I think the most disheartening aspect that resulted from this Direct is that I'm having trouble getting excited for any Fire Emblem character at this point (I'm still unmoved with Ridley).
While I know Tiki was a long shot, and I mean loooooooonnnnnngggggg shot, the idea of Chrom pairing up with Robin or Lucina was definitely a strong contender in my opinion. But perhaps I was too spoiled by the idea of a duo then, and now that the transform mechanic is essentially scrapped, the concept of Chrom by himself is sounding... dull.
Realistically speaking Chrom is still the front-runner of any new Fire Emblem character coming in, but I'm having trouble rekindling my interest in him. I don't have enough faith to back Roy's return nor have I been convinced Anna will or even should claim the third spot. At the very least though Lyn still returned as an Assist Trophy, which I'm grateful for since she is one of my favorite Lords in the series.