letsgetsmashing
Smash Apprentice
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2018
- Messages
- 183
Super Smash Bros represents so many series, and usually does a pretty good job of doing so. But sometimes, series are not represented in the best way possible. Some argue series like Mario, Fire Emblem, and Pokemon are over-represented while Kirby, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong are under-represented. So, what would each Smash franchises' roster look like if you were designing the game?
Rules
1. No more than 10 characters for one series
2. Roster should be kept under 100 (or relatively close to that number)
3. Be creative and create a roster that shows who you are, but still be somewhat realistic
4. Cut characters can have reasoning
5. New series can be added, but the majority of your answer should focus on preexisting Smash series
6. Feel free to only rate the series you care about or want to
7. Retro series (Ice Climber, Game & Watch...) and series with only one major character (Wii Fit) do not have to be included
Rules
1. No more than 10 characters for one series
2. Roster should be kept under 100 (or relatively close to that number)
3. Be creative and create a roster that shows who you are, but still be somewhat realistic
4. Cut characters can have reasoning
5. New series can be added, but the majority of your answer should focus on preexisting Smash series
6. Feel free to only rate the series you care about or want to
7. Retro series (Ice Climber, Game & Watch...) and series with only one major character (Wii Fit) do not have to be included
Super Mario: 
![]()
![]()
![]()
-Dr. Mario is an alternate costume for Mario
-The Koopalings are still alternate costumes for Bowser Jr.
-Captain Toad is added as a playable fighter
-Captain Toadette is Captain Toad's echo fighter
-Waluigi is added as a playable fighter
Yeah, it's a lot of fighters, but I felt like with the addition of Toad, Toadette, and Waluigi, all the important Mario characters would be represented in the game. I wavered on Paper Mario, but ultimately left him off, as I wanted one version of each character (yes, I know 3D Mario and Paper Mario are different characters in canon). I wasn't gonna add Toadette, even as an echo fighter, but decided to include her (as an echo) because of her increasingly important status within the Mario games. I mean she practically appears in every game now, spin off or not, as she was in Super Mario Odyssey before Luigi was, not to mention Bowser Jr., Rosalina, Waluigi, and Daisy aren't in the game at all.
Donkey Kong:
![]()
![]()
-Added Dixie Kong as a playable fighter
-Added Cranky Kong as a playable fighter
Here's where things get a bit controversial. if this were my DREAM roster, I don't know if Cranky would've been included. But I think that Donkey Kong deserves five reps. The series is a key Nintendo franchise and has been since the 1990s. DK, Diddy, Dixie, and K. Rool are all no-brainers. I think Cranky could be the one to kind of represent more modern Donkey Kong and bring in elements from that.
The Legend of Zelda:/
![]()
![]()
![]()
-Removed Young Link
-Removed Toon Link
-Added Impa as a playable fighter
-Added Skull Kid as a playable fighter
-Added Midna as a playable fighter
-Zelda/Sheik combined; made transformation fighters
-Ganondorf is redesigned from the ground up
I wouldn't mind Young Link or Toon Link being kept, but this goes with my theme of no overlap characters. Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf are your staples. Impa is an important side character and represents Ocarina of Time. Skull Kid represents Majoras Mask. Midna represents Twilight Princess. This way there is a character representing most of the major Zelda games. The only other big ones are Skyward Sword, Breath of the Wild, and Wind Waker. I was gonna include Ghirahim but I couldn't find an icon for him. With Breath of the Wild and Wind Waker, I don't think there was a side character that stood out enough in either of them to be included.
Metroid:/
![]()
-Dark Samus is de-echoed
-Sylux is added as a playable fighter
-Samus/Zero Suit Samus combined; made transformation fighters
Even with Dark Samus and Ridley, Metroid feels a bit under-represented to me, especially with Dark Samus as an echo, which is why I de-echoed him. Zero Suit Samus and Samus were combined to go with one character-one slot (you know the drill). They would switch just like Sheik/Zelda did in Brawl. I added Sylux assuming he's gonna be the big villain in Metroid Prime 4, because I feel he can represent more modern day Metroid and show the series is still alive.
Star Fox:
![]()
![]()
-Added Slippy Toad as a playable fighter
-Added Peppy Hare as a playable fighter
-Falco is further differentiated from Fox
-Wolf is further differentiated from Fox
I originally planned on adding Krystal, but dropped her, controversially I might add, in favor of Slippy Toad and Peppy Hare. I think it would be nice to have every main member of the Star Fox team in the game. Slippy and Peppy have appeared in every title, and warrant an inclusion in Smash. Plus, Star Fox does not get enough credit. It's remained (somewhat) relevant since the SNES and has not gotten much representation in Smash, especially when you consider how similar Fox, Falco, and Wolf are.
Kirby:
![]()
(Marx)
-Added Bandana Dee as a playable fighter
-Added Marx as a playable fighter
-Galacta Knight is an alternate costume for Meta Knight
Kirby's three current characters in Smash represent the series well, but I still feel there's more they could do. Bandana Dee is an obvious choice, and fits into Smash Bros perfectly. The fifth rep can really be anyone who played a significant role in one of the games. I went with Marx because he's extremely popular and has a cool moveset and look that would blend well with the rest of the cast. Adeline or Magolor could also be the fifth Kirby character, but I felt Marx was the best choice.
Pokemon:
![]()
(Zoroark)
-Cut Pichu
-Added Incineroar as a playable fighter
-Added Zoroark as a playable fighter
I wanted to add a a representative for every generation, because I feel like that is the best way to represent Pokemon. Incineroar was the Gen VII Pokemon and Zoroark is the Gen V rep. I feel Zoroark is a good choice because he's a dark type, which also is not represented in Smash as of right now. I couldn't think of a Gen III Pokemon that really stuck out to me, so for now it still remains unrepresented. Pichu was cut because he felt unnecessary to be honest, and more of a last minute edition in Melee.
Yoshi:
This series is represented fine. It's pretty big, but I don't think any of the other characters in it are big enough to warrant an inclusion. Baby Bowser is basically Bowser Jr. Poochy is not popular enough. Kamek is an interesting villain, but does not suit a playable role well. Baby Mario could be cool, but it goes against my rule of one fighter per character.
F-Zero:
![]()
-Black Shadow is Captain Falcon's echo fighter
F-Zero is the only Smash 64 series (counting Yoshi as a Mario character) without a second character. It's really a shame, because while the series might be dead, it was a major part of Nintendo's success throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Black Shadow is an interesting and mysterious villain who would work well as an echo to Captain Falcon.
Earthbound:
-Ninten is an alternate costume of Lucas
I was really close to adding Porky Minch, but he's not that well known of a villain and I think Ness and Lucas do a good job of representing Earthbound. Plus, making a functional Porky who uses his machine would be quite a difficult task. Ninten was added as an alt costume to please all of his fans, plus to have all three protagonists of each of the games (Mother, Earthbound, Mother 3) included in Smash as playable.
Fire Emblem::ultrobin
![]()
-Added Lyn as a playable fighter
-Cut Corrin
-Lucina and Chrom changed to alternate costumes for Marth
The Fire Emblem cast has drastically changed. As much as I sometimes feel the roster is overpopular with FE characters, I found it really hard to cut any of them. I decided instead to make Lucina and Chrom costumes for Marth. I didn't want to cut Lucina, Chrom, or Robin completely because in my eyes they're this iconic trio from Fire Emblem Awakening, one of the best games in the series. Marth, Ike, and Roy were kept because of their popularity and position in the franchise as some of the biggest characters. Lyn was added for being a fan favorite, female, and a star of the first FE game released in the West. Plus she helps draw attention away from the criticism that FE has too many blue haired swordsman.
WarioWare:
![]()
-Added Ashley as a playable fighter
Not much changed here, but Wario was joined by fan favorite Ashley. That's not the only reason I included her though. Not only does Ashley hold such a special place with fans of the WarioWare franchise, but she's also incredibly unique and the series deserves a second character. It's been consistently releasing games for over a decade now, and I feel having Wario be the only character from the games doesn't do the series justice. There's so much more these titles have to offer and showcase, so Ashley could help display that.
Kid Icarus:
![]()
-Dark Pit is an alternate costume for Pit
-Added Medusa as a playable fighter
Some may argue Kid Icarus is already over-represented, but I think quite the opposite because of what the series means to Nintendo and it's fans. It symbolized how series that are presumed to be dead (F-Zero, Golden Sun, Earthbound, Custom Robo...) still could someday make a return. That means a lot in the video gaming world, where franchises are usually doomed to never make a return, especially after being inactive for over 10 years. Plus, three Kid Icarus games have been released and more are certainly coming. Medusa as a villain makes perfect sense, as Smash does not have a female antagonist yet.
Pikmin:
-Charlie and Brittany are made alternate costumes of Olimar
I decided to add in the rest of the Pikmin 3 explorers as costumes. You might find it odd that Kid Icarus has three playable characters while Olimar has one, despite both series having three games, but there's a reason for that. When it comes to Pikmin, the games are mostly centered around Olimar and his adventures with the Pikmin. There's not a ton of important side characters, and even when there is a boss or friend you run into on the way, they're usually not suitable for Smash.
Animal Crossing:
With Isabelle now in Smash, there's no one else from Animal Crossing who needs to be in the game. Villager is the person you play as in the games, while Isabelle is sort of the mascot. It's like how in Pokemon Red and Blue you have your starters, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, but the games mascot is Pikachu. Isabelle represents New Leaf, one of the 3DS' most successful titles. You could make the case for Tom Nook being playable, the series doesn't need anymore newcomers.
Punch-Out!!:
I don't see a need to add any more characters because how could you truly differentiate them from Little Mac when everyone in the game is a boxer? Plus there's only been a handful of games, none of which sold exceptionally. That's not to say Little Mac doesn't warrant a place in Smash; he has earned his spot and I'm glad the Punch-Out series is represented.
Xenoblade:
![]()
-Added Rex & Pyra as playable fighters
I haven't played a Xenoblade title yet, but the series constantly growing, as is it's fanbase. With another game out, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, it's main character should surely be playable in Smash. Rex & Pyra are extremely popular, as has the Xenoblade series become. I can already tell in a couple of years it will be one of Nintendo's big franchises, so might as well start representing it more in Smash now.
Splatoon:
-Octoling is an alternate costumes for Inkling
The fact that the series only has two game isn't why it only got one character. I just don't know how else you could expand. Callie and Marie work perfect as assist trophies, Pearl and Marine aren't very well known, and to me the Octolings are best as alternate costumes. The games mainly center around the Inkling, so I don't see a need to add another fighter.
-Dr. Mario is an alternate costume for Mario
-The Koopalings are still alternate costumes for Bowser Jr.
-Captain Toad is added as a playable fighter
-Captain Toadette is Captain Toad's echo fighter
-Waluigi is added as a playable fighter
Yeah, it's a lot of fighters, but I felt like with the addition of Toad, Toadette, and Waluigi, all the important Mario characters would be represented in the game. I wavered on Paper Mario, but ultimately left him off, as I wanted one version of each character (yes, I know 3D Mario and Paper Mario are different characters in canon). I wasn't gonna add Toadette, even as an echo fighter, but decided to include her (as an echo) because of her increasingly important status within the Mario games. I mean she practically appears in every game now, spin off or not, as she was in Super Mario Odyssey before Luigi was, not to mention Bowser Jr., Rosalina, Waluigi, and Daisy aren't in the game at all.
Donkey Kong:
-Added Dixie Kong as a playable fighter
-Added Cranky Kong as a playable fighter
Here's where things get a bit controversial. if this were my DREAM roster, I don't know if Cranky would've been included. But I think that Donkey Kong deserves five reps. The series is a key Nintendo franchise and has been since the 1990s. DK, Diddy, Dixie, and K. Rool are all no-brainers. I think Cranky could be the one to kind of represent more modern Donkey Kong and bring in elements from that.
The Legend of Zelda:
/
-Removed Young Link
-Removed Toon Link
-Added Impa as a playable fighter
-Added Skull Kid as a playable fighter
-Added Midna as a playable fighter
-Zelda/Sheik combined; made transformation fighters
-Ganondorf is redesigned from the ground up
I wouldn't mind Young Link or Toon Link being kept, but this goes with my theme of no overlap characters. Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf are your staples. Impa is an important side character and represents Ocarina of Time. Skull Kid represents Majoras Mask. Midna represents Twilight Princess. This way there is a character representing most of the major Zelda games. The only other big ones are Skyward Sword, Breath of the Wild, and Wind Waker. I was gonna include Ghirahim but I couldn't find an icon for him. With Breath of the Wild and Wind Waker, I don't think there was a side character that stood out enough in either of them to be included.
Metroid:
/
-Dark Samus is de-echoed
-Sylux is added as a playable fighter
-Samus/Zero Suit Samus combined; made transformation fighters
Even with Dark Samus and Ridley, Metroid feels a bit under-represented to me, especially with Dark Samus as an echo, which is why I de-echoed him. Zero Suit Samus and Samus were combined to go with one character-one slot (you know the drill). They would switch just like Sheik/Zelda did in Brawl. I added Sylux assuming he's gonna be the big villain in Metroid Prime 4, because I feel he can represent more modern day Metroid and show the series is still alive.
Star Fox:
-Added Slippy Toad as a playable fighter
-Added Peppy Hare as a playable fighter
-Falco is further differentiated from Fox
-Wolf is further differentiated from Fox
I originally planned on adding Krystal, but dropped her, controversially I might add, in favor of Slippy Toad and Peppy Hare. I think it would be nice to have every main member of the Star Fox team in the game. Slippy and Peppy have appeared in every title, and warrant an inclusion in Smash. Plus, Star Fox does not get enough credit. It's remained (somewhat) relevant since the SNES and has not gotten much representation in Smash, especially when you consider how similar Fox, Falco, and Wolf are.
Kirby:
-Added Bandana Dee as a playable fighter
-Added Marx as a playable fighter
-Galacta Knight is an alternate costume for Meta Knight
Kirby's three current characters in Smash represent the series well, but I still feel there's more they could do. Bandana Dee is an obvious choice, and fits into Smash Bros perfectly. The fifth rep can really be anyone who played a significant role in one of the games. I went with Marx because he's extremely popular and has a cool moveset and look that would blend well with the rest of the cast. Adeline or Magolor could also be the fifth Kirby character, but I felt Marx was the best choice.
Pokemon:
-Cut Pichu
-Added Incineroar as a playable fighter
-Added Zoroark as a playable fighter
I wanted to add a a representative for every generation, because I feel like that is the best way to represent Pokemon. Incineroar was the Gen VII Pokemon and Zoroark is the Gen V rep. I feel Zoroark is a good choice because he's a dark type, which also is not represented in Smash as of right now. I couldn't think of a Gen III Pokemon that really stuck out to me, so for now it still remains unrepresented. Pichu was cut because he felt unnecessary to be honest, and more of a last minute edition in Melee.
Yoshi:
This series is represented fine. It's pretty big, but I don't think any of the other characters in it are big enough to warrant an inclusion. Baby Bowser is basically Bowser Jr. Poochy is not popular enough. Kamek is an interesting villain, but does not suit a playable role well. Baby Mario could be cool, but it goes against my rule of one fighter per character.
F-Zero:
-Black Shadow is Captain Falcon's echo fighter
F-Zero is the only Smash 64 series (counting Yoshi as a Mario character) without a second character. It's really a shame, because while the series might be dead, it was a major part of Nintendo's success throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Black Shadow is an interesting and mysterious villain who would work well as an echo to Captain Falcon.
Earthbound:
-Ninten is an alternate costume of Lucas
I was really close to adding Porky Minch, but he's not that well known of a villain and I think Ness and Lucas do a good job of representing Earthbound. Plus, making a functional Porky who uses his machine would be quite a difficult task. Ninten was added as an alt costume to please all of his fans, plus to have all three protagonists of each of the games (Mother, Earthbound, Mother 3) included in Smash as playable.
Fire Emblem:
:ultrobin
-Added Lyn as a playable fighter
-Cut Corrin
-Lucina and Chrom changed to alternate costumes for Marth
The Fire Emblem cast has drastically changed. As much as I sometimes feel the roster is overpopular with FE characters, I found it really hard to cut any of them. I decided instead to make Lucina and Chrom costumes for Marth. I didn't want to cut Lucina, Chrom, or Robin completely because in my eyes they're this iconic trio from Fire Emblem Awakening, one of the best games in the series. Marth, Ike, and Roy were kept because of their popularity and position in the franchise as some of the biggest characters. Lyn was added for being a fan favorite, female, and a star of the first FE game released in the West. Plus she helps draw attention away from the criticism that FE has too many blue haired swordsman.
WarioWare:
-Added Ashley as a playable fighter
Not much changed here, but Wario was joined by fan favorite Ashley. That's not the only reason I included her though. Not only does Ashley hold such a special place with fans of the WarioWare franchise, but she's also incredibly unique and the series deserves a second character. It's been consistently releasing games for over a decade now, and I feel having Wario be the only character from the games doesn't do the series justice. There's so much more these titles have to offer and showcase, so Ashley could help display that.
Kid Icarus:
-Dark Pit is an alternate costume for Pit
-Added Medusa as a playable fighter
Some may argue Kid Icarus is already over-represented, but I think quite the opposite because of what the series means to Nintendo and it's fans. It symbolized how series that are presumed to be dead (F-Zero, Golden Sun, Earthbound, Custom Robo...) still could someday make a return. That means a lot in the video gaming world, where franchises are usually doomed to never make a return, especially after being inactive for over 10 years. Plus, three Kid Icarus games have been released and more are certainly coming. Medusa as a villain makes perfect sense, as Smash does not have a female antagonist yet.
Pikmin:
-Charlie and Brittany are made alternate costumes of Olimar
I decided to add in the rest of the Pikmin 3 explorers as costumes. You might find it odd that Kid Icarus has three playable characters while Olimar has one, despite both series having three games, but there's a reason for that. When it comes to Pikmin, the games are mostly centered around Olimar and his adventures with the Pikmin. There's not a ton of important side characters, and even when there is a boss or friend you run into on the way, they're usually not suitable for Smash.
Animal Crossing:
With Isabelle now in Smash, there's no one else from Animal Crossing who needs to be in the game. Villager is the person you play as in the games, while Isabelle is sort of the mascot. It's like how in Pokemon Red and Blue you have your starters, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, but the games mascot is Pikachu. Isabelle represents New Leaf, one of the 3DS' most successful titles. You could make the case for Tom Nook being playable, the series doesn't need anymore newcomers.
Punch-Out!!:
I don't see a need to add any more characters because how could you truly differentiate them from Little Mac when everyone in the game is a boxer? Plus there's only been a handful of games, none of which sold exceptionally. That's not to say Little Mac doesn't warrant a place in Smash; he has earned his spot and I'm glad the Punch-Out series is represented.
Xenoblade:
-Added Rex & Pyra as playable fighters
I haven't played a Xenoblade title yet, but the series constantly growing, as is it's fanbase. With another game out, Xenoblade Chronicles 2, it's main character should surely be playable in Smash. Rex & Pyra are extremely popular, as has the Xenoblade series become. I can already tell in a couple of years it will be one of Nintendo's big franchises, so might as well start representing it more in Smash now.
Splatoon:
-Octoling is an alternate costumes for Inkling
The fact that the series only has two game isn't why it only got one character. I just don't know how else you could expand. Callie and Marie work perfect as assist trophies, Pearl and Marine aren't very well known, and to me the Octolings are best as alternate costumes. The games mainly center around the Inkling, so I don't see a need to add another fighter.
Last edited:
