TEN CHARACTERS THAT SHOULD BE IN THE NEXT ‘SMASH BROS.’

Waiting is one of the most difficult things a gamer must endure when anticipating a huge release.

It’s something I had to go through when I was waiting for Super Smash Bros. Brawl to finally release. To this day, I have yet to have a more difficult time waiting for a game to release than what I went through waiting for Brawl. What was months seemed like years, and tomorrow may as well have been two days ago.

 

With that said, I can’t imagine how long it will take for me to wait for the release of what is currently dubbed as “Super Smash Bros. Next.” Fortunately, the time it will take for the next release in one of my favorite franchises of is the gift of time. I am allowed to think about the different possibilities and potentials of characters for the next-gen Smash game.

After waiting for a few years since its announcement, we will finally get to lay our eyes on the first footage of the next Smash Bros. during Nintendo’s E3 edition of Nintendo Direct this Tuesday. We may not have to wait terribly long for its release either, as the release window for the next Smash Bros.  may have accidentally been leaked. No matter what though, it will be eons until the game’s release is finally here for me.

Without further adieu and not in any particular order, here are ten characters I feel would make great fighters to what is sure to be an amazing roster.

1. Black Belt

When I first saw Pokemon Trainer from Brawl, I thought it was an amazing idea. Getting to play as Squirtle, Ivysaur and Charizard was something I never thought would happen in the series. Since Brawl released, I have thought from time to time, “What would be some awesome Pokemon and a cool trainer for characters?” and who better than the Black Belt trainers seen throughout the staple Pokemon games. As you could likely guess, this trainer primarily has fighting type Pokemon with Hitmonlee, Hitmonchan, and Machamp acting as his (or her) three Pocket Monsters. Hitmonlee would be the fast character, Hitmonchan the balanced and Machamp the strong. Besides, they’re Fighting type Pokemon and they would be in a fighting game. It only makes sense.

2. Mii’s

I am quite surprised Miis were not in Brawl since they are integrated into many of Nintendo’s first-party titles. I would love to see the Miis I have created fighting one another, especially some of the more stupid ones I have conjured over the years. Each Miis fighting style should be different depending on their weight and size. For example, if there is a short and thinly built Mii, they would be faster while lacking in the strength department.

3. Knuckles

If there is one character I always thought should have been in Brawl since Sonic was announced as a character, it is indeed Knuckles. It’s kind of weird I say this though since I have never been a Sonic fan simply because I have played few Sonic games. I just think a stronger, slower version of Sonic would be awesome. His huge knuckles (Knuckles, now I get it) and cool attitude are perfect for a Smash Bros. title.

4. Paper Mario

I would be foolish not to mention Paper Mario since Paper Mario: Thousand Year Door is one of my favorite games on the Gamecube. Over the years in the Paper Mario franchise, Mario has learned a variety of skills to make him a suitable fighter. With his hammer, jump – which is more painful than it sounds – and special star abilities, he would not be an enemy that could be beaten into in the paper shredder easily. Personally, I like Paper Mario over the plumber we all know because he has a likable charm about him his flesh and bone counterpart doesn’t have.

5. Lanky Kong

By far the wackiest Kong from the classic Donkey Kong 64, Lanky Kong would make a great addition to the Kong line-up. This Kong’s main “fighting style” is stretching his super long arms out to punch-slap you and then slapping them back at his hips. He also has a grape blowgun, a trombone as a weapon and has the ability to perform handstands. Need I say more? Probably, but you see where I’m getting at.

6. Wolf Link

As a huge fan of the Zelda franchise (but one who has not played Skyward Sword yet…), it was difficult thinking of another potential fighter for the franchise. Then I realized the absence of Wolf Link in Brawl. Seriously, why was he not a character then? With Midna riding his back, his howl and all-bite-and-no-bark toughness, Wolf Link would make for one awesome cat, er, Wolf.

7. Deku/Goron/Zora Link

If Zelda has the ability to change forms, then why can’t the original Hero of Time? With three different characters, it is a perfect opportunity for balancing. I often envision putting on the Goron mask and rolling around the stage trying to get people to hit me, rock out with Zora Link’s guitar and magical shield or shooting magic bubbles while spinning around as Deku Link. Also, think about this for a second: the Final Smash would have you using the Fierce Diety mask. Awesome? Yes, yes it is.

8. Gray Fox

This character is debatable since he was an Assist Trophy in Brawl, but I have two words to say: cyborg, ninja. Ever since I saw him in action in the original Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes for the Gamecube, I’ve wanted to see him as a playable character in the Smash Bros. universe. He’s got all the right moves to put up a fight against the likes of Mario, Link, and Jigglypuff, but more importantly, he can fight against his number one target and reason for living: Solid Snake.

9. Sora

This is not only an excellent idea (at least in my opinion), but it is totally possible. Think about it. There have been four Kingdom Hearts games on Nintendo systems at this point. Obviously Square Enix has a goode enough relationship with Nintendo. I mean, if they can get Snake in a Smash Bros. game – and make it working surprisingly well – then Sora should be a cake walk.

10. Rayman

With an excellent reboot of the Rayman franchise with Rayman Origins and the upcoming Rayman Legends, Rayman  seems to have evolved into a more well-known character to people and gamers everywhere, giving him a greater possibility of being added to the roster. Even if Rayman Origins’ Rayman is not used, they could still use him from previous installments. Either way, the arm-less and leg-less wonder could make a fantastic and hilarious fighter.

Runner-Up That Will Unfortunately Never Happen:

Banjo and Kazooie

It breaks my heart, but this will never happen since Microsoft now owns Rare, the developers behind the Banjo Kazooie franchise. Still, the thought of seeing of one of the most random, but awesome dynamic duos in all of gaming appearing in a Smash Bros. title gets me excited. No, I do not mean Banjo-Kazooie from Nuts and Bolts even though I played the crap out of it and loved it. I’m talking about the Banjo-Kazooie in their glorious Nintendo 64 platforming days where they had all sorts of moves to stand up against meaner, bigger adversaries. This is the pair envision and dream of seeing in “Super Smash Bros. Next.”

What do you all think? Who would make a great addition to the already huge roster of fighters? Let us know in the comments section below and be sure to watch Nintendo Direct at 7:00 a.m. PT on June 11 online to finally see the next Super Smash Bros. revealed for the first time.