Why Greninja getting into Smash Bros makes sense (whether you like it or not)

[Juken]

Greninja is the Lucario of gen 6 in terms of popularity.

Pretty much everyone who played X/Y liked Greninja, or at least the majority.

Also, I feel like he's more fitting in the game than Charizard. Charizard feels more forced than Snake. Seems like he's only in it cause mega evolution (which lucario already has covered).

I sense that OP is just one of those guys who believes that no new pokemon deserve to be in smash, and that Mewtwo should have returned instead of Greninja being added. I liked Mewtwo too, but it's time to move on.

 

[~ Valkyrie ~]

Is he in the game?

Yes?

There's your answer.

To me he was quite a surprise factor despite liking him a plenty in my XY, but this is what keeps Smash from getting stale in means of character rosters.

 

[ToothiestAura]

Not necessarily. Pokemon X/Y hype was huge as it was.. this just keeps the ball rolling. They released the games, then did the free download promotion for it, now they've shown Greninja in Smash...

But really, I meant marketing for Smash Bros, not for Pokemon X and Y. Lord knows Pokemon didn't need the extra hype for it. I meant, Pokemon gen 6 is so huge, adding someone from it to Smash Bros is a great marketing strategy for Smash.

Ah. Honestly, I don't think either game needs extra hype. Certainly, it's good marketing, but I doubt that's why Greninja was chosen.

 

[DMurr]

Ah. Honestly, I don't think either game needs extra hype. Certainly, it's good marketing, but I doubt that's why Greninja was chosen.

Maybe not Smash Bros., but the Wii U definitely does.

 

[ToothiestAura]

Maybe not Smash Bros., but the Wii U definitely does.

True. Smash Bros. sells consoles, though. At least, I bought my Wii for Brawl.

 

[Jade_Rock55]

Yes!

My favorite gen 6(3rd overall),very popular,he's a freaking ninja!

 

[Wyoming]

The way I see it, yes. I stopped playing Pokémon a long time ago but X/Y and Gen 6 in general is doing fantastically well. From what I've experienced and heard, Gens 1, 2, 3 and now 6 are the most popular ones for old and new gamers alike. We have our Gen 3 representation in Lucario and a bunch of Gen 1 Pokémon already in the game. Greninja is essentially marketed to be the face of Gen 6, so that generation also gets a rep and if sales and reviews are anything to go by, it deserves one. Now it's a shame that Gen 2 most likely won't get a character in but let's face it - there isn't anyone from that line of games that is still hyped up today and/or a realistic playable character for Smash.

So yes, Greninja 'deserves' to be in Smash. Pokémon has a huge fanbase outside of the original Pokémon, so it's nice to see those fans get a Pokémon they'll like in the game for a change.

 

[DustyPumpkin]

I expected Sylveon to be honest
Greninja's a nice suprise

 

[Sonicguy726]

The way I see it, yes. I stopped playing Pokémon a long time ago but X/Y and Gen 6 in general is doing fantastically well. From what I've experienced and heard, Gens 1, 2, 3 and now 6 are the most popular ones for old and new gamers alike. We have our Gen 3 representation in Lucario and a bunch of Gen 1 Pokémon already in the game. Greninja is essentially marketed to be the face of Gen 6, so that generation also gets a rep and if sales and reviews are anything to go by, it deserves one. Now it's a shame that Gen 2 most likely won't get a character in but let's face it - there isn't anyone from that line of games that is still hyped up today and/or a realistic playable character for Smash.

So yes, Greninja 'deserves' to be in Smash. Pokémon has a huge fanbase outside of the original Pokémon, so it's nice to see those fans get a Pokémon they'll like in the game for a change.

Lucario is from gen 4 and from what I have heard 4th is more popular than 3rd and I don't think 2nd is that popular anyway

 

[Aguki90]

No. because I prefer others pokemon Like Zoroark, Genesect or Mewtwo.
I not gonna Lie but Greninja was my starter I dont like him too much in the beginning because he die to fast, but then I Like him but to be in Smash, Was a wasted to me.
I love all the direct, Like the trailer but Greninja was push me soo hard, I feel that my most wanted are not happening.
There even better character out there. But in the end, I need to accept defeat, I even gonna use him but one of the 7 characters I can use in brawl.

 

[Superyoshiom]

Greninja's inclusion doesn't make me mad, though it was definitely shocking and feels rather unwarranted, if I'm completely honest. In style of Pichu being intended for Melee only on part of its popularity within Generation II (and Generation II only), I could very well see Greninja being dropped out in the distant, far-off next Smash Bros. to follow these two games. Current popularity seems to be its main appeal right now. Unless its popularity skyrockets to that of Lucario's and stays consistently that way, I could definitely see its spot being fought over by whatever "Generational Mascot" Generation VII or VIII gives us.

Of course people will like it--people already do. It's a question of how genuine that likeness will remain over the years.

Except Greninja's not a nerfed clone of an existing Pokemon. He has his own moveset which is pretty unique.

 

[PsychoIncarnate]

I thought it was obvious

We all knew there was going to be an X/Y Pokemon

The developers THEMSELVES said they loved Greninja's design, even before it was revealed to the public

There really isn't anyone else to pick from, certainly not Hawlucha.

He was the most talked about Pokemon in X/Y because people didn't like his design at first, and when they realized it was real they started liking it

Then they discovered it's hidden ability and they loved him

 

[Sonicguy726]

I thought it was obvious

We all knew there was going to be an X/Y Pokemon

The developers THEMSELVES said they loved Greninja's design, even before it was revealed to the public

There really isn't anyone else to pick from, certainly not Hawlucha.

He was the most talked about Pokemon in X/Y because people didn't like his design at first, and when they realized it was real they started liking it

Then they discovered it's hidden ability and they loved him

I think we all just kinda assumed he wouldn't be in because of the pokemon trainer but now he's long gone

 

[C3CC]

I think he doesn't deserve it because, like you said, he's just one more of the bunch. There's nothing that makes him stand out.

 

[ProjectAngel]

I know Greninja has popularity and promotion of the 6th gen behind him, but maybe Sakurai is seeing something in this character that we're not seeing.

 

[aBBYS]

I don't think it's Game Freak as much as The Pokémon Company - I'm pretty sure they're working Sakurai pretty hard. Remember that Pokémon is not wholly owned by Nintendo - they only own a third of it. And in order to keep good relationships going between Pokémon and Nintendo, I'm pretty sure Pokémon Company has some to say in games like Smash that Sakurai just has to follow.

I'm 99 % sure that Greninja was the choice of Pokémon Company and not of Sakurai.

 

[RSF-Blue bomber]

honestly greninja deserves it the most. I cant believe hawlucha was actually that popular.

 

[aBBYS]

No, he didn't deserve it. The only reason he's in is because of Pokémon Company.

 

[Thane of Blue Flames]

It's 1,3/6,4. In that order.

 

[Sonicguy726]

No, he didn't deserve it. The only reason he's in is because of Pokémon Company.

He was still the most popular 6th gen pokemon and that's probably why the pokemon company chose him plus there is so much o work with being a water ninja

 

[aBBYS]

He was still the most popular 6th gen pokemon and that's probably why the pokemon company chose him plus there is so much o work with being a water ninja

Well, we all know Chesnaught is terribly designed, but how do you know Greninja is more popular than Delphox?

 

[Sonicguy726]

Well, we all know Chesnaught is terribly designed, but how do you know Greninja is more popular than Delphox?

From what I have heard chestnaught is more popular than delphox, at least competitively because he's actually useful
Also this
http://www.dorkly.com/toplist/56792/the-greatest-generation-vi-pokemon-of-all-time-vote-now
Greninja is 1
Chesnaught is 9
and Delphox is 10

 

[Morbi]

No, he didn't deserve it. The only reason he's in is because of Pokémon Company.

This probably indicates that Pokemon Company is not only aware of his staggering popularity, but they also wish to use it in the future. So he WILL deserve it, we just have to give it time, it is the same scenario as Falco or Roy in my opinion.

 

[RSF-Blue bomber]

Im just gonna end it right now. Greninja is in the game whether he deserves it or not. and none of you salty fellas can do anything about it. geez!
by the way greninja thinks all of the tears are delicious

 

[Morbi]

Im just gonna end it right now. Greninja is in the game whether he deserves it or not. and none of you salty fellas can do anything about it. geez!
by the way greninja thinks all of the tears are delicious

Is that some kind of defense mechanism? "Greninja thinks all of the tears are delicious," I am seriously asking. I never understood it; doesn't it imply that the vast majority doesn't deem him worthy, thus making him a less ideal choice? I mean the first aspect of your post was completely rational, the tag-on just attenuated everything you were saying in my opinion.

 

[RSF-Blue bomber]

Is that some kind of defense mechanism? "Greninja thinks all of the tears are delicious," I am seriously asking. I never understood it; doesn't it imply that the vast majority doesn't deem him worthy, thus making him a less ideal choice? I mean the first aspect of your post was completely rational, the tag-on just attenuated everything you were saying in my opinion.

the last part was a joke. everything else I meant to say.

 

[Morbi]

the last part was a joke. everything else I meant to say.

I know it was a joke in your case; I just mean collectively, the tag-on basically disrupts the initial message. I am probably over analyzing it, or something. It just seem counter-intuitive to interpersonal communication.

 

[The Suit-less Ace]

First off, Gen 4 didn't really have a big starter. None of them were all that great or popular. Gen 5 have Samurott which was okay but it still didn't reach high popularity.

Really in terms of tiers I'd rank them like this:

S Tier:
Charizard

A Tier:
Blastoise
Blaziken
Greninja

B Tier:
Feraligatr
Typhlosion

C Tier:
The rest

To be honest, those are the only ones that really killed it in the Pokemon biz. The rest were lower end.

I think Venusaur should be higher in this list. Really, all the gen 1 starters are important.

 

[Captain Fun]

Greninja is a popular and relevant stater, so of course.

 

[Xykness]

I never would have guessed that Greninja would be playable for SSB4. I was pretty hyped when they revealed him, but I couldn't help but think that he was a random inclusion to the Smash series; he just seems out of place. Now don't get me wrong, I cannot wait to play as him and I think he looks pretty awesome, but he seems like a "smaller" or less popular addition in relation to his identity in the Nintendo Universe. It just seems a little weird. I can't wait though!

 

[ToothiestAura]

Well, beyond each series' mascots there isn't really anyone who deserves a spot. For Pokemon especially with 700+ characters, beyond Pikachu, every choice is gonna feel like someone else was shafted. I think Greninja is a good choice, but I don't really think he deserves it. Only Pikachu really does.

 

[Sonicguy726]

Well, beyond each series' mascots there isn't really anyone who deserves a spot. For Pokemon especially with 700+ characters, beyond Pikachu, every choice is gonna feel like someone else was shafted. I think Greninja is a good choice, but I don't really think he deserves it. Only Pikachu really does.

And charizard

 

[Knight Dude]

It's pretty hard for any Pokemon to reach enough popularity along with some of the first 151. Chances are, none of them are going to top the likes of Pikachu, Charizard, Blastoise and Mewtwo. Having said that, we've seen some exceptions to the rule, like Tyranitar, Metagross, and obviously Smash veteran Lucario. Honestly, Greninja seems to be the first really popular Starter Pokemon since Blaziken(which might be saying a lot). Hell, the guy is my 2nd Favorite Water type.

Other than that, I do think the Ninja motif pretty much helped itself come up with a solid move pool from the get-go. Greninja is just one of those Pokemon that works in a fighting game. Almost like he was too good to pass up at the time.

 

[Deleted member]

It's difficult to compare something like Zoroark to Greninja, especially on SWF.

We all sort of viewed Zoroark as the mascot of Gen 5, so it's very easy to see why we'd build it up that way. However, as a character, he never had the same popularity as someone like Lucario. However, Greninja is quickly becoming that Pokemon (the Lucario) for Gen 6. Honestly, he's easily the most popular of the 3 starters, and has a great deal of popularity as a Pokemon. He's like Charizard but new. And a frog.

I wish people would stop saying the only reason he got in was because Gamefreak pushed. Not only is this unverifiable, but it doesn't give Sakurai enough credit as lead developer to make his own decisions. He's trying to make a game where every character is unique and there's a massive, diverse roster. Greninja fills a character archetype that hadn't quite been explored yet, represents the newest series Pokemon has to offer in contrast to old favorites like Pika and Zard, and from a fighting game standpoint, has the potential to look really amazing with his water-based blades and other moves.

Just remember that this isn't the only Smash board, and that we tend to have opinions about characters that centralize around very specific ideas. We also tend to tunnel vision, which might explain why we've literally never seen any announcement coming for this game but Mega Man. (And Mac, but no one expected him to be announced the day he was.)

Greninja is easily the most popular Pokemon of the new gen, and likely blows pokemon like Zoroark out of the water, so I'm honestly not surprised upon further reflection to see him, and I sure hope he sticks around like Charizard and Lucario.

Could not put this down better. I cannot wait to give him a shot.

 

[ToothiestAura]

And charizard

Eh, all three of the first three starters are huge (prolly why they all got in Brawl in some form). Charizard's higher, probably, but he isn't more deserving than the others in my opinion.

 

[Sonicguy726]

Eh, all three of the first three starters are huge (prolly why they all got in Brawl in some form). Charizard's higher, probably, but he isn't more deserving than the others in my opinion.

I also think any pokemon that got a movie is deserving, mewtwo, deoxys, lucario, drakrai, zoroark, genesect etc

 

[ToothiestAura]

I also think any pokemon that got a movie is deserving, mewtwo, deoxys, lucario, drakrai, zoroark, genesect etc

Too many movies. It makes them less special. If there were fewer movies, I may agree with you.

 

[VioletSmashfan]

Too many movies. It makes them less special. If there were fewer movies, I may agree with you.

The only movie based Pokémon that deserve to get a playable spot is Mewtwo, Lucario and maybe Zoroark (plus it would be super weird seeing a event exclusive legendary like Deoxys, Darkrai or Genesect as playable characters, without them getting a promotion in their games as well.)

 

[dezeray112]

I did expect and had a feeling that a Pokemon from the X and Y series to be playable character for SSB Wii U and 3DS, although I didn't really had much of a clue which one it would be and once Greninja was unveiled, I was surprised and happy at the same time. So other than that, I felt that Greninja deserves his place in the game.

 

[Oblivion129]

I see Greninja being important in the anime. He already was the most popular starter (although Chespin is my favorite). Out of the 6th gen Pokemon he was pretty likely.

Also, his moveset looks awesome and is definitely my style.