After Williams on Tuesday night, Caleb and I exchanged dialogue over the potential cast for Super Smash Bros. Revolution - the hugely anticipated next-gen release title. The jump from the original game for the N64 to Super Smash Bros. Melee for the Gamecube was shocking, featuring a host of new features and an impressive ensemble of new characters.
With the approaching E3 likely boasting a playable version of SSBR, it might be nice to delve into some good old fashioned speculation as to who will be added to the roster of Nintendo’s fighting magnum opus.
So, let’s take a look at who came to the tryouts:
Wario
First Featured in: Super Mario Land 2: Six Golden Coins (Game Boy) - 1992
Wario is the official counterweight to Mario’s good-natured character. He is evil, manipulative, lazy and a bit of a slob. Over time, his character has diverted from being an evil Mario double to a more unique creation. Wario is much more physical than Mario, featuring a lot of moves and attacks that would make pro-wrestlers soil their peculiar leather thongs.
Many may cringe at the thought of including another Mario-based character being included, but don’t count Wario out just yet. He has broken off onto his own and established his own gameplay mechanic. It seems quite likely that he could be worked into the next Super Smash Bros. with a few devious tricks up his sleeves to beat the competition. Hell, with all the gold he’s accumulated, he can probably buy his way into the game.
Compatibility: ***** Wario would make a perfect addition to the Super Smash Bros. series. His attack style differs from Mario greatly, and he would be a fresh addition. Mastering some of his abilities like his speedy rush that can plough through enemies, or even his devestating moves from Wario World like the Corkscrew Conk, the Piledriver and the Wild Swing-ding would make him a complete powerhouse of pain in the new game.
Likelihood: ***** Wario’s inclusion in this game is almost guaranteed. He is a fairly balanced character who can bring a more than ample supply of brawn to those who enjoy playing with power. Wario was also voted as a fan favourite addition in a recent Player’s Poll on Nintendo.com
Personally, I feel that Wario would certainly be an interesting addition to the series. He would be quite a powerful character. He is not one of my favourites on this list, despite my obsession with Wario Land 3. I’ve grown out of favour with him as he is consistently portrayed (in sports games) as slow, sluggish and dull-witted.
Waluigi
First Featured In: Mario Tennis (N64) - 2000
While Wario has become the official counterweight to Mario, so has Waluigi become an official counterweight to Luigi. Waluigi is brother to Wario, which makes them cousins of the Mario brothers. He has not been featured in any games aside from the traditional Nintendo sports and party titles, and as such, Waluigi has never been seen in action.
Compatibility: *** Although Waluigi has never been seen in action, there are a number of attacks that have been associated with him. Like all his plumber-esque cohorts, it is likely that one of Waluigi’s most basic attacks is some variant of the Tornado spin. He also seems to be proficient with various devices, often employing the use of Bob-ombs and Piranha Plants to defeat his enemies. There also appears to be an association between him and electricity, possibly stemming from Luigi’s ability to use it in Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga. However, he does not have enough attacks to his own name to fully establish him as a character.
Likelihood: (1/2) Waluigi - despite lacking unique abilities - has been in existence for six years without his own significant game release. Fans of the twisted brothers, Wario and Waluigi, are craving Waluigi’s presence in a more significant title. Super Smash Bros. Revolution may be just that title, and it might be a good medium to flesh out Waluigi’s unique abilities.
Personally, I would be very pleased with Waluigi’s inclusion in SSBR. I am partial to Luigi, and upon the release of Mario Tennis, I became very attached to his evil self as well. If they were finally able to establish Waluigi’s unique identity in this game, I can imagine amazing results.
Toad/Toadsworth
First Featured In: (as an individual) Super Mario Bros. (NES) - 1985
When Toad first appeared, he wasn’t a person as much as he was an image. It was only in Super Mario Bros. 2 - the unreleased Doki Doki Panic with Mario characters inserted - that Toad became a full-fledged individual. He has since engaged in the bulk of Mario’s racing and sporting endeavours. Toad was also a companion and servant of Princess Peach.
Over time, the individual Toad changed into a species of Toads, who are the occupants of the Mushroom Kingdom, ruled by Princess Peach. The generic companion of the original Toad was replaced by Toadsworth in Super Mario Sunshine. Toadsworth has since appeared in a host of games, including Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time, the game which established him as Peach’s guardian since her birth.
Compatibility: ** I question what attacks any of the Toad’s could potentially use to their advantage. Toad/Toadsworth is relatively powerless and has no definite abilities associated with his person. As a result, I cannot help but wonder how he could be successfully integrated into the game, especially since a Toad is part of Peach’s defense attack.
Likelihood:* Toad was among the top two voted on by Nintendo fans as characters who should be included in SSBR. Since Nintendo took fan suggestions last time around (adding Peach and Bowser), it is extremely likely that Toad or Toadsworth will be featured in SSBR.
Personally, I can not imagine how Toad will be successfully used in Super Smash Bros. He is extremely limited in his abilities, and has very little potential. Whatever method they will use to integrate him into the series had better be truly ingenious in order for him to capture my attention. He is certainly not someone I would want in the next iteration…
Stanley the Bugman
First Featured In: Donkey Kong 3 (NES) - 1983
For whatever reason, Stanley the Bugman replaced Mario in this installment of the Donkey Kong series. Whether Stanley deserved to fill Mario’s shoes (and overalls, as the picture shows) is questionable, yet he seemed to have defeated the giant ape just as effectively.
After Donkey Kong breaks into Stan’s greenhouse, Stan uses a spray can to force the ape higher and higher in order to defeat him. Despite being used in Donkey Kong 3 to some success, Stan has not been featured as a playable character in any game to date. Perhaps he was killed by the Ape Mafia. Regardless, Stan is M.I.A.
Compatibility: * Although Stan may have been a suitable replacement for Mario back in the day, he would not even come close to making the cut in a game like Super Smash Brothers. His attacks are not nearly varied enough, and he hasn’t had enough development to create a third jump or any other attacks. Unless some creative reworking was done to the character, he would not fit well.
Likelihood: *** Even though a reappearance of Stan is unlikely, Nintendo may just be daring enough to go there. After all, they revived the Ice Climbers (who I am sure many had forgotten about), and they brought back R.O.B. as a playable character in Mario Kart DS. Perhaps they are more than willing to delve into their confusing 2-D past to retrieve some of the quirky characters that helped make them famous.
Personally, I am indifferent to Stan’s appearance. As long as they make him equally balanced, I could tolerate him. However, his spray bottle ability seems to be mimicked by Mr. Game and Watch, whose very existence may make Stanley’s moot.
Prince Peasley
First Featured In: Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA) - 2003
Prince Peasley has only been featured in one title, M&L;: Superstar Saga, the third title in the Mario RPG series. He is the Prince of the Beanbean Kingdom, a locale monarchy that rests on the border of the Mushroom Kingdom. Prince Peasley and Princess Peach appear to have knowledge of eachother, and there may even be some childhood connection between the two.
Throughout the game, he flies about on his bean acting quite pompous as he endeavours to recover shards of the Beanstar. He uses a sword and blinds people with his white teeth. Luigi becomes a big fan. Although fading out of the spotlight for the time being, Prince Peasley is a force to be reckoned with. He packs a fair bit of power, and is actually kind of cool when you get used to him.
Compatibility: * Prince Peasley actually possesses a diverse range of attacks that he could use. The Beanbean monarch can use his sword for melee attacks and execute precision sword strikes like Marth and Roy. His third jump could make use of his flying bean - his main mode of transport in M&L; - and he can adapt to many other modes of attack. With a little work, he could be a suitable addition to Super Smash Bros. Revolution.
Likelihood: *(1/2) ** Somehow, I truly doubt that Prince Peasley will ever extend beyond the realm of the portable Mario RPG series. He did not reappear in the sequel to Superstar Saga, aside from a brief cameo on a poster in Peach’s Castle. It seems that after his initial use, he has been partially discarded by the Nintendo development team. If - in some future Nintendo game - the Beanbean castle makes a reappearance, perhaps Prince Peasley will garner more support.
Personally, I think Prince Peasley is pretty awesome, and I would be ecstatic if he were included in the next Super Smash Bros. His character could have a combination of the speed and compact size of Young Link, mixed with the swift sword attacks of Marth. He would definitely be one of my favourites.
Geno
First Featured In: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (SNES) - 1996
Geno is not actually the doll he appears to be. In Super Mario RPG, Geno was a Star Agent sent from Star Road to save the Seven Star Shards (the best use of alliteration ever). He inhabited the body of the doll to have a physical body, and took the name Geno (after the doll) because his own name was far too difficult to pronounce. He uses magic and projectile attacks, and his the wise sage of the group.
Since Super Mario RPG was developed jointly with Square (now Square Enix), Geno has not been featured as a playable character in any future Nintendo games, although he had a brief cameo in Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga.
Compatibility: (1/2) Geno would actually make a fairly good character for SSBR. His physical attacks could easily be punches, while his projectile attacks could be an assortment of his RPG attacks, including the Geno Beam, Geno Boost and Geno Blast.
Likelihood: 0 Unless Nintendo somehow obtains permission from Square Enix to make use of this character as a playable one - which is highly unlikely - Geno will not see the light of the day in SSRB. Which is unfortunate.
Personally, I am not a big fan of Geno. However, he does have an immense fan base, as does the entirety of the Super Mario RPG cast. A petition has been signed by 20,000 people to have Square Enix relinquish the rights to the title over to Nintendo, so that it can be officially re-released on the Game Boy Advance of Nintendo DS. Regardless of how suitable he might be for a spot in the game, I don’t really care for him.
Professor Elvin Gadd
First Featured In: Luigi’s Mansion (GCN) - 2001
Professor Elvin Gadd manages to save Luigi and, indirectly, rescue Mario from his portrait prison. In subsequent games, he provides the Mario Bros. with a host of devices. He also had a hand in the creation of such inventions as F.L.U.D.D., the Poltergust 3000/3001/4000, the Hydrogush, the Gameboy Horror, the DS Time Radar, The Gadd Gun, and Stuffwell.
His quirky mannerisms and non-sensical speech have made him a novelty in many games, and he is becoming more and more popular with an increased amount of “screen time” in Mario titles.
Compatibility: ***** Professor E. Gadd will fit well into SSBR based upon the wealth of inventions he has at his disposal. Melee attacks would likely involve that massive head of his, while projectile attacks could include spewing fire, water or ice out of the Poltergust, and spraying water droplets with F.L.U.D.D. or even a shot from the Gadd Gun. His third jump could be the rocket boost from F.L.U.D.D. With Gadd’s creativity, the developers could equip him with other weapons as well.
Likelihood:**** With Professor E. Gadd’s inclusion in games on the rise - he is central to the plot in Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time - it is possible that he makes an appearance in SSBR. After all, Nintendo developers included Petey Piranha in Mario Power Tennis, Mario Kart Double Dash and M&L;: Partners in Time after his miniscule appearance in Super Mario Sunshine. E.Gadd, on the other hand, is slowly being integrated into the Mario universe as a recurring character, much like Toadsworth and Kamek.
Personally, I would be immensely pleased if Professor E. Gadd was featured in SSBR. He is a very good character, and seems like such an unconventional character, which is why I would be thrilled to see him. It would lean away from characters that use swords or some laser gun. He could be extremely rewarding to play as. Plus, E. Gadd is pure awesome.
Diddy Kong
First Featured In: Donkey Kong Country (SNES) - 1994
Diddy Kong has filled the place of Donkey Kong Jr. as the original D.K.’s son/apprentice figure. He was appointed with the duty of guarding Donkey Kong’s banana hoard the night King K. Rool thieved it away, and was thus responsible for helping Donkey Kong retrieve it.
Diddy - although created by Rareware - has appeared in a few games since they were sold to Microsoft, notably DK: King of Swing and Donkey Konga.
Compatibility: (1/2) Diddy Kong has a lot of potential. With the use of his tail, cartwheels, the ability to throw banana peels, and the exciting barrel jetpack that debuted in Mario Power Tennis, Diddy Kong could certainly be a powerful fighter, and certainly less cheap than Donkey Kong…with the stupid edge kills.
Likelihood: ***** In the same poll that voted Wario and Toad as new characters to SSBR, Diddy Kong ranked fairly high. If the Big N listens to fans like they did with SSBM, we’ll probably see Diddy’s red ball cap in the fray this fall.
Personally, Diddy Kong was not my favourite Kong. During my initial meeting with Donkey Kong Country, I thought he was great. However, my preference went to Kiddy Kong shortly after completing Donkey Kong Country 3. It was an inevitable change, but Diddy is still awesome in his own right. Frankly, the fact that he had a girlfriend makes him better than me. Although…come on, he was probably only attracted to Dixie because her hair looks like a giant banana.
Dixie Kong
First Featured In: Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy Kong’s Quest (SNES) - 1995
Dixie Kong is easily recognized by her pink beret and banana shaped hair. She is dating Diddy Kong, and managed to help him out a helluva lot through their first adventure. She also handled pretty well on her own in Donkey Kong Country 3.
Despite disappearing from the series for seven years or so, Dixie eventually made a comeback as a playable character in DK: King of Swing, Donkey Konga 2, and Mario Superstar Baseball. Many characters were outraged by her absence from Donkey Kong 64, and it was her evident popularity that forced her to be included in a host of newer Donkey Kong releases.
Compatibility: (1/2) Dixie absolutely has what it takes to be in SSBR. She has the strength of Donkey Kong (since her hair can somehow lift things) and the speed and finesse of Diddy Kong. Furthermore, her ponytail, which allows her to float and descend slowly, would make an ideal third jump.
Likelihood: *(1/2)** Although Diddy received a great deal of support in the Nintendo Poll, Dixie was not nearly as lucky. Although it is assured that she will be featured in all future Donkey Kong releases, it is highly unlikely that she will make the cut into SSBR. That being said, crazier things have happened, hence the 3 and a half…asterisks.
Personally, Dixie never struck me as anything special, and I was confused that people actually relented her absence in DK64. Perhaps I don’t understand the series as well as others.
Captain Olimar
First Featured In: Pikmin (GCN) - 2001
Captain Olimar is an instellar traveller from the planet Hocotate, who crash landed onto Earth after being hit by a meteor. Upon his harsh arrival to the planet, Olimar encounter strange creatures that were half-plant, half-animal, which he decided to name Pikmin. Various species of Pikmin exist, not all of which have been featured in game. The Pikmin were used to retrieve the pieces of his broken spaceship, and he escaped the planet. Unfortunately, when he returned to Hocotate, he discovered that his replacement at his shipping company (apparently his occupation was a space courier) had lost an expensive shipment of goods, and the company was in the hole.
After his boss discovered the valuable trinkets on Earth (garbage), he dispatched Olimar and the naive replacement, Looie, to recover as much merchandise as they can for resale. After Olimar reaches the monetary goal, he leaves the planet and the Pikmin once more, only to discover that he has also left Looie behind.
Compatibility: * Olimar, through the use of his Pikmin, would be an ideal candidate for Super Smash Bros. With the ability to hurl Pikmin, swing fat purple Pikmin for added damage, and use yellow bomb rock wielding Pikmin against enemies. Flower Pikmin could also be used to ensure a safe landing after a jetpack boost (third jump). Melee damage - mimicking the actual game Pikmin - would likely be inflicted by wacking things with his head.
Likelihood: ***** Olimar received high scores in a Nintendo poll, although not nearly as high as Wario and Toad. However, due to the number of Mario exclusive characters plaguing SSB games, it is highly possible that Miyamoto’s newest Nintendo mascot may join the fray in the fall.
Personally, I cannot imagine anyone more suitable to be featured in SSBR than Captain Olimar. Although he is only the size of a quarter, he can certainly bring it. I am sure that if he is featured in the next game, he will become an instant fan favourite. I mean, who couldn’t love Olimar? He kicks ass.
Mr. Resetti
First Featured In: Animal Crossing (GCN) - 2002
Mr. Resetti may have a very minimal part in the Animal Crossing series, but he is the only one I would be fearful of when fighting. This angry intimidator of a mole threatens you, sometimes with physical violence, after you reset your game without saving. The man has a pick axe, and - on more than one occasion - I’ve felt compelled to call Copper and Booker to defend me.
Compatibility: *(1/2)** With a little tweaking, Mr. Resetti could actually be quite a successful SSRB character. There needs to be a few tweaks to his attacks to give him a projectile, and a third jump. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be half bad to play as.
Likelihood: *** On the one hand, the idea is completely ludicrous. On the other hand, he was created by Miyamoto. It’s really a toss up, but Miyamoto-san is a genius and his work usually gets the premium spots.
Personally, I can visualize nothing more thrilling than kicking Fraser Roth’s Link using butt with a tiny little mole wielding a pick axe. Go Resetti.
Little Mac
First Featured in: Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! (NES) - 1987
Little Mac is the official spokesperson for the phrase: “Appearances can be deceiving”. This pint-size boxer has honed his skills to perfection under the guidance of Doc Louis and he has become a legend. He wields an uppercut that can shatter jaws, and fierce jab that can send you toppling. Nothing was more thrilling than beating the shit out of Soda Popinski or landing one square in Mike Tyson’s jaw.
Little Mac had the heart of a champion. He was unbeatable and unforgetable.
Compatibility: (1/2) With a host of exquisite fighting moves that would make him the perfect melee character, Little Mac fits almost perfectly into the SSBR cast. If he could only perfect a third jump though…
Likelihood: *(1/2) ** Nintendo has a wealth of other characters to consider from their collection, and although Little Mac has received a lot of attentions from fans of all things retro, I can’t really see Nintendo delving back a two decades to revive him. Then again, they did bring back the Ice Climbers and Mr. Game and Watch…
Personally, Little Mac is awesome. If he was playable in SSBR, he would probably be adopted as one of my new favourite characters. Easily. There is nothing more thrilling than giving the enemy an uppercut to the face and than inspiring countless “nigg@ stole my bike” ytmnd’s. Well, maybe that last part sucks. But Little Mac still rocks.
Pit
First Featured in: Kid Icarus (NES) - 1986
Pit was a kid with wings featured in the game Kid Icarus, who found the three treasures of the Kingdom of Light to defeat the evil Medusa and free Palutena, Goddess of Light. You know, your standard winged kid stuff.
Although he faded out of the spotlight due to the popularity of a similar game released at the time (ahem, METROID!!!), Pit definitely struck a cord with many gamers (despite being labelled as Samus’ retarded little brother).
Compatibility: ***** This kid has wings, a sword, a bow and a shield, plus the help of the Goddess of Light on his side. He is loaded, and more than able to kick ass in SSBR.
Likelihood: *****
He is one of the more popular characters discussed by fans. Many want to see him in the game, however he was not widely supported in the Nintendo poll. So, will he make the cut, or wont he? I hope he does, because he would be awesome.
Personally, I’ve sung his praises enough in the aforementionned paragraphs to indicate that I would love to play as Pit.
Mike Jones
First Featured in: Startropics - 1990
Mike Jones is likely a name that doesn’t mean anything to anyone. Startropics was not an exceedingly popular game, despite the Legend of Zelda-esque gameplay (using elements of LoZ and LoZ2:AoL) as well as some fighting mechanics that would have likely inspired Ness from the Earthbound series (yo-yo, bats, slingshots, etc).
Mike Jones, after arriving on C-Island to visit his uncle, discovers that his uncle has actually been abducted by islands and taken far away. Through the use of Sub-C, piloted by the helpful robot Nav-Com (who resembled R.O.B., an original NES peripheral and Mario Kart DS unlockable) you eventually find the leader of the aliens, Zoda, and rescue your uncle.
Compatibility:***** Mike’s weapons of a yo-yo, baseball bats, and other assorted items provide a great deal of variety to his attacks, unfortunately…
Likelihood: 0 …Mike Jones would have many of the same attacks as Ness, minus Ness’ psychic abilities. As a result, Mike would exist as a redundant character, and would likely not be included in the series.
Personally, this disappoints me, since Startropics was awesome and Ness is a douche. But, Ness has established himself, and there is nothing that can be done at this stage. Alas.
Shigeru Miyamoto
First Featured in: Not Applicable
Who Better To Appear In A Super Smash Bros Game than a 3-d cartoonified version of the Father of Video Gaming himself, full of a collaboration of gimmicks from his various creations. The man is a genious, and to have him as the final unlockable character (like Game and Watch in SSBM) would be absolutely awesome to see. Utilizing the power of decades of gaming, Miyamoto-san could be the ultimate opponent to all of his creations.
Compatibility: Infinity The ability to hurl Tetris blocks, hurl barrels, or unleashing the power of various consoles.
Likelihood: He can make it happen. Well, he can. If he wants to put himself in a game, I imagine it is entirely within his power. And enough Nintendo fans worship him already…so…
Personally, playing as the father of gaming would be absolutely awesome.
That’s it, that’s all.
There are other characters, such as the Golden Sun and Sonic characters, who could be included, but the Golden Sun characters will play too much like Link, Zelda, Marth and Roy, while the Sonic characters are limited in their attacks.
Anyway, I may resume this in another post. I’m off to watch Lost.