(Part 3) Smash 4 Character Roster Analysis!

By ROCKSOAP - Wolf, Captain Falcon, Pokémon Trainer, Lucario, Jigglypuff, and Marth!

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. 

Wolf O'Donnell

The leader of Team Star Fox’s nemesis/rival/drinking buddy, Wolf is a lot slower than Fox is, but makes up for his speed with almost double the power. It’s definitely refreshing to see that Wolf has a slightly modified move set from Fox and Falco (albeit in the most asinine way possible) but other than that…

THE FINAL VERDICT: Okay, I’ll try to keep this short and sweet. No thanks. Wolf has such a small presence, even in his own franchise, that I almost skipped over him entirely. Like I stated earlier, roster space is valuable, so let’s not waste a slot with a character as meaningless as Wolf.

Captain Falcon

Is there anyone cooler than the Captain? I mean, his “Falcon PAWNCH!!” has become more than iconic, and he’s been in every game since the original.  However, Miyamoto has stated recently that he has no original ideas for continuing Nintendo’s classic racer, as Mario Kart is only gaining in popularity. Should Nintendo cut the ol’ Cap as it tries to hang up this franchise?

THE FINAL VERDICT: Captain Falcon has got to 100% be in Smash 4, or Nintendo will not be getting any of my money. Not only is he one of the Original 12, but how can you have a Smash Brothers game without a Falcon Punch?

Pokémon Trainer

I really liked this idea when Sakurai first showed this character off all those years ago. It’s kind of like a mix between Zelda/Sheik’s ol’ switch-a-roo, and Ice Climber’s Tag Team thing. I like how they used Red, the original Pokémon Trainer from the days of Red and Blue, and I also liked how they didn’t try to go overboard with all the Pokémon they could have picked from; instead they kept it nice and simple with the original three starters from the Kanto. I guess what I’m saying is I like Pokémon Trainer.

THE FINAL VERDICT: As much as I just praised him, I’m leaning towards a no. He was only a decent character at best, and there is more than enough representation for the Pokémon series already. It would be more of a yes if they switched up his Pokémon, maybe giving him some from a mix of regions. But as of right now… It’s a no.

Lucario

How I’ve been waiting to get to this one. You see, I believe there are two different types of Pokémon: Iconic Pokémon and Fad Pokémon. Lucario is undeniably a Fad Pokémon. He became the (un)intentional mascot for the Fourth Generation, and he was everywhere. Hell, they even had a whole MOVIE about him. His Fighting-type was perfect for the game, so they took Mewtwo, and slapped a Lucario costume on him. But with Sixth Gen right around the corner…

THE FINAL VERDICT: I’m having to update this article before it is officially finished. Since Nintendo has recently shown off the new “Mega” Pokémon, and Lucario is among them, I would be remiss in not stating that I think he’ll return because of this simple fact. He now just as easily represents the Sixth Generation as he did the Fourth Generation. He has an established move set, code, and just…goddamn it.

Jigglypuff

On the other end of this spectrum, I would consider Jigglypuff an Iconic Pokémon. She’s one of the Original Twelve, and she’s still one of the most recognizable Pokémon to this day. The little ball of fluff has now been slapped with the new Fairy-type from Pokémon X and Y, and that’s another bonus.

THE FINAL VERDICT: As I’ve said, Jigglypuff is not popular for her stats or her reputation in the Pokémon games themselves, but for her eternal appeal. She’s lasted the full 15 years of Pokémon’s existence, which is no easy task. Look at Cloyster. Her original-as-fuck move set is icing on the cake; she stays. 

Marth

Marth is the original protagonist from the very first Fire Emblem game. But he perhaps is more well known for his appearance in Melee than any of his games. His simple inclusion opened the floodgates for Western audiences to actually play any of the Fire Emblem games.

THE FINAL VERDICT: Definitely. Nintendo might choose someone more recent to accompany him, but Marth is certainly coming back. He’s iconic, he knows how to wield a sword better than anyone else on the roster, and he’s a total ladies man. Marth is Fire Emblem.

Ludwig doesn't even know RockSoap, so don't try asking for contact info.


For the previous Part 2 in this series, click here!
Ready to move onto Part 4? Then click this!
For an analysis of RockSoap's analysis, click here.