Impa:
Just gonna go ahead and point out that there’s absolutely no obligation to have all Zelda characters follow the same style/design from the same game. There has never been any proof of this, in fact, we already have multiple different styles being mostly TP and a WW. Their alternates take inspiration from OoT, SS, LttP, etc. Imo, it makes more sense to have characters repping looks from past eras too from major games in the past that are still important to Nintendo’s history. It isn’t just about recency/ “relevance.” There’d be nothing wrong with having BotW Link with TP alts, BotW Zelda with alts, “TP” Sheik, TP Ganon, SS Impa, and WW (toon) Link. TP Midna, MM Skull Kid, WW Tetra, SS Ghirahim, HW Lana, etc would be just as fine too. Looking at the FE lineup, we had Marth getting updated to his new game, Ike getting updated to his new game, Robin/Lucina/Corrin being representative of Awakening and Fates, and Roy getting a modernized redesign based off bis newer appearances I think. Basically, I think this is what they could do with Impa’s design. Maybe use Young SS Impa or HW’s Impa which in itself is already like a concept of Impa, following stylistic trends of hers from multiple games with its own added flair. On a side note, It’s kinda interesting to see a recurring character today still without a core design that is seen as the clear image of the character. I feel like that used to be a lot more common in older games, but not as much today, idk lmao
It definitely exists to some extent, as the HW design was easily recognizable as her, so I don’t think it’s actually a problem.
Moving on to Impa in Smash,
She’s obviously important, recurring, and likable. She could definitely get some specific moves from SS and then stylistic moves to fill the rest as like “sheikah dark magic,” BotW references, and ninja-esque moves. I know it’d be easier to just give her a big sword and water/ice or a naginata and fire and call it a day, but I don’t really see that, I don’t know. I think it makes a lot more sense to try to look at what the canon impas have to offer first. With her connection to those portal things in SS, she could even have a summoner moveset thrown on her like Lana’s summoning gates, basically turning her into a love letter to Zelda fans. There’s a lot of different routes you can take, but no single obvious route. I’m really not sure which I’d prefer.
Also, while I wouldn’t be surprised by Impa being included at all, I don’t think there’s a ton of precedence for picking a supporting character for recurrence over popularity, is there? It’s kinda like Robin or Roy bs Anna. I feel like other characters probably did better on the ballot, and those characters’s chances are being underrated, but she still has plenty going for her.
Chance: 25%
With all that said, I think she’s the front runner maybe?
This is a big score from me, btw
I think Midna and Skull Kid are close behind, then the concept of a BotW specific character, then Ghirahim, Tetra (or Toon Zelda?), and Tingle. (I don’t think Pig Ganon and Vaati are nearly as clearly on the table as these tbh)
I don’t think there’d be anything wrong with 2 new Zelda characters. It’s been a hot topic recently. These characters don’t need to be directly pulled from the new game if there are important, popular characters established beforehand and the new game doesn’t offer an obvious character warranting inclusion.
Want: 80%
It’s weird bc she’s one of my most wanted, but I’m just so stubborn about wanting Midna, so oops, that’d take a little of the excitement out of the reveal for me. But I’m still a supporter for sure yea.
I do really want a new Zelda character. I grew up thinking Melee was the first Smash, so it’s almost like there’s never been a new one in my case lol
Toon Link is Young Link in a different art style btw
Reused art prediction: 20%
I’m guessing a lot of low scores and then a lot of 50/50s from ppl that don’t care as much. P sure MK Deluxe reused art? But that’s so common in the Mario series. Cool topic that I have little to say abt rn
I wonder if ppl are gonna try for a Crash/Spyro rerate hm
x3 Azura
x2 Sylux
who is likely to have a moveset overhaul based from Breath of the Wild is more than enough already.
