We’re now over 6 months into the post-launch era of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. We don’t know the contents of the remaining two challenger packs yet, but we at least have an idea of what to expect. Based on plenty of speculation, including some of the tidbits from my first article on Smash Bros. character discussion, there’s plenty of talk about the possibility of a new character from Capcom. Despite already having three playable characters, a Monster Hunter boss fight, music, and a Rathalos spirit as representation, there are many possibilities that could still crossover with Smash while bringing something new to the table.
Capcom has a wide selection of series that aren’t even in Smash yet, so it would be mindful to separate them and look at each series independently.
This is a series that gets a lot of attention when it comes to Smash, and for good reason.
Not only does Monster Hunter as a series have strong connections to Nintendo hardware, but there’s plenty of opportunities for a unique moveset to accompany the iconic Monster Hunter in Smash. Monster Hunter covers different playstyles quite well with tons of weapons, like the Insect Glaive, Switch Axe, and Bow and Arrow. The series could bring the iconic design of the Rathalos armor as well, which would help a playable character stand out from the rest of the expansive Smash Bros. roster.
Monster Hunter already has two music tracks along with a Rathalos boss/AT and Spirit in Smash, so it might have a leg up on other Capcom series. However, I would argue that adding a Monster Hunter to Smash would not expand the crossover element of the series as much as adding another Capcom series. Sure, a character from this series may provide a unique moveset, but that can be said for a number of series. In addition, there was a Mii Fighter costume of a Monster Hunter in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS, which could always make a return as a part of a future DLC pack.
This success on Nintendo consoles, and presence in Smash already, might seem like an advantage. Monster Hunter’s recent success might add to that and convince some fans that it’s a likely pick. I’m not so sure, though. While Monster Hunter World has become the most successful Capcom title to date, amassing a gargantuan fanbase, a notable portion of fans have played these games already on Nintendo consoles. This may be a boon for the series getting a playable character in Smash Ultimate, but with the potential of reaching new fans, a series that isn’t already a part of the crossover might be the better option.
2. Devil May Cry
A few months ago, Devil May Cry series director Hideaki Itsuno commented on the possibility of Dante in Smash, saying, “...the first thing to do would be to get Capcom to put Devil May Cry on a Nintendo platform in some way, shape or form – whatever game that might be.”
Shortly after, it was announced via Twitter that Devil May Cry would make a Nintendo debut with a digital release on Nintendo Switch consoles this summer. Interesting timing, eh?
There isn’t necessarily a connection to be made here, but Dante would still be an excellent addition to the “biggest crossover in gaming history.” Armed with his Devil Trigger ability, Dante could have a gauge to fill (based on damage output and damage taken). When activated, this could allow him to deal more damage and move faster for a limited time. This is something that makes Devil May Cry unique, and it might fit Smash rather well.
It’s not like Dante doesn’t have roadblocks potentially preventing him being in Smash though. While it’s never necessarily been a rule that third party characters had to have appeared on a Nintendo console prior to joining Smash, the way that Mr. Itsuno responded to the question implies he hadn’t been approached by Mr. Sakurai at that time. It’s certainly not out of the question that Mr. Sakurai could have approached him after the interview, or that, perhaps similar to Grant Kirkhope with Banjo-Kazooie, he outright dismissed the idea. However, this would mean that his decision was made in the last few months, or that it was an elaborate trolling effort by Mr. Itsuno to mislead fans.
In addition, Devil May Cry, while being well known among gamers, isn’t quite as popular as other Capcom picks. The series itself ranks behind Street Fighter, Monster Hunter, and Resident Evil in terms of overall sales. This isn’t to say that sales are more important than gameplay… however, the latter might be problematic. Dante has a style similar to Bayonetta’s (they were, after all, both worked on by Hideki Kamiya), and even Joker has stolen some of Dante’s best moves! Known for his “Stylish!” combos from his home series, Dante combines swings, stabs, sword uppercuts, and more with aerial combos and rapid-fire shooting from several firearms.
3. Okami
Capcom has one of the most successful collections of intellectual properties in gaming. They cover a wide variety of genres and have redefined particular aspects of how people play games. Okami, while not one of Capcom’s most profitable series, has gifted gamers with a franchise showcasing a unique artstyle, story, and characters.
With a Japanese-like, cel-shaded art style, Okami tells the story of Amaterasu, who must defeat the evil Orochi and defend Kamiki Village. The game has a puzzle-solving, beat ‘em up feel to it, and provides a variety of ways to do so. Okami has won a variety of awards, and some consider it a classic.
Amaterasu would be an exciting pick. If added to Smash, she could have different playstyles relying on managing ink in order to attack with enough strength, or particular elements of her Marvel vs. Capcom moveset could be implemented. An example of that moveset, which is given coverage by Capcom’s very own Seth Killian, can be found in this video!
Truthfully, the only drawback to adding Okami content over another series is it simply isn’t as expansive. This isn’t to say it couldn’t bring in excellent music tracks or vibrant stages, but it may not have the same presence as other options.
4. Ace Attorney
Ace Attorney is one of Capcom’s most memorable creations, and it undoubtedly has fan demand for Smash. I’ll admit that I’ve never played the series. It’s been recommended to me, and I absolutely plan on getting the collection on Switch. I still wanted to include this series in this piece because... well, how couldn’t I? The series itself is popular among Nintendo fans and absolutely stands a chance at playable representation in Smash Ultimate.
Added largely as a joke character in Marvel vs. Capcom, Phoenix Wright is a fan favorite that folks everywhere recognize from Ace Attorney. A defense attorney known for his abilities with the law, Phoenix Wright is mainly known for his almost meme material “OBJECTION!!” exclamation. This could be worked into a moveset as a counter. Fans have come up with other ideas, including a “slam” attack referencing when Phoenix slams his hands down during a trial.
While I have no doubt that Mr. Sakurai and the Smash development team could make a solid moveset for the character, I feel it could be difficult. This series also faces a similar problem to Monster Hunter: it has a large presence on Nintendo hardware and among Nintendo fans, as that’s where most of the series has been featured. Adding an Ace Attorney character wouldn’t necessarily reach the same amount of new fans that another series, such as Resident Evil, would. This could be a moot point, however, considering we got Banjo-Kazooie revealed at E3. This in itself shows that the Fighter Pass isn’t guaranteed to be the “biggest” series of respective companies.
This doesn’t mean Phoenix Wright would be a bad choice. Adding Phoenix Wright would require creative thinking and wouldn’t necessarily reach out to a broader audience like other series would. Smash fans have seen some big surprises already, and we’re bound to have a least a few more on the way. Who knows? Perhaps Phoenix Wright will be one of those characters!
5. Resident Evil
As one of the most renowned series in gaming, Resident Evil is an option that few fans would have considered prior to the Fighter Pass for Smash Ultimate. After it was revealed that Joker would be using a gun in his moveset, it seemed as though one of the hurdles that a Resident Evil character would face had been cleared.
Resident Evil as a series provides a handful of iconic characters, including Leon S. Kennedy, Jill Valentine, and Chris Redfield. Resident Evil is also well known for the countless unique monsters and memorable locations, such as the iconic mansion of Resident Evil 1, or the recent Raccoon City Police Station. While some might argue that it’s too violent, as gameplay of the series involves players tactfully blasting zombies into pieces, it’s not as if all other series with playable characters in Smash are innocent. For example, Bayonetta has several gruesome kill moves on enemies, and the Metal Gear series presents Snake with murderous opportunities
The Nintendo Direct for E3 2019 put Resident Evil in the spotlight, revealing that both Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 would be making their Nintendo Switch debuts. Some might even consider it a “second chance” for the series on Nintendo consoles. The last mainstream title of the series to debut on a Nintendo console was the highly-regarded Resident Evil 4, which was a system seller at the time. In addition, out of the Top 10 highest-selling video game series of Japanese origin, Resident Evil will be the sole remaining series among these 10, once the Hero from Dragon Quest joins Smash!
There are different options for the moveset and playstyle for a Resident Evil pick, but consider the tactical resource and inventory management and survival gameplay of the series itself. Rather than a meter, perhaps a character could have their own inventory with items from the series, with limited usage on a timer?
Author’s Note: So what do you think? Will Capcom get a Challenger Pack in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighter Pass? Who would your Capcom pick be? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
My choices:
If it were up to me, here is the order in which I view the choices!
Capcom has a wide selection of series that aren’t even in Smash yet, so it would be mindful to separate them and look at each series independently.
- Monster Hunter
This is a series that gets a lot of attention when it comes to Smash, and for good reason.
Not only does Monster Hunter as a series have strong connections to Nintendo hardware, but there’s plenty of opportunities for a unique moveset to accompany the iconic Monster Hunter in Smash. Monster Hunter covers different playstyles quite well with tons of weapons, like the Insect Glaive, Switch Axe, and Bow and Arrow. The series could bring the iconic design of the Rathalos armor as well, which would help a playable character stand out from the rest of the expansive Smash Bros. roster.
Monster Hunter already has two music tracks along with a Rathalos boss/AT and Spirit in Smash, so it might have a leg up on other Capcom series. However, I would argue that adding a Monster Hunter to Smash would not expand the crossover element of the series as much as adding another Capcom series. Sure, a character from this series may provide a unique moveset, but that can be said for a number of series. In addition, there was a Mii Fighter costume of a Monster Hunter in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS, which could always make a return as a part of a future DLC pack.
This success on Nintendo consoles, and presence in Smash already, might seem like an advantage. Monster Hunter’s recent success might add to that and convince some fans that it’s a likely pick. I’m not so sure, though. While Monster Hunter World has become the most successful Capcom title to date, amassing a gargantuan fanbase, a notable portion of fans have played these games already on Nintendo consoles. This may be a boon for the series getting a playable character in Smash Ultimate, but with the potential of reaching new fans, a series that isn’t already a part of the crossover might be the better option.
2. Devil May Cry
A few months ago, Devil May Cry series director Hideaki Itsuno commented on the possibility of Dante in Smash, saying, “...the first thing to do would be to get Capcom to put Devil May Cry on a Nintendo platform in some way, shape or form – whatever game that might be.”
Shortly after, it was announced via Twitter that Devil May Cry would make a Nintendo debut with a digital release on Nintendo Switch consoles this summer. Interesting timing, eh?
There isn’t necessarily a connection to be made here, but Dante would still be an excellent addition to the “biggest crossover in gaming history.” Armed with his Devil Trigger ability, Dante could have a gauge to fill (based on damage output and damage taken). When activated, this could allow him to deal more damage and move faster for a limited time. This is something that makes Devil May Cry unique, and it might fit Smash rather well.
It’s not like Dante doesn’t have roadblocks potentially preventing him being in Smash though. While it’s never necessarily been a rule that third party characters had to have appeared on a Nintendo console prior to joining Smash, the way that Mr. Itsuno responded to the question implies he hadn’t been approached by Mr. Sakurai at that time. It’s certainly not out of the question that Mr. Sakurai could have approached him after the interview, or that, perhaps similar to Grant Kirkhope with Banjo-Kazooie, he outright dismissed the idea. However, this would mean that his decision was made in the last few months, or that it was an elaborate trolling effort by Mr. Itsuno to mislead fans.
In addition, Devil May Cry, while being well known among gamers, isn’t quite as popular as other Capcom picks. The series itself ranks behind Street Fighter, Monster Hunter, and Resident Evil in terms of overall sales. This isn’t to say that sales are more important than gameplay… however, the latter might be problematic. Dante has a style similar to Bayonetta’s (they were, after all, both worked on by Hideki Kamiya), and even Joker has stolen some of Dante’s best moves! Known for his “Stylish!” combos from his home series, Dante combines swings, stabs, sword uppercuts, and more with aerial combos and rapid-fire shooting from several firearms.
3. Okami
Capcom has one of the most successful collections of intellectual properties in gaming. They cover a wide variety of genres and have redefined particular aspects of how people play games. Okami, while not one of Capcom’s most profitable series, has gifted gamers with a franchise showcasing a unique artstyle, story, and characters.
With a Japanese-like, cel-shaded art style, Okami tells the story of Amaterasu, who must defeat the evil Orochi and defend Kamiki Village. The game has a puzzle-solving, beat ‘em up feel to it, and provides a variety of ways to do so. Okami has won a variety of awards, and some consider it a classic.
Amaterasu would be an exciting pick. If added to Smash, she could have different playstyles relying on managing ink in order to attack with enough strength, or particular elements of her Marvel vs. Capcom moveset could be implemented. An example of that moveset, which is given coverage by Capcom’s very own Seth Killian, can be found in this video!
Truthfully, the only drawback to adding Okami content over another series is it simply isn’t as expansive. This isn’t to say it couldn’t bring in excellent music tracks or vibrant stages, but it may not have the same presence as other options.
4. Ace Attorney
Added largely as a joke character in Marvel vs. Capcom, Phoenix Wright is a fan favorite that folks everywhere recognize from Ace Attorney. A defense attorney known for his abilities with the law, Phoenix Wright is mainly known for his almost meme material “OBJECTION!!” exclamation. This could be worked into a moveset as a counter. Fans have come up with other ideas, including a “slam” attack referencing when Phoenix slams his hands down during a trial.
While I have no doubt that Mr. Sakurai and the Smash development team could make a solid moveset for the character, I feel it could be difficult. This series also faces a similar problem to Monster Hunter: it has a large presence on Nintendo hardware and among Nintendo fans, as that’s where most of the series has been featured. Adding an Ace Attorney character wouldn’t necessarily reach the same amount of new fans that another series, such as Resident Evil, would. This could be a moot point, however, considering we got Banjo-Kazooie revealed at E3. This in itself shows that the Fighter Pass isn’t guaranteed to be the “biggest” series of respective companies.
This doesn’t mean Phoenix Wright would be a bad choice. Adding Phoenix Wright would require creative thinking and wouldn’t necessarily reach out to a broader audience like other series would. Smash fans have seen some big surprises already, and we’re bound to have a least a few more on the way. Who knows? Perhaps Phoenix Wright will be one of those characters!
5. Resident Evil
As one of the most renowned series in gaming, Resident Evil is an option that few fans would have considered prior to the Fighter Pass for Smash Ultimate. After it was revealed that Joker would be using a gun in his moveset, it seemed as though one of the hurdles that a Resident Evil character would face had been cleared.
Resident Evil as a series provides a handful of iconic characters, including Leon S. Kennedy, Jill Valentine, and Chris Redfield. Resident Evil is also well known for the countless unique monsters and memorable locations, such as the iconic mansion of Resident Evil 1, or the recent Raccoon City Police Station. While some might argue that it’s too violent, as gameplay of the series involves players tactfully blasting zombies into pieces, it’s not as if all other series with playable characters in Smash are innocent. For example, Bayonetta has several gruesome kill moves on enemies, and the Metal Gear series presents Snake with murderous opportunities
The Nintendo Direct for E3 2019 put Resident Evil in the spotlight, revealing that both Resident Evil 5 and Resident Evil 6 would be making their Nintendo Switch debuts. Some might even consider it a “second chance” for the series on Nintendo consoles. The last mainstream title of the series to debut on a Nintendo console was the highly-regarded Resident Evil 4, which was a system seller at the time. In addition, out of the Top 10 highest-selling video game series of Japanese origin, Resident Evil will be the sole remaining series among these 10, once the Hero from Dragon Quest joins Smash!
There are different options for the moveset and playstyle for a Resident Evil pick, but consider the tactical resource and inventory management and survival gameplay of the series itself. Rather than a meter, perhaps a character could have their own inventory with items from the series, with limited usage on a timer?
Author’s Note: So what do you think? Will Capcom get a Challenger Pack in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighter Pass? Who would your Capcom pick be? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
My choices:
If it were up to me, here is the order in which I view the choices!
- Resident Evil
- Devil May Cry
- Monster Hunter
- Ace Attorney
- Okami
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