merchantofsalt
Smash Apprentice
- Joined
- Mar 18, 2018
- Messages
- 117
One of the main issues with getting a Gradius character in Smash is that Gradius doesn't really have recognizable characters; the closest they have are the spaceships themselves, which would probably be too awkward to implement as anything more then Assist Trophies. But this is where Parodius comes in. Parodius is a series that, as the name implies, parodies Gradius by producing colorful, bizarre shoot-'em-ups with comical characters and enemies. Parodius is developed by Konami as well, and there's a lot of crossover between the two series. Most importantly, in the Parodius series you play as actual characters, which could perfectly make for a playable fighter in Smash. So with that said, let's go over our options:
Vic Viper
Vic Viper is the "main" spaceship of the Gradius series, and the most recognizable by fans. In the more cartoony Parodius series, he's turned into a sentient character of his own. However, it's hard to believe that Sakurai would choose to implement this character in his Gradius or Parodius versions; Vic Viper seems better-suited for Assist Trophy status.
Moai
Moai--an actual Moai head statue like the ones on Easter Island--is a recurring enemy in the Gradius/Parodius series and the unofficial franchise mascot. Moai has appeared as a Gradius representative in various crossover games, including Konami Krazy Racers (pictured above) and the platform fighter DreamMix TV: World Fighters (gameplay). In most of these appearances, Moai appears as an actual Moai head statue that shuffles around, firing energy rings and lasers as in the original series. It's possible Sakurai would choose this character, as he has traditionally been the series representative, although it would take some work to give him a full-fledged Smash moveset.
Takosuke
Takosuke is a floating cartoon octopus and a recurring character in the Parodius series. He's also the default protagonist of Jikyou Oshaberi Parodius, released initially for the Super Famicom. Like the other characters on this list, Takosuke has access to different shot formations via options, a vast array of power-ups, and a bomb. His younger brother Takohiko and childhood friend Belial could easily appear as alts.
Pentarou
Pentarou is the recurring protagonist of the Parodius series, a gun-toting, flying penguin. His girlfriend Hanako could easily appear as an alt costume as well. Pentarou is a recurring playable character, so he could use all the various shot options and bombs of the Gradius and Parodius series, summoning various ships and characters as assists via special moves. To me, this would probably be the most appropriate character choice to represent Gradius and Parodius as a whole, especially considering that Pentarou has also appeared in various other Konami crossovers, and has connections to non-Gradius Konami games like Yume Penguin Monogatari.
Hikaru and Akane
Hikaru and Akane are a pair of rocket-riding bunny girls, and also recurring playable characters in the Parodius games; unsurprisingly, they are the protagonists of Sexy Parodius. Hikaru and Akane are fan-favorite series characters, which would make them eligible for inclusion, though they might be a little too sexy for Smash. I guess if Bayonetta can get in (albeit with many aspects toned down) it's also possible for Hikaru and Akane (as palette swaps of each other) to make it.
Why should they be in Smash?
As I said, the Gradius series has significant importance and influence and Japanese video games as a whole. It's one of Konami's most important classic series alongside the likes of Contra and Castlevania. It's unlikely that we'll get an obscure retro curveball character such as this as part of Smash's DLC, but not impossible.
How would they play?
In order to honor Gradius and Parodius's shoot-'em-up gameplay style, the character should be easy to launch, have excellent air mobility/recovery, and access to a variety of projectiles, making them a light zoner. The character's Neutral Special could be a ranged shot, with properties and formations that change by accessing different "Options" through other specials, giving them the ability to control space like almost no other character. They could also have access to bombs and/or the ability to summon other characters from the game as persistent assist characters, who would shoot at enemies consistently until they disappear.
Supporters List:
cj.
PsychoJosh
tonygameman
Kirbeh
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(I heard of Parodius and played a little Gradius. Parodius is high on my list of shmups I wanna play one day.)