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Friday, September 6, 2013

(Part 2) Smash 4 Character Roster Analysis!

By ROCKSOAP - Toon Link, Ice Climbers, R.O.B., King Dedede, Meta Knight, and Falco.

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. 

Toon Link



If you know me, you know that Wind Waker is my absolute favorite Zelda. Ever. The Link from this game is just full of swag, and he gives the series a broader demographic with his inclusion. Plus, back on Brawl, it was nice to see a Link represented by something other than Twilight Princess… Oh God, I think I just threw up in my mouth a little… 

THE FINAL VERDICT: As much as it REALLY PAINS ME to say this, I’m gonna have to go with a no on this one. I love Toon Link, but cuts have to be made, and the Zelda series is more than represented with Link, Ganondorf, Zelda, and Sheik.

(But I would buy his DLC SO FAST…)

Ice Climbers



These little bastards have made an appearance in every game since Melee. I don’t think someone can argue that their tag-team gimmick isn’t interesting, but does anyone really care about the Ice Climbers anymore? Yeah, they were a nice novelty back in Melee, but get with the times, Sakurai.

THE FINAL VERDICT: In case it wasn’t obvious, they’d be a no. Ice Climbers have had their fun, but it’s time to let the big boys have the stage again.

R.O.B.



The Robotic Operating Buddy sure had a nice fling back in the 1980s, and I’m sure his inclusion in Brawl brought many laughs to everyone’s living rooms.

THE FINAL VERDICT: No! Look, let’s be honest. There’s no point in wasting valuable roster space on a gimmicky-ass peripheral that half the people buying this game haven’t even seen outside old photos and home videos. Lose him.

King Dedede



I’ve played my fair share of Kirby games, and I still don’t know what King Dedede’s deal is. He’s the King of Dream Land, that much is certain, but other than that… He has a hammer. He’s super heavy, and full of style, plus he’s just crazy! Like, seriously probably insane.

THE FINAL VERDICT: As for his inclusion in Smash 4… Every time I get him while playing Random, I mentally curse the almighty force that thrust him upon me, and beyond that, I’m not sure I even need him in a Smash Bros. game. I say cut him lose.

Meta Knight



Kirby’s classic, armored foe. He undoubtedly makes a way cooler antagonist than (the probably mentally insane) King Dedede. I mean, just look at him! Everything screams menacing. He’s only been around for Brawl, but he’s universally regarded as the best character in the entire game

THE FINAL VERDICT: Alongside the already confirmed Kirby, Meta Knight as a far superior choice in representing the franchise than King Dedede. Although he needs to be rebalanced, his moveset is sick, and he’s Kirby’s polar opposite in every way. A definite yes from this corner.

Falco Lombardi



Fox’s top wingman has appeared in the last two games. He’s way slower, and a bit heavier than Fox. However, his moveset is just lazy, being almost identical. Falco’s an odd bird; just as many fans want him booted as they want him to stay. On one side of the fence, you have those fans who just want to be rid of all the clones, and on the other side, you have the fans who claim his attitude and style are much needed for the game, drawing a fine line between him and Fox.

Fox himself is the most high profile character in the game whose series’ future hangs in the balance. It seems Nintendo has just stopped trying to make a Star Fox game, rather choosing to remake Star Fox 64 in the most recent outing on the 3DS. Star Fox skipped over the entirety of the Wii’s life cycle as well. Honestly, I’m not sure if Star Fox has enough popularity to warrant a second character at all.

THE FINAL VERDICT: But… I feel this is exactly the reason Falco needs to be included for a third outing. Yeah, his moveset needs some originality, but he needs the exposure to possible new fans to show that Star Fox never flies alone.


Ludwig still doesn't know who this guy is, but maybe he'll comment on this article and you can hit it off with RockSoap from there. Stay tuned next week for Part 3!


6 comments :

  1. The idea that you think King Dedede should be cut is RIDICULOUS. If he's cut and it's JUST Kirby and Meta Knight, that's a disservice to the Kirby series, which should have equal or more representation, not less.

    Kirby is getting more and more popular! And the series ain't JUST puffballs!

    If the Ice Climbers are removed, then I basically want another character that uses their mechanic. (Diddy + Dixie?) De-synching is one of the deepest technical facets of the Smash Bros. series, and I think it's important to keep that.

    Yeah, poor Toon Link is screwed with the Spirit Tracks stage cameo.

    ReplyDelete
  2. If ROB doesn't stay they'd better have playable Virtual Boy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How about a playable Gamecube?

      You laughed at the handle before? NOW IT'LL CHOKE YOU WITH IT.

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Rawk knows him, though.

      Or at least RockSoap submitted his guest post in a Microsoft Word document he gave to Rawk.

      Delete

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