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Friday, August 30, 2013

(Part 1) Smash 4 Character Roster Analysis!

By ROCKSOAP - An Intro + Peach, Diddy, Yoshi, Wario, Zelda, and Ganondorf's chances of return?

With each passing day, the next installment in Nintendo’s flagship, colorful, fan-service plagued fighting game franchise approaches. Of course, I’m talking about none other than Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U. Nintendo likes to save this hard ball until it’s really needed, only releasing one game in the series per home console, starting with the Nintendo 64. Smash 4 marks the first time the franchise will have a game on a portable system.

And as with any new Smash Brothers game, all the hype is not centered around how the gameplay will be different, or what new stages or items we’ll see, or even how the game will utilize the Wii U’s GamePad (if it will at all). Instead, the hype is focused solely on the CHARACTERS. Returning characters, newcomers, and possible third party combatants. All the fans are busy compiling their dream roster for the game; whether you’ve noticed or not, you’ve thought about it at least once.




However, the game’s director, Masahiro Sakurai, has already stated that he’s not focused on simply expanding the game’s roster even further than the 39 playable characters in the latest released game in the franchise, Super Smash Bros. Brawl. So it’s obvious cuts have to be made. I’d like to take the time now to analyze all the characters that have yet to be confirmed for Smash 4, and also offer my opinions on who should be cut, if they have to be cut at all.

As of the date this is being written, there are currently 14 confirmed characters for Smash 4. Mario, Luigi, Link, Donkey Kong, Captain Olimar, Samus, Kirby, Fox, Pikachu, Bowser, and Pit are all set to return to the fighter as well as three confirmed newcomers, The Villager from Animal Crossing, Wii Fit Trainer from…well, Wii Fit, and Mega Man, representing Capcom

Let’s go ahead and get started.

POSSIBLE RETURNING CHARACTERS


Peach

The ever-beautiful princess of the Mushroom Kingdom, Peach has been a staple in the series since the days of Melee. I think everyone was pleasantly surprised to find her fighting it out with the boys, and surely I wasn’t the only one wondering why Mario had to save her ass all the time. Her move set is fairly unique, and she’s an absolute BITCH if she catches you in the air. 


THE FINAL VERDICT: Not too much to say on this one, honestly. Yes, Peach stays. I’ve wanted Nintendo to throw in a few more ladies anyway, so cutting one that’s been around for two games now makes absolutely no sense.


Diddy Kong




I can honestly think of no one better to represent the Donkey Kong franchise, alongside DK himself, than Diddy Kong. Nintendo’s currently creating a rise in popularity with the Donkey Kong franchise, so chances are, they’d want another Kong front and center to promote Tropical Freeze.
 

THE FINAL VERDICT: A definite yes, as long as Sakurai maintains the entirely new feel Diddy brought to Brawl, despite being another monkey. A more traditional use of the character would be a step in the wrong direction.



Yoshi



Mario’s trusty “steed” has been duking it out since the original Smash Bros. on the N64. Thank God for Super Mario Galaxy 2 and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, too, because it seems Nintendo has all but dropped the character.


THE FINAL VERDICT: Yes, only because I love Yoshi, and he’s one of the Original Twelve. Truthfully, I can’t imagine a Smash Bros. without him.

Wario





Fat, smelly, and greedy, Wario has also enjoyed a rather boost in popularity thanks to his fun as hell WarioWare games. He turned up in Brawl, which was a good thing, because the game needed more heavy characters. Plus he farts.


THE FINAL VERDICT: Yes. Wario succeeded in being more then just a knock off character, and his moveset is pretty fucking awesome.

Zelda/Sheik



The typical “damsel in distress” for the Legend of Zelda games, but the only difference between Zelda and Peach is that Zelda can use magic. Oh. She can also turn into a ninja. And she’s pretty good with a bow… Wow. Suddenly Link doesn’t seem so cool anymore, does he?


THE FINAL VERDICT: Totally. Zelda’s awesome. Sheik’s awesome. Plus, I’ve already mentioned the series’ female characters problem.

Ganondorf



Was there any bigger disappointment in Melee than unlocking Ganondorf and discovering that he was the exact same as another character coming up on this list? I can understand the time constraint that the development team had for Melee, but what was your excuse for Brawl?! Seven years later, and he’s still BARELY DIFFERENT. God, it’s just depressing.



THE FINAL VERDICT: An absolute NO, if Sakurai wants to continue take the easy way out. I’d rather not see Ganondorf at all than yet another Captain Ganon. However, like Bowser to Mario, he’s the Zelda franchise’s main villain, and Link needs someone to fight. So, more than likely, the King of Evil will be returning.


….at least give him a sword, Sakurai!


Ludwig doesn't even know who this guy is, so finding a way to contact him is your job. Part 2 coming out next week!


To read the next article in this series, click here!
For an analysis of RockSoap's analysis, click here.

2 comments :

  1. Yeah, I really have no idea what you're talking about, thinking Yoshi got abandoned or something. We've been making a big stink about Artoon on KoopaTV.

    Artoon's games are still games and attention to Yoshi. Negative attention, but he's not dead.

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