SharkLord
Smash Hero
What is Second Chance Theory?
The Second Chance Theory is the idea that Fighter's Pass 2 will consist partially or entirely of characters who were considered for the base game, but missed their chance. So far, Min Min and Pyra were from games that released too late to be considered, and Steve took about five years to negotiate for. Sephiroth doesn't 100% fit into the theory yet due to lack of info, but there's a couple ideas to go with based on the infamously poor representation of Final Fantasy in the base game.
This thread is for brainstorming, spitballing, and theorizing on who could possibly fit in with the Second Chance Theory, as well as keeping a comprehensive list of possible options. Of course, nothing's saying every fighter in FP2 has to fit the theory, and nothing saying it's concrete, either. This thread is mostly for fun and speculation; None of this is official.
Below is a growing, comprehensive list of different characters who could possibly fit the theory. The sub-theories and guesses based off of this are up for debate; If you wish to argue against a theory or add to it, feel free to, so long as you remain civil and respectful.
Content with no Fighter
Represented games and series that don't have a playable character, much like ARMS and Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Rumors and Leaks
Characters that were planned for the base game, according to various rumors, leakers, and insiders. As with all rumors, taking this list with a very, very large grain of salt.
Considered for Past Games
Characters who were noted as being planned for past games. Admittedly, they do stretch the theory a little; As such, this rule is reserved for notably cases that could possibly be on Sakurai and Nintendo's radars.
Other
Unique cases that don't fit in with the other categories.
The Second Chance Theory is the idea that Fighter's Pass 2 will consist partially or entirely of characters who were considered for the base game, but missed their chance. So far, Min Min and Pyra were from games that released too late to be considered, and Steve took about five years to negotiate for. Sephiroth doesn't 100% fit into the theory yet due to lack of info, but there's a couple ideas to go with based on the infamously poor representation of Final Fantasy in the base game.
This thread is for brainstorming, spitballing, and theorizing on who could possibly fit in with the Second Chance Theory, as well as keeping a comprehensive list of possible options. Of course, nothing's saying every fighter in FP2 has to fit the theory, and nothing saying it's concrete, either. This thread is mostly for fun and speculation; None of this is official.
Below is a growing, comprehensive list of different characters who could possibly fit the theory. The sub-theories and guesses based off of this are up for debate; If you wish to argue against a theory or add to it, feel free to, so long as you remain civil and respectful.
Content with no Fighter
Represented games and series that don't have a playable character, much like ARMS and Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Monster Hunter -MH has a large amount of content for a series without a fighter, and the music is titled like the playable third-parties in the code. However, it could simply be that it was just considered for the boss fight only, as the monsters are also an iconic part of the series (Though not the only one). The music could just be because of the boss stage.F- Shantae - Shantae's Spirits are the last in the game's code, and she is the only third-party to have an online icon but not have a fighter or Assist Trophy. Notably, WayForward sent Nintendo images of her directly, which would be used as Spirits. This is a curious situation, as usually there's more to the deals, though it's also possible Nintendo simply took the opportunity for some free extra Spirits
- Rayman - Has received minor roles in Smash 4 and Ultimate, longer than most other third-parties. He may have been considered at some points, though it's also possible that he was just always a collectable.
- Isaac - Golden Sun lacks any new content, has a sizeable amount of Spirits for a fighter-less series, and Nintendo is supposedly aware of the backlash towards the Assist Trophy. This could potentially lead to Nintendo going back and promoting him to fighter status.]
Characters that were planned for the base game, according to various rumors, leakers, and insiders. As with all rumors, taking this list with a very, very large grain of salt.
- Koei Tecmo Fighter - Vergeben has said that Nintendo has dealt with Koei-Tecmo. Could lead to a fighter, but it could also refer to the Yuri AT, the footage from Byleth's trailer, and the AoC Spirit Event.
- Lloyd Irving - Was mentioned in the big Negotiations Rumor, having been in the planning stages but dropped for whatever reason.
- Yuri Lowell - Mentioned by the Negotiations Rumor alongside Lloyd.
- Chun-Li - Named by the Negotiations Rumor as having been considered but "replaced by Ken somehow." Nintendo could go back to her for her icon status, though the situation with Ken may put her in league with Decidueye and Alucard, implying that the original deal is done.
Characters who were noted as being planned for past games. Admittedly, they do stretch the theory a little; As such, this rule is reserved for notably cases that could possibly be on Sakurai and Nintendo's radars.
- Rhythm Heaven Fighter - The Chorus Kids(?) were seemingly considered for Smash 4, only being ditched late in development. It's possible that Sakurai and/or Nintendo could go back and revive them, seeing as the development for Smash has been going on since the beginning of 4.
- Ayumi Tachibana - Similar to Chorus Kids, but with Melee and Smash 64. Interestingly, the later makes her the oldest character to be planned and scrapped without being brought back as a fighter later on. In Melee's case, she was cited as not being recognizable to Western audiences, which is now moot because of the upcoming FDC port.
Unique cases that don't fit in with the other categories.
- Undertale Fighter - Sans' Mii Costume reveal made a big impact, and Undertale didn't receive any Spirits later on, unlike Cuphead. It could be that Nintendo observed the positive reception, and decided to add an Undertale pack late into FP2's planning.
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