Official Next Smash - Speculation & Discussion Thread

[dream1ng]

I agree with your point about how toning down 2B is not some sort of herculean task, but I think there is some pause to saying she could be the frontrunner for a unique Square rep. For starters, Nier's future is still a little up in the air. The bigger issue imo is competition.

Final Fantasy right now is literally just FF7, which gives plenty of room for character choices. Chrono is a solid retro pick. I would highlight Neku since he has a solid fanbase, though Square screwed up promoting NEO. Also there is the puppet shaped elephant in the room.

2B is a solid pick, but I think right now the big thing to keep an eye on is how Nier does as a series and on the competition. I feel calling her the frontrunner rn is a little hasty.

I kinda do agree that 2B is the Square frontrunner. Certainly not to the exclusion of other options, but... the other options just don't seem to have as much in their favor.

Crono is a solid retro pick, but we don't really get characters like him unless they have a lot of demand, which, sadly, he doesn't atm. Neku would be cool but TWEWY is much more niche than Nier, and Neku isn't generally or Smash-specifically as popular as 2B. I like both, but don't see either being the first choice.

FF, of course, has many viable options, but I think the fact that there are already two unique characters from that franchise may cause them to prioritize other series. Plus, there isn't one specific frontrunner from this series to converge around, unlike the benefit that comes with 2B being a specific option.

And then there's Geno. Who certainly has a chance... but looking at SE on the roster so far... there's the entirely plausible outcome of general prevalence/recognizability/popularity outweighing the very specific, very localized popularity Geno has, as it has three/four times before.

Meanwhile 2B is a character of growing stature, from quite a successful game and part of a series that's increasingly becoming part of Square's front line. She also has one of the most ideal merits: strong general popularity in both east and west. Especially Japan, actually. And Automata showing up on Switch will likely help with what was a previous shortcoming in getting people on board.

Re: Yoko Taro 2B

IMO I feel that unlike Mai whose sex appeal is an essential part of her design, 2B with some minor alterations to her top, skirt, and leggings can make it in Smash without much issue. Mythra provided a toned down blueprint for 2B.

if Yoko is serious about 2B in Smash and has a good relationship with Sakurai this might be good for her chances in Smash 6. she'd probably be the frontrunner for a new Square Enix rep.

This is somewhat incidental to your post but Mai probably would've been altered to fit without issue if she had a role bigger than background character. It wouldn't be too tough to just give her some booty shorts.

 

[Idon]

This is somewhat incidental to your post but Mai probably would've been altered to fit without issue if she had a role bigger than background character. It wouldn't be too tough to just give her some booty shorts.

I don't think it's what she wore on her bottoms that was the egregious factor...

 

[dream1ng]

I don't think it's what she wore on her bottoms that was the egregious factor...

The cut on the top can be raised as well but CERO afaik seems much more concerned with upskirts than cleavage.

 

[toonito]

This is somewhat incidental to your post but Mai probably would've been altered to fit without issue if she had a role bigger than background character. It wouldn't be too tough to just give her some booty shorts.

On one hand I'm included to agree

but on the other hand that felt like a Pac-Man situation: either she stays as is (no alterations) or she doesn't get in at all. IMO Mai is one of the most popular female video game characters as well as cosplay primarily due to her sex appeal. Kinda crass to admit but slapping booty shorts and a bra on Mai Shiranui doesn't really jive with her popularity overall (yes i know one of the FF games provide an alternate costume for her but it's probably the only game that does so).

 

[dream1ng]

On one hand I'm included to agree

but on the other hand that felt like a Pac-Man situation: either she stays as is (no alterations) or she doesn't get in at all. IMO Mai is one of the most popular female video game characters as well as cosplay primarily due to her sex appeal. Kinda crass to admit but slapping booty shorts and a bra on Mai Shiranui doesn't really jive with her popularity overall (yes i know one of the FF games provide an alternate costume for her but it's probably the only game that does so).

I don't think that's the case. Mai seems much closer to female characters altered for rating purposes like Palutena, Bayonetta and Pyra/Mythra than him just not wanting to use the Ghostly Adventures design. Plus Sakurai already amended his conception of Pac-Man, who he originally envisioned as the classic waka waka pizza slice version which he deemed infeasible.

If Bayonetta can refrain from getting fully naked, as was a very notable aspect of the games, then being like 10% more clothed isn't going to kill Mai. And if people no longer want her simply on the basis of being slightly more covered up... that's kinda weird.

 

[True Blue Warrior]

Even if Mai isn’t found to be feasible as far as SNK characters go they could always go for someone like Kyo Kusanagi.

 

[dream1ng]

Tbh I'm missing the confidence that we'll get another SNK character at all

Their biggest option was already towards the nicher end of the third-parties

 

[SPEN18]

Cart before the horse. Tbh I think Terry is likely to be one of the lower-priority 3Ps and if you're a fan of SNK in Smash then you'd best be focused on keeping the one rep before you talk about another...

edit: plus if there was an SNK newcomer next game somehow, then it almost certainly wouldn't be in base in my estimation

 

[Perkilator]

Even if Mai isn’t found to be feasible as far as SNK characters go they could always go for someone like Kyo Kusanagi.

Or maybe Iori and Nakoruru, since they’re both just as popular among SNK’s characters as Terry is?

 

[MrMcNuts]

Speaking of characters having to have their design tweaked for smash, I think this is the true reason Rayman wasn't in the family friendly fighting game unfortunately:

 

[Aligo]

Speaking of characters having to have their design tweaked for smash, I think this is the true reason Rayman wasn't in the family friendly fighting game unfortunately:
View attachment 363443

Given the placement of his hand, the 'huge features' must be the degree of which his unmentionables curve left.

Quick question, why doe people find bayonetta attractive? She is a seven foot giraffe monster with long spindly limbs and a perchance for violence. she is like a ski mask and suit away from being actual slender Man.

 

[TCT~Phantom]

Given the placement of his hand, the 'huge features' must be the degree of which his unmentionables curve left.

Quick question, why doe people find bayonetta attractive? She is a seven foot giraffe monster with long spindly limbs and a perchance for violence. she is like a ski mask and suit away from being actual slender Man.

Way to body shame a woman just because she is tall. That ain't it chief.

 

[chocolatejr9]

Quick question, why doe people find bayonetta attractive? She is a seven foot giraffe monster with long spindly limbs and a perchance for violence. she is like a ski mask and suit away from being actual slender Man.

First of all, rude.

Second of all, you answered your own question.

Third of all... is Slenderman eligible for Smash? I remember this one Smash creation thread I'm a part of had that debate: we ended up allowing him a Mii costume for similar reasons people advocate for Geralt in Smash.

 

[dream1ng]

Well the starter final forms have leaked, and while in-game I'm probably going with fire, in part because I'm tired of all the bipeds, of the two that are more feasible for Smash, probably would prefer the water. Ngl the grass is looking a bit... like something off deviantart.

Spoiler: pics

(Skeledirge)

(Quaquaval)

Overall, and obv my thoughts might change over time, but this continues my general sentiments carried from the gen 8 final forms... eh. The fire's not bad.

 

[Perkilator]

Well the starter final forms have leaked, and while in-game I'm probably going with fire, in part because I'm tired of all the bipeds, of the two that are more feasible for Smash, probably would prefer the water. Ngl the grass is looking a bit... like something off deviantart.

Spoiler: pics

(Skeledirge)

(Quaquaval)

Overall, and obv my thoughts might change over time, but this continues my general sentiments carried from the gen 8 final forms... eh. The fire's not bad.

Skeledirge for Smash and I'll have nobody convince me otherwise.

 

[chocolatejr9]

Skeledirge for Smash and I'll have nobody convince me otherwise.

Counterpoint: Gurren Lagann Duck.

 

[dream1ng]

Counterpoint: Gurren Lagann Duck.

My guess is that's probably the one that's going to become most requested, of the three.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

Quick question, why doe people find bayonetta attractive? She is a seven foot giraffe monster with long spindly limbs and a perchance for violence. she is like a ski mask and suit away from being actual slender Man.

As a leg man, how dare you...

 

[LiveStudioAudience]

Yes, why would people find a tall, leggy woman in librarian glasses wearing skin tight outfits (while still occasionally showing skin) attractive, especially when she has a British accent and maintains a dominant vibe?

Some mysteries will never be solved.

 

[dream1ng]

It's Bayonetta having a little head (outside Smash) in comparison to her body that I find a little weird. Generally character design goes the other way, but hey, that's the artistic direction they took it in. Stilt legs, little ol head.

I am glad they re-proportioned her for Smash though because otherwise she'd look very jarring next to the other semi-realistic (though still not uniformly proportioned) humanoids.

 

[Ivander]

Well the starter final forms have leaked, and while in-game I'm probably going with fire, in part because I'm tired of all the bipeds, of the two that are more feasible for Smash, probably would prefer the water. Ngl the grass is looking a bit... like something off deviantart.

Spoiler: pics

(Skeledirge)

(Quaquaval)

Overall, and obv my thoughts might change over time, but this continues my general sentiments carried from the gen 8 final forms... eh. The fire's not bad.

The Grass Starter honestly doesn't look bad. I do like the magician/Masquerade theme and they look like a better attempt at Delphox. The Fire Starter looks cool. Will need to see a bigger image of the Water starter though before I can decide on how I feel about them.

 

[Swamp Sensei]

You don't have to be attracted to Bayonetta. Taste is subjective. But it should be pretty obvious how people find her attractive. She's literally designed to be as over the top sexy as possible. It's practically parody. I'm more confused that people don't understand why people find her physically attractive.

As for the violent tendencies, she's a character in a video game and not a real person. Sure torture attacks are gruesome and horrific when you think about it, but in a make believe story, people are more forgiving of a character's actions for the sake of style, narrative or humor.

If a character like Sephiroth or Ganondorf was a real person, they'd be near unanimously hated due to being vile, selfish and hateful people. But in the context of a story, they're fun villains. We enjoy their presence in the story. Is it so hard to believe that Bayonetta's violent tendencies aren't seen as a big deal? Especially when she has lots of positive qualities too?

 

[toonito]

RE: Gen 9 Pokemon in Smash

so far my best guesses for Smash 6 are:

Spoiler: Pokemon for Smash 6?

Meowscarada, Quaquaval, Armarouge & Ceruledge (these 2 might be a package deal), Cyclizar, Miraidon, and Koraidon.

 

[SPEN18]

so if the alleged sprite is legit, we basically have

Spoiler: (Scarlet and Violet)

water blaziken

man, they really love to clone that mon...

 

[dream1ng]

no one is as hot as hot ryu

it's literally his official name

because of how hot he is

 

[osby]

Given the placement of his hand, the 'huge features' must be the degree of which his unmentionables curve left.

Quick question, why doe people find bayonetta attractive? She is a seven foot giraffe monster with long spindly limbs and a perchance for violence. she is like a ski mask and suit away from being actual slender Man.

She can kick jet planes to skyscrapers, next question.

 

[Ivander]

no one is as hot as hot ryu

it's literally his official name

because of how hot he is

So Hot Ryu vs Hot Lips, the ultimate death battle?

This match will get red hot! It's on!

 

[Geno Boost]

I hope we get non sword user square-Enix rep in the next smash game I do think square-Enix cast should have some difference in playstyle fighters
Also I rarely use sword based characters in smash

 

[Idon]

I hope we get non sword user square-Enix rep in the next smash game I do think square-Enix cast should have some difference in playstyle fighters
Also I rarely use sword based characters in smash

You'll find that the venn diagram between "Square Enix characters that don't wield swords" and "Square Enix characters that actually have a reasonable shot at being in smash" is pretty much 2 separate circles.

 

[dream1ng]

I hope we get non sword user square-Enix rep in the next smash game I do think square-Enix cast should have some difference in playstyle fighters
Also I rarely use sword based characters in smash

Fair enough, though for what it's worth 2B's playstyle would be a mix of swordfighter and gunner considering her pod (the robot floating next to her) is effectively a firearm, and Automata has you doing hack n' slash and shoot 'em up combat, usually simultaneously.

Of course she's still "jrpg sword-wielder" but... she's pretty distinct arsenal-wise from the existing Square characters. At least moreso than someone like Crono would be, thematically-speaking.

To be real though you're not looking at the right company if you're hoping for a non-swordie. It's Square Enix, lord of the jrpg.

So Hot Ryu vs Hot Lips, the ultimate death battle?

This match will get red hot! It's on!

Hot Pie

The peoples' champion

 

[Geno Boost]

You'll find that the venn diagram between "Square Enix characters that don't wield swords" and "Square Enix characters that actually have a reasonable shot at being in smash" is pretty much 2 separate circles.

It’s a personal preference
I always preferred Black Mage and Kefka over Cloud and Sephiroth
Moveset wise they are both magic users with so much to bring in to the table and they are iconic as well

 

[Hadokeyblade]

Personally i would have prefered Tifa instead of Sephiroth but we can't always get what we want i suppose.

 

[Wonder Smash]

I hope we get non sword user square-Enix rep in the next smash game I do think square-Enix cast should have some difference in playstyle fighters
Also I rarely use sword based characters in smash

Well, Square-Enix is a company that specializes on RPG, so it shouldn't be a surprise if their next character is a sword fighter. You're probably better off looking for that out of another company.

 

[Geno Boost]

Well, Square-Enix is a company that specializes on RPG, so it shouldn't be a surprise if their next character is a sword fighter. You're probably better off looking for that out of another company.

RPG games consist of classes but we only get the sword ones

 

[dream1ng]

RPG games consist of classes but we only get the sword ones

That's the nature of primarily taking the protag, the character generally designed to be right down the middle, with a right down the middle kinda weapon. At least as the default.

 

[Aligo]

The popularity of swords in fiction and games comes down to three things:

More convenient to transport, concealable for story purposes

Easy to draw/render

Historical association with nobility, light we enough for any build of character to weild.

 

[osby]

RPG games consist of classes but we only get the sword ones

I wonder if that has anything to do with said characters being protagonists, main characters or main antagonists of their respective games.

 

[Gengar84]

RPG games consist of classes but we only get the sword ones

I’m personally rooting for Magus over Crono for Smash. The main reason is just that Magus is one of my favorite characters in gaming and I don’t get as excited about silent protagonists like Crono but that’s not the only reason.

I actually believe that Magus is just as important to the overall series as Crono. While Crono was the lead protagonist of the first game, Magus not only played a major role in Chrono Trigger, but he was one of the three main characters from Radical Dreamers and was originally planned to be a huge part of Chrono Cross before the idea had to be scrapped for time constraints. The final boss in Chrono Cross even has strong ties to Magus. Crono’s role was mostly finished after the first game beyond a minor appearance in Cross.

Finally, Magus would be the first scythe user in Smash and the first pure polearm user. Crono also has some potential in a dual tech based moveset but I personally don’t find him as interesting on his own in that regard.

All that being said, while I don’t think Magus is impossible, it’s still a bit of a long shot that he makes it in over Crono (if we even get a Chrono rep at all). Regardless of his chances, I’ll always be pulling for him to join the roster.

 

[osby]

This conversation reminded me that half of your party members in Persona 5 wield a sword but Joker doesn't, even if most Persona protagonists do.

I mean, Smash fans still called him a "short sword user" but it's funny to think about nevertheless.

 

[Gengar84]

Two other JRPG characters that I’m hoping for are Xemnas (or Ansem) from Kingdom Hearts and an Alphen/Shionne duo transform character from Tales of Arise. Both would have really unique movesets and each is a pretty major part of their games so I don’t think either is completely off the table, even if neither is especially likely.