Y’know, i’m seeing a lot of discussion about how series “need” a character or should get redesigns. Unfortunately, it seems to me that the “redesigns” are suggested because of needing to be relevant rather than making the gameplay better. This is a video game. How characters play matters. To me, a huge Smash fan (it’s been my favorite since 64), gameplay is more important at this stage in the series lifespan.
I do believe Ganondorf could be reworked to be more accurate to his character. I am concerned however, that fans want him to be strong and fast, a recipe for a character that will be overpowered. Canonically, the only person who can beat Ganon/Ganondorf is Link. In Smash, many, many characters including Link would be unable to compete with that.
In that sense, a slow and strong Ganondorf makes more sense because then he is more easily balanced. In addition, I myself love the idea of adding the Dead Man’s Volley. However, how do we balance that? If he uses it, does that make him a sitting duck? If a character deflects it back, is Ganondorf required to hit it back, thus making him easy to rush down? Then, if he's on the heavier side, he'd be easy to combo.
Fixing Ganondorf is not that easy, or at least not a simple fix. I think there are different things they could do, but it's more about balance than making characters resemble their home series selves. It's important for them to be accurate to work. But Smash is not Zelda. Making Ganondorf the same as his canonical self is problematic on a gameplay level.
As far as the Princess herself, I think her aerial attacks could stay somewhat similar to her current build. But I think she could be faster, not have nearly as many sweet spots or sour spots. Give her the Champion abilities.
On a side note, but a related note...we need to talk about expectations. We're getting BOTW Link and have no idea what changes are occurring. We can all say what we expect, but we don't know. If Zelda gets changed, which I believe that her design will (and her old moveset wouldn't even fit the BOTW design, therefore warranting a moveset overhaul similar to Bowser imo), and then we want a Ganondorf overhaul...are we really expecting a newcomer?
Let's be real, the Zelda series characters in Smash need work. A lot of work. If they get fixed it'll be a much needed breath of fresh air. If you didn't know this (even though I think it's obvious) reworking veterans is similar work to newcomers. BOTW Zelda and a refined Ganondorf would be our Zelda newcomers. If you add another, do we really need 3 Zelda newcomers? Especially one that is no more relevant than the other 3 who were introduced with them?
This brings me to my next point...not every game needs a character to "rep" it. This is why I hate the concept of "reps" and sincerely wish people would stop using the term. It implies that characters get in to "rep" things specifically, rather than gameplay. Obviously, characters represent things from their home series, but the way I've been seeing things it has nothing to do with gameplay for a lot of fans. To them it's more like, "Add this character because new game!". That's preposterous. The Champions can be Assist Trophies, in a BOTW themed stage, etc. That is a HUGE jump to say they should or need to be playable.
You're probably now questioning Sheik. She's a rare case in which she was in because of the circumstances, and is retained because she's an incredibly popular vet.
As a fan of Zelda, I think the Assist Trophies are excellent roles for the characters. I can not only appreciate that Sakurai has another job prepared for characters like Skull Kid, Midna, and others, but it helps me understand that not every character is going to be playable. That is an unfortunate reality we need to come to grips with. Obviously, Little Mac and Charizard show characters can outgrow the "non-playable but Smash appearance" role, but obviously not every character will make that jump.
Sorry, wall o' text. Moral of the story: "reps" are dumb, not every character ever will be playable, Zelda series needs work, but needs some real consideration in how to do it.
: Wedding Suit
