This news about the ballot is extremely encouraging but I do think we might still get a gen 7 Pokemon mixed in. Pokemon is just freaking huge, it makes more money than Star Wars as an IP. It's in TPC's best interest to aggressively persuade Sakurai to add one in.
Not to mention adding a Pokemon is one of the easiest ways to include a very unique newcomer.
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The thing that I like about the idea of having Isaac as a newcomer is that he would seem unique in the way that he is one of those characters that wouldn’t generally be added if it weren’t for the fan base.
Like think about it, Ridley and King K. Rool are iconic villains of their franchise (with King K. Rool scoring high on the ballot by his fans). Inkling was the very popular and new big IP. Simon and Richter’s games are classics and we’re big titles in their prime and are still going with a successful anime.
Isaac on the other hand, is debuting a new franchise that originated from the GBA which is primarily a handheld franchise, which Smash doesn’t have aside from Pokemon, which could be a series first. Not to mention, he’s from a dormant franchise that’s a JRPG. That feeling about his origin and his design is what makes him stand out among other the other newcomers and characters, he’s already unique in that sense. Having Isaac included along with representing Golden Sun, which was considered an impossibility is going to be a milestone for Smash, and can open up so many characters from other franchises that are in the same position as Golden Sun.
That’s one of the main reason why I strongly supported Isaac, there’s so many things about Isaac that can make him stand out and open so many doors, that it would be mind blowing when he ends up becoming a reality, and the fact that the fans helped push that is what makes it even better.