Wait a minute...
I feel another theory coming on! This one is significant---not
only for Krystal, either. In fact, with this theory we will effectively have a 3-4 month buffer for further speculation even
after the 3DS version releases---because it has a possibility which
cannot be denied. It's actually more possible than the idea of another playtester withholding their information...
Thematically, this theory is
business-influenced. Keep this in mind.
Even if this new leak is true...
Hear me out; there is still hope yet!
All of these recent leaks---and all of this recent information (
including Ken's knowledge and the info I came across)---pertain solely to the 3DS version, correct? This makes sense, as the 3DS version is releasing first, and
soon. However, we're assuming that the 3DS information---character-wise, especially---is intrinsically bound with the Wii U version. This is because we were only ever accustomed to
one game releasing at a time---
not 2.
Hence, what if there are
different unlockable characters for each version?
Now wait, I know what you might say: "
but Sakurai said both versions will have the same roster!"
Allow me to harken back to an older theory I came up with---specifically, something I said within it. This was the theory regarding the dual reveal with Krystal and Ridley. I mentioned, under the conditions that presented themselves at the time, that Retro Studios could have denied working on the Star Fox/Metroid crossover
videogame. However, they still would have been
truthfully denying that rumor if they were working on a Smash Brothers newcomer cutscene, because it
wouldn't be a videogame.
Now, I don't believe that theory will happen, but let's get back to the theory at hand.
The same thing can apply here. Allow me to explain:
Back in the April Smash Direct, Sakurai mentioned that "both versions will have the same roster." This was to be expected. However, he said something else that has
only just now piqued my curiosity (beware, I'm paraphrasing here---but I'm 100% confident he said something in the
exact context).
Sakurai:
There will be cross-platform features between the 3DS and the Wii U. I will go into detail about these later.
Thing is, he has
yet to explain these cross-platform features between both versions of Sm4sh. This
could be considered obvious, since the nature of the Wii U version is currently unknown---in almost its
entirety. They don't want the Wii U version's content to be known because they're currently pushing to sell the 3DS version. This is something we've previously established. This is obvious enough through their marketing, and their modality in releasing information (all of the game modes, among other things).
Point in case,
what if one of the cross-platform features allow you to transfer version-designated unlockable characters between the 3DS and Wii U?
If this were the case,
certain unlockable characters could be initially unlocked on one version---only to be transferred to the other version in quasi-DLC likeness.
This would effectively allow both versions to have the same roster.
Thus, Sakurai wouldn't be lying or going back upon his word.
Yes, this sounds kind of like an evil business move by Nintendo---but it wouldn't be any more evil than reserving these characters for the DLC (like I said in an older theory, but now I don't think that's the case).
Again, I'll say it: Nintendo is a business. Not only do they have to think about our interests, but
theirs as well.
Speaking of DLC,
if the characters from the leak as DLC are what we get, this theory could
still work. The DLC could be reserved for characters they didn't have enough developmental time to include in the initial roster---which is
also why having veterans as the bulk of the DLC
makes sense. If this is the case, I don't think these characters will cost anything (don't take my word on that specifically, though). These DLC characters could be revealed
between the release of both versions---starting after the 3DS version's release and leading up to the Wii U one.
Now let's shift gears for a second and re-examine the franchises and their representations in this leak.
Hmm... Notice anything odd?
All of
these franchises are receiving newcomers except for The Legend of Zelda, Kirby, Donkey Kong, Star Fox, and Metroid.
Actually, that's not what I found odd.
This is:
Mario is receiving
two unique newcomers.
Well, that fact
alone isn't what makes it odd.
It's when you combine that fact with those other 5 franchises not receiving anything. That is the oddity---an oddity that can be explained with this theory!
Before I further pursue that route, I feel I need to briefly remind everyone of all the teases Sakurai has made. Think back to
all of his teases---including the ones that were never
specifically denoted one way or the other. What I'm trying to say here is that Sakurai is a troll---but he's also
more than that.
He's aware of us and our interests.
I also feel I need to remind everyone that
every single franchise received a newcomer in Brawl. All of them. Heck, we even added a
new franchise---Kid Icarus! Not only that, but Brawl had a
singular team,
and they had to work on the
massive Subspace Emissary. Their team in general was smaller, too.
Smash 4 has
multiple teams, composed of
multiple developer groups, like Team Sora and Namco Bandai. Brawl
didn't have that.
Let's shift gears again and examine the marketing for Smash 4. Smash, outside of being its own game, is about raising awareness for
franchises,
not characters per se. Keep this in mind as you read the following question:
Have you noticed a particular
theme in Sm4sh's marketing? Well...
Does East vs. West ring a bell? It certainly should...
Look back to E3 2014. Do you remember that hilariously epic opener with Smash? If you do (which you should)...
Who was fighting in the cutscene?
Correct. It was Reggie and Iwata.
Do you know the title of their official positions?
Again, correct. Reggie is the President of Nintendo of
America. Iwata is the President of Nintendo of
Japan. East vs. West strikes again.
Let's look at this a different way. Look at the colors chosen for both Sm4sh versions. The 3DS is
red, and the Wii U is
blue.
Why do you think they chose these colors?
There was no real
need. Was it a design choice? Or is it something on a much deeper value...? Perhaps these colors are meant to represent the
East and
West respectively. You should understand that these respective colors are more associated with their respective side, especially on a cultural level. You should also know that Japan adheres to culture
strenuously. Using such representation over their marketing for Sm4sh
isn't at all far-fetched.
Now remember back to when I said Smash is used to raise awareness for franchises. Look back at the newcomers revealed so far before the 3DS release. Look to the ones that are included in the leak---specifically Shulk and Chorus Men. Notice anything?
Firstly, no one can officially say that these
characters were wanted more in the East or the West.
However, when we look at the newcomers from the perspective of
franchises, things begin to clarify.
Pokemon, Mario, Kid Icarus,
Fire Emblem, and
Xenoblade have a heavier
influence over the East than the
other franchises that have yet to receive newcomers. All of these franchises (and supposedly Xenoblade) are receiving newcomers, while it seems the others aren't.
Note how I
didn't say that these franchises were
more requested by the East to have newcomers. Why?
Requests don't matter.
Well, they do, in part. But not full.
It's about influence.
So, why is this whole East vs. West theme so important?
Easy. Can you see where I'm going?
Donkey Kong, Metroid, The Legend of Zelda, and Star Fox all have a heavier influence in the West than the East.
Theory in point:
What if newcomers from these franchises are held to be the Wii U version-designated unlockables?
Interesting...
What about Little Mac, though?
Good question. Fortunately, I have a theoretical rebuttal:
Little Mac was just a "taste" of what's to come, without spoiling the surprise.
It adds up
so well. As a bonus, it makes too much sense business-wise...
And now, ladies and gentlemen, the
pièce de résistance...
What major factor drives the sales for Smash?
Correct. Characters. Why is this important? Simple.
Look carefully at the gap between the sales dates of the 3DS and Wii U versions.
Why would the Wii U version have the exact same roster as the 3DS version---especially if it releases 3-4 months afterwards?
Bringing the theory into full circle, it highlights a business perspective: this would be horrible marketing. Sure, Nintendo is known for their strange marketing, but considering the TLC they've done with the East vs. West theme, this time looks to be different.
Anyways, the Wii U version wouldn't have enough
incentive to match the sales of the 3DS version if it didn't have these version-designated unlockables. There are
many more 3DS consoles out there than there are Wii U consoles. The Wii U version needs something
spectacular to stand out as opposed to the 3DS version---and game modes alone won't cut it. I can
guarantee that.
Final question:
What is Nintendo's goal for Sm4sh, marketing wise?
Simple. They want to execute plans that would accrue the most sales for
all of their Sm4sh peripherals.
We're still alive, guys!
Phew! That was a long one.
I guess that means I'm back...
Back, to stay.
Still, if this theory comes out to be true, my reaction will be similar to this:
inb4 court case against Krystal
PS: If you haven't noticed, all of these 3DS leaks, if true, can easily serve to
strengthen this theory. These leaks seem to be only a
part of the bigger puzzle---the Sm4sh puzzle.
So sit back, and relax until all is
really said and done---at least until after we know
everything about Sm4sh, including the Wii U version.
Interestingly enough, I can't believe it took me this long to come to this conclusion. It's like it required a combination of all my past theories, ironically enough. If this is true, Sakurai is more clever than we thought.
Not to mention it would be the biggest troll move ever:
"Oh that was the full roster... Nah, I'm just kidding. All these other characters are included on the Wii U version, but you guys won't know until much later. I want you guys to
squirm for as long as possible
" --Masahiro Sakurai, 2014
