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

[Shadowknight1]

If Cloud was leaked prior to his reveal as "Square Enix Character" everyone would have assumed geno then too.

I would've assumed Terra from FF6 or a generic FF Light Warrior, to be honest. I still think that Square forced Cloud on Sakurai. He said, "Hey, can we put a Final Fantasy character in Smash?" They said, "It has to be Cloud, he has to have a Midgar stage, and there can't be any music remixes." Cloud is treated as garbage tier as far as how well he represents his game and series compared to other characters.

Thing about Nintendo fans is they are often blinded by their fandom.

Think Bayo, If Nintendo never adopted Bayonetta do you really beileve she would of won the ballot? I dont think so they would of seen her as more of a Sony/Microsoft rep.

When it comes to Shovel Knight He has the whole NES Nostaliga thing going for him, So throw in an Amiibo, then suddenly hes a "nintendo character"

Of the three characters I would've voted for in the ballot, the main ones on my mind were Shantae, Krystal, and Bayonetta. Bayo was at the bottom and I never put in a vote for her because I thought "There is no way they will ever put her in Smash Bros." Sure enough, the one I don't vote for gets in and one of the ones I voted for gets AT status in the sequel.

 

[LunarLiv]

Question for all of you, how do you think the perception of Shantae and her series will change if she gets in Ultimate?

It'd probably get a few people to check out her games and stuff, two of which are also on Switch, and that'd be good! I like 'em a bunch. Also more people would probably know who she is, which is neat. Like when I first heard of Ness in Smash 1 I was like "WHO?" and now I know about Earthbound and junk! Shantae's games are just fun tho, so I reckon it'll be a positive thing

A lot of people have Smash as their first contact with certain characters, and if they like those characters or think they're cool, they might check out that characters' series.

 

[EarlTamm]

I would've assumed Terra from FF6 or a generic FF Light Warrior, to be honest. I still think that Square forced Cloud on Sakurai. He said, "Hey, can we put a Final Fantasy character in Smash?" They said, "It has to be Cloud, he has to have a Midgar stage, and there can't be any music remixes." Cloud is treated as garbage tier as far as how well he represents his game and series compared to other characters.

Unless both Sakurai and Nomura lied to our faces, that is not what happened. They said they were more shocked that he did not pick one of their modern characters, which if Tekken is anything to go by, is what they would rather go for. Everything just seems completely logical. And as for the whole music thing, apparently FF7's composer is stingy with the tracks from that game. I mean, he has every right to be, they are iconic as heck, but still. There was no way the first FF7 character was gonna be anything else.

 

[Captain Hazama]

I would've assumed Terra from FF6 or a generic FF Light Warrior, to be honest. I still think that Square forced Cloud on Sakurai. He said, "Hey, can we put a Final Fantasy character in Smash?" They said, "It has to be Cloud, he has to have a Midgar stage, and there can't be any music remixes." Cloud is treated as garbage tier as far as how well he represents his game and series compared to other character's.

Sakurai is the one who chose Cloud. Square wanted someone else because they though Cloud was too old of a choice. I think they were hoping for Lighting. I like her, but not when Square kinda shoves her in your face.

 

[DeltaSceptile]

A lot of people have Smash as their first contact with certain characters, and if they like those characters or think they're cool, they might check out that characters' series.

Don’t hate me for this, but that was me with Kirby and Fox.

 

[LunarLiv]

Don’t hate me for this, but that was me with Kirby and Fox.

That's actually fine, you'll get no hate! Like that's the coolest thing about a new smash character, it can draw new eyes to series that people didn't even know about. It's neat! I reckon there must have been a lot of people who had no idea who half of the original cast was, but now they're ingrained in your brain.

 

[AngrySun88]

Question for all of you, how do you think the perception of Shantae and her series will change if she gets in Ultimate?

At the very least it would increase her popularity. There would be more fan art of her with the Smash cast and people would check out her games.

If there's enough demand, WayForward or Nintendo could re-release some of her older games on the Switch.

 

[Shadowknight1]

Sakurai is the one who chose Cloud. Square wanted someone else because they though Cloud was too old of a choice. I think they were hoping for Lighting. I like her, but not when Square kinda shoves her in your face.

No Final Fantasy character from a game past 6 makes sense for Smash Bros. No MAIN SERIES game has been on a Nintendo console since 6. It should've been a character from 6 or earlier, not Cloud. No matter how "iconic" he may be. And Lightning would've made even less sense cause very few people seem to like her or her games.

 

[MoveMan1]

No Final Fantasy character from a game past 6 makes sense for Smash Bros. No MAIN SERIES game has been on a Nintendo console since 6. It should've been a character from 6 or earlier, not Cloud. No matter how "iconic" he may be. And Lightning would've made even less sense cause very few people seem to like her or her games.

I agree, but I fear that any FF rep before cloud would be too much of a "huh?" choice for casual fans to be profitable.

 

[EarlTamm]

I agree, but I fear that any FF rep before cloud would be too much of a "huh?" choice for casual fans to be profitable.

I think that was also Sakurai general thought. He mentioned thinking about some other characters, but figured to go with the most recognizable face of the whole series. From the article:
Sakurai: This isn’t an exact number, but among the requests for a Final Fantasy character to appear in Smash, around ¼ to ⅓ of the requests we got from fans were for Cloud. [TN1] I really wanted to answer the desires of those fans, and even though I thought it would be impossible, I reached out anyway, just to try.

Nomura: When we first talked, I asked “are you sure you’re okay with Cloud?” He’s not a character from a new game, after all.

Sakurai: But on the other hand, if you think about who to add from Final Fantasy, it’s hard to come up with a choice that’s not Cloud. We could have used Terra or Bartz, protagonists in their own right, but I feel like there would be some people who wouldn’t know who those characters are.

https://sourcegaming.info/2016/01/20/sakurai-x-nomura-creator-interview-2016-part-one/

 

[Jazzy Jinx]

...but I feel like there would be some people who wouldn’t know who those characters are.

People... People know Shantae, right...?

They do, right...?

 

[RetroMetalSonic]

It'd probably get a few people to check out her games and stuff, two of which are also on Switch, and that'd be good! I like 'em a bunch. Also more people would probably know who she is, which is neat. Like when I first heard of Ness in Smash 1 I was like "WHO?" and now I know about Earthbound and junk! Shantae's games are just fun tho, so I reckon it'll be a positive thing

A lot of people have Smash as their first contact with certain characters, and if they like those characters or think they're cool, they might check out that characters' series.

Yeah, Shantae appearing in Smash would be a huge benefit for her and WayForward. I mean, Smash Bros. sparked my interest for the Star Fox, F-Zero, Earthbound and Mega Man games. (Which lead to me eventually buying Star Fox Adventures, F-Zero GX, Earthbound and the original Mega Man.) If Shantae makes it in it could draw in thousands of new fans and generate more sales of her games.

 

[kendikong]

I never played or seen her games, but it only took me one gameplay video for me to jump on the Shantae bandwagon.

I don't care if a lot of people may not know who she is, but as soon as they see her in motion they will be all for her.

 

[WingedSupernova]

People... People know Shantae, right...?

They do, right...?

Keep in mind that Richter was added as an echo simply because Sakurai wanted people to learn about the character. A similar thought process could be held true for an indie fighter.

 

[MoveMan1]

Keep in mind that Richter was added as an echo simply because Sakurai wanted people to learn about the character. A similar thought process could be held true for an indie fighter.

And also because half of Simon's moveset is based of him. And it's not like Shantae can be as low effort as an echo fighter.

 

[Captain Hazama]

The funny thing is, I was more excited about Richter then Simon. Then again, I never did pay attention who's Simon or what. I just knew their last names and that's it lol. Some fan I am.

 

[perfectchaos83]

The funny thing is, I was more excited about Richter then Simon. Then again, I never did pay attention who's Simon or what. I just knew their last names and that's it lol. Some fan I am.

Trust me, Castlevania fans are more excited for Richter than Simon.

 

[DeltaSceptile]

The funny thing is, I was more excited about Richter then Simon. Then again, I never did pay attention who's Simon or what. I just knew their last names and that's it lol. Some fan I am.

Somehow I feel like Richter fits in better, design and personality wise. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m always more interested in the secondary protagonist than the main one.

 

[Shadowknight1]

Trust me, Castlevania fans are more excited for Richter than Simon.

I don't buy that considering how many reactions I saw that said "Alright, Simon! Cool! Who the heck is Richter?" Often pronouncing it "RICH-ter" rather than "RICK-ter"

 

[EarlTamm]

I don't buy that considering how many reactions I saw that said "Alright, Simon! Cool! Who the heck is Richter?" Often pronouncing it "RICH-ter" rather than "RICK-ter"

And were those people Castlevania fans? Castlevania fans often joke that that is the way you can tell who are true fans or posers.

 

[perfectchaos83]

I don't buy that considering how many reactions I saw that said "Alright, Simon! Cool! Who the heck is Richter?" Often pronouncing it "RICH-ter" rather than "RICK-ter"

They probably aren't Castlevania fans. Any serious fan of Castlevania knows who Richter is. He's the 2nd most popular protagonist after Alucard.

 

[Guybrush20X6]

I don't buy that considering how many reactions I saw that said "Alright, Simon! Cool! Who the heck is Richter?" Often pronouncing it "RICH-ter" rather than "RICK-ter"

I think for the majority of western Castlevania fans, the main characters are Simon, Trevor, Alucard and Soma with Richter being "that Belmont from SotN". Richter's original game never came out in the west but a poorer port of it did which at the time was seen as a step down from Super Castlevania IV.

 

[EarlTamm]

Anyway, back to Shantae. We have discussed Palutena's Guidance to death, but never really what would happen if Snake were to codec Shantae, at least from what I recall. I am curious how someone like Snake would react to Shantae.

 

[TheRandomCities4]

I just remembered that I have a tradition where I have Captain Falcon falcon punch KO all newcomers once since Brawl. I call it "initiation". If Shantae gets in, I'd have to initiate her as well xD

Anyway, back to Shantae. We have discussed Palutena's Guidance to death, but never really what would happen if Snake were to codec Shantae, at least from what I recall. I am curious how someone like Snake would react to Shantae.

Seeing all the codecs for Smash 4 and Ultimate newcomers is going to be interesting (provided that they'll even do it).

 

[EarlTamm]

Seeing all the codecs for Smash 4 and Ultimate newcomers is going to be interesting (provided that they'll even do it).

I don't see how it's not coming back. David Hayter is doing some voice work for this game, he has not specified though, and we all know that Sakurai is not the kind of person or developer to leave that sort of thing behind, minor as it is.

 

[KirbyWorshipper2465]

Hey, if other indies were to appear and get the Shovel Knight treatment as an assist trophy, what indies would you guys want to see?

Xtreme Sports' Fin and Guppi skateboarding/surfing all over people.

Also, Juan from Guacamelee, since we still don't have any grapplers.

 

[LunarLiv]

Anyway, back to Shantae. We have discussed Palutena's Guidance to death, but never really what would happen if Snake were to codec Shantae, at least from what I recall. I am curious how someone like Snake would react to Shantae.

He'd probably comment on her clothing and underestimate her, followed by someone explaining to him that Shantae can transform and whip things with her hair, followed by snake going HGNAGH.

I'm really looking forward to seeing codecs and stuff, those and the palutena conversations are both great.

 

[EarlTamm]

He'd probably comment on her clothing and underestimate her, followed by someone explaining to him that Shantae can transform and whip things with her hair, followed by snake going HGNAGH.

I'm really looking forward to seeing codecs and stuff, those and the palutena conversations are both great.

Still probably not the weirdest enemy he has come across, in and out of Smash Bros.

 

[THE 6r]

Still probably not the weirdest enemy he has come across, in and out of Smash Bros.

Giant purple space dragon, obese crocodile king, electric rodent, telepathic dog-thing, blue hedgehog, literally a 2D sprite, anthropomorphic space animals that fly starships, ninja frog, an actual goddess, and a giant mutant turtle are in this game. A half-genie that looks, for the most part, like an average human doesn't even come close to the weirdest thing in this game.

 

[EarlTamm]

Giant purple space dragon, obese crocodile king, electric rodent, telepathic dog-thing, blue hedgehog, literally a 2D sprite, anthropomorphic space animals that fly starships, ninja frog, an actual goddess, and a giant mutant turtle are in this game. A half-genie that looks, for the most part, like an average human doesn't even come close to the weirdest thing in this game.

Yeah, I am pretty sure she is somehow out weirded by some enemy's in Metal Gear as well. It's part of the charm of Metal Gear.

 

[Biometal]

Come on guys, I am disappointed. What about seeing Wario draw Shantae? If anyone can capture Shantae's image, it's Wario. Just look at this man's art skills.

Beautiful.

Anyway, back to Shantae. We have discussed Palutena's Guidance to death, but never really what would happen if Snake were to codec Shantae, at least from what I recall. I am curious how someone like Snake would react to Shantae.

[Snake]
Otacon, who's this girl in front of me...? She keeps dancing, but not like the types of dancing you'd usually see these days...

[Otacon]
Dancing? Oh, you must mean belly-dancing. That would be Shantae. Shantae is a genie from Sequin Land. She possesses a unique variety of abilities, including transformation, which she can activate by performing certain dances. However, she mainly attacks with her hair.

[Snake]
Hmm...a genie, huh...? Looks like more of an ordinary girl with a ponytail, if you ask me...

[Otacon]
No, Snake. She may look like an ordinary human-being, but that's only because she's chosen to keep a human form.

[Snake]
Huh...that's kind of confusing...does this mean she'll grant me three wishes if I asked her?

[Otacon]
Uh... actually, I'm not entirely sure. But! If you decide to, make sure you wish for me an endless supply of mabo curry!

[Snake]
I don't even know what that is...

[Otacon]
Nevermind that, Snake. Just watch out for her attacks. She's a sweet girl, but cross her and you may end up with lashes all over your body.

[Snake]
Hng... interesting. Got it.

[Otacon]
Oh! Wait, Snake! Make sure to ask for a large side of guacamole! Snake? Snaaaaaaaaaaaaaake!

----

Well, I tried.

 

[KirbyWorshipper2465]

Giant purple space dragon, obese crocodile king, electric rodent, telepathic dog-thing, blue hedgehog, literally a 2D sprite, anthropomorphic space animals that fly starships, ninja frog, an actual goddess, and a giant mutant turtle are in this game. A half-genie that looks, for the most part, like an average human doesn't even come close to the weirdest thing in this game.

And the roster isn't finished yet, either, so we might see him confront a spear-wielding mouthless thing, a bird and bear working together, a wooden puppet that's armed to the teeth and a limbless thingamajig, among others.

 

[VizardJeffhog]

A lot of people have Smash as their first contact with certain characters, and if they like those characters or think they're cool, they might check out that characters' series.

That was me with Fire Emblem! I remembered hitting the gym one morning and hearing there was gonna be a special presentation going live on the website, so I kinda just ducked out to use the public computer and watch what was gonna be shown off. Cue Robin and Lucina, followed by me finally caving in and walking to the nearest Toys'R'Us to pick up a copy of Awakening. I cried hard that night after that one chapter...

What I'm most looking forward to a Shantae reveal is where she'd find herself on the panoramic art with everyone together. That was really fun to see updated live in the last Direct with five characters tacked on, and I hope it's a trend they'll keep going with other character announcements towards release!

 

[Mrs.Milky]

I'm sure someone mentioned it but
"This is going to be the ULTIMATE Slumber party" and "EVERYBODY is invited"
We all know what that means

 

[Biometal]

What I'm most looking forward to a Shantae reveal is where she'd find herself on the panoramic art with everyone together. That was really fun to see updated live in the last Direct with five characters tacked on, and I hope it's a trend they'll keep going with other character announcements towards release!

It looks like there's a good space smack-dab between ZZS, Dark Samus and Marth.

 

[EarlTamm]

When it comes to Snake's Codec, do you think Snake is gonna be talking to Otacon, Mei Ling, or Cambell for Shantae?

 

[zferolie]

It looks like there's a good space smack-dab between ZZS, Dark Samus and Marth.

I would't look at that, they spread and make room any time they add a character

 

[WreckitRyan]

It looks like there's a good space smack-dab between ZZS, Dark Samus and Marth.

I have been juggling between that space and, as someone on one of my videos pointed out, in the space between Link, Simon, and Sonic, bumping hips with Daisy.

 

[Shadowknight1]

I'm sure someone mentioned it but
"This is going to be the ULTIMATE Slumber party" and "EVERYBODY is invited"
We all know what that means

May not mean anything. Could be wrong, but it could just be for fun.

I would't look at that, they spread and make room any time they add a character

Can confirm, I checked the banners against each other before and after the direct and they moved characters around for the newcomers.

 

[EarlTamm]

I have been juggling between that space and, as someone on one of my videos pointed out, in the space between Link, Simon, and Sonic, bumping hips with Daisy.

That would be kinda fitting. There are some other cases in that picture of characters interacting with each other, so it is not out of the question.