The fourth day of tryouts begins!
In March of 2006, I began the process of evaluating Nintendo characters to see who would make the cut into the game that was then known as Super Smash Bros. Revolution. Since then, the Wii has been released and two trailers for the game has been shown. We have received a lot of information, but not a final roster list. While this information is rumoured to arrive before the fall “˜07 release, it is not fast enough for me.
The tryouts will involve the evaluation of Nintendo characters - old and new - for their compatibility with Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Old characters may be discarded; new ones may come out of unexpected places. It is time to resume the tryouts.
Step inside to see the evaluations of 10 new characters from some of Nintendo’s newest franchises.
Note: This post contains an absurd amount of images. Not recommended for people on dial-up. The Tryouts “˜07 Day One - Day Two - Day Three - Day Four - Day Five - Final Roster [The Rejects
](http://www.redcardgroup.com/granite/2007/07/03/the-tryouts-07-the-rejects/) 
One of the central characters of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance for the Nintendo Gamecube, Ike has surfaced as a competitor in the tryouts for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Although he is from the same series as Marth and Roy - and likely fights with the same sword style - many people still want to see him included in Brawl. The reason for this, namely, is that a lot of people dislike Marth. Ike, on the other hand, developed quite a large following after the release of the first 3D Fire Emblem game.It seems likely that there will be at least one Fire Emblem character included in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, on account of the stage pictured in the trailers that displays a castle under siege. Most people were quick to notice that the crest on the flag did not belong to the Mushroom Kingdom, or the Kingdom of Hyrule (the only places you find castles in the world of Nintendo). Fire Emblem fans chimed in immediately after commenting on how the crest belongs to some Fire Emblem kingdom that was first featured in the Path of Radiance. This appears to be a good sign of Ike’s presence in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. On the other hand, some other Fire Emblem fans have claimed that the insignia is actually from an older game in the series, one which stared Marth as the title character.So, it is a bit of a toss up. Fire Emblem games have only recently migrated to our shores, and I have yet to play through them. I do believe that Fraser has played Path of Radiance (maybe Caleb?), so perhaps there is someone else who can chime in on the merits of Ike over Marth. Ultimately, they would probably have the same move set, just a different name and appearance. Think of it as an alternate costume.
Compatibility:
_Since Ike would likely be a replacement for Marth, his moveset would be exactly the same. And since Marth has already made it into Super Smash Bros. as an amazingly useful character, Ike’s compatibility is obviously top-tier stuff. We’ve already seen that the formula works. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
_
Likelihood:
This one could go either way folks. I am not an expert in Fire Emblem lore and imagery, so I cannot identify a culture from a crest on their flag. Perhaps Ike will replace Marth. Ike does have a second game coming out in the near future, and it might be the best way to make Ike’s face more recognizable, since everyone who owns a Wii is likely going to acquire Super Smash Bros. Brawl at some point.
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Another character from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, The Black Knight is one of the main evil characters from Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance. His armour is impenetrable, and he is the warrior who murdered Ike’s family.
For his inclusion into Super Smash Bros. Brawl, it is important to remember that major heroes are included from a franchise before major villains. As a result, if Ike ends up losing out the Fire Emblem seat to Marth, I would not expect The Black Knight to appear in game. The Black Knight operates as a package deal with Ike; no Ike, no Knight.
As for attacks, it seems that he would be shackled to an array of sword attacks that are similar to Marth and Roy. While it seems that they could certainly work around an exact duplication, The Black Knight would - essentially - be a clone of Ike’s abilities, except with some sort of more evil flare to them. I was thinking that instead of fire, like Roy, there would be black smoke or something similar.
Then again, the Black Knight’s appearance still hinges on the appearance of Ike, so it may not even matter. Despite this, many fans seem to hold him in high regard, and insist on a spot being reserved for him in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Compatibility:
The skill set is definitely there, but it would be a near carbon copy of Marth/Roy/Ike’s abilities. Without any originality to spice things up, why even bother with the character in the first place?
Likelihood:
As mentioned earlier, The Black Knight will only appear in Super Smash Bros. Brawl if Ike is selected over Marth. Otherwise, there would be no reason to have a villain present when the hero of the same game is not.
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Ah. The shopkeeper from Animal Forest, Animal Crossing, and Animal Crossing: Wild World. Probably the only person who is content to nickel and dime consumers to death who has yet to get a job with Microsoft to work on the XBox Marketplace, Tom Nook is the lovable raccoon shopkeeper who manages your mortgage and sells you the essentials in the Animal Crossing series of games. Many fans of the series have insisted on seeing Tom Nook appear in this iteration of Super Smash Bros., but does he have the stones?
When you consider that Animal Crossing has no fighting in it whatsoever, you have to be a little creative in developing attacks for Tom Nook. Also, considering he is not playable, you have to mesh his abilities with those of other characters. For example, the main character (you) in Animal Crossing has access to a variety of tools: shovel, axe, fishing rod, net, watering can, slingshot, etc. Tom Nook is also obsessed with money, which is something that could be factored into his abilities as well.
So, using the ideas of some other people as well as my own, I can see Tom Nook using his face for most of his physical attacks (since his arms are so puny). For his range attacks, holding B could charge up the slingshot. B and a direction would have him hit you with the axe, with varying damage in each successive hit (since the axe blunts in game). For his down and B attack, he could use the shovel to dig a whole and bury himself in it to shield himself from attacks. Similar to Fox’s deflector shield, Ness’s psi shield, and Yoshi’s egg, the ability would wear off after a few seconds and Tom Nook would be forced to return to the surface. His throw ability could involve catching the opponent inside of the bug-catching net, and being able to carry the person a few steps before throwing him. This would make Tom Nook one of the first light weight characters to be able to carry an opponent.
His recovery jump is the only thing that I am really having problems with. He does not really have anything readily available for him to use. The best thing that I can think of would be to have him be like Yoshi: no third jump. Instead, he uses the fishing line to grab onto the edge of a stage and reel himself back in. Another ability that I could see him using would be to whack you with a can of roof paint. But I do not know how that would fit in best.
Despite the fact that you can be really creative with his abilities (despite the fact that some people really weren’t), it does not seem that he is likely to appear as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. While Animal Crossing is a new, exciting, and profitable franchise for Nintendo, it is not marketed to the same crowd as Super Smash Bros. Instead, it is marketed to the “non-gamer” that Nintendo is dedicated to winning over. The conflict of interest may rule out any Animal Crossing character being present.
Compatibility:
With a little creativity, Tom Nook could become an extremely quirky character that does justice to the Animal Crossing franchise. With clever incorporations of the fishing rod, axe, shovel, slingshot, and net, you get a really solid skill set from him. His physical attacks are still kind of weak: hitting people with your head seems too much like Bonk.
Likelihood:
Despite the solidness of the character and the reasonable support he has received, Tom Nook does not appear to be a front runner for a spot in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The character is from a whole different breed of games, and does not truly lend himself to all this fighting. But then again, Fox had never left his cockpit when the original Super Smash Bros. was released, so boundaries can be broken.
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Another Animal Crossing character. Mr. Resetti has carried forward onto this list simply by virtue of participating in the tryouts back in 2006. 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. My feelings towards Mr. Resetti are the same as last year: if he is available, I will use him. Without a doubt. I still maintain that there is no greater thrill than watching Link fall to the angry attacks of a pick axe wielding mole.
However, since re-assessing how such a character would be designed, I am tempted to think that Mr. Resetti would lose out to Tom Nook in any sort of official election. Tom Nook - to put it briefly - fits better with all of the items from Animal Crossing. Without those items, it would be difficult to form a decent character. Looking back on his abilities now, Mr. Resetti just does not have enough going for him to form a solid character. The guy does not even have a lower half to his body. He is always buried in the dirt. How would he jump? How can you knock him off the stage?
No. I think the best we can hope for now for Mr. Resetti is to see him as a hazard in some Animal Crossing stage in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Although, if he is included, it would certainly be comical if you got to unlock him simply by resetting the game.
Compatibility:
He has a decent weapon in that pick axe, but all the other abilities mesh easier with Tom Nook. To force the net, axe, shovel, fishing rod, etc. onto Mr. Resetti would make for a character who is extremely awkward and out of place.
Likelihood:
Since Animal Crossing characters have slim chances to begin with, I’m going to say that the odds of Mr. Resetti making an appearance as anything but as hazard in an Animal Crossing stage are pretty low.
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The main character from Camelot’s popular RPG - Golden Sun - on the Game Boy Advance would be an amazing character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. And that is not just me saying this. Isaac has a lot of people rooting for him, and with good reason. The character has got to be one of the easiest to create attacks for. Let me explain: The first Golden Sun game chronicles the journey of Isaac, Garet, Ivan and Mia (who I renamed Andrew, Dreas, Jacob and Brena), while the second chronicles the journey of Felix, Jenna, Sheba and Piers (who I renamed Jordan, Tori, Steph and Binks). For the record, I played Golden Sun: The Lost Age (game II) first, because we already had it. However, I could not find the original for the longest time. Just in case you were wondering why I would name the lead character after Andrew instead of me. It was because Isaac and Felix are rivals, and I had already established myself as Felix. Felix is cooler anyway.
Returning from that tangent, Golden Sun is set in a world where alchemy is a dying magical force. Isaac, Felix and co. are on a quest to revive alchemy be rekindling the beacons of the Four Elemental Lighthouses: Mercury Lighthouse (Water), Venus Lighthouse (Earth), Jupiter Lighthouse (Wind), and Mars Lighthouse (Fire). Each member of the party has a certain elemental skills (Isaac and Felix are both Earth). Throughout the games, each party will encounter Djinn - magical creatures who can harness the power of the elements to boost your stats and summons. (Just for the record, if you have not played this game, you should.)
For Isaac’s physical abilities, he would make use of his sword for swift sword movements. His down +B attack could involve using the Djinn known as Granite, which creates a protective barrier of stone as a shield. His up +B attack (third jump) would likely enlist the help of the teleport skill, which breaks the character down into a cluster of coloured bubbles before relocating him in the designated area. In many ways, this third jump would be like Sheik’s “teleportation” in a puff of smoke. For his special physical attacks, he could use skills like Ragnarok (a flaming sword descends from the sky), or simple attacks involving the Earth (a rock spire could shoot forward and move along the ground by pressing B + a direction). Pressing B could allow rocks or even vines to shoot out of Isaac’s hands and damage enemies nearby.
As for his throw…well, this one is obvious. In Golden Sun, there are abilities known as Psynergy. While they are your main magic attacks, they are also your field abilities when not in battle. You can cloak yourself, or reveal hidden locations. There is also a field psynergy called ’Lift’, where two giant white hands pick up an object and suspend it in the air. Reshape this into a throw, and you’ve got yourself a solid character.
Compatibility:
Due to the wide assortment of Psynergy available in the original Golden Sun, as well as its sequel, creating a useful set of abilities for a character like Isaac is an absolute cakewalk. There are even more options for attacks than the ones that I suggested. Since Earth users can harness the powers of both earth and plant, it is possible to expand Isaac’s attack set even further.
Likelihood:
Golden Sun and The Lost Age were both huge successes on the Game Boy Advance system. And Camelot is rumoured to be working on a Golden Sun RPG for the Wii. It is highly likely that we will see one or both of the Golden Sun leading men in Super Smash Bros. Brawl in an effort to promote the upcoming title on the Wii.
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See. There is Felix. Don’t you admit he looks a lot cooler than lame old Andr…er, Isaac.
Two Golden Sun characters of the same element may seem outlandish, but the uses of Psynergy are so diverse in the Golden Sun series that Felix can be created with completely unique attacks. For example, instead of Down +B creating a rock barrier as a shield, Felix uses the ‘Sand’ ability, dissolving into sand for a few seconds which enables him to dodge an oncoming attack and move into a different location before reforming. Up +B would have to be teleport again, as it is the only truly fitting attack for a third jump. Other attacks that could be used include harnessing the Djinn known as Petra, which can turn a foe to stone. This could paralyse a foe for a few seconds if used correctly, like Mewtwo’s confusion or Mario’s cape. It could also be used to stop certain projectiles (physical ones, not energy ones). And another ability could be using the Djinn Geode, which would hit the enemy with a clod of Earth. His throw ability could also harness the power of Lift or even Catch.
The possibilities are truly endless. The only thing that cheapens Felix’s chances is if Isaac is included. The game developers may not see the necessity of including two characters from the same franchise with the same basic skill sets. Granted, Felix could certainly fight with a different sword style, in addition to his unique abilities, but the higher ups may not view it that way. Ultimately, I think Felix could fit into the game in the same way that Luigi and Mario are included: similar characters, with distinct differences to make them unique. But, we will see.
Compatibility:
Ultimately, Felix is just as suitable a candidate as Isaac. Since there are so many psynergy abilities available, you could almost include the entire cast of characters from Golden Sun without having any overlap. But we will not head down that road.
Likelihood:
Since Camelot is rumoured to be developing that Golden Sun RPG for the Nintendo Wii, I can definitely see Felix being included in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as an unlockable character. He and Isaac can be made so diverse that they will not be carbon copies, and their ability to use magic will differentiate them from the Fire Emblem characters, as well as Link and the sword-wielding Ganondorf that everyone is praying for.
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How many people thought Jill Valentine when they read the top of that image, but were disappointed to see the pink-haired star of the GBA sleeper hit, Drill Dozer? My humblest apologies. But, despite what you may think, Jill - the winner of numerous awards for her GBA game - is a popular contender for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. She is the daughter of Doug, leader of a bandit gang known as The Red Dozers. After the Red Diamond is stolen by a rival gang, the Skulkers, Jill hops into the Drill Dozer and gives chase.
Since Jill is not fighting as herself, but in a vehicle, it would be necessary to conform her attacks to the nature of the vehicle. So, when you’re riding around in a giant drill, your physical attacks would have to be drill charges. Consider her dozer doing pelvic thrust motions as the drill spins, causing damage to enemies. Her B attack would likely just to activate a larger drill, which would continue to spin as long as you hold B. While this attack would ensure repeated damage to an opponent attacking from the one side, it leaves your backside open for attack. Pressing B and a direction would send the Dozer speeding in that direction, performing a boost like Fox’s dash. However, instead of a single hit as you pass your opponent, they can get swept up into your drill for successive hits. Down and B would convert the Dozer into a top of sorts, with Jill tucked away inside. Like Yoshi’s egg attack, the Dozer could speed around the stage inflicting damage on enemies for a limited period of time. Up + B could involve the Dozer changing into a rocket-type apparatus, shooting dirt and dust from the bottom of the Dozer as it rockets back to the stage. As an attack, the shockwave from the launch would injure nearby combatants.
Compatibility:
With a little creativity, quite a few successful moves could be created out of the playstyle involved in Drill Dozer. And, if you think about it, the character is unique and interesting to play us, providing a break from all the sword fighters and laser gun wielders out there.
Likelihood:
_
The only question regarding Jill’s inclusion is, will Nintendo consider it? Jill is a relatively new character from a Game Boy Advance game that did not sell nearly as well as they would have liked. She may not fit into the paradigm of a normal Smash Bros. character._
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If you did not see this one coming, then you are so out of the loop that it isn’t funny. The Nintendo Miis, a relatively new creation by Nintendo, would be a perfect fit into the Super Smash Bros. Brawl franchise. When the Nintendo Wii was released, we were all given this chance to design avatars that looked like us, in order to represent us in Wii Sports. Presumably, the Miis were also intended for future titles. And which title would it be more thrilling to have them in than Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Can you imagine it? Your friend is fighting as Link. And you are fighting back, not with Samus, or Kirby, or Mario, or Fox, but with you. On the screen, there is a digital version of you fighting this iconic Nintendo figure.
It would be amazing. And, since the Miis are easily interchangeable, you could play as any Mii saved onto the Wii or Wiimote. So, in a single match, we could take Miis that look like Binkle, myself, Andrew and Fraser (as an example), and duke it out with eachother.
The Miis attacks could be comprised of anything. Physical attacks would probably stick to basic punching and kicking, with special attacks being drawn from obscure Nintendo games. Or - and this is more likely - the Miis may operate as a “Charade” character like in Soul Calibur II, offering gamers the ability to play as themselves while using the abilities of Link, Mario, etc. Also, can you imagine fighting the Mii Team (like Kirby Team), where all of the Miis that you designed to look like your friends appear on the stage and start fighting you.
There is so much potential for the Mii characters, it isn’t even funny.
Compatibility:
Since the Miis can draw attack maneuvers from anywhere, they can quite easily be the perfect character.
Likelihood:
If Nintendo wants to actually keep their Mii concept in the public eye, and if they want to remind everyone that it surpasses Home, then they had better include Miis in Super Smash Bros. Brawl or just abandon the whole concept right now. The novelty is beginning to wear off, so they need to actually USE the Miis.
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I’ve saved my two favourite candidates from this bracket for last:
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This chrome-plated robot is only a few inches tall, making him one of the smallest do-gooders in Nintendo’s character lineup. Chibi-Robo is a small robot accessory that lives in the home of the Sandersons, a disfunctional family trying their best to get by. The father is incompetent and unemployed, the mother has too many chores and not enough time, and the daughter - Jenny - thinks that she is a frog. Throughout Chibi-Robo, the titular character transverses the vast reaches of the house in an attempt to assist the family, earning Happy Points for himself, but ultimately making life simpler for everyone. Along the way, he assists several toy characters in quests and missions.
Chibi-Robo is a very interesting character, and he would be perfectly suited for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Granted, they would have to take some liberties with his size (since all the other characters could crush him underfoot), but he is ultimately a perfect fit for the game. His abilities can span the different gadgets that he uses throughout the game, ranging from using his power cord as a weapon to employing the Chibi-Copter as a third jump. His special attacks could involve using the Chibi-Blaster (convenient for taking out Spydorz) as well as the Mug for a shield, and the spoon for a melee weapon. Even the toothbrush could be useful in combat.
Not only would Chibi-Robo come with an amusing and unique skill set, he would also provide the game with an incredibly entertaining stage. By shrinking all of the games regular characters and dropping them into the realm of the Sandersons house, Super Smash Bros. fans can find themselves fighting atop a giant television remote, or beside an absurdly large Nintendo Wii system. The television in the background could should dynamic camera angles in the battle, and could occasionally focus in on the winner as toys on the fringes of the stage cheer enthusiastically.
And, since Chibi-Robo is headed to the DS in a sequel to his popular platformer for the Gamecube, it seems only natural that Nintendo would want to include the tiny robot into the cast of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Nothing promotes a character like being a participant in one of the greatest fighting games ever.
Compatibility:
With the diverse amount of unique and clever gadgets at his disposal, many of them formed from household items, Chibi-Robo could enter into the Smash Bros. arena as a clever and quirky character that would be an absolute thrill to play as.
Likelihood:
Miyamoto saved Chibi-Robo from the cutting room floor. This game was almost never meant to be, and Miyamoto saved it. And we all know that Miyamoto characters get front row seats to events like Super Smash Bros. It seems like his inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Brawl is practically a lock.
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During the tryouts of ‘06, there were only three characters that got rated a full five stars in both compatibility and likelihood. Two of those characters were announced as official selections for Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wario and Pit). The third character was none other than Captain Olimar. Since his debut in Pikmin for the Gamecube, Olimar has quickly become one of my favourite Nintendo characters. And, since the official announcement of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, he has been one of my favourite candidates for a position in the game.
Olimar would have a multitude of abilities created from objects found on Earth. As the old Hocotate saying goes, “One man’s trash is worth 10,000 Pokos.” Using items like the Rocket Punch for physical attacks, as well as using Pikmin for his special attacks, Olimar can truly be a powerful character. Imagine the ability to pull out a random coloured Pikmin by pressing down +B with a maximum of three Pikmin that can follow you around. By pressing and holding B, you would be able to hurl the Pikmin at opponents. Pressing B + a direction would allow you to swing a giant purple pikmin to inflict extra damage. For a recovery jump, Olimar could use a jetpack. And, for the kamikaze fighter in you, he could even hurl yellow Pikmin carrying bomb rocks into the fray to cause a devestating explosion.
Despite the fact that there is no officically announced Pikmin title for the Nintendo Wii, I think Olimar has still earned himself a spot in Super Smash Bros. Brawl for his previous outings on the Gamecube. Not only is he a suitable character, but the stages that would accompany him would be breath-taking.
Compatibility:
By using the different colours of Pikmin effectively, Olimar could become a truly unique fighter that would shake the very foundations of the Super Smash Bros. world. There is no limit to the creativity that can be used in creating his attacks.
Likelihood:
One of Nintendo’s newest and most beloved mascots, Olimar seems to be a lock for a position in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Plus, if he gets in, that makes me 3 for 3 (counting Wario and Pit).
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Another day of training is completed, as most of the characters from Nintendo’s newly established franchises are put to the test. In the coming days, I am going to delve into the merits of some classic Nintendo characters from the days of the NES, before moving to the icing on the cake - the representatives from Namco, Konami, Capcom, and Square Enix. Then we’ll cover the “You’ve Got To Be Fucking Joking” characters, before picking out the roster for Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
The Tryouts “˜07 Day One - Day Two - Day Three - Day Four - Day Five - Final Roster The Rejects