The Little Witch of Diamond City - Ashley - The Witch retreats. For now.

[Cabbagehead]

Can't say I care for Isabelle either although I see a lot of people sleeping on her popularity. However, even though she is a bonafide A-lister, her moveset potential is lackluster. Ashley, on the other hand, has crazy potential; having Red transform for attacks, inflicting de-buffs potentially, having a unique visual quirk with her hair turning white, she really writes herself.

Although I will say, I hope we don't get Nikki as a result of the former two getting in. I really do feel like that would be a waste of a slot (though I think it's more possible than people might think).

We already have Nikki: Nikki Brawler, Nikki Gunner, and Nikki Swordfighter!

As far as Isabelle goes, you are exactly correct. She is a first-party mascot, at this point. However, she also doesn't really have anything at her disposal that hasn't already been utilized by Villager, and moveset potential is as important to Sakurai as character significance.

Ashley is in sort of a reverse situation. She more than likely isn't as popular as Isabelle worldwide (though, in Japan, Ashley is definitely sitting at the cool kid's table), but if Sakurai entertains the idea of her being in Smash, then he shouldn't have any issue visualizing an interesting moveset.

I am predicting that both will be playable in Ultimate, with Ashley being a WarioWare-ish take on the "Saturday morning cartoon"-style witch, and Isabelle being an Echo/semi-clone of Villager. Both are too iconic to simply overlook.

 

[Samcrumpit]

While not opposed to her inclusion, personally, I don't care much for the character Isabelle. I am warming up to the idea of Isabelle in Smash, however, prior to the leak I had mixed feelings towards Isabelle's chances for playability in Smash. I would say I think she is more likely than what the rest of the Smash community is saying. I wouldn't put my life on the line for Vergeben but, I find what he is saying to seem really plausible. Sakurai seems to have a thing for these quirky characters after all.

I do think Isabelle getting in the game looks good for Ashley. The two have many things in common. In fact, it's rather likely Ashley outperformed Isabelle in the Smash Ballot. If that's the case, then Isabelle's inclusion must mean we're getting Ashley.

I wouldn't mind her being getting in Smash. Animal Crossing certainly deserves a new rep from its success. But I wouldn't say that I support her. She's in the same boat as a lot of potential newcomers for me, where I just haven't played their games and wouldn't be attached to them. I know I supported Ashley before playing WarioWare, but that's a long story.

I wouldn't say she's underrated either. She's 8th in the rate their chances thread. Looking at it now, Ashley is at a reasonable 13th place. Speaking of, here's a link to where the consensus on Ashley's chances really turned around.

https://smashboards.com/threads/rat...parabo-and-satebo-satelleview.453357/page-213

 

[Cabbagehead]

I'd just like to point out that MyNintendo is offering one of the 3DS Ashley themes as a reward this month. It's nothing crazy, but it's cool, nonetheless.

 

[AngrySun88]

We already have Nikki: Nikki Brawler, Nikki Gunner, and Nikki Swordfighter!

As far as Isabelle goes, you are exactly correct. She is a first-party mascot, at this point. However, she also doesn't really have anything at her disposal that hasn't already been utilized by Villager, and moveset potential is as important to Sakurai as character significance.

Ashley is in sort of a reverse situation. She more than likely isn't as popular as Isabelle worldwide (though, in Japan, Ashley is definitely sitting at the cool kid's table), but if Sakurai entertains the idea of her being in Smash, then he shouldn't have any issue visualizing an interesting moveset.

I am predicting that both will be playable in Ultimate, with Ashley being a WarioWare-ish take on the "Saturday morning cartoon"-style witch, and Isabelle being an Echo/semi-clone of Villager. Both are too iconic to simply overlook.

That's why I'm predicting that Isabelle will be an echo fighter if she gets in. Ashley is too popular to be regulated to assist trophy limbo for eternity, especially with her huge popularity in Japan.

There's so much potential with Ashley. A witch and her demon familiar? If obscure characters like Wii Fit Trainer can get a full moveset, why not Ashley?

 

[Ashuree]

Has Sakurai ever given a reason why a Wario Ware character was never playable all this time? That he just thought Wario represented the franchise until he became aware of Ashley's popularity during Smash U?

I think it's that and that, at the time other characters were deemed more important for various reasons. I don't think he's ever stated anything tho, so It's just guesses.

 

[FreshlyBakedCookies]

I wont disagree that Isabelle being an echo fighter of the villager is in the realm of possibility, however, what makes me think Isabelle is more likely a unique fighter is that her Mii outfit used the party popper as a gun for the Mii Gunner. Isabelle could use some of the moves the Villager has without being out of character but, I don't see Isabelle floating around on the balloon fighter balloons, or chopping down a tree, or using a slingshot.

I think the Party popper is an indication of what Isabelle might be doing. The more I think about it, there still is other material from the animal crossing series that can still be used such a hitting people with furniture, spilling hot coffee, lobbing fruit and sea shells or, summoning other townsfolk for aid.

That being said, Ashley's outfit was made to be a Mii Swordfighter. Does this indicate Ashley will be whacking people with her rod? It's safe to assume that's how Sakurai imagines the character's fighting style.

Has Sakurai ever given a reason why a Wario Ware character was never playable all this time? That he just thought Wario represented the franchise until he became aware of Ashley's popularity during Smash U?

There is no official documentation of Sakurai ever stating anything about the WarioWare characters being in Smash so we can only assume he thought only Wario was necessary up until now. Sakurai may have realized Ashley's popularity as far back as Brawl but, never held her at a high priority up until hopefully Smash Ultimate.

 

[Noipoi]

I wouldn't mind her being getting Smash. Animal Crossing certainly deserves a new rep from its success. But I wouldn't say that I support her. She's in the same boat as a lot of potential newcomers for me, where I just haven't played their games and wouldn't be attached to them. I know I supported Ashley before playing WarioWare, but that's a long story.

I would say she's underrated either. She's 8th in the rate their chances thread. Looking at it now, Ashley is at a reasonable 13th place. Speaking of, here's a link to where the consensus on Ashley's chances really turned around.

https://smashboards.com/threads/rat...parabo-and-satebo-satelleview.453357/page-213

Seeing people who don't even like your character admit they have a chance is a strange but warm feeling.

 

[Cabbagehead]

So, I now own two of the three 3DS themes, and it's really interesting that they both use a completely new theme, rather than the more familiar "Ashley's Song". One version of this new song is known as "Halloween Fantasy", while the other is peculiarly titled "Ashley's Song".

What do y'all think about this song being in Ultimate? It apparently is a sort of secondary theme for Ashley, and unlike the one from WarioWare, Nintendo wouldn't have to translate it five different times, haha.

 

[Jazzy Jinx]

So, I now own two of the three 3DS themes, and it's really interesting that they both use a completely new theme, rather than the more familiar "Ashley's Song". One version of this new song is known as "Halloween Fantasy", while the other is peculiarly titled "Ashley's Song".

What do y'all think about this song being in Ultimate? It apparently is a sort of secondary theme for Ashley, and unlike the one from WarioWare, Nintendo wouldn't have to translate it five different times, haha.

I own all three.

I bet a remix of it would sound pretty nice. I was kind of disappointed that the same song was used for all three themes. Part of the enjoyment of the 3DS themes are the songs. Though hey, at least it's not just another remix of "Ashley's Song" (great as it is).

 

[FreshlyBakedCookies]

So, I now own two of the three 3DS themes, and it's really interesting that they both use a completely new theme, rather than the more familiar "Ashley's Song". One version of this new song is known as "Halloween Fantasy", while the other is peculiarly titled "Ashley's Song".

What do y'all think about this song being in Ultimate? It apparently is a sort of secondary theme for Ashley, and unlike the one from WarioWare, Nintendo wouldn't have to translate it five different times, haha.

If they do a remix of the Halloween theme I wouldn't say that it would be bounded to just the WarioWare stage. They could just stick it with the Luigi's mansion stage or possibly the Pictochat stage since it kind of has the Eshop theme going on.

Of course if a remix of either song happened to make it for the music update of the week on the blog, this thread will go crazy as usual.

 

[Cabbagehead]

If they do a remix of the Halloween theme I wouldn't say that it would be bounded to just the WarioWare stage. They could just stick it with the Luigi's mansion stage or possibly the Pictochat stage since it kind of has the Eshop theme going on.

Of course if a remix of either song happened to make it for the music update of the week on the blog, this thread will go crazy as usual.

Haha, I didn't even think of the music updates. I'm kinda hoping we hear the song in a trailer before we hear it on the website. You know ... like a reveal trailer ...

 

[Samcrumpit]

Seeing people who don't even like your character admit they have a chance is a strange but warm feeling.

Yeah, those reviews with low want score but high chance scores are the most satisfying to read. Another thing I may have neglected, her chances were 34% Before E3. I wonder what it is now after they revaluated her. Did they just decide not to count those scores or what?

 

[FreshlyBakedCookies]

Yeah, those reviews with low want score but high chance scores are the most satisfying to read. Another thing I may have neglected, her chances were 34% Before E3. I wonder what it is now after they revaluated her. Did they just decide not to count those scores or what?

I never took part in either Ashley's initial rate their chance or post E3 revaluation. I would have helped her score though. I always thought 34% was way too low for Ashley even prior to E3. I would like to see her revaluated score though. Even though I get the feeling it's probably lower than I would like it too be.

 

[Cabbagehead]

Yeah, those reviews with low want score but high chance scores are the most satisfying to read. Another thing I may have neglected, her chances were 34% Before E3. I wonder what it is now after they revaluated her. Did they just decide not to count those scores or what?

Apparently, as of last Thursday, she is perceived as the 13th most likely and 10th most wanted newcomer. I'll save you the grueling slog through a series of predictions, a few of which were certainly eyebrow-raising, to say the least.

Edit: I take it that this isn't her most recent chance rating? I don't typically keep up with that thread.

 

[Luminario]

Can't say I care for Isabelle either although I see a lot of people sleeping on her popularity. However, even though she is a bonafide A-lister, her moveset potential is lackluster. Ashley, on the other hand, has crazy potential; having Red transform for attacks, inflicting de-buffs potentially, having a unique visual quirk with her hair turning white, she really writes herself.

Although I will say, I hope we don't get Nikki as a result of the former two getting in. I really do feel like that would be a waste of a slot (though I think it's more possible than people might think).

I think Nikki would be an excellent off-the-wall WFT type character. No one would expect her but most people will recognise her. She's also great for a hardware rep as she can utilize the 3DS in her moveset.
I'd love to see all 3 Badge Arcade Idols in Smash.

 

[FreshlyBakedCookies]

Apparently, as of last Thursday, she is perceived as the 13th most likely and 10th most wanted newcomer. I'll save you the grueling slog through a series of predictions, a few of which were certainly eyebrow-raising, to say the least.

Edit: I take it that this isn't her most recent chance rating? I don't typically keep up with that thread.

That seems to match up with what I remember of her pre E3 rating. Her post E3 should have placed her higher on both scores.

 

[Samcrumpit]

I never took part in either Ashley's initial rate their chance or post E3 revaluation. I would have helped her score though. I always thought 34% was way too low for Ashley even prior to E3. I would like to see her revaluated score though. Even though I get the feeling it's probably lower than I would like it too be.

I wouldn't have because of perceived bias, even though my score would've been 45%. If I could obstain from Chance and just give my 100% want score I would've. What meta score do you think would've been appropriate to give her?

Apparently, as of last Thursday, she is perceived as the 13th most likely and 10th most wanted newcomer. I'll save you the grueling slog through a series of predictions, a few of which were certainly eyebrow-raising, to say the least.

Edit: I take it that this isn't her most recent chance rating? I don't typically keep up with that thread.

Yeah, I was confused by that too. I thought 34% was her revaluated score, but people were listing her score as 34% while choosing who should be revaluated.

 

[Euler23]

Well, it's 5pm EDT on July 31 and there hasn't been a direct. Which effectively shuts the curtain on the infamous King-Ponytail "leak" (not really a leak because it was wrong). On the one hand, this is good for Ashley since she didn't seem to be in it (there's "folklore", but that's pretty ambiguous). The bad news, though, is that the fact that we weren't given any Real News at all in July. This increases the probability of the unthinkable: that the E3 roster is in fact the final one.

Semi-related: is there a good betting market for Smash speculation?

 

[Samcrumpit]

Well, it's 5pm EDT on July 31 and there hasn't been a direct. Which effectively shuts the curtain on the infamous King-Ponytail "leak" (not really a leak because it was wrong). On the one hand, this is good for Ashley since she didn't seem to be in it (there's "folklore", but that's pretty ambiguous). The bad news, though, is that the fact that we weren't given any Real News at all in July. This increases the probability of the unthinkable: that the E3 roster is in fact the final one.

Semi-related: is there a good betting market for Smash speculation?

I think it's a 0% chance of the e3 roster being the final one. At worst, there won't be any reveals until the game comes out, and I think that's also extremely unlikely.

I don't know, but how much money do you wanna throw down?

 

[Cabbagehead]

Well, it's 5pm EDT on July 31 and there hasn't been a direct. Which effectively shuts the curtain on the infamous King-Ponytail "leak" (not really a leak because it was wrong). On the one hand, this is good for Ashley since she didn't seem to be in it (there's "folklore", but that's pretty ambiguous). The bad news, though, is that the fact that we weren't given any Real News at all in July. This increases the probability of the unthinkable: that the E3 roster is in fact the final one.

Semi-related: is there a good betting market for Smash speculation?

I have serious doubts that the current roster is the final roster. It would be completely idiotic to spill the entire roster at once, 6+ months before the game comes out. That would completely kill the hype surrounding this game, to sit through almost seven months of no news, then receive the game after an unceremonious whimperish fart of a release, and realize that there's nothing to unlock that you didn't already know about. That doesn't sound like Sakurai to me. He's one of those classic game developers who wants to reward the player with lots of cool goodies that they didn't already know about before the game came out.

 

[meleebrawler]

Final is a funny word to use in the age of downloadable content.

 

[lightdasher]

I'd just like to point out that MyNintendo is offering one of the 3DS Ashley themes as a reward this month. It's nothing crazy, but it's cool, nonetheless.

Why would you lie to me

Spoiler

 

[StormC]

Nintendo didn’t greenlight a new Smash game to add 3 new characters, one being a low-effort clone.

 

[Jazzy Jinx]

Huh. So I guess WarioWare Gold has finally settled the highly disputed "coolest" or "cruelest" lyric from Ashley's Song. It is apparently "cruelest".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH7JuEWnUBU&t=6m5s

Well that's that.~

 

[LimeTH]

Why would you lie to me

Spoiler

Which themes do you have already?

 

[lightdasher]

Which themes do you have already?

None, I don't buy themes.

At least, not with money.

 

[LimeTH]

None, I don't buy themes.

At least, not with money.

Well it IS there, I just got it myself. Poke around a bit more.

 

[Kotor]

I'd just like to point out that MyNintendo is offering one of the 3DS Ashley themes as a reward this month. It's nothing crazy, but it's cool, nonetheless.

20 Platinum coins?! When all the other themes are around 100~200. What a steal.

 

[lightdasher]

Well it IS there, I just got it myself. Poke around a bit more.

That's all that's on there for me.

 

[Samcrumpit]

Huh. So I guess WarioWare Gold has finally settled the highly disputed "coolest" or "cruelest" lyric from Ashley's Song. It is apparently "cruelest".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH7JuEWnUBU&t=6m5s

Well that's that.~

Well that's disappointing. I prefer coolest over cruelest just because it comes off more silly than cruelest, but it does make more sense in context. Now that I think about it, it's funny how most people read it as coolest, enough that it's in the Brawl remix and in the adrisarus cover, when she's trying to tell you she's dangerous and cold. Poor Ashley just can't be taken seriously.

 

[Space Detective]

I wont disagree that Isabelle being an echo fighter of the villager is in the realm of possibility, however, what makes me think Isabelle is more likely a unique fighter is that her Mii outfit used the party popper as a gun for the Mii Gunner. Isabelle could use some of the moves the Villager has without being out of character but, I don't see Isabelle floating around on the balloon fighter balloons, or chopping down a tree, or using a slingshot.

I think the Party popper is an indication of what Isabelle might be doing. The more I think about it, there still is other material from the animal crossing series that can still be used such a hitting people with furniture, spilling hot coffee, lobbing fruit and sea shells or, summoning other townsfolk for aid.

That being said, Ashley's outfit was made to be a Mii Swordfighter. Does this indicate Ashley will be whacking people with her rod? It's safe to assume that's how Sakurai imagines the character's fighting style.

I think Isabelle's outfit being on Gunner and Ashley on Swordfighter was just a matter of the other options being grossly out-of-character. Could you imagine Ashley or Isabelle just laying a beatdown on someone with their bare hands? Or Isabelle whacking someone with a blunt weapon? Or Ashley using a gun?

The Gunner and Swordfighter movesets are still not very fitting obviously, but they're the least of the three evils for the both of them. I don't think any of the Mii movesets would be particularly representative of the moveset Sakurai would give them.

Huh. So I guess WarioWare Gold has finally settled the highly disputed "coolest" or "cruelest" lyric from Ashley's Song. It is apparently "cruelest".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH7JuEWnUBU&t=6m5s

Well that's that.~

Good. I always thought "cruelest" made more sense coming from Ashley.

...Now I just need to unhear "coolest".

 

[Cabbagehead]

That's all that's on there for me.

Eh...sorry. It seems that everyone else is finding it no problem, so I'm obviously not lying, haha. Didn't mean to get your hopes up, or anything.

I personally have always thought "cruelest" has fit Ashley's personality better. Sure, she has an apparent goal in life to make friends, but she obviously has some trouble making them, so it makes sense that she'd brag about something people wouldn't be interested in over simply being "cool".

 

[meleebrawler]

Outside her early-bird appearance in Touched (admittedly also the debut of the song), when has Ashley been cruel to anyone except maybe Red (that's more along the lines of fairly demanding)?

To be cruel usually means antagonizing someone for no real reason or far beyond what is reasonable. I don't see Ashley doing that, so I feel the song is slightly outdated in that regard.

 

[LimeTH]

That's all that's on there for me.

https://my.nintendo.com/news/f92eeb5de1b4b663

Try here.

(Notice this calls her "one of the key characters")

 

[AngrySun88]

https://my.nintendo.com/news/f92eeb5de1b4b663

Try here.

I can't help but notice they're pushing Ashley again, calling her a "key character". It's obvious that someone over at Nintendo likes Ashley. Why feature her in this kind of marketing this close to Smash?

 

[Samcrumpit]

Outside her early-bird appearance in Touched (admittedly also the debut of the song), when has Ashley been cruel to anyone except maybe Red (that's more along the lines of fairly demanding)?

To be cruel usually means antagonizing someone for no real reason or far beyond what is reasonable. I don't see Ashley doing that, so I feel the song is slightly outdated in that regard.

It can still fit. Ashley talks a big game about being a villain in the song, but have you seen her microgames? Her kiwi bird microgame is memorably adorable, and her DIY ones are all food based. If it's not accurate to her character then that just says more about her overall.

 

[Jazzy Jinx]

I can't help but notice they're pushing Ashley again, calling her a "key character". It's obvious that someone over at Nintendo likes Ashley. Why feature her in this kind of marketing this close to Smash?

Not to be a killjoy but it could just be marketing for WarioWare Gold since it just released.

It's tempting to think it's pre-emptive marketing for an Ashley August reveal though. >_>

 

[OdnetninAges]

It isn't out of the ordinary for Nintendo to recycle voice clips, but the only case I can think of where Smash uses voices from non-Smash projects are the Koopalings. Everyone else either gets new voice clips, or retains the voice from the previous Smash game.

Edit: A few Mario and Zelda characters in 64 and Melee also had recycled voice clips, doi. I know that Mario and Luigi from Brawl onward had original VA work done. Not sure about the Zelda characters.

Sonic's voice clips in 3DS / Wii U are reused from Sonic Generations and Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

 

[AngrySun88]

Not to be a killjoy but it could just be marketing for WarioWare Gold since it just released.

It's tempting to think it's per-emptive marketing for an Ashley August reveal though. >_>

I'm not getting my hopes up either, but why specifically feature Ashley? Why not Wario himself? Why not another character from another game that just came out or will be coming out?

 

[LimeTH]

I'm not getting my hopes up either, but why specifically feature Ashley? Why not Wario himself? Why not another character from another game that just came out or will be coming out?

It's possible because Ashley is specifically WarioWare, and they don't want to cross the steams with the Wario from the Mario spinoffs, but... All the WarioWare themes ARE Ashley related and it's true there are other games they could be pushing, so it's not without merit.