Shantae, the Half Genie Protector of Scuttle Town! (A Switch To A New WayForward)

[zferolie]

Wonder why it took this long to officially post it but yes, it’s Wayforward in Advance Wars!

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Now I’m not saying working closely with Nintendo with discussions for this game likely occurring last year or even as far back as 2019 is necessarily a point in favor of Shantae in Smash... but it certainly isn’t a point against!

Yeah it was odd they took awhile to say, but glad more people can see this

 

[MeteoRain]

What Kazuya's inclusion also does is it once and for all, disconfirms the 4chan character list "leak" as they were no Tekken characters on that list.

Uh...

IIR Heihachi was on it.

Edit: I'm not saying I believe it yet. Generally a Tekken rep was not out of the question back in the early days of Vol. 1, let alone the mascot Heihachi.

 

[meleebrawler]

So, WF was trusted enough by IS and Nintendo (with guidance from them) to handle remakes for a dormant franchise, in a genre they haven't even touched before.

Definitely another progressive step, at least.

I'm wondering exactly how much is actually being changed, besides the graphics which definitely show a style Wayforward is familiar with, at least. Is it going to be as faithful to the originals as possible, thus limiting the amount of tactics heavy lifting Wayforward would have to learn, or are they actually going to try rebalancing some things?

 

[KingofUSA85]

While this is hardly "Shantae confirmed." It's a very, very good sign. It shows that Wayforward does indeed have a good working relationship with Nintendo something which the "Wayforward begged Nintendo to include Shantae as a Spirit" people constantly Denied. The fact that Nintendo Snagged the gig of doing one of Nintendo's AA franchises proves that they have good raport with Nintendo. Congrats Shantae Fans.

 

[meleebrawler]

While this is hardly "Shantae confirmed." It's a very, very good sign. It shows that Wayforward does indeed have a good working relationship with Nintendo something which the "Wayforward begged Nintendo to include Shantae as a Spirit" people constantly Denied. The fact that Nintendo Snagged the gig of doing one of Nintendo's AA franchises proves that they have good raport with Nintendo. Congrats Shantae Fans.

Honestly, it doesn't even have to be Smash at this point, I'd like a Shantae crossover of any sort through Nintendo's franchises, Mario especially.

 

[Dukefire]

You don't really have to be a fighter to get recognition. If the series is solid, then it will be here to stay.

 

[zferolie]

Good times are happening for warforward. River city girls 2, the bloodstained game they did is getting a remaster, they are working on Advanced wars. All really big news for the company.

Have 2 new pixel arts of Shantae and Risky I found on twitter!

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[MeteoRain]

I know.

Secret CO Ammo Baron when?

That'd be pretty damn funny.

 

[meleebrawler]

That'd be pretty damn funny.

Even better, give him his own nation with other COs like Twitch, Vinegar or even Barracuda Joe.

 

[chocolatejr9]

I'm not the most knowledgable on Shantae, but I know she has a pretty dedicated fanbase, and Wayforward seems like a good company to get involved with, so I can't really be against it.

Also, a bit related to recent news, a lot of people want Shantae in the AW remakes as a CO. Because of course.

 

[Comedic Comrade]

I don't know about you guys, but it feels like a majority of Nintendo's Smash picks are very corporate and not focused on the fans at all. Very few of these are exceptions. Also, about that interview Matt Bozon had back in June 2020, now that I think about it, it hits much harder than it ever did. Despite it being made before Min-Min's reveal, it really does sound like she isn't in the game, regardless of people saying it's his way of saying he can't confirm or deny her for Smash. It looks like Shantae was deconfirmed before FP2 even started. I feel like it's time to give up and move towards a Smash-less future.

 

[Dukefire]

Hey, even if she doesn't get in, the fans are solid for her to stay. Honestly, I have set my heart for Ultimate to end without her, but it doesn't mean I'll stop playing her series.

Also, a pixel art of Samus dressed as Shantae. With the queen of Metroidvania returning with DREAD, the fans see that Shantae and Samus are related. (The Genre and her spirit battle in Ultimate.)

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[meleebrawler]

I'm not the most knowledgable on Shantae, but I know she has a pretty dedicated fanbase, and Wayforward seems like a good company to get involved with, so I can't really be against it.

Also, a bit related to recent news, a lot of people want Shantae in the AW remakes as a CO. Because of course.

I mean, Sami personality-wise is already pretty close to being Shantae in a military setting. Maybe pallettes alluding to the Shantae cast?

Lash could probably do a convincing Rottytops impression.

 

[KirbyWorshipper2465]

I'm wondering exactly how much is actually being changed, besides the graphics which definitely show a style Wayforward is familiar with, at least. Is it going to be as faithful to the originals as possible, thus limiting the amount of tactics heavy lifting Wayforward would have to learn, or are they actually going to try rebalancing some things?

No idea, though IS is overseeing them, so that might be possible. Certainly way more than extra content (WF generally doesn't have enough budget for that).

Uh...

IIR Heihachi was on it.

Edit: I'm not saying I believe it yet. Generally a Tekken rep was not out of the question back in the early days of Vol. 1, let alone the mascot Heihachi.

For the record, I was certain that Heihachi would be left out the minute that his latest voice actor died (given that it takes a while for fans in Japan to adjust to a portrayer for a character being gone). Between this and Tekken 7 still being supported, it was obvious that he wouldn't get in Smash any time soon. I just didn't expect Sak to get the chance to work out the issues that prevented Heihachi last time (translating a Tekken moveset into Smash format), albeit for Kazuya (who was another logical choice, because Mishima family priority). At this point, I was all but certain the Bamco ship sailed, so kudos to him and Ninty on that (pour one out for the Lloyd fans though).

That said, any character from the list that doesn't make it in usually gets Miied or they go for the next best thing (e.g. Pyra/Mythra in lieu of Rex), so thus far it's pretty much the only text-ish leak that hasn't been 100% debunked. I wouldn't entirely overlook it quite yet, depending on whether or not Sak drops a bomb in one of the next two Sakurai Presents.

You don't really have to be a fighter to get recognition. If the series is solid, then it will be here to stay.

On that note, I honestly wonder just how much of an impact Fami Detective Club will have in the long run. It's kind of short even if the Satellaview installment gets brought in later, so I do hope it gets enough sales.

Honestly, it doesn't even have to be Smash at this point, I'd like a Shantae crossover of any sort through Nintendo's franchises, Mario especially.

I'd love one for Wario Land myself, since Ware just came back yet again.

 

[Dukefire]

Now, with one character remaining. Speculation will be going into Maximum Overdrive.

From people bring it up after Kazuya's arrival, they say Master Chief may be the final fighter. We will see in another few months.

 

[chocolatejr9]

Now, with one character remaining. Speculation will be going into Maximum Overdrive.

From people bring it up after Kazuya's arrival, they say Master Chief may be the final fighter. We will see in another few months.

Smash Fans: You'll never disappoint me, Nintendo! Not when I shift into MAXIMUM OVERHYPE! HIYA!!!!!

Fighter 11 is a first party shill pick

Smash Fans: I knew I should've gotten the Turbo...

 

[MeteoRain]

Honestly, it doesn't even have to be Smash at this point, I'd like a Shantae crossover of any sort through Nintendo's franchises, Mario especially.

Zelda especially in my case.

I honestly think the designs the Zelda series are known for could do wonders for the designs of Shantae.

 

[MattX20]

You know, the second fighter pass' background colors for the characters match fairly closely with the first. This might be something good for Shantae alongside the fact the music menu will have an empty spot for one more new IP

 

[Schonberg]

Now, with one character remaining. Speculation will be going into Maximum Overdrive.

From people bring it up after Kazuya's arrival, they say Master Chief may be the final fighter. We will see in another few months.

Well we already had the 343 Community Director shooting Chief down this week, so expect to hear a LOT of people saying Crash is the most likely character left. Just like he was at E3. And the Game Awards. And in October. And in January 2020. And at E3 2019.

In short, just have fun with the last leg of the ride and don’t worry about the crowd.

 

[M00NFIRE94]

I really wouldn't rule Chief out just yet. The tweet from 343's community director can mean anything and we know how much NDAs suck. If I had the button to make Shantae playable, I'd press it in less than a heartbeat that'd shoot me in a realm above the speed force but since I don't have one, I can't ignore the chances of others and have to consider other possibilities. Sadly something WayForward's haters can't do.

 

[meleebrawler]

No idea, though IS is overseeing them, so that might be possible. Certainly way more than extra content (WF generally doesn't have enough budget for that).

They kind of had several indirect announcements in this E3, I think they're doing fine. Again, if they don't do much to change things up it'll probably be more due to artistic or logistic reasons. There's a lot of broken stuff in those games, but actually making everyone relatively balanced may be nigh impossible without massive overhauls that would sort of defeat the purpose of re-experiencing these games. I suppose given how customizable multiplayer is, it's expected players just make their own rules.

At the very least, I hope they can make the first game's advanced campaign less reliant on cheese strategies.

 

[Schonberg]

I really wouldn't rule Chief out just yet. The tweet from 343's community director can mean anything and we know how much NDAs suck.

I know people like to treat NDAs as a “free pass on lying” card, but it’s really not that simple. NDAs are meant to be a way to skirt questioning without giving away information that’s meant to be secret, but you aren’t supposed to just lie to your consumers as it’s a terrible business practice. That’s why you say things like “we have nothing to announce at this time”. There’s nothing ambiguous about the statement this guy made, and the company’s community manager would 100% either be in the know, or first would contact the people IN the know before addressing these rumors publicly.

“As a longtime fan of both games, it would be amazing to have a Chief/Smash announce today. Nothing is happening that I'm aware of, but maybe momentum this week can open a door. If you agree, maybe we can politely express our excitement to @XboxP3 and @thetruebowser”

That’s not a standard NDA response, nor is there ambiguity like in the only counterexample of Grant Kirkhope. I’d say Chief’s chances are pretty much kaput.

 

[MeteoRain]

Banner updated with Kazuya now looks as if Daisy is staring at Simon's shoulder blade now.

 

[SebTheGamer]

I know people like to treat NDAs as a “free pass on lying” card, but it’s really not that simple. NDAs are meant to be a way to skirt questioning without giving away information that’s meant to be secret, but you aren’t supposed to just lie to your consumers as it’s a terrible business practice. That’s why you say things like “we have nothing to announce at this time”. There’s nothing ambiguous about the statement this guy made, and the company’s community manager would 100% either be in the know, or first would contact the people IN the know before addressing these rumors publicly.

“As a longtime fan of both games, it would be amazing to have a Chief/Smash announce today. Nothing is happening that I'm aware of, but maybe momentum this week can open a door. If you agree, maybe we can politely express our excitement to @XboxP3 and @thetruebowser”

That’s not a standard NDA response, nor is there ambiguity like in the only counterexample of Grant Kirkhope. I’d say Chief’s chances are pretty much kaput.

Hey Schonberg, been a while so I got a question. So I mean since we now only have one more fighter and honestly Comedic Comrade may have already giving up and feeling down-full on Shantae because of Matt’s NDA interview. He starts to believe that somehow broke an NDA when he stated, “Can’t deny or confirmed“ and I heard one of you guys quoted it doesn’t specifically so I was wondering about how it’s not really breaking specifically and fully if you have any information about it. Shantae’s in or not, I’m really curious about that and I forgot about what you or the others said.

 

[meleebrawler]

So I watched some of the Treehouse Advance Wars footage, and for the tutorial missions of 1 at least, they changed the dialogue so that Nell is teaching Andy about things instead of addressing the player directly. Wonder if there will be other similar changes.

Seeing the animated gifs of the COs when they talk also makes me wish Shantae's dialogue played out the same way.

 

[Schonberg]

Hey Schonberg, been a while so I got a question. So I mean since we now only have one more fighter and honestly Comedic Comrade may have already giving up and feeling down-full on Shantae because of Matt’s NDA interview. He starts to believe that somehow broke an NDA when he stated, “Can’t deny or confirmed“ and I heard one of you guys quoted it doesn’t specifically so I was wondering about how it’s not really breaking specifically and fully if you have any information about it. Shantae’s in or not, I’m really curious about that and I forgot about what you or the others said.

“Can’t confirm or deny” is about as textbook of a corporate response someone can give. It’s 100% NDA compliant since it doesn’t reveal anything, but it also doesn’t necessarily have to be about an NDA since there’s never a legal requirement to say ANYTHING.

Point is, the interview Matt Bozon gave where he said that about Shantae in Smash has absolutely no bearing on her chances. If she is in, then the statement was NDA compliant as he neither confirmed she was in nor outright lied and said she wasn’t. If she isn’t in, then he’s also fine since he didn’t say she was in.

In short, the interview means absolutely nothing to Shantae’s chances positively or negatively.

 

[Comedic Comrade]

“Can’t confirm or deny” is about as textbook of a corporate response someone can give. It’s 100% NDA compliant since it doesn’t reveal anything, but it also doesn’t necessarily have to be about an NDA since there’s never a legal requirement to say ANYTHING.

Point is, the interview Matt Bozon gave where he said that about Shantae in Smash has absolutely no bearing on her chances. If she is in, then the statement was NDA compliant as he neither confirmed she was in nor outright lied and said she wasn’t. If she isn’t in, then he’s also fine since he didn’t say she was in.

In short, the interview means absolutely nothing to Shantae’s chances positively or negatively.

I see.

 

[SebTheGamer]

“Can’t confirm or deny” is about as textbook of a corporate response someone can give. It’s 100% NDA compliant since it doesn’t reveal anything, but it also doesn’t necessarily have to be about an NDA since there’s never a legal requirement to say ANYTHING.

Point is, the interview Matt Bozon gave where he said that about Shantae in Smash has absolutely no bearing on her chances. If she is in, then the statement was NDA compliant as he neither confirmed she was in nor outright lied and said she wasn’t. If she isn’t in, then he’s also fine since he didn’t say she was in.

In short, the interview means absolutely nothing to Shantae’s chances positively or negatively.

Ok. Thank you for your info. I’ll keep that mind.

 

[SebTheGamer]

From what I first see Kazuya joins Smash as DLC, I’m actually really glad that Bandai Namco has finally got a second representation after 7 years of only Pac-Man since Smash 4. They really deserve some more love since they worked their butt off with Sakurai and Nintendo for years and I think it’s a really good deal. Congratulations, Bandai Namco!

 

[TDDolphin]

So how is everyone doing? I'm happy to see Kazuya and Tekken get into Smash finally, but I gotta admit that of all of the characters I've supported over the last couple years of me being on here, I've kind of lost faith in most of their chances now. E3 was Crash's best shot to appear and he didn't, which makes me think he was never coming to begin with, Shantae, Spyro, Yuri Lowell and Amaterasu probably all never had a chance to get in, and odds are, if not 100%, then close to it, that Lloyd Irving's Mii costume is coming back with Kazuya on the 28th.

 

[meleebrawler]

So how is everyone doing? I'm happy to see Kazuya and Tekken get into Smash finally, but I gotta admit that of all of the characters I've supported over the last couple years of me being on here, I've kind of lost faith in most of their chances now. E3 was Crash's best shot to appear and he didn't, which makes me think he was never coming to begin with, Spyro, Yuri Lowell and Amaterasu probably never had a chance to get in despite me supporting them, and the odds are, if not 100%, then close to it, that Lloyd Irving's Mii costume is coming back with Kazuya on the 28th.

I guess at this point I've only got 2 characters from my list left that I'm actively rooting for for the last spot: Shantae and Ryu Hayabusa. And maybe Kasumi from Dead or Alive too, though that doesn't seem likely at all.

Well, for one thing, Wayforward got hired by Nintendo to instill their own inimitable style to Advance Wars, which you can see in my snazzy new avatar.

 

[Comedic Comrade]

So how is everyone doing? I'm happy to see Kazuya and Tekken get into Smash finally, but I gotta admit that of all of the characters I've supported over the last couple years of me being on here, I've kind of lost faith in most of their chances now. E3 was Crash's best shot to appear and he didn't, which makes me think he was never coming to begin with, Spyro, Yuri Lowell and Amaterasu probably never had a chance to get in despite me supporting them, and the odds are, if not 100%, then close to it, that Lloyd Irving's Mii costume is coming back with Kazuya on the 28th.

I guess at this point I've only got 2 characters from my list left that I'm actively rooting for for the last spot: Shantae and Ryu Hayabusa.

I'm doing alright.

 

[Mushroomguy12]

Shantae Dancing Art.

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[TDDolphin]

Well, for one thing, Wayforward got hired by Nintendo to instill their own inimitable style to Advance Wars, which you can see in my snazzy new avatar.

Wait, WayForward is helping develop the Advance Wars remake? I didn't know that.

 

[meleebrawler]

Wait, WayForward is helping develop the Advance Wars remake? I didn't know that.

https://preview.redd.it/rhm59i333u571.gif?format=mp4&s=d20d5e9d6a4dc0ce1f5ce94f3b03cf364ffd4568

https://preview.redd.it/j96k0hlirj571.gif?format=mp4&s=309630b47d8c1a3198103f820d4eb00bb26490c5

Take a good look at these and tell me if you think these renditions would not look out of place in Shantae, cutscene or otherwise.

And from the men and women themselves...

Wonder why it took this long to officially post it but yes, it’s Wayforward in Advance Wars!

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Now I’m not saying working closely with Nintendo with discussions for this game likely occurring last year or even as far back as 2019 is necessarily a point in favor of Shantae in Smash... but it certainly isn’t a point against!

 

[SebTheGamer]

I have a good question about the copyright names for Smash seem to be perfectly fit to end like that and considering that we may get a new character from the same company already represents. If we do get a new character from different company like, “Koei Tecmo”, “WarForward Technologies Inc.” or Activision”, is it still going to fit in some way or it seems perfectly fit to end and we get a new character from a same company? I’m just actually curious about that.

 

[meleebrawler]

I have a good question about the copyright names for Smash seem to be perfectly fit to end like that and considering that we may get a new character from the same company already represents. If we do get a new character from different company like, “Koei Tecmo”, “WarForward Technologies Inc.” or Activision”, is it still going to fit in some way or it seems perfectly fit to end and we get a new character from a same company? I’m just actually curious about that.View attachment 319937

They made a bigger deal out of this the first time a character from a previously unrepresented company (Cloud in Smash 4) where they made a point of showing Square Enix added to this list, but these days they seem to just get silently added after the fact. I highly doubt a neatly organized list of company names is a factor, and Wayforward is still mentioned in the game's credits anyhow.

 

[SebTheGamer]

They made a bigger deal out of this the first time a character from a previously unrepresented company (Cloud in Smash 4) where they made a point of showing Square Enix added to this list, but these days they seem to just get silently added after the fact. I highly doubt a neatly organized list of company names is a factor, and Wayforward is still mentioned in the game's credits anyhow.

I know WayForward is mentioned in the credits but that doesn’t mean anything. It shows other company names for adding contents into a game even Atlus. Seems WayForward can be added again but for Shantae as a fighter like Atlus for Joker so who knows. We’ll just wait and see after a final fighter.

 

[SebTheGamer]

Today’s my 21st Birthday! Hope you guys send some wishes because it means a lot.

 

[Destinylegend]

Today’s my 21th Birthday! Hope you guys send some wishes because it means a lot.

Happy birthday! Hope you have a really good day!