dream.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Sakurai can win by doing the above Diddy & Dixie, Zelda/Sheik & Impa steps and following the Project M "Black Shadow / Ganondorf" clone idea wherein Ganondorf is granted an original moveset reflecting his presence in the Legend of Zelda series while his old "heavy Captain Falcon" moveset can be lent to Black Shadow. If Sakurai did all of this, we'd have:

• Diddy & Dixie Kong
• Impa
• NEW Ganondorf
• Black Shadow

With two LoZ characters lending their movesets to newcomers, we'd have a better representation of Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, and F-Zero. Three DK characters, two of which tag-team (a la Zelda/Sheik), five distinct Legend of Zelda characters, and two F-Zero rivals, with Black Shadow inheriting the most appropriate moveset ever from a most inappropriate user these past 12 years. Since between Donkey, Diddy, and Dixie only two roster slots are filled, there's still ample room for King K. Rool as well. F-Zero fans would be satiated with a new rep after all these years, and The Legend of Zelda would look the most representationally balanced, including the four most recurring and important characters in the franchise + an alternate version of Link.

You know, this could all easily happen, and soon! If Ganondorf gets revealed before Captain Falcon, I'm thinking his moveset will be changed considerably. Diddy will likely be revealed around the time of Tropical Freeze, and if Dixie is added in his moveset / playstyle, we'll know it by then. Am not only thinking this opens the door for King K.Rool, but also Cranky Kong.

I'd like it if this would happen. Would probably still main Diddy & Dixie, despite minor dissapointments.

And actually, I don't personally think Impa's chances are that bad at all.

 

[TheTuninator]

There are characters with worse chances than Impa, but she faces both problematic status as a secondary character and competition from Tingle, which hurts her. Still, given her prevalence across the Zelda franchise as well as her importance in Skyward Sword, she's definitely got a fighting chance.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Why Tingle? Tingle has worse chances due to Villager having Balloon Fighter as Up B. I never seen Tingle as likely after that happened. And people from the Tingle side have yet to adress this.

Toon Zelda is also out cause of the Phantom.

Vaati was never likely in the first place.

Who's really left..? Pig Ganon?

 

[Frostwraith]

Why Tingle? Tingle has worse chances due to Villager having Balloon Fighter as Up B.

No correlation between both.

Besides the balloon, the Villager and Tingle have little to nothing in common.

 

[TheTuninator]

Tingle was a Brawl AT, is very popular in Japan, and most importantly, has his own games where he is the primary protagonist. That makes him a contender for a slot if Sakurai wants to give Zelda another character.

You might as well argue that Megaman's spring recovery meant Sonic would not be returning. Villager's Up-B has no impact on Tingle's chances. If Sakurai includes Tingle, it won't be for the sake of a balloon recovery.

 

[Diddy Kong]

No correlation between both.

Besides the balloon, the Villager and Tingle have little to nothing in common.

Except that Tingle is all about flying a balloon.

 

[Frostwraith]

Except that Tingle is all about flying a balloon.

Tingle Tuner in Wind Waker and his games disagree with that statement.

 

[Autumn ♫]

Why Tingle? Tingle has worse chances due to Villager having Balloon Fighter as Up B. I never seen Tingle as likely after that happened. And people from the Tingle side have yet to adress this.

Toon Zelda is also out cause of the Phantom.

Vaati was never likely in the first place.

Who's really left..? Pig Ganon?

Going against Vaati again without any solid evidence? You just keep digging yourself a bigger hole Diddy.

 

[TheTuninator]

Except that Tingle is all about flying a balloon.

And Marth's all about swords, but somehow Sakurai found room in the roster for another Fire Emblem sword user.

 

[Diddy Kong]

How was Vaati ever remotely likely then? There are almost countless of bosses in Zelda games that fullfil Vaati's purpose. The fact that Vaati appeared more only has the Four Swords sub-franchise to thank. He's never fighting outside of his eyeball form either. And so far, Four Swords has been pretty much neglected in Smash content, outside of Toon Link's alternative colors.

And Tingle, who has pretty much a hatebase in the western world? He might have had his own games but half of them never reached international shores? Not even Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland made it to America, after doing pretty poorly in Europe. It's jus the fact that Tingle, as a character, is not marketable at all. Twilight Princess, the Zelda game meant to appeal to the west the most, actually didn't include Tingle on purpose.

It doesn't help either that his most 'important' role in the Zelda games is the most hated part about the game to. Everyone hated the Triforce Quest apperantly.

What also doesn't help is that neither of these two characters really appear in the 'core' Zelda games, while Impa does.

You people really do want to believe am a stupid ******** piece of **** do you?

 

[Frostwraith]

What also doesn't help is that neither of these two characters really appear in the 'core' Zelda games, while Impa does.

The bloody hell are "core Zelda games" now?

Oh yeah, you just picked up the games that favor your argument while dismissing the rest of the games. Bam, you have a fallacy! There goes the credibility of your argument...

 

[Autumn ♫]

How was Vaati ever remotely likely then? There are almost countless of bosses in Zelda games that fullfil Vaati's purpose. The fact that Vaati appeared more only has the Four Swords sub-franchise to thank. He's never fighting outside of his eyeball form either. And so far, Four Swords has been pretty much neglected in Smash content, outside of Toon Link's alternative colors.

Being the 2nd most wanted Zelda character for SSB4, being unique, unlike what you want Impa as, giving the Toon series a villain, havving 3 games and being a major boss in all of them and the final boss in 2 and being very likely to return. He's fought in his reborn form and has shown capabilities of fighting in his normal form. And unlike Impa, he's been important in all of his appearences, Impa was only really important and capable of fighting in OoT but being overshadowed by Sheik and Skyward Sword.

 

[TheTuninator]

You really think Sakurai gives a damn about a Western hatebase?

Remember, we've gotten Japan-exclusive characters three times to date.

 

[Frostwraith]

You really think Sakurai gives a damn about a Western hatebase?

Remember, we've gotten Japan-exclusive characters three times to date.

And, as a matter of fact, Tingle is popular in Japan. There is a significant amount of Japan-only Tingle games, after all. He's a marketable character there.

The Smash fanbase isn't in the US and Europe only. Sakurai may, and very likely will, cater to the Japanese fanbase too.

 

[ToothiestAura]

Everyone hated the Triforce Quest apperantly.

I liked it.

I don't see why Impa can't just be an alt costume for Sheik, they've already shown a willingness to change body type between costumes (Like with Wii Fit), so I see it as a possibility.

But, at this point, it's less about who is most important (the 3 most important Zelda characters are there already, well Ganondorf is a shoe-in) and who would be the most unique addition. Vaati has more potential for uniqueness than Impa, since she'd basically just be another Sheik with a slightly altered moveset.

And Tingle. **** Tingle. But he would be unique. He could also count as his own franchise, like DK or Yoshi. So he wouldn't even need to take up a space.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Don't compare Tingle with Donkey Kong... Don't call Donkey Kong a Mario character... I swear I will not react nicely!

You really think Sakurai gives a damn about a Western hatebase?

Remember, we've gotten Japan-exclusive characters three times to date.

Yeah, with the purpose of promoting the game series as a whole overseas. Remember how we eventually did get Shadow Dragon as a result from Marth's appearances in Smash? And how even Intelligent Systems still to this day, want to introduce Roy as a character? Also: innitially, Marth and Roy where supposed to be Japan only characters in Melee.

Lucas had luck Ness was in from the beginning, and Mother 3 had a huge cult following, plus he was an easy to add semi-clone.

Why aren't you guys looking at the bigger picture but all seem so extremely heavily foccused on proofing me wrong?

 

[Spire]

Jigglypuff and Kirby both float. There can be two balloon-users.

 

[Diddy Kong]

Jigglypuff and Kirby both float. There can be two balloon-users.

Point taken. However, Tingle's second game in Japan is basically Balloon Fight reskinned with Tingle in it. Am I so wrong to assume that Villager, who got a Balloon Fighter Up B out of nothing is making quite a treat to Tingle's excistance in Smash?

 

[Spire]

Point taken. However, Tingle's second game in Japan is basically Balloon Fight reskinned with Tingle in it. Am I so wrong to assume that Villager, who got a Balloon Fighter Up B out of nothing is making quite a treat to Tingle's excistance in Smash?

I don't think Villager would have gotten a Balloon Fighter Up-B without the presence of balloons in Animal Crossing. Having already appeared in Smashville, it's apparent that Sakurai considers the balloons an important aspect of the series. Not much from the AC series suggests aerial movement like balloons. When contemplating how Villager might use balloons to recover, Balloon Fighter probably came to mind, carrying with him the, "oh yeah, this character has got nothing else going for him," perspective. The difference is: Tingle has a lot more potential than Balloon Fighter and furthermore, could use his balloon in a very different manner. While Villager apparently glides with his balloons, Tingle could launch vertically with his single red balloon, bringing to mind the function of Game & Watch's parachute Up-B. I could also see Tingle playing a strong aerial game, using his balloon to anchor himself above the stage, producing bombs and other doodads to rain upon his opponents.

And now Tingle's presence as a stage component from Melee's Great Bay stage comes to mind... It's as if he was almost playable back then. Smash characters have interacted with Tingle in two games now. I'd say he has a relatively strong chance.

 

[Diddy Kong]

That is true. Yet am still thinking of Impa as more likely. Tingle could've been added in Brawl if he was so important. Because back then, his spin-off titles where released.

Am thinking Sakurai prefers to aim for characters that are internationally well known and loved. In Brawl, this was quite an easy task with the likes of Wario, Diddy Kong, Lucario and King Dedede. Now, it's not nearly as obvious, though MegaMan, Villager and Rosalina are quite popular characters to!

Don't think of Tingle as a great addition. It was even said by a high developer before that Tingle wasn't probably a good idea, and that he 'would probably be a very weak character'. Tingle hasn't appeared in any recent title except for Wind Waker HD either. And his spin-off series died off with the DS.

 

[Spire]

Sakurai added Pichu for that very reason though. Tingle could be SSB4's equivalent to Pichu, given Pichu doesn't return (extremely unlikely that it would return).

I'd say Tingle has a better chance than Vaati, probably Midna, and definitely Zant. The Zelda team may have approached Sakurai regarding Yuga but there's no way to know for sure. It'd be interesting considering...

Spoiler: A Link Between Worlds SPOILER ALERT!

Yuga is the Lorulean counterpart to Ganondorf.

By that leaf, if I had my way with LoZ representation (excluding poor Skull Kid), it'd be:

• Link (TP)
• Zelda (TP)
• Ganondorf (OoT or WW)
  
• Toon Link (WW)
  
• Impa (SS)
• Yuga (ALBW)

 

[Diddy Kong]

I can't resist not clicking spoilers, but I don't own a 3DS anyway. So no problem. I spoiled myself heavily for Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn back in the day to, and wasn't dissapointed in the end, quite the opposite!

Yuga seems well... Unlikely cause:

Spoiler

Just like Demise, he probably was added as a way to indirectly implement Ganon(dorf) in the game without overusing him.

Tingle indeed seems second most likely yeah. And wouldn't have a problem with him after Impa. However, I'll hate him forever if he makes it in before her.

 

[BluePikmin11]

Welp, here is my take on Impa's Special Moves:

Neutral-B: Barrier: Impa activates her circular barrier by holding down the B-Button, stopping any projectiles or melee attacks from the front to back. The shield can take about three hits before it breaks, and Impa will remain immobile until you stop using it.
Side-B: Deku Nut: Impa quickly throws a Deku Nut diagonally towards the ground, causing the opponent to be stunned for a short while. Depending on how long you charge it, it will gain slightly more power and slightly better range. In the air it is still thrown in a slight downward diagonal direction.
Up-B: Vanish: It functions just like Sheik's, only it does less damage and knockback and has better recovery range and a slightly better start-up.
Down-B: Shadow Transport: Impa dives down deep into the ground to turn into a shadow. There you can move anywhere on the platform for a short amount of time before she attacks with a powerful uppercut. The uppercut however does have a small hitbox, so aim carefully.

 

[Diddy Kong]

That's a nice moveset there BluePikmin!

 

[Spire]

Neutral Special — Sheikah Shield (Barrier)
Impa creates an energy shield that can be held for three seconds. It nullifies projectiles (instead of reflecting them) and physical attacks, but faces one direction. The shield slightly arcs over her head to protect from oncoming aerials. She is vulnerable from behind and directly above.

Up Special — Vanish
Very similar to Sheik, Impa disappears with a flash and smoke and reappears in a pointed direction. Range is 1.5x longer than Sheik's recovery. This move has hitboxes upon activation and emergence, with more damage dealt connecting the latter.

Side Special — Deku Nut
As mentioned above, Impa throws a Deku Nut at a downward diagonal towards the ground, stunning foes. When used in the air, repeat nuts can be used in succession with one second gaps.

Down Special — Sheikah Rune
Impa places a rune on the ground following an animation reminiscent of Link's use of Din's Fire in OoT (referencing his lighting of the torch circle to enter the Shadow Temple). The rune is the Sheikah eye encompassed by a circle and other decals (triangles, etc.). It pulses a glow, fading in and out of sight. She can place up to three runes around the map at any given location. Stepping on them would immolate the victim in dark fire. The runes have a lifespan, vanishing with a puff of dark smoke after x seconds. They deal zero knockback, but 7-12% depending on what part of the rune the opponent touches (closer to the center, the more damage). Moreover, they keep the foe in place similar to PK Fire, but for a shorter period of time.

Impa can charge the rune spell by holding Down-B, increasing in size, power, and glow up to three levels. The larger, the more obvious, but the more lethal. This spell functions as a hybrid between Project M's Din's Fire and Snake's mines. If Impa attempts to place a fourth rune, the oldest dissipates.

————————————

This retains one of Sheik's specials while adding three new specials to replace the whip, transformation, and needles. Both Impa and Sheik are seen using what appears to be Deku Nuts in Ocarina of Time to blind Link and disappear. As translated to this moveset, Impa would use a Deku Nut and then Vanish to pull off this very action.

 

[Arcadenik]

Throwing Deku Nuts as a special move sounds a little lame... how about making it a Smash Down+A move where Impa stuns enemies with Deku Nuts much like how Zero Suit Samus stuns enemies with her paralyzing gun?

 

[Diddy Kong]

Throwing Deku Nuts as a special move sounds a little lame... how about making it a Smash Down+A move where Impa stuns enemies with Deku Nuts much like how Zero Suit Samus stuns enemies with her paralyzing gun?

I am actually loving this idea!

I had this moveset made quite a while back:

B: Timeshift Orb. A magical orb like attack that when struck, slows the enemy for Impa like the Timer item, but for a shorter amount of time. Need to be charged up like the Needles Sheik has, and travels about as fast but it has slightly less reach, and does no damage on impact, but it's very useful nonetheless.

Side B: Sheikah Barrier. A magical attack where Impa blocks / wards of any type of attack. In a way similar to Zelda's Nayru's Love, as it can also reflect projectiles, but only when the barrier is at full strenght (the damage from the projectile would still apply on the barrier). It can take up to 40% damage, and like the Wario Waft it's a building up move. When pressing B while using the move, Impa counters, and does a little damage, plus enough hitstun for her to attack again. If the Barrier takes more than 40% damage for Impa, effect is like a shield break.

Up B: Vanish. Like Sheik's. Basically the same thing.

Down B: Deku Nut. Works like the item in Brawl, but does no damage or knockback like it does in Brawl, only stunning.

However, think BluePikmin's Shadow Transport and Spire's Sheikah Rune are very clever ideas! Wouldn't mind seeing them implemented either!

 

[Kamiko]

So Impa popped into my dream right before I woke up.

Impa confirmed!

 

[Pacack]

So, I've been obsessed with Zelda concept art recently and I found the following from Skyward Sword's concept art:

Spoiler

This one seems to be concept art for Impa that more closely resembles her OoT appearance.

Spoiler

This may or may not be a design for Impa, but it's certainly another Sheikah.

Spoiler

I would be surprised if this was Impa, honestly. I suspect that they originally planned to have a whole Sheikah tribe that you encounter in the past and present.


Any thoughts on this stuff?

 

[Ultinarok]

You know I feel like Impa may have a chance after all. I was reading the Hylian Historia that I got for christmas and apparently Impa's SS design was built off of a mix of OoT Impa and...wait for it...Sheik. They deliberately designed Impa after Sheik. Thus, replacing Sheik somehow seems more plausible because they are sort of related to one another (as both Sheikah and design as well). In addition, Impa had her own section under "important" reoccuring characters. The only other characters listed with her in that section were the big three and Ghirahim and Demise together.

 

[Pacack]

You know I feel like Impa may have a chance after all. I was reading the Hylian Historia that I got for christmas and apparently Impa's SS design was built off of a mix of OoT Impa and...wait for it...Sheik. They deliberately designed Impa after Sheik. Thus, replacing Sheik somehow seems more plausible because they are sort of related to one another (as both Sheikah and design as well). In addition, Impa had her own section under "important" reoccuring characters. The only other characters listed with her in that section were the big three and Ghirahim and Demise together.

Glad you found out. I thought everyone already knew.

In fact, look at this concept art for Impa (or a generic Sheikah, but I think it's Impa.)

This one is DEFINITELY based off of OoT's Impa and Sheik (and it would make a sick alternate costume if it's not the basic OoT design).

 

[Ultinarok]

Glad you found out. I thought everyone already knew.

In fact, look at this concept art for Impa (or a generic Sheikah, but I think it's Impa.)

This one is DEFINITELY based off of OoT's Impa and Sheik (and it would make a sick alternate costume if it's not the basic OoT design).

Yeah I'm probably behind the times. But it does make me believe her chances are better than one might think.

 

[Pacack]

Yeah I'm probably behind the times. But it does make me believe her chances are better than one might think.

Honestly, people just don't understand how important Impa really is to the Zelda franchise.

The only characters the originated in the original LoZ and who have stayed since are Link, Zelda, Ganon, and, you guessed it; Impa.

Considering that she's also unbelievably easy to implement compared to other characters, she's bound to at least be considered by Sakurai at some point. If for no reason other than to buff the roster with little work.

 

[Diddy Kong]

You know I feel like Impa may have a chance after all. I was reading the Hylian Historia that I got for christmas and apparently Impa's SS design was built off of a mix of OoT Impa and...wait for it...Sheik. They deliberately designed Impa after Sheik. Thus, replacing Sheik somehow seems more plausible because they are sort of related to one another (as both Sheikah and design as well). In addition, Impa had her own section under "important" reoccuring characters. The only other characters listed with her in that section were the big three and Ghirahim and Demise together.

Actually, I never really knew that fact! Very interessting!

 

[Sharkarat]

In addition, Impa had her own section under "important" reoccuring characters. The only other characters listed with her in that section were the big three and Ghirahim and Demise together.

That part seems more like "main characters of Skyward Sword" than "important reoccuring characters".

 

[Diddy Kong]

Yet, only Link, Zelda and Impa their names where bothered to be explained.

I do not own Hyrule Historica, but I read this fact on the internet.

Source: http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/28779