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

[Shinuto]

On the topic of character interactions, I think Shantae would get along well with the Inklings, mainly due to her finding them cute and hugable in their squid form.

Could she transfrom into one?

 

[Guybrush20X6]

Could she transfrom into one?

Now I gotta post this

 

[GoldLiger]

This is getting out of hand with all this silence. So now they will answer us so long as the word "Smash" isn't being used. Like it was mentioned above that there is no way that it could be anything other than a NDA.

 

[DOTBHDD]

If she is announced and after the game came out, we really need to have some kind of celebration together !
Like a big"RIP Haters", "Shantae's glory" tournament haha :D

Also, I cannot wait to come back to this thread moments after her annoucment to read your ecstatic messages :D
Let's keep hoping as long as we can, because as of now, she is as likely as anyone else !

Actually... can we avoid doing any sort of "R.I.P. Haters" when she gets announced. I feel like her reveal would be satisfying and spiteful enough. I don't want our fanbase to end up looking like sour winners. I just want to be positive upon her reveal if it happens.

 

[MajestyIndigo]

Actually... can we avoid doing any sort of "R.I.P. Haters" when she gets announced. I feel like her reveal would be satisfying and spiteful enough. I don't want our fanbase to end up looking like sour winners. I just want to be positive upon her reveal if it happens.

Actually it's meant to be a celebration just between us, no anti-Shantae would even care/hear about it ^^ But don't deny that It would just feel even more satisfying to know she's in given all the unfair **** she takes from the internet.
In no mean do I intend to rub it in anyone's face, you sound like I was trying to organize lynching squads haha

 

[AngrySun88]

WF's silence is still very suspicious and to me it feels that their non-answers and refusal to mention Smash means they're under an NDA. Has that ever been the case with other third parties, or would they really want to keep Shantae a secret?

 

[Shinuto]

WF's silence is still very suspicious and to me it feels that their non-answers and refusal to mention Smash means they're under an NDA. Has that ever been the case with other third parties, or would they really want to keep Shantae a secret?

NDA is for all third parties

 

[Veodok]

would they really want to keep Shantae a secret?

First indie, full-american character getting in smash as a fighter? Yeah, that's something you would definitely not want leaking.

 

[AngrySun88]

First indie, full-american character getting in smash as a fighter? Yeah, that's something you would definitely not want leaking.

Which would explain why none of the "leakers" have mentioned her, not that I trust them anyway. WF is very likely under an NDA and Nintendo is making sure this one doesn't get leaked.

 

[Guybrush20X6]

Speaking of leaks, I think Nintendo is putting a LOT of fake leads out there to try and ferret out the leakers.

Could be why loz18 went of the rails.

 

[Veodok]

I've been saying this since before Smash 4 dropped: you should always be the most critical of the most credible leakers.

 

[AngrySun88]

If WF is under an NDA, we probably won't hear anything from them until closer to Ultimate's release.

Speaking of leaks, I think Nintendo is putting a LOT of fake leads out there to try and ferret out the leakers.

Could be why loz18 went of the rails.

And why Vergeben can't seem to make up his mind about the Pokemon character, assuming there even is one. This is why we shouldn't be trusting any leaker.

Well played, Nintendo.

 

[Senkuu]

Hey, what do you think would be good item's from the Shantae series?

I honestly think that Monster Milk would be a pretty good edition to the items in smash, a temporary damage boost that increases the chances of a greater knockback. It's Perfect. Also sign me up as a supporter as well, I absolutely love Shantae to death and it would be awesome if she were added as playable.

 

[GoodShepperd]

It seems like Sakurai and company are going pretty far this time around to prevent leaks. He talked before about making sure that even the words "Everyone is Here" wouldn't get leaked because it would have ruined the E3 reveal. I would say that that effort to prevent leaks aligns with the possibility of Wayforward being under an NDA as well as being under contract not to let Shantae appear as a fighter in other games. Sakurai would want her reveal to be as hype as possible and for Shantae I feel like keeping her a surprise is the key to doing that. (Also we know Sakurai likes to call dibs on things cuz he apparently called dibs on being able to revive K Rool instead of letting him appear in Tropical Freeze) Honestly I'm feeling very hopeful for Shantae but damn is this waiting around excruciating.

also I asked about this before but HOW DO I GET ADDED TO THE SUPPORT LIST?

 

[CHAMPIONX9]

It is kinda fishy... I mean, with Shovel Knight, Yooka, Juan, Quote and even ISAAC (The Binding of Isaac one, not the Golden Sun one.) getting fighting game appearances I'm really surprised that Shantae hasn't been in one yet... Either no one even thought of asking for her yet, or maybe Nintendo made a deal with WayForward to not have Shantae appear in any other fighting game so it would draw more attention to Smash Bros...

Nintendo: "How badly do you want Shantae in smash? Almost any developer can say they want something."
Wayforward: "We'll do anything!"
Nintendo: "Anything... hoh, then in that case you must promise something."
Wayforward: "What? You'll let her JOIN?!"
Nintendo: "That depends on you. But you must promise to only let her fight in Smash bros. Other fighting games...she wont be able to appear in them. Will you give that up? What do you say?"
Wayforward: "WE'LL DO IT GODAMN IT."
Nintendo: HA HA HA! Omoshiroi! I suppose you really do want her. Very well! We'll make her the indie for all indies!
Wayforward figuratively falls the floor and breaks into tears: "THANK YOU!"

A few years later wayforward is dying, exploding from suppressing the desire to scream at the top of the mountains of Shantae's inclusion in smash, however, they swore an oath, to never reveal nor speak of Shantae. And now we come to the present.

Hello there. Can I join this support thread/add me to the list of supporters? This thread is super amazing with all the evidence gathered. I'm glad every one is looking past furniture and trashy leaks to actually make a solid case for a character as lovable as Shantae.

 

[Captain Hazama]

It'll be awhile, YellowLord has been busy

 

[AngrySun88]

It seems like Sakurai and company are going pretty far this time around to prevent leaks. He talked before about making sure that even the words "Everyone is Here" wouldn't get leaked because it would have ruined the E3 reveal. I would say that that effort to prevent leaks aligns with the possibility of Wayforward being under an NDA as well as being under contract not to let Shantae appear as a fighter in other games. Sakurai would want her reveal to be as hype as possible and for Shantae I feel like keeping her a surprise is the key to doing that. (Also we know Sakurai likes to call dibs on things cuz he apparently called dibs on being able to revive K Rool instead of letting him appear in Tropical Freeze) Honestly I'm feeling very hopeful for Shantae but damn is this waiting around excruciating.

I did not know that about K Rool, but that would explain why Shantae hasn't appeared in other fighting games. Sakurai would only want her for Smash and having her in other fighting games would take away from the hype.

And WayForward's silence and non-answers just reek of them being under an NDA.

 

[Staarih]

I understand how Shantae appearing in another fighting game before Smash would sort of make her ”lose her luster” - if that’s what they’re saving her for, it’s definitely for the better as Shantae’s fighting style in Smash would definitely be the definitive one.

Anyway, Sakurai has mentioned how K. Rool was popular in the ballot. Helps our girl a bit, as she was as well (according to various fan polls at least).

Edit: the full translation has him say he’s referred to the ballot when choosing characters.

 

[MajestyIndigo]

About the ballot, I'm just curious : Did you guys vote for her back in the day or did you get familiar with her prior to the ballot ? I'll admit that I didn't really know her and was focused on voting Daisy haha
Also, was she mentioned in smash thrads all lot already ?

 

[VizardJeffhog]

While not a dig (heyo!) on Shovel Knight, I think another obstacle that got in his way as a potential playable character is not necessarily his moveset (Rivals of Aether soundly put that argument to bed), but it could also be a lack of expression or visible personality?

Not to say that he doesn't have a personality (speaking as a big fan of SK), but given how he's pretty stalwart for the most part and his face is concealed, it wouldn't exactly lead to memorable mannerisms and facial expressions with his moves or when receiving damage. That's something a majority of the playable Smash cast (and Shantae, for that matter) has on him.

As for WayForward's silence, I'm trying to keep my own expectations in check and just think "Assist Trophy" in Shantae's case, since I'm sure there's an NDA either way whether she's a fighter or an assist and WF clearly can't comment on it until she's revealed. It could also be a matter of WF not wanting to deal with a ticking time bomb of an outcry on their hands should she simply not make it in, and then pretty much have their social media responses taken over with "Shantae for Smash!" rallies... though I guess that last part isn't too different than what we're already seeing.

Not trying to crap on anyone's fun here, mainly playing devil's advocate. I mean, damn it, try as I might to keep my own hype for Shantae in check, I can't ignore all these little coincidences continuing to pile up like this. Jammies Mode's trailer and dialogue, Shantae's curious lack of presence in major indie fighters compared to Shovel Knight going all in, and WF being unusually (but nonetheless reasonably) quiet about the whole thing...

Might Shantae finally venture beyond the familiar locales of Sequin Land and bring her trademark half-genie magic to Ultimate?

Well, only a few more months at most until we find out.

 

[Yellowlord]

It might be time for me to finally update that list again: as always, I'm happy to see the thread on here be more active especially after the August 8th direct.

I'll make another post once I have everyone who's asked recently on here.

 

[RetroMetalSonic]

About the ballot, I'm just curious : Did you guys vote for her back in the day or did you get familiar with her prior to the ballot ? I'll admit that I didn't really know her and was focused on voting Daisy haha
Also, was she mentioned in smash thrads all lot already ?

Yep, I voted for her. Heh, I remember writing how it'd be neat to have her as the first playable indie character and that her transformation abilities would make her a very unique fighter. (And how Smash could use another female protagonist.)

 

[Yellowlord]

Ok, so we managed to get 33 new supporters for the Shantae thread overall, starting from August 9th all the way up until today!

Here are our new supporters along with letting them know they've been added:

Spoiler

WingedSupernova
SneakyLink
AreJay25
grizby2
the_untainted_child
TheFVguy
WreckitRyan
Sari
C candysell
I'm_canon
Indie DevoTee
Zero Kirby
Domino11332
shinhed-echi
MajestyIndigo
Wyvern 0m3g4
Nonno Umby
THE 6r
coolcat12347
Some Beedrill
WiredRM
@SpaceCadetKeon
scoobymcsnack
AngrySun88
Zoljinx_
Demonfunds
zferolie
TheRandomCities4
lightdasher
@SONICINSIDEOUT
GoodShepperd
L Loz18-Echo
VizardJeffhog

 

[Shinuto]

Whats the total amount so far?

 

[Staarih]

Ok, so we managed to get 33 new supporters for the Shantae thread overall, starting from August 9th all the way up until today!

Here are our new supporters along with letting them know they've been added:

Spoiler

WingedSupernova
SneakyLink
AreJay25
grizby2
the_untainted_child
TheFVguy
WreckitRyan
Sari
C candysell
I'm_canon
Indie DevoTee
Zero Kirby
Domino11332
shinhed-echi
MajestyIndigo
Wyvern 0m3g4
Nonno Umby
THE 6r
coolcat12347
Some Beedrill
WiredRM
@SpaceCadetKeon
scoobymcsnack
AngrySun88
Zoljinx_
Demonfunds
zferolie
TheRandomCities4
lightdasher
@SONICINSIDEOUT
GoodShepperd
L Loz18-Echo
VizardJeffhog

Hmm, I could’ve sworn I was on the list but looks like not - care to add me Yellowlord ?

 

[WingedSupernova]

If I counted right our supporter count is 75.

 

[Yellowlord]

Hmm, I could’ve sworn I was on the list but looks like not - care to add me Yellowlord ?

There you go!

If I counted right our supporter count is 75.

You would be correct, with that total now being 76 as well.

 

[Teeb147]

I might as well pass along the info about the latest Column by Sakurai here. There wasn't much new to it, but he does say at the end that he referred to the smash ballot for adding characters (like K.Rool who got a ton of votes). And I'm pretty sure that bodes well for Shantae too, since she's popular. Even though I still think that it's not all about popularity, since it's nintendo. But it looks good.
Here's the link:

https://sourcegaming.info/2018/08/2...smash-direct-sakurais-famitsu-column-vol-561/

 

[YourNewOverlord]

Hello everyone, I've sorta been stalking this forum for a long time and finally decided to make an account to voice my opinion, but I also think Shantae will be in the game. Long time fan of the games and it makes me happy seeing all of these other supporters of her. Mark me down as a supporter for her, please. Thank you! Here's to hoping!

 

[Yellowlord]

Hello everyone, I've sorta been stalking this forum for a long time and finally decided to make an account to voice my opinion, but I also think Shantae will be in the game. Long time fan of the games and it makes me happy seeing all of these other supporters of her. Mark me down as a supporter for her, please. Thank you! Here's to hoping!

You have been added.

 

[MattX20]

I voted for Shantae at least once or twice during the ballot along with Rayman. The recent column from Famitsu certainly helps give a bit more credence to the possibility of Shantae joining the fight.

 

[Captain Hazama]

Mine was Krystal, Shantae, and Ridley. Those three are my big wants for this game. And I have 1 1/2 of it true. (Krystal being half for being a AT) I hope she gets in.

 

[Yellowlord]

To be honest, it really would be surreal for me to see Shantae get included, especially when my support for her has gone back as far as 2015 at least. In addition, my support for her was loyal enough that I decided the project I would make in Maya at a tech camp back in 2015 would be Shantae herself. Might as well show it to you all, especially to those who haven't seen it:

Do keep in mind that this picture is a bit out of date and could obviously be improved on in certain areas, but I still feel it's one of the best things I've ever made in a 3D modelling program to this day. Here's to hoping she gets in as always!

 

[AngrySun88]

Since we do now know that Sakurai is looking at the ballot for results, we can assume that Shantae is a likely addition of she did well. Do we have any idea on on how she did on the original ballot?

 

[Captain Hazama]

All I know was that she was neck and neck with Shovel Knight during the ballot polls. So where ever he was at, she is either above or just below him.

 

[CloudedSun]

I'd also like to be added as a supporter.

I'm staying silent right now, as most of you know a lot more about Shantae's NDA situation than me (having just joined Smashboards), but I'm here following the conversation for sure.

 

[zferolie]

I beleive i voted for shantae. Pretty sure i did. Either her or hikari and donbe. Both i wanted the most in this game.

So to change the topic, what do you giys think of Risky boots joining shantae as her echo fighter? I think it could work well as they have similar attacks especially if shantae some of her pirate gear in her attacks.

Since i am on phone at the beach cant make the gifs as i did in my last post, but if we use the moveset i posted a few days ago here as a base for riskys echo, the few moves that need to change should be easy:

Any hair attack becomes a sword slash in that direction. Its just a slight animation change for her normal jab, crouch attack, and forward air attack

The dash attack could instead be a slide attack. Same frame or hitboxx just different animation.

The smash attacks could have the same hit box but look different. The forward smash would be a heavy slash with, like here but not sending her forward like that, maybe a little bit

Her up smash would use the grapple hook.

And her down smash could use her anchors instead of pike balls, smaller of course

And the only b move that would need to change is the transform, and makimg it tinker bat summon, which could work just like bowser jrs down b could fit well

Amd her final smash could invole her pirate ship somehow.

I think this could still qualify as an echo fighter. Only the smashes and 1 b move lool different or are different, but they could still have the same frame data, at least the smashes.

 

[Yellowlord]

I'd also like to be added as a supporter.

I'm staying silent right now, as most of you know a lot more about Shantae's NDA situation than me (having just joined Smashboards), but I'm here following the conversation for sure.

You have been added.

 

[EarlTamm]

About the ballot, I'm just curious : Did you guys vote for her back in the day or did you get familiar with her prior to the ballot ? I'll admit that I didn't really know her and was focused on voting Daisy haha
Also, was she mentioned in smash thrads all lot already ?

Shantae was the one I voted for. I had just gone through Pirate's Curse at the time and I had really wanted her.

 

[WingedSupernova]

Since we do now know that Sakurai is looking at the ballot for results, we can assume that Shantae is a likely addition of she did well. Do we have any idea on on how she did on the original ballot?

Unfortunately there's no real way to know for sure, but there was a decent look at how the more dedicated fans of Smash voted:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...pw5m-b4JHJ0_cGRKU15KYlTe1E/edit#gid=729442469
Keep in mind that's a very rough estimate, but she did place 11th overall and she's currently 5th out of the remaining characters.

Spoiler: Graph of the remaining characters