SmashChu said:
Truth is, we'll likely not get a Namco character.
Just gonna say people need to stop applying the same rules for a Nintendo character to third party characters.
This, especially on the Namco character part. I get tired of people saying that Pac-Man is among the most likely, if not the most likely character to be in the next game despite all he has going for him is his super iconic status. If anything, his expected, but not wanted status (not even being in the Top 10 in Shortie's poll (or 15 as of right now) is very weak for the most well-known video game character of all-time) along with Namco having expressed no interest in his inclusion only strengthen my doubt in his inclusion. Aside from the super iconic argument, other arguments supporting Pac-man is flimsy at best. Arguments like "Namco must have expressed interest in a Tales and Tekken rep because they're hiding a Pac-Man appearance in the next Smash!" (which makes no sense), "Pac-Man should be in to represent the relationship between Namco and Nintendo lately" (could say the same thing about how Slime should be in to represent Square Enix's connection with Nintendo, but no one is going to buy that) and "Namco is working with Nintendo, so the Pac-Man should be in.
We might even be able to squeeze in multiple Namco reps." (despite people ignoring that Sakurai has the final words in regards to third-parties. Plus two third-parties from a company is a horrible idea). While there is the Miyamoto factor (as Pac-Man is his favorite video game character), I find it doubtful that Miyamoto will bother will pushing for Pac-Man's inclusion since he didn't do so in Brawl.
At this rate, no third-party character can be considered likely because of the fact that we don't know if they're returning. There are reasons to believe why they might return (Sakurai having commented positively on them before, most recently commenting very positively on Sonic and Snake) and why they might get axed (because of how incredibly difficult they are to fit in). Until we can prove whenever or not third-parties return, no one should be given above a 50% chance of getting in.
BTW, in regards to licensing issues for a Namco rep, would it be the same as if Sakurai went for another third-party that isn't developing the game? Like if Sakurai and Namco were to add a Namco rep, how would that be different from Sakurai and Capcom choosing to add Mega Man?
