It’s ok to be disappointed. It’s ok to say that you’re disappointed. It’s even ok to not like Byleth’s inclusion, and to want something different than what other people want.
I don’t really think anybody would argue that.
What I think one of the major problems is, is that when “speculators salt” is brought to the table (no pun intended), the way certain things are carried out can determine the response. Some folks just...whine. Whine. Whine.
Now, I am not trying to tell people that it’s not ok to voice frustration with a character pick. It is completely valid to dislike a character pick. Someone’s opinion isn’t less valid because they don’t like it, and I don’t really think anyone should treat it as such.
At the same time, I do think it’s worth pointing out that there are effective AND ineffective methods of voicing an opinion. If you sit there constantly say that a character objectively sucks because, in your opinion, they suck, then that’s not going to be something that people are willing to listen to. If you try to frame it subjectively, the potential to get an audience would appear to get bigger.
There’s also the fact that no matter how much people voice their displeasure, Byleth isn’t going anywhere. Complaining about it incessantly is akin to shouting into the void. It’s also worth mentioning that Sakurai specifically picked the characters he did because of gameplay opportunities, and that should be worth something. There’s more to Smash as a video game than just the identity of the characters.
I’m sure things will cool down eventually, and I hope they do. In the meantime, before people form opinions of characters they don’t much about or dislike, I recommend doing some research and learn about them and their game.
I am financially able to play certain games, and have done so for essentially all series with a playable character. I realize however that not all individuals are capable of that same task. I would still recommend taking a step back and trying to learn more about picks, even if you don’t like or know them.
This was an epic Jonespost.