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

[Wademan94]

Here’s what I got so far for Spirit Battles:
I’m currently not sure who Risky, Rotty or the Tinkerbats would be...
Sky-Sheik, Wrench-Mini Falco
Bolo-Richter or Ike
Squid Baron-Giant Kirby

 

[LaBeteNoire]

I think the plant's pretty cool.
Nice little random fringe character. It'll be fun to beat people with it.
Not a main prize, but that it's a random enemy makes it special too

Honestly, i dont think the season pass is worth it that much. I might have to look at prices again, but I dont think i'll buy all characters so i might as well wait and see if i want them
(I do kind of wonder tho if it'll offer mii outfits and stuff with it)

Well, they said the individual sets (fighter/stage/music) would be $5.99 and the pass of five sets would be $24.99 so it will eventually save you $5. However if that's one dollar every 3 months... and it turns out one or two of fighters are ones you don;t care about (example I did not buy Cloud in 4 for personal reasons) then yeah, not getting the pass might be best.

Since Nintendo keeps their bundle prices long after the content has been releasing, i think it's safe to wait until they announce a few to decide if it's worth the investment.

 

[Teeb147]

I'm all for dlc, and Matt and WF still havent responded to questions about if she could be in for it, but it's these kinds of tweets that make me question whether she even could be:

Thank you @Sora_Sakurai and @NintendoAmerica for including Shantae in Super Smash Bros Ultimate!! This means so much to Shantae fans, and to the folks who've helped bring her to life over the years. Such an honor. Launch day can't come soon enough!! ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/G0cYpyxo5n

— Matt Bozon (@MrBozon) November 1, 2018

Sakurai has talent and can make the most WTF and what should be boring and dumb character into something super interesting and fun looking

The pass is pretty worth it. Its 5 bucks less then SF5 but you also have 1 less character, plus the stages in smash tend to be a lot more detailed. It is a lot cheaper then SC6, which only has 3 characters, 3 stages, and create a character outfits. And lets not even start on DoA5's rediculous DLC prices costing a total of over a grand.

Plus the fact Sakurai hasn't started working on them(or any big detailed work at least), so you cannot say this is cut content from the base game, like Tira and maybe 2b in SC6 and many other examples in fighter games, is quite great

For only saving 5$ it's not worth it for me. I probably wont get them unless I want them. I can picture getting 3 of them, which is just 18$

 

[Hyfiner]

Every Smash game has had a joke character and Piranha is just the ultimate variation.But at this point Piranha plant has become such a meme it's ironically become many people's favorite.

Sure lots of people were/are angry because they believe Piranha stole a spot from their character(which isn't how it works btw) but it seemed to have grown on many, myself included.

Besides you can't not tell me Piranha plant winning EVO 2019 wouldn't be hype as hell.

 

[Deleted member]

Guys I’m not gonna lie but......2 months ago I was about to accept Steve as a playable fighter until.........

 

[SoupCanMafia]

I just got a bad meme idea: You know the spirits and how they've replaced trophies?
You could say they're B O N E L E S S T R O P H I E S

 

[Paragon-Yoshi]

that positive attitude of yours sure is contagious



people can formulate whatever opinions they want, but, incineroar wasn't on the grinch leak banner, was he? and isaac was, but look at the nature of those two. it's kinda over for the grinch leak. i won't deny there are a couple characters there that still have a shot though.

Thanks a lot! :D

Enjoy tonight or the day with this

Artist: Dragonith

View attachment 174960

Ok, that's a good one. :D


Also, to everyone who is still worried that Spirits are a deconfirmation, be at ease.
WreckItRyan says why here.

 

[Wademan94]

I just got a bad meme idea: You know the spirits and how they've replaced trophies?
You could say they're B O N E L E S S T R O P H I E S

...huh?

 

[kevinthedot]

Guys I’m not gonna lie but......2 months ago I was about to accept Steve as a playable fighter until.........

I actually had a thought about that. So, Verge was saying there'd be SOMETHING Minecraft, but he wasn't sure what, right?
Well what if the answer is that Steve will be a Spirit and/or an unlockable Mii costume? They're clearly willing to do some full body costumes this time. Steve would totally work as a Mii Swordfighter costume that they just didn't highlight in the direct, same way they didn't really focus much on Shantae's inclusion.

That'd be huge because then the Minecraft stuff could be out of the way and leave room open for Banjo to take a full DLC fighter set.

 

[Mario9919]

The most important thing is to make our own opinions regardless of what others tell us.
Of course my opinion is probably biased by the fact that I really want Shantae in, but not to the point of being blinded.
As objevcive as I can be, I believe that we are among the luckiest members of the smash community today ( because who really wanted Ken and Incineroar ?) and that we are not delusional.

The same way I never believed the banner leak for instance, my brain and heart tell me that I'm not crazy to believe Shantae will be in.
Last night at a party, some friends of mine ( Isaac supporters ) were disregadring Shante's chances while claiming Isaac was a lock and that the banner was 100% true. Look where we are now ! We are almost the only ones standing strong today

Although it's going to take some extra time and our pations will come and go, we must keep hoping and keep showing our presence.

Yeah. Earlier today I was mocked because I said Shantae still has chance as DLC. Jerk said I was salty and that she's deconfirmed.

 

[Wwlink55]

Thanks a lot! :D


Ok, that's a good one. :D


Also, to everyone who is still worried that Spirits are a deconfirmation, be at ease.
WreckItRyan says why here.

Good video.

Also...just pointing it out... We still are one of the most popular newcomer threads on Smashboards. If we keep support going, we could actually get her in as DLC. If she's popular enough, and they realize she's popular, she has a genuine shot

 

[zferolie]

I'm all for dlc, and Matt and WF still havent responded to questions about if she could be in for it, but it's these kinds of tweets that make me question whether she even could be:

Thank you @Sora_Sakurai and @NintendoAmerica for including Shantae in Super Smash Bros Ultimate!! This means so much to Shantae fans, and to the folks who've helped bring her to life over the years. Such an honor. Launch day can't come soon enough!! ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/G0cYpyxo5n

— Matt Bozon (@MrBozon) November 1, 2018

For only saving 5$ it's not worth it for me. I probably wont get them unless I want them. I can picture getting 3 of them, which is just 18$

I find it hard to enjoy a game without having all the playable options

Every Smash game has had a joke character and Piranha is just the ultimate variation.But at this point Piranha plant has become such a meme it's ironically become many people's favorite.

Sure lots of people were/are angry because they believe Piranha stole a spot from their character(which isn't how it works btw) but it seemed to have grown on many, myself included.

Besides you can't not tell me Piranha plant winning EVO 2019 wouldn't be hype as hell.

A Plant doing tech perfect shield and finishing evo in a evo 21 style moment.... jesus lol

Thanks a lot! :D


Ok, that's a good one. :D


Also, to everyone who is still worried that Spirits are a deconfirmation, be at ease.
WreckItRyan says why here.

Good video, everything we Disscussed but helps spread the word out

 

[Teeb147]

Well a spirit definitely doesn't deconfirm, and we have examples for that, so that's all there is to it.

What I have trouble though is what I mentioned in my last post, about Matt's grateful attitude, like it's a great honor and it sounds like it's all she could get. I mean it's awesome to be grateful, but it just doesn't fit well with how the fans might take it. Unless he's just glad to finally be able to say something about it and it's going beyond just the spirit. Arr I dunno what to think anymore. It doesnt seem good, but i could see it not being bad necessarily.

 

[Hyfiner]

I just got a bad meme idea: You know the spirits and how they've replaced trophies?
You could say they're B O N E L E S S T R O P H I E S

Trophy machine B R O K E we got Spirits though.
for the unitiated

 

[Teeb147]

I find it hard to enjoy a game without having all the playable options



A Plant doing tech perfect shield and finishing evo in a evo 21 style moment.... jesus lol



Good video, everything we Disscussed but helps spread the word out

That's pretty extreme... but it fits with certain kinds of perfectionism, maybe.
What's not needed is.. well, unnecessary. If Im hardly going to play a character I might as well not get them. Waste of money.
And if ever for some reason I do change my mind, I can still get them. Knowing myself now though, I'll be able to tell if I want something or not.

As for the plant. From what I saw it's looking like actually a good character (meta's undevelopped for now tho), so yeah, we're probably going to see it around
I'll be using it as a pocket myself, besides just for fun

And I agree the video might be useful for some people.

 

[Wwlink55]

We should band together with our friends over at the Geno board and try to get both of our newcomers in. We're in the same boat, and I think we both deserve to be in at this point, and we definitely have the momentum for it.

 

[zferolie]

Well a spirit definitely doesn't deconfirm, and we have examples for that, so that's all there is to it.

What I have trouble though is what I mentioned in my last post, about Matt's grateful attitude, like it's a great honor and it sounds like it's all she could get. I mean it's awesome to be grateful, but it just doesn't fit well with how the fans might take it. Unless he's just glad to finally be able to say something about it and it's going beyond just the spirit. Arr I dunno what to think anymore. It doesnt seem good, but i could see it not being bad necessarily.

Honestly I would be just as greatful if a character of mine was able to appear in a megahit like smash, even if it is minor. How he is acting is not bad at all. Plus, he she already is planned for DLC he can't say anything else. if she isn't planned they may want to wait a day or so before the break the news.

That's pretty extreme... but it fits with certain kinds of perfectionism, maybe.
What's not needed is.. well, unnecessary. If Im hardly going to play a character I might as well not get them. Waste of money.
And if ever for some reason I do change my mind, I can still get them. Knowing myself now though, I'll be able to tell if I want something or not.

As for the plant. From what I saw it's looking like actually a good character (meta's undevelopped for now tho), so yeah, we're probably going to see it around
I'll be using it as a pocket myself, besides just for fun

And I agree the video might be useful for some people.

I understand if thats not how you feel. Just saying I get ansty if I don't have every option in games... especially fighters as even if I may never play as them a friend may want to.

I find it amusing that people are already analizing frame data for it, as well as the other characters. I feel like Isabelle is also going to be quite strong, and K Rool maybe too due to that insane recovery.

 

[Teeb147]

Honestly I would be just as greatful if a character of mine was able to appear in a megahit like smash, even if it is minor. How he is acting is not bad at all. Plus, he she already is planned for DLC he can't say anything else. if she isn't planned they may want to wait a day or so before the break the news.



I understand if thats not how you feel. Just saying I get ansty if I don't have every option in games... especially fighters as even if I may never play as them a friend may want to.

I find it amusing that people are already analizing frame data for it, as well as the other characters. I feel like Isabelle is also going to be quite strong, and K Rool maybe too due to that insane recovery.

Well I did have the thought that it might take a bit before WF says something, but now that you say it it does make more sense that they wouldnt want to break it on the same day.
Hopefully we get more news soon. (or we dont and it's a good sign, but it still bothers me lol)

Well, if I know a friend that I'll play with likes a certain character I might be tempted to get it, but yeah maybe I'm a bit more conservative in certain cases. I know everyone's different, and some things can feel complex, so Ill try not to project my own take.

I dont know about k rool, may be better recovery than the other heavies, but not as great of a hitbox.. but maybe he'll be good.
I definitely think Isabelle will be good, just because she has some very important things going for her. I dont know exact frame data, but I dont mind seeing people getting into it

 

[LaBeteNoire]

Anyway, guys I may be taking a break from the thread for a while. I'm not giving up on our girl and a sticker doesn't mean deconfirmation, but my personal life has been taking a heavy toll on me right now.

If any of you still want to chat, i will be checking my private messages, but for now I'm gonna tray and stay off of the thread unless something big happens.

 

[Teeb147]

Oof, what a day. Time to rest.
Keep your head high and enjoy what your life has to offer everyone.

g'night.

Anyway, guys I may be taking a break from the thread for a while. I'm not giving up on our girl and a sticker doesn't mean deconfirmation, but my personal life has been taking a heavy toll on me right now.

If any of you still want to chat, i will be checking my private messages, but for now I'm gonna tray and stay off of the thread unless something big happens.

Take care of yourself. Check in if ever you want and have the time.

I think I'll be more sporadic. Might take a break sometime too, but for now I still feel like being around the thread. We'll see where things go.

 

[Wwlink55]

Anyway, guys I may be taking a break from the thread for a while. I'm not giving up on our girl and a sticker doesn't mean deconfirmation, but my personal life has been taking a heavy toll on me right now.

If any of you still want to chat, i will be checking my private messages, but for now I'm gonna tray and stay off of the thread unless something big happens.

Alright. Hopefully everything goes okay!


Anyway, im off to bed.

Before I go, though... I was thinking. What exactly are we going to talk about without Smash speculation?

I hope there's at least a bit of extra information to come out soon...

 

[GoldLiger]

I know I am repeating things but I believe the error in her artwork is a clue. That is why I am still looking for the Geno spirit artwork.

 

[Tybalt: Herbal One]

I know I am repeating things but I believe the error in her artwork is a clue. That is why I am still looking for the Geno spirit artwork.

Edit: Hit reply before actually typing a response.

We could probably ask Matt/Wayforward about it, though I don't know if they would respond.

 

[Staarih]

Having slept on the Direct, and regarding Shantae, her role as a spirit (as of now) is actually pretty significant and a huge thing for the franchise and WayForward. To get representation in a game as big as Smash is big in itself, but to have a whole scenario based around Shantae in the adventure mode is pretty cool - it's like even under the "Shantae-series", so maybe we'll even have more than one scenario. The items on it are transformation items (well, duh), it takes place on the Pirate Ship as Shantae deals with pirates, it works. Not sure on ZSS being the best pick to represent Shantae, though I guess she's the only character in the roster with a ponytail lol.

Anyway, I'm really content with what we're getting so far. Of course I'm still gonna be rooting for Shantae as DLC, but the acknowledgement she got so far is pretty darn good as is.

 

[meleebrawler]

Having slept on the Direct, and regarding Shantae, her role as a spirit (as of now) is actually pretty significant and a huge thing for the franchise and WayForward. To get representation in a game as big as Smash is big in itself, but to have a whole scenario based around Shantae in the adventure mode is pretty cool - it's like even under the "Shantae-series", so maybe we'll even have more than one scenario. The items on it are transformation items (well, duh), it takes place on the Pirate Ship as Shantae deals with pirates, it works. Not sure on ZSS being the best pick to represent Shantae, though I guess she's the only character in the roster with a ponytail lol.

Anyway, I'm really content with what we're getting so far. Of course I'm still gonna be rooting for Shantae as DLC, but the acknowledgement she got so far is pretty darn good as is.

This is Pirate's Curse Shantae, and ZSS is the only female on the roster with a pistol. They also give her a sword to stand in for a scimitar.

Anyone stop to think of the possibility of there being spirits of other Shantae characters? It would be a funny in-joke to see Barracuda Joe become one again.

 

[DoctorFate]

Well a spirit definitely doesn't deconfirm, and we have examples for that, so that's all there is to it.

What I have trouble though is what I mentioned in my last post, about Matt's grateful attitude, like it's a great honor and it sounds like it's all she could get. I mean it's awesome to be grateful, but it just doesn't fit well with how the fans might take it. Unless he's just glad to finally be able to say something about it and it's going beyond just the spirit. Arr I dunno what to think anymore. It doesnt seem good, but i could see it not being bad necessarily.

I've only seen one tweet from Matt they could indicate she doesn't have a chance at DLC. It was the one I linked earlier and even that you could argue he was just talking about her being a Spirit. Until we get Matt saying something specifically about her not having a chance at DLC or the final DLC drops and she isn't there, I think there is always a chance. While I am going to continue showing my support and frequenting this board to help keep the number up, I'm just kind of pushing the DLC thing into the back of my mind so it doesn't drive me nuts haha

 

[GoldLiger]

This is Pirate's Curse Shantae, and ZSS is the only female on the roster with a pistol. They also give her a sword to stand in for a scimitar.

Anyone stop to think of the possibility of there being spirits of other Shantae characters? It would be a funny in-joke to see Barracuda Joe become one again.

The Shantae shown in the Direct was a mirrored artwork of her HGH form.

Also I don't know if people posted it here but the song from that World of Light trailer is sung by the same person who did the Kingdom Hearts series main theme. Sora for Smash maybe?

 

[Shinuto]

Yeah. Earlier today I was mocked because I said Shantae still has chance as DLC. Jerk said I was salty and that she's deconfirmed.

People now even more set on her being deconfirmed will make the eventual reveal all the more delicious.

 

[GoldLiger]

People now even more set on her being deconfirmed will make the eventual reveal all the more delicious.

Yeah which is why I knew the moment I asked the question to Matt and WayForward "Why is her artwork mirrored?" I get total silence. I was not even talking about potential DLC but just what was shown.

 

[Shadowknight1]

Enjoy tonight or the day with this

Artist: Dragonith

View attachment 174960

That's kinda cute.

Yeah I can see first Party Echos. Medusa, Dixie Kong(if they go that route), Ninten, Black Shadow, Octolings, and Impa come to mind right away.

For Shantae Spirits, Rsiky Boots, Rooty Tops, Sky, Bolo. Squid Baron, Slime Gal(only so something I created can be in a smash game :D ) and Tinkerbats all make sense.

Whoa, YOU created the Slime Gal?!

 

[Shinuto]

Enjoy tonight or the day with this

Artist: Dragonith

View attachment 174960

I love that somewhat blank "ehhhhh" expression on Shantae's face.

 

[MajestyIndigo]

The luckiest part for us is that we are literally on the same boat as the massively requested Geno.

Also, these tweets from Bozon/WayForward only talk about what we have now. They still carefully avoid any other question regarding smash and DLC !

 

[M00NFIRE94]

Crazy thought but what if the reason we see Shantae as her HGH self is that's how she'll look in the game as a fighter? What if she's 2D like Mr. Game & Watch but unlike him, moves more fluidly?

 

[meleebrawler]

Crazy thought but what if the reason we see Shantae in her HGH appearance is that's how she'll look in the game? What if she's 2D like Mr. Game & Watch but more fluid?

Plenty of trophies and stickers representing fighters over the years have had little visual resemblance between them.

 

[KoopaSaki]

Heh guys I’m coming from the Isaac thread asking if any of you are willing to help us with future golden sun support and possiblynisaac getting promoted to playable. I am going to support you guys with shantae all the way and hope that we can work together just you and the geno bros.

 

[GoldLiger]

Heh guys I’m coming from the Isaac thread asking if any of you are willing to help us with future golden sun support and possiblynisaac getting promoted to playable. I am going to support you guys with shantae all the way and hope that we can work together just you and the geno bros.

If there is either a Golden Sun remake/sequel or a spiritual successor then you have my support.

 

[Paragon-Yoshi]

Well a spirit definitely doesn't deconfirm, and we have examples for that, so that's all there is to it.

What I have trouble though is what I mentioned in my last post, about Matt's grateful attitude, like it's a great honor and it sounds like it's all she could get. I mean it's awesome to be grateful, but it just doesn't fit well with how the fans might take it. Unless he's just glad to finally be able to say something about it and it's going beyond just the spirit. Arr I dunno what to think anymore. It doesnt seem good, but i could see it not being bad necessarily.

That's a problem for the fans, not for WayForward or Matt Bozon.

There is a general disconnect between the fans and Sakurai/WayForward.
Most fans only want a playable character and see anything less as a mockery for their beloved character.
Look at how many people get angry about Assist Trophies and Trophies/Spirits today still, thinking Sakurai is doing this to insult them.


However, I have discussed Sakurai's intentions about Assist Trophies many times already.
And I repeat it once more:
Sakurai sees Assist Trophies as valuable assets and worthly representations of the characters, they just couldn't be realized as fighters.
Same for most Spirits...
In fact, the point of Spirits is to make characters from all over the video game multiverse, actual characters in the game, without having to spend tons of resources and time for them.
There is a reason the Spirit is at the center of the screen in a Spirit Battle and not the used character to represent him.
For example: In the Hal Emmerich fight, you're actually fighting Hal Emmerich, who uses Dr. Mario as his body, since he lost his actual body.

Sakurai even used the word "imagination" a couple times in the Direct.
Something that lots of people are sadly lacking. They expect the proper images to always be on screen, instead of using their mind to fill the blanks.


As for WayForward: Of course, they're gonna thank Nintendo for anything they can get in this game.
What do you expect?!
They're a small company of Nintendo fans. So any representation they can get at all in this game, is a massive honor to them.
And they see Assist Trophies and Spirits the same way as Sakurai does.
Frankly, both Sakurai and the WayForward people are artists.
They know how much effort and time it takes to make content for a video game.

Sadly, the fans don't.


So yeah, most fans will never see things the same way as the artists and devs do.
Nor will they even try to understand the artists/devs.
Which is a shame...


But yeah, the fans are the problem here. Not Sakurai or WayForward.

 

[EarlTamm]

Glad to see that Shantaes inclusion is getting some attention.

シャンティのスピリットを獲得したサムスさん pic.twitter.com/uPlzcoD3kO

— わたりどりぃ🍁C105 1日目 東2 V-08b (@Wata_Ridley) November 2, 2018

 

[zferolie]

It seems people are really gravitating towads Shantae as a spirit. Hope to see more arkwork like this

シャンティのスピリットを獲得したサムスさん pic.twitter.com/uPlzcoD3kO

— わたりどりぃ🍁C105 1日目 東2 V-08b (@Wata_Ridley) November 2, 2018

Well I did have the thought that it might take a bit before WF says something, but now that you say it it does make more sense that they wouldnt want to break it on the same day.
Hopefully we get more news soon. (or we dont and it's a good sign, but it still bothers me lol)

Well, if I know a friend that I'll play with likes a certain character I might be tempted to get it, but yeah maybe I'm a bit more conservative in certain cases. I know everyone's different, and some things can feel complex, so Ill try not to project my own take.

I dont know about k rool, may be better recovery than the other heavies, but not as great of a hitbox.. but maybe he'll be good.
I definitely think Isabelle will be good, just because she has some very important things going for her. I dont know exact frame data, but I dont mind seeing people getting into it

Yeah, we need to be patient.

Understandable. Its probably smarter to be more conservative haha.

That's kinda cute.

Whoa, YOU created the Slime Gal?!

Yup, I was one of the create an enemy backers and made her

The luckiest part for us is that we are literally on the same boat as the massively requested Geno.

Also, these tweets from Bozon/WayForward only talk about what we have now. They still carefully avoid any other question regarding smash and DLC !

Yup, untill we hear otherwise Geno and Shantae are still have a chance

Crazy thought but what if the reason we see Shantae as her HGH self is that's how she'll look in the game as a fighter? What if she's 2D like Mr. Game & Watch but unlike him, moves more fluidly?

Ehh, don't read too much into the artwork. They are using famous/popular artwork for all the spirits, and that one of Shantae is all over recently.

Heh guys I’m coming from the Isaac thread asking if any of you are willing to help us with future golden sun support and possiblynisaac getting promoted to playable. I am going to support you guys with shantae all the way and hope that we can work together just you and the geno bros.

I wouldn't mind a golden sun rep. your best bet now though is Felix or Matthew.

That's a problem for the fans, not for WayForward or Matt Bozon.

There is a general disconnect between the fans and Sakurai/WayForward.
Most fans only want a playable character and see anything less as a mockery for their beloved character.
Look at how many people get angry about Assist Trophies and Trophies/Spirits today still, thinking Sakurai is doing this to insult them.


However, I have discussed Sakurai's intentions about Assist Trophies many times already.
And I repeat it once more:
Sakurai sees Assist Trophies as valuable assets and worthly representations of the characters, they just couldn't be realized as fighters.
Same for most Spirits...
In fact, the point of Spirits is to make characters from all over the video game multiverse, actual characters in the game, without having to spend tons of resources and time for them.
There is a reason the Spirit is at the center of the screen in a Spirit Battle and not the used character to represent him.
For example: In the Hal Emmerich fight, you're actually fighting Hal Emmerich, who uses Dr. Mario as his body, since he lost his actual body.

Sakurai even used the word "imagination" a couple times in the Direct.
Something that lots of people are sadly lacking. They expect the proper images to always be on screen, instead of using their mind to fill the blanks.


As for WayForward: Of course, they're gonna thank Nintendo for anything they can get in this game.
What do you expect?!
They're a small company of Nintendo fans. So any representation they can get at all in this game, is a massive honor to them.
And they see Assist Trophies and Spirits the same way as Sakurai does.
Frankly, both Sakurai and the WayForward people are artists.
They know how much effort and time it takes to make content for a video game.

Sadly, the fans don't.


So yeah, most fans will never see things the same way as the artists and devs do.
Nor will they even try to understand the artists/devs.
Which is a shame...


But yeah, the fans are the problem here. Not Sakurai or WayForward.

I don't get why people think its an insult to be an AT or a spirit. Your series has enough recognition to be included, thats a huge honor. I get playing as your character is better, but don't get mad otherwise.

That is a good point, and I think its what sakurai is going for. You basically ARE fighting those spirits, you just use your imagination a bit. Look at Shantae's match. ZSS in her two piece outfit, has a ponytail, the items are transformation based, has a gun and using a scymitar like for Pirates curse, and on a tropical pirate ship stage. Its all shantae. That is showing Sakurai put a lot of effort into making that fight feel like your are fighting Shantae. Now... if the music on the stage is also Shantae's, or taken to sound like music from the game, thats even better.

Does this mean she can't become playable? No. Assist trophies I think are stuck there due to their important as an item, but I can really see Sakurai saying a spirit could manifist back as a fighter, as all these spirits were actual full bodied people before they got b;asted by the light. Maybe a Shantae reveal trailer shows her being released, but then appears in a 3d model all happy and giddy to be a fighter.

 

[logicandreason]

Morning everyone. How how we today?