As it has been since even the Nintendo 64 days via Yoshi and the Pokemon, the generic argument continues to be ridiculous and Piranha Plant certainly cements this. It's unfortunate Bandana Dee shared the same fate, was rooting for the little guy as well. The Kirby series does appear to still have a lot of content in relation to the older Kirby games that Sakurai worked on, so hopefully the next title can give some oft the newer games some representation (along with a certain spear-wielding hero to join the battles).
Definitely expecting the Captain Toad victory jingle if Captain makes it one day. On the other hand...it would be amazing if we could get this theme into the game in some way -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53taJgBM4z4&feature=youtu.be. The victory jingle of Wario's Woods has always been a favourite of mine and I feel it's pretty fitting for our little mushroom friend (though would have to be shortened quite a bit). Some WW music in general would be nice.
Overall, I hope that Sakurai realizes one day that it was a mistake to not add Toad after all these years. It's nice to see Toad plays a bit more of an active role in Peach's kit with his new punching animations and throws (and people were saying Toad can't punch as an argument?). Regardless, this role may have doomed Toad to being apart of Peach's moveset unless it were to be revamped (which seems unlikely at this point). There are ways around it of course including Toadsworth or just having two Toads (three if Blue Toad still exists) in the game regardless. At the same time, I agree that adding more Toad into her kit would likely just deviate her kit from the original Smash Peach so I don't think it would be fair for Peach mains to see their main change to a duo character.
Toad is a consistent member of the Mario crew, playable several times over the years in the platformers, has two of his own titles (one even boasting Captain Toad's own name) and a frequent sight in the spin-offs whether playable or as a host. At this rate, it's wrong to have a Mario
not feature a Toad in any shape or form. Toad is a mascot-like character in the Mario series and whether it's just him smiling and waving, or even being playable - Toad is definitely a core member of the series. The only thing he lacks...is a loud support base for Smash. Many Toad supporters have left over the years accepting his fate as Peach's shield, while many others just simply don't care it seems. It's unfortunate, but I do hope he gets into the title one day (Captain Toad and Toadette could very well be the driving forces assuming Nintendo keeps up the momentum with these two Toads).
Jr. getting into Smash was fair game as he along with the Koopalings have become major faces to the series over the years. Though I still cannot feel comfortable with Rosalina and Piranha Plant getting in over Toad - both have neat kits, but it still does not sit right with me that the bonus playable character in SM3DW got in over one of the four base playable characters of that very game while Piranha Plant just goes to show that Smash is fair game for any generic enemy character (yes, including generic species like the Toads). Toad has his fans, and it really feels like Sakurai is ignoring this fanbase.
Though for the positives - we have this to look forward to.
1. Captain Toad and Toadette gaining more relevance in the future. It's not out of the realm of possibilities for a sequel to Treasure Tracker to happen considering how well the game performed.
2. Wario's Woods is not as forgotten as we originally viewed it as Nintendo still brings it back as Virtual Console content even for the Switch.
Though alas...it's honestly tough to say with Sakurai. Been a Smash fan since the 64 days, and have visited the Smashboards even since the Melee days. It's come to the point where Smash Ultimate could very well be my final game in terms of speculation before I move on. Times have changed, and while I will always cherish my moments with Smash Bros. - Toad is my very last wish as a newcomer for the series at this rate. Ultimate has given me almost everything I have desired to see - it even returned my old Melee main Pichu as well. I definitely feel Ultimate will be another title to truly enjoy for years to come! Whether Toad got in or not, I'm proud of seeing how dedicated his supporters are as we have overcome very dark times (to the point Sakurai even posted a pic of Peach holding Toad in front of Link's arrow prior to Rosalina' reveal in Smash4). We're a tough group, and I hope that the group gets bigger one day as Toads gain even more popularity. We have new rivals (some bigger than ever before), but it's good to have those to add a bit of spice to speculation!
I will still be around for the timebeing, but I just wanted to say it's been an honour being apart of the Toad Brigade for these past several years folks!
And fortunately, many of us seem to now have Ultimate in our hands now to enjoy as well!
