Predictions
5.
Wolf. Star Fox is relevant again, meaning he's likely higher priority than he previously was. It also helps that he's one of only two veterans who don't either have baggage or are potentially low priority themselves.
4.
Another third party. They've been adding crossover characters at a modest pace, so I could see one or two here. I'm hesitant to name exact names because third parties are notoriously hard to predict aside from a couple past cases (Sonic and Pac-Man), but if I had to pick the most likely ones, I'd say Rayman, a Monster Hunter, or another Square-Enix character.
Maybe Bomberman, but he has some unanswered questions.
3.
Ice Climbers. Spent Smash 4 so far on what amounts to the DL because having too many pairs fighting at once was screwing up the 3DS version--probably causing lag. The Switch is much more powerful, so the only thing that kept them out isn't keeping them out any more...
unless 8-Player Smash and eight sets of climbers is too much.
2.
A Gen 7 Pokémon. It's funny, for how much this one stares in people's faces, you don't see Pokémon characters pop up on many roster predictions...except in this thread, apparently; nicely done. Nintendo's second biggest IP has a plethora of viable new characters with each new generation, it's the only series to gain at least one newcomer in every single Smash game so far, and Sun and Moon have sprung into the spotlight at the perfect time. Decidueye's the frontrunner here, but with how many unique options Gen 7 in particular has, I wouldn't rule out
more than one Pokémon newcomer if we see enough new content or another round of DLC.
1.
Inkling. Goes without saying, pretty much. Sakurai has a history of waiting on characters from brand new IPs to see how they pan out, which is probably why they were passed on for DLC. But now Nintendo's newest stars have proven they have staying power, and they certainly have the unique abilities and moveset potential to make them compelling newcomers.
Worth mentioning that I'm not very confident about Spring Man. I think they'll wait to see how ARMS does first to ensure they don't jump the gun, just like how they waited on the Inklings for DLC, Wii Fit Trainer for Brawl, and Olimar for Melee. I could also see another Ballot character happening, but
who that would be is too difficult to judge to have any potential pick crack the list above.
Wants
5.
Isaac. A spellsword character with earth-based magic that is nearly nonexistent on the roster so far? Count me in, even though he needs the Smash Ballot to stand a chance.
4. Either
Terra or
Black Mage. The fantasy theme continues with the two Final Fantasy characters I'd be most interested in seeing. Both have proficiency with magic, and potentially with unique mechanics: Black Mage with mana points used to cast his specials and stronger attacks, and Terra's ability to Trance into her half-esper form for short periods of time.
3.
Lycanroc. Maybe I'm barking up the wrong tree (heh), or maybe I've been noticing something people are overlooking. The total lack of earth users so far means there's a niche wide open for the taking, and the two (potentially
more) forms could be utilized in some really interesting ways. Pseudo-transformation that avoids the issues that got previous full transformations cut, anyone?
2.
Krystal. You know, sometimes I end up kind of...sympathizing with a character. Krystal has an unfair reputation in places, scapegoated for "ruining" Star Fox by the series' genwunners and for being a Rule 34 magnet as if every other main character in the series isn't also. And now the newest Star Fox game is yet another retread of 64 that leaves her out in the cold. But, she made a lot of waves in the Smash Ballot, and her ability to mix battlestaff techniques with a combination of both magic and technology is something literally no other character can lay claim to. Who knows?
1. ...Actually, I'm gonna wait on this one for a few days. Let's just say another challenger is approaching soon, though its chances rely on something happening that's unlikely but not entirely out of the question.
Apparently I have a thing for magic users and elemental powers. Honorable mentions go to Decidueye, King K. Rool, Alm or Celica (*raises flame shield*), Hunter, Amaterasu, maybe Lloyd, Geno, anyone from Bravely Default/Second, Rex if we're still getting more content when Xenoblade 2 drops, and Alolan Ninetales, like
that'll ever happen.
