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

[Paragon-Yoshi]

Alright, all this talk about leaks had me thinking about what could be left to announce,
And so, I made up my own ideas on what could be left.
Now of course, this isn't a leak (duh) just some ideas on what could possibly be left to announce.

Fighters
Unique

I honestly, can't think of too many more unique fighters to join the roster.
The first one on my list is "Shantae", of course.
But after that, I am hard pressed to think of anything...

As far as Pokemon reps go, "Incineroar" is pretty much guaranteed at this point, given GameFreak's involvement.
However, I can also see Ultimate throwing a Double Reveal, like it was in Smash 4.
And if that is the case, my guess for a second new Pokemon-Rep would be "Sceptile".
I would actually love it, because the Sceptile-Line is my favourite Pokemon-Species ever.
I'd also balance out the Pokemon-reps pretty good.

We have all Kanto-Starters united with the Pokemon Trainer.
But then we branch out a little. With Greninja being a Water-Starter, Incineroar being a Fire-Starter and Sceptile being a Grass-Starter, all from different Pokemon Gens.
Gens 2 and 4 already have representation with Pichu and Lucario respectively.
Though Gen 5 sadly doesn't seem to get a rep.
I'd love to get at least one Pokemon-rep per Gen, but that might be a little too much...

As for remaining unique fighters, the only ones I can think of are "Banjo-Kazooie", "Geno", "Isaac", "Bandanna Waddle Dee" and maybe another Xenoblade-rep (I never played Xenoblade-games, so forgive me if I can't name any...)


Echoes

This'll be quick:
- Shadow the Hedgehog
- Ken
- Octolings (from Splatoon 1)
- Liquid Snake/Liquid Ocelot
- Black Shadow/Blood Falcon
- Hilda
- Dixie Kong
- Zack Fair



Stages

First off, I don't think any of the remaining stages will be returning stages for base.
Because I think they would've shown them all off by now.

Heck, stages like "Venom" weren't part of the Reel, but were clearly visible in the Stage Selection.
As such, I believe all remaining Base-Stages will be new stages.

My guesses:
- Shantae Stage (Scuttle Town/Burning Town or Risky's Ship)
- Minecraft Stage
- Golden Sun Stage (I never played the game, so I can't name a location)
- BK-Stage (Spiral Mountain or Top of Gruntilda's Lair)
- Super Mario RPG Stage (Forest-Stage or Smithy's World)
- Stage from either Xenoblade X or 2 (again, never played these games, so I dunno...)



So yeah, those are my guesses.
Not saying all of them will be in the game.
In some cases, I believe it's an "Either Or" situation.


So what did I get wrong?

 

[meleebrawler]

Well Classic Doomguy has a face, it's used as healthbar.
Doom 3 DoomGuy doesn't even have a helmet
Doom remake guy hasn't had his face seen properly

Well at least in the Switch version you can somewhat see his face through his visor in close-ups. It looked more rugged than that Quake example.

Well, not really off topic, but kind of on topic, I played Smash Bros. Crusade with my Gamecube controllers and now I feel like Shantae is relatively well represented in that game. I still think the dance shouldn't be the standard special though. And I hate the Final Smash they designed for her in that game.

I guess it's OK if you must have only Shantae (c'mon it's a fan game, unlikelyness shouldn't be an issue for characters like Risky), but I still think splitting the aspects between two characters would help them be more cohesive and effective overall.

So... noticing Shantae's internal struggles with being a hero got me thinking, who else has similar struggles with such responsibilities? We have Cloud, Link (BOTW specifically), Lucina and Palutena in the current playable roster. Ike knows a goddess who feels similarly, and though they're not in currently, so do Pyra & Mythra. Maybe they could all get together for group therapy?

 

[KirbyWorshipper2465]

I guess it's OK if you must have only Shantae (c'mon it's a fan game, unlikelyness shouldn't be an issue for characters like Risky), but I still think splitting the aspects between two characters would help them be more cohesive and effective overall.

So... noticing Shantae's internal struggles with being a hero got me thinking, who else has similar struggles with such responsibilities? We have Cloud, Link (BOTW specifically), Lucina and Palutena in the current playable roster. Ike knows a goddess who feels similarly, and though they're not in currently, so do Pyra & Mythra. Maybe they could all get together for group therapy?

Agreed.

That said, definitely fits.

 

[meleebrawler]

Agreed.

That said, definitely fits.

Snake's a shell-shocked veteran for sure, but I don't think he's ever doubted his own abilities. It's not like he sees himself as a hero in the first place.

 

[Dyllybirdy]

So... noticing Shantae's internal struggles with being a hero got me thinking, who else has similar struggles with such responsibilities? We have Cloud, Link (BOTW specifically), Lucina and Palutena in the current playable roster. Ike knows a goddess who feels similarly, and though they're not in currently, so do Pyra & Mythra. Maybe they could all get together for group therapy?

There's always a couple of the Princess Zeldas which have to deal with internal struggles like that, especially BOTW's.

 

[KirbyWorshipper2465]

Snake's a shell-shocked veteran for sure, but I don't think he's ever doubted his own abilities. It's not like he sees himself as a hero in the first place.

Well, that's true. In that case I can't think of anybody else. comes the closest due to having struggles keeping his champion status in the Wii game, although even then boxing is a career, and not heroism per se.

 

[Deleted member]

Hey WreckitRyan do you think you can invite alpha to the support thread?

 

[Moderately obsessed]

Alright, all this talk about leaks had me thinking about what could be left to announce,
And so, I made up my own ideas on what could be left.
Now of course, this isn't a leak (duh) just some ideas on what could possibly be left to announce.

Fighters
Unique

I honestly, can't think of too many more unique fighters to join the roster.
The first one on my list is "Shantae", of course.
But after that, I am hard pressed to think of anything...

As far as Pokemon reps go, "Incineroar" is pretty much guaranteed at this point, given GameFreak's involvement.
However, I can also see Ultimate throwing a Double Reveal, like it was in Smash 4.
And if that is the case, my guess for a second new Pokemon-Rep would be "Sceptile".
I would actually love it, because the Sceptile-Line is my favourite Pokemon-Species ever.
I'd also balance out the Pokemon-reps pretty good.

We have all Kanto-Starters united with the Pokemon Trainer.
But then we branch out a little. With Greninja being a Water-Starter, Incineroar being a Fire-Starter and Sceptile being a Grass-Starter, all from different Pokemon Gens.
Gens 2 and 4 already have representation with Pichu and Lucario respectively.
Though Gen 5 sadly doesn't seem to get a rep.
I'd love to get at least one Pokemon-rep per Gen, but that might be a little too much...

As for remaining unique fighters, the only ones I can think of are "Banjo-Kazooie", "Geno", "Isaac", "Bandanna Waddle Dee" and maybe another Xenoblade-rep (I never played Xenoblade-games, so forgive me if I can't name any...)


Echoes

This'll be quick:
- Shadow the Hedgehog
- Ken
- Octolings (from Splatoon 1)
- Liquid Snake/Liquid Ocelot
- Black Shadow/Blood Falcon
- Hilda
- Dixie Kong
- Zack Fair



Stages

First off, I don't think any of the remaining stages will be returning stages for base.
Because I think they would've shown them all off by now.

Heck, stages like "Venom" weren't part of the Reel, but were clearly visible in the Stage Selection.
As such, I believe all remaining Base-Stages will be new stages.

My guesses:
- Shantae Stage (Scuttle Town/Burning Town or Risky's Ship)
- Minecraft Stage
- Golden Sun Stage (I never played the game, so I can't name a location)
- BK-Stage (Spiral Mountain or Top of Gruntilda's Lair)
- Super Mario RPG Stage (Forest-Stage or Smithy's World)
- Stage from either Xenoblade X or 2 (again, never played these games, so I dunno...)



So yeah, those are my guesses.
Not saying all of them will be in the game.
In some cases, I believe it's an "Either Or" situation.


So what did I get wrong?

I don't think Incineroar is guaranteed by any stretch. We've allowed a leaker to affect our thoughts despite repeating the mantra "leaks are dumb". If we limit our choices to the most recent gens starters, only the anime really gives him any credit.
in a recent popularity poll Primarina beat out Incineroar by quite the margin. Any excuse that she wouldn't work is due to a lack of imagination. Mr. Game & Watch, ROB, Duck Hunt, and even Pac-Man were created with a limited amount of animation/information and they're pretty great. Bowser Jr. works without walking I'm sure they could turn her movements into flips of sorts or just make her slower.
Decidueye would be a very unique character for Sakurai to work with and I'm sure he'd have oodles of fun. He also made it onto Pokken tournament as a fighter (inspiration could be taken from that game) so his popularity should be recognized somewhat as he's facing off against Charizard, Mewtwo, Pikachu, and Lucario. One argument I could see against this would be that Decidueye was chosen for that while Incineroar for this, but who knows.
Believe Vergeben if that's what you'd prefer, but don't limit speculation because he got somethings right.

 

[Paragon-Yoshi]

I don't think Incineroar is guaranteed by any stretch. We've allowed a leaker to affect our thoughts despite repeating the mantra "leaks are dumb". If we limit our choices to the most recent gens starters, only the anime really gives him any credit.
in a recent popularity poll Primarina beat out Incineroar by quite the margin. Any excuse that she wouldn't work is due to a lack of imagination. Mr. Game & Watch, ROB, Duck Hunt, and even Pac-Man were created with a limited amount of animation/information and they're pretty great. Bowser Jr. works without walking I'm sure they could turn her movements into flips of sorts or just make her slower.
Decidueye would be a very unique character for Sakurai to work with and I'm sure he'd have oodles of fun. He also made it onto Pokken tournament as a fighter (inspiration could be taken from that game) so his popularity should be recognized somewhat as he's facing off against Charizard, Mewtwo, Pikachu, and Lucario. One argument I could see against this would be that Decidueye was chosen for that while Incineroar for this, but who knows.
Believe Vergeben if that's what you'd prefer, but don't limit speculation because he got somethings right.

I don't deny that Incineroar is far from the most popular Pokemon.
But I never argued that.

The reason I believe Incineroar is in, is not because of leakers or popularity.
But because GameFreak apparently demands it.
And this might be one of the few cases, where Sakurai has to bend to the will of higher-ups.

 

[ジョルノ ジョフラミンゴ]

I don't think Incineroar is guaranteed by any stretch. We've allowed a leaker to affect our thoughts despite repeating the mantra "leaks are dumb". If we limit our choices to the most recent gens starters, only the anime really gives him any credit.
in a recent popularity poll Primarina beat out Incineroar by quite the margin. Any excuse that she wouldn't work is due to a lack of imagination. Mr. Game & Watch, ROB, Duck Hunt, and even Pac-Man were created with a limited amount of animation/information and they're pretty great. Bowser Jr. works without walking I'm sure they could turn her movements into flips of sorts or just make her slower.
Decidueye would be a very unique character for Sakurai to work with and I'm sure he'd have oodles of fun. He also made it onto Pokken tournament as a fighter (inspiration could be taken from that game) so his popularity should be recognized somewhat as he's facing off against Charizard, Mewtwo, Pikachu, and Lucario. One argument I could see against this would be that Decidueye was chosen for that while Incineroar for this, but who knows.
Believe Vergeben if that's what you'd prefer, but don't limit speculation because he got somethings right.

Y'know if this game was "Super Smash Bros Marketing" like Smash 4 was I would've said Incineroar is a lock but looking at the newcomers we got so far I REALLY don't see him making the cut. Every newcomer we have with the exception of Richter (is pretty much in because he's Japan's favorite Belmont) was put in due to fan demand rather than popularity. Even though it's been a tradition so far for game freak to decide what pokemon to put in the new smash it seems like this time around Sakurai would opt in for a heavily requested pokemon rather than the new poster boi for the anime. This is the same reason I doubt Steve will be playable, Minecraft is insanely iconic no doubt but there's more demand for Steve NOT being in the game rather than for it. I dunno why even after Sakurai said he's using the ballot and fan requests to decide who's in people still think it's ONLY up to popularity and marketing value.

 

[meleebrawler]

Well, that's true. In that case I can't think of anybody else. comes the closest due to having struggles keeping his champion status in the Wii game, although even then boxing is a career, and not heroism per se.

It actually becomes somewhat of the opposite with him (well, except for when you game over in the original Punch-Out!!). He comes to the realization that he's done pretty much everything he wanted to do as boxer (get the champion's belt and successfully defend it from anyone who might take it), but he doesn't want to just quit while he's at the top of his game either, so he imposes a three-loss retirement condition as a sign to retire while he's ahead, instead of doing so in shame years down the line. So if anything, his struggle comes from the fact he's too good rather than not thinking himself good enough.

 

[Paragon-Yoshi]

Y'know if this game was "Super Smash Bros Marketing" like Smash 4 was I would've said Incineroar is a lock but looking at the newcomers we got so far I REALLY don't see him making the cut. Every newcomer we have with the exception of Richter (is pretty much in because he's Japan's favorite Belmont) was put in due to fan demand rather than popularity. Even though it's been a tradition so far for game freak to decide what pokemon to put in the new smash it seems like this time around Sakurai would opt in for a heavily requested pokemon rather than the new poster boi for the anime. This is the same reason I doubt Steve will be playable, Minecraft is insanely iconic no doubt but there's more demand for Steve NOT being in the game rather than for it. I dunno why even after Sakurai said he's using the ballot and fan requests to decide who's in people still think it's ONLY up to popularity and marketing value.

Like I said, I can see Incineroar, if GameFreak is as forceful about it as I heard.
Of course, if not, then Sakurai would probably pick another character.

Not that I mind, since I am indifferent about Incineroar.

Also, what's the difference between fan demand and popularity?
Aren't these pretty much the same?

 

[ジョルノ ジョフラミンゴ]

Like I said, I can see Incineroar, if GameFreak is as forceful about it as I heard.
Of course, if not, then Sakurai would probably pick another character.

Not that I mind, since I am indifferent about Incineroar.

Also, what's the difference between fan demand and popularity?
Aren't these pretty much the same?

Would you consider Geno or K. Rool popular? Of course not because they've been drowning in obscurity for decades but there's no denying the insane amount of fan demand for them. Same applies to Bayonetta to some extent, she's not nearly as iconic as Snake, Sonic, or Mega Man yet she's in because of fan demand and that seems to be the deciding factor for Smash Ultimate. Hell "Everyone is Here" means ****-all to a lot of casual gamers who don't care about the roster but to fans of pichu, ice climbers, young link, Wolf etc. it's like their prayers have been answered. Anyway you slice it, it's clear Sakurai is making this one for the fans.

EDIT: Also Isaac, a literally who character to the average gamer yet has demand up the wazoo that has only gotten stronger after his AT was cut for Smash 4

 

[Paragon-Yoshi]

Would you consider Geno or K. Rool popular?

Yes, because so many people voted for them.
So they are immensly popular among fans. And it's the reason they're in this game in the first place.
Well, only King K Rool is for now. But you get the picture.

I really can't make sense of your definition of "popular".

 

[Wademan94]

Here’s the aftermath of the one AniMana21 fanart I posted yesterday, (please forgive me Dylly):

 

[ジョルノ ジョフラミンゴ]

Yes, because so many people voted for them.
So they are immensly popular among fans. And it's the reason they're in this game in the first place.

I really can't make sense of your definition of "popular".

Y'see you're talking popularity within the Smash community, which of course they're popular here because we're pretty much the ONLY community that talks about these characters even more than the fanbases of their respective series (ask the average mario fan who Geno is), what I'm talking about is popularity among the average Nintendo gamer which is what a lot of people base their character predictions on. People say Steve will be in because Minecraft is insanely popular but literally the same could be said about a Fortnite character or Freddy Fazbear but the difference is that fans aren't clamoring for these characters like they are for less popular one's like Geno, Isaac, and even Shantae.

 

[Dyllybirdy]

Here’s the aftermath of the one AniMana21 fanart I posted yesterday, (please forgive me Dylly):
View attachment 169899

You monsters.

 

[Teeb147]

Like I said, I can see Incineroar, if GameFreak is as forceful about it as I heard.
Of course, if not, then Sakurai would probably pick another character.

Not that I mind, since I am indifferent about Incineroar.

Also, what's the difference between fan demand and popularity?
Aren't these pretty much the same?

I have have evidence against that claim, para:

 

[Paragon-Yoshi]

Y'see you're talking popularity within the Smash community, which of course they're popular here because we're pretty much the ONLY community that talks about these characters even more than the fanbases of their respective series (ask the average mario fan who Geno is), what I'm talking about is popularity among the average Nintendo gamer which is what a lot of people base their character predictions on. People say Steve will be in because Minecraft is insanely popular but literally the same could be said about a Fortnite character or Freddy Fazbear but the difference is that fans aren't clamoring for these characters like they are for less popular one's like Geno, Isaac, and even Shantae.

I think any Donkey Kong Fan should know who K Rool is.
After all, he's been DK's main antagonist for most games, before his untimely demise.
And I think lots of Mario Fans know who Geno is too.


Of course, people outside of these fanbases will probably not know them.
But then again, same could be said about any character.
Like if you aren't a Street Fighter fan, you will probably not know most of the cast.
So characters like "Alex", "T Hawk" or "Sakura" may be foreign to you.

But that's normal.
If you aren't part of the fanbase, you won't know anything about it.

 

[Stephano]

I’ve been in a wedding, what did I miss?

 

[Shadowknight1]

I’ve been in a wedding, what did I miss?

Diddly.

 

[Dyllybirdy]

I’ve been in a wedding, what did I miss?

Heh, that's great! :D

And you missed nothing of note, so no need worry about that.

Diddly.

Yup.

 

[ジョルノ ジョフラミンゴ]

I think any Donkey Kong Fan should know who K Rool is.
After all, he's been DK's main antagonist for most games, before his untimely demise.
And I think lots of Mario Fans know who Geno is too.


Of course, people outside of these fanbases will probably not know them.
But then again, same could be said about any character.
Like if you aren't a Street Fighter fan, you will probably not know most of the cast.
So characters like "Alex", "T Hawk" or "Sakura" may be foreign to you.

But that's normal.
If you aren't part of the fanbase, you won't know anything about it.

Once again, this is why people point to Steve. Because Minecraft exists in the realm of "Even if you're not a fan, you know about it because it's ****ing everywhere" just like Fortnite and Fnaf. The same cannot be said about any of the newcomers we got in Ultimate so far and that's exactly my point. They're in because WE requested them not because they're marketable to Joe Schmoe the average gamer (except Inkling who falls into both categories)

 

[Deleted member]

Did anyone find the ending of ninja mode.............disturbing?

 

[Stephano]

Did anyone find the ending of ninja mode.............disturbing?

I never played ninja mode. I will soon. How does it end?

 

[DOTBHDD]

I love Shantae... but I don't understand how her big ass head can support her little ass neck.

Must be all that Genie magic.

 

[Dyllybirdy]

I never played ninja mode. I will soon. How does it end?

I love Shantae... but I don't understand how her big *** head can support her little *** neck.

Must be all that Genie magic.

What perplexes me more... are their waists, or lack there of.

 

[Shinuto]

I never played ninja mode. I will soon. How does it end?

She's covered in poopy diapers...OLD diapers.

Did anyone find the ending of ninja mode.............disturbing?

I found it so absurd I couldn't help but find it funny.

 

[Wademan94]

I love Shantae... but I don't understand how her big *** head can support her little *** neck.

Must be all that Genie magic.

I’m more impressed it’s able to support both her head AND her massive ponytail on top of her whipping it back and forth with enough force to damage opponents with. It’s little but don’t underestimate its strength

She's covered in poopy diapers...OLD diapers.

I found it so absurd I couldn't help but find it funny.

Couldn’t have let Stephano discover that on their own, could you? I mean we wouldn’t be able to see their initial reaction regardless but still.

 

[Shinuto]

I’m more impressed it’s able to support both her head AND her massive ponytail on top of her whipping it back and forth with enough force to damage opponents with. It’s little but don’t underestimate its strength



Couldn’t have let Stephano discover that on their own. I mean we wouldn’t be able to see their initial reaction regardless but still.

I mean...its his fault for asking in the first place. If it mattered that much he would'n't have asked and worked to find out on his own.

 

[LaBeteNoire]

I mean...its his fault for asking in the first place. If it mattered that much he would'n't have asked and worked to find out on his own.

Well some of us didn't ask and saw your response out of context anyway. I mean we have spoiler tags for a reason.

 

[Guybrush20X6]

Except it was, because both Solid Snake and Bomberman appeared in the game.
And I am sure they wouldn't have made it, without Konami being okay with it.

Let me quote what I said earlier:

That's exactly what I said, he wasn't a safe bet until Snake was in.

 

[meleebrawler]

I never played ninja mode. I will soon. How does it end?

You don't wanna know. I didn't know, I found it out, now I wish I didn't know, and now I'm telling you, you don't wanna know.

Suffice it to say it is possible to be so absurd that it is no longer funny.

I love Shantae... but I don't understand how her big *** head can support her little *** neck.

Must be all that Genie magic.

Doesn't almost everyone in Shantae have tiny necks for their big heads?

Answer me how Ridley eats with his scrawny neck, then we'll talk.

 

[Shinuto]

Well some of us didn't ask and saw your response out of context anyway. I mean we have spoiler tags for a reason.

ehh.

 

[GhostStorm]

A very common misconception people have about this game is that Sakurai said he took data from the ballot, he never said he would choose from the top 20 or top 50 or whatever third number, most popular character voted for on the ballot. Even if the character was in reason, he never stated that's how it works. I'm sure characters like Richter and Simon are well loved, but as a fan of the series I've never heard large amounts of request for either of them. What does this mean? A character probably only had to do really well, and get shown good support to be considered for the game. This is one of the reasons why you will NEVER know the results of that ballot at least on Nintendo's part. While the ballot most likely played a huge part in Sakurai's decision, at the end of the day that's what it is....his decision.

 

[Parallel_Falchion]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Simon was mentioned on Verge's very first leak, which was before the Smash Ultimate reveal at the E3 Direct. He also mentioned there that the game will feature every previous Smash character and "Everyone is Here!" will be the tagline.

Vergeben did leak Simon prior to E3, but he didn't leak that every veteran was returning, and he certainly didn't have the tagline. He did state that certain veterans like Snake and Ice Climbers were returning, though.

So what did I get wrong?

You put Dixie Kong as an echo fighter.

 

[perfectchaos83]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I think Simon was mentioned on Verge's very first leak, which was before the Smash Ultimate reveal at the E3 Direct. He also mentioned there that the game will feature every previous Smash character and "Everyone is Here!" will be the tagline.

This was Vergeben's very first Smash Leak: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/234547-super-smash-bros-ultimate/76403748

As You can see, it's bull****.

This was his second: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/234547-super-smash-bros-ultimate/76421310

It's correct, but worth noting, this is after the Resetera Ridley hits were thrown around

This is the Leak most remember: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/234547-super-smash-bros-ultimate/76614511

He added Snake and Minecraft content later in the thread. Worth noting, that Stealth made mention of Simon before Vergeben did (Credible or not, he is in contact with supposed insiders).

Verge never dropped the name of Smash nor the tagline.

 

[DOTBHDD]

Verge can suck it!

I don't want him leaking ****! Just let everything be a surprise.

 

[Jave]

Vergeben did leak Simon prior to E3, but he didn't leak that every veteran was returning, and he certainly didn't have the tagline. He did state that certain veterans like Snake and Ice Climbers were returning, though.


You put Dixie Kong as an echo fighter.

This was Vergeben's very first Smash Leak: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/234547-super-smash-bros-ultimate/76403748

As You can see, it's bull****.

This was his second: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/234547-super-smash-bros-ultimate/76421310

It's correct, but worth noting, this is after the Resetera Ridley hits were thrown around

This is the Leak most remember: https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/boards/234547-super-smash-bros-ultimate/76614511

He added Snake and Minecraft content later in the thread. Worth noting, that Stealth made mention of Simon before Vergeben did (Credible or not, he is in contact with supposed insiders).

Verge never dropped the name of Smash nor the tagline.

Thanks for the corrections. I don't really follow leaks much which is why I asked for confirmation. I do remember a group of people from another site discussing how "most people weren't predicting Simon until Verge mentioned him" so I kinda went from there.

 

[Deleted member]

I stumbled onto this which only talks about AT

https://boards.fireden.net/v/thread/435223613/#435223613

The only thing that killed it was Amy lol

You all know the rules of 3rd party series AT right?

Plus its missing mallow