Hello SmashBoards! I've been lurking around these forums since E3 this year and I finally made an account about two months ago! I've posted some messages since then, but I wanted to share my most wanted newcomers list to establish a proper introduction! I was also around Smashboards during the post release of Smash 3DS, but I left shortly afterwards. However, with all this enormous Smash Ultimate hype, I got interested in coming back to the Boards and I’m ready to share my thoughts with everyone!
10. Joker/Jack Frost [Persona & Shin Megami Tensei] - Kicking the list off is
Shin Megami Tensei, one of
Atlus's most popular series and my only third-party newcomer. It's not that I dislike any of the other third-party characters right now, I just never grew attached to the popular choices such as Crash, Banjo, etc. However, SMT and its spin-off, Persona, have caught my eye for Smash and I think they’re honestly not that unrealistic of a choice. SMT debuted and has been with Nintendo for almost
26 years. While Persona is a Sony exclusive series, Persona 5 was popular enough to make the series mainstream, plus, the Persona Q titles are Nintendo exclusives. Also, Smash has already seen Sony exclusive characters that are way more popular than Joker, with Snake & Cloud. If that wasn’t enough, Atlus is owned by
SEGA, who already has the biggest bromance with Nintendo. I think if we were going to get a rep, it’d be between Joker & Jack Frost, with the other choice being an Assit Trophy. Honestly, I could see it going either way between the two. While Joker is massively popular and would be more of a shock to the gaming community, Jack Frost is the mascot of SMT, the series that has more history with Nintendo. While they have a chance to appear as DLC, do I think it’s very likely? Not even close, but I’d love to see Joker summoning Persona’s or Jack Frost send flying Ice Spikes at Nintendo and Gaming Mascots alike.
9. A Retro Representative [Any Series] - This is by far my favorite Smash tradition! I love the idea of Sakurai picking a largely unknown and retro character for Smash. It adds variety to the cast and it informs the new generation about Nintendo's history. The best part though, is that this is where we really get to see Sakurai's creativity shine because he has to make completely original concepts for their move-sets. It's not like Link or Bowser, who have numerous reference material for their move-sets. These characters usually have a game or two, making it difficult to create a character's fighting style just from that. Sakurai has proven us that he can make any character work for the past 3 games, and I honestly hope he does it again for Ultimate. I was originally going to put Excitebiker, but I think that part of the appeal is the surprise of which Retro character it's going to be. With Sakurai's experience and talent, the character's going to be amazing either way.
8. Slippy Toad & Peppy Hare [Star Fox] - During the Smash 4 Ballot, my friends and I had this recurring joke where we voted for Slippy Toad as a meme. We voted for him everyday and for some reason, it got funnier each time. It was honestly such a memorable and favorite Smash experience of mine, so much so, that I forgot who my serious votes were. Now with the branding of Echoes being a new concept in Ultimate, I have a genuine interest in having Slippy and Peppy in the game. Not only would it make of all of Star Fox playable, but I feel it'd be neat additions. A nerdy and spastic Frog alongside an old and watchful Bunny. I'm not sure if this could work though, considering the animation changes and such, but I'd be amazed if it even was pulled off. I personally see Slippy being an echo of Falco and Peppy being an echo of Fox. I just feel the animations would probably work better with that. I know people also want them as newcomers, or one of them is a newcomer and the other echoes them, etc.; I just feel like they'd only be able to join the roster as echoes.
7. Hector [Fire Emblem] - Before you grab your pitchforks, I just want to state that I also think that Fire Emblem is over represent, but it's also
VERY misrepresented. Instead of having all these blue-haired swordsman, we should also being having mages, archers, paladins, generals, etc. However, a step in the right direction might be a blue-haired axeman… Okay, maybe that isn't the cure, especially since we already have DeDeDe who uses a very axe-related weapon, but I still think an axe wielder would be unique enough for a step in the right direction and merit a newcomer. Unlike Dedede’s hammer, Hector could throw his axe and be more mobile with it, having more range but less power. His axe, the Armadas, also has lighting properties which would make him even more appealing. A Smashtuber by the name Delzethin made a video detailing potential Echoes, and one of his predictions was that Hector could be an Echo of Ike. While weird at first, I can honestly see Hector fitting into that role if needed. Their builds are similar and Ike hits hard enough for an axe wielder to Echo him. I think it probably wouldn’t work just because the properties of his axe would have to be changed, which means he wouldn’t technically be an Echo. I still think there’s a better Echo for Ike and Hector would be unique enough to be a newcomer. I honestly don’t see a full-fledged Fire Emblem newcomer coming into Ultimate at all, and if there is one, it’d most likely be a Three Houses rep for advertisement DLC when the game nears its launch date. I could've picked any axe wielder in Nintendo history, but I feel like Hector is the best option for the role and he's also my favorite lord. I know a lot of people are sick of Fire Emblem newcomers, but I like what they did with Robin and Corrin, and would love the same uniqueness for Hector.
6. Bandanna Dee [Kirby] - Like Hector, I love the idea of a spear fighter in Smash and I feel like Bandanna Dee is the most certified for the character slot. He's been a part of the main Kirby gang for awhile now, making him a mascot for the series. He's
EXTREMELY popular in Japan, like how Issac is to Europe. Not saying this is a reason I personally want in for, just wanted to clarify that Bandanna Dee is more than a common waddle dee, he's one of the many faces of Nintendo and I'm surprised he's not in the game yet. I love Bandanna Dee's design and I really hope he can make into the game this time. Plus, it's time for a new Kirby rep, it's time to spear-head him in...
5. Elma [Xenoblade Chronicles] - Okay, so what can't you like about Elma? She's a strong, attractive woman who duel wields SMG's and blades. Is that not cool or what?? In all seriousness I love that concept so much and yes, Bayonetta might already duel wield guns, but Elma would be able to do it so much more differently and probably better. Since she's using SMG's, Elma would probably have better fire-rate than Bayonetta. Plus, Elma's whole deal is quick mobility, so unlike Bayonetta who needs to stand still to user her guns, Elma could fire her SMG's as she travels. Since she also duel-wields blades, she could do have a lot of setups and combos. I would say she gets to do more damage, but since her character focuses on mobility, I think it'd be very quick movements. I think her overall design and her move-set potential is not only crazy, but one of the best out of any possible newcomers. Even though I know next to nothing about her as a character, her potential alone is selling me. I really hope she can make it aboard Ultimate, because she'd be one of the most fun additions to the roster in Smash history.
4. Black Knight [Fire Emblem] - In Hector's post, I said that there's a better option for Ike's Echo and that foreshadowing was leading to the invincible, the blessed armor, the legend himself, Zel- I mean, uh, Black Knight! The Tellius series in Fire Emblem were my favorite, and a big aspect of that was this bad@$$ knight that could destroy what was in his path. I honestly loved his design and he quickly became one of my favorite Fire Emblem characters. Oddly enough, I never considered him for Smash until I saw his Mii Costume in Smash 4 and I fell in love. I wanted Black Knight to be in Smash since. He makes too much sense; unique design, moveset potential, major antagonist, memorable, etc. I really like what he could bring into Smash as a newcomer, but, like in Hector's post, I know that isn't going to happen. As Ike's Echo though??? I could see it work! Now, Ike's sword, Ragnell, and Black Knight's sword, Alondite, are sisters in the series. Not only that, but they had the same teacher so their fighting styles are very similar. The only problem I see getting in the way is animations and weight... I also have arguments for them. You'd think that weight would have to change for Black Knight with all that armor, but in the games, he's actually very fast and the armor's blessed. Ike's already a Heavy that's quick, so that falls in line with Black Knight. The animations is the biggest obstacle. I'd be cool if they slimmed down the armor, but that's kinda of a stretch and I'm not sure if they'd go that far. I'd love for Black Knight to be playable, and I'm glad he now has a chance as an echo. He's certainly my most wanted echo and I'd give an arm and a leg to see him playable in this game.
3. Geno [Super Mario RPG] - Geno more than earns his keep as one of the top three on this list, He defies all odds and has one of the biggest fanbases for a Smash Character. He hasn't had a major appearance since Super Mario RPG, which was over 22 years ago. His design is also killer, a star that possessed a puppet and has a gun arm. It doesn't get more unique than that. I think that one of my favorite appeals of Geno is that he's the underdog and it's taking everything to join Smash. If he finally did it, that'd be amazing for the community and for Geno alike. Is that my main appeal towards him? Of course not. His design, like I talked about earlier, sells the deal and he'd be such a crazy addition. Not only that, but I’d love all the material he’d bring with him; his music, a new stage, the Mallow Assist Trophy, etc. When I found out Geno existed, which was around the Brawl days I believe, it was this instant feeling of acceptance and love. His design is beyond crazy and I can't wait until Geno's wish comes true and he crashes into Smash like a shooting star.
2. Skull Kid [Legend of Zelda] - The only reason Skull Kid beats Geno for me is that he's probably the biggest 180 I've felt for Smash. What do I mean by that? Well, since forever it feels like, I'd always see comments all over social media that'd say, "Skull Kid for Smash" and it'd get hundreds of likes, and I'd brush it all aside. Why you might ask? Because I, like many others, Skull Kid was believed to never have a chance. He's a pipe dream, so I'd just scoff at those comments and think to myself that there is no point because he's never going to make it. Then, the fateful day of August 8th came around, and the Moon replaced his Assist Trophy. It instantly clicked with me when I was watching the Smash Direct and I thought
"Does Skull Kid actually have a chance now?". Just the other day, I was brushing his comments aside like nothing, but now, he’s got one of the best chances out of anyone. It was in that moment, I knew how much I wanted him. Like the Black Knight situation I stated earlier, it was one glance that all it took to win my support. I obviously also love his design and his move-set potential too, I just can't believe how he went from never happening to one of the most likely newcomers. I know I've said that an annoyingly amount of times already, it's still mind-boggling. I hope Skull Kid brings his excellent music, an eerie final smash, and a terrible fate.
Honorable Mentions:
- Buzzwole [Pokemon] - He'd be a funny choice and represent the Ultra Beasts quite well
- Zoroark [Pokemon] - His design is crazy good and he'd be fun with his Illusions ability potential
- Ghirahim [Legend of Zelda] - One of the best villains in LoZ period and would've been an unique sword-fighter
- Black Shadow [F-Zero] - Another rep for F-Zero, a villain, and a great Echo choice for Captain Falcon
1. Decidueye [Pokemon] - The first time I saw Decidueye was on the leaked concept arts of the final evolution for the Starters. I thought he was the best design wise and had a feeling this was the real deal. I knew he was the starter I was going with. All's said and done, and than we see the starters first evolution. I fell in love with Rowlet. If that wasn't enough, when Pokemon officially revealed the final evolution's for the Starters, not only were the leaks right, but Decidueye went from Grass/Flying to Grass/Ghost. Not only was this super surprising, but Ghost is one of my favorite types. I couldn't wait to start playing this new Generation with Decidueye. I followed the hype scenes of those games, and it was a crazy ride. Than I finally got the game and it is by far my favorite Pokemon game. I flew through the game. It was one of the best Pokemon games story-wise and they do a great job of making you bond with your Pokemon. You have to pet them and feed them to really get the best result out of your Pokemon. My brother also got it and we'd battle after every Gym and every little thing just to see how our teams progressed. I honestly teared up near the end of that game just because it's by far my favorite Pokemon experience. This is why Decidueye's my number one. He's honestly probably my favorite starter in all Pokemon, and that's coming from someone who usually picks the Water starter. His design is beyond ghastly, his typing makes me love him even more, and I think he'd be a great fit for Smash. An Grass Owl that focuses on Archery and looks like Robin Hood... and he's even got a hoodie. I love Decidueye with all my heart, and I know I said love a million times throughout these posts, but I honestly love Decidueye more than anything. With that being said, as long as Gen 7 gets repped in Smash and it's a good candidate, I'll be happy. With Incineroar looking as the most likely choice, I'm honestly fine with it. Would I prefer Decidueye? A thousand times yes, but most of the Gen 7 popular picks are great choices. I will be happy for whoever gets in and if it was Decidueye, I would fly to the moon and back.
Sorry for those long posts, I've been meaning to post this since the August Direct, but I've been pushing it off and it all piled up. Thanks for the read!
