Top Five Characters That Should Be In The Upcoming Super Smash Bros.

Super Smash Bros. has been a major franchise for Nintendo ever since its initial debut on the Nintendo 64, thanks to the bringing together of fan favorites from across different Nintendo franchises. Every Nintendo console since has had its own version of the game, and for the first time ever, Super Smash Bros. is coming to a Nintendo handheld as well.

Just last week, Nintendo held a Nintendo Direct that was completely focused on the fighter, including the announcement that the 3DS version of the game would be coming this summer, with the Wii U version coming later this year. Within that Direct, we also got the announcement of a new character, as well as the reveal of multiple returning fighters, including some in solo form now.

Following this Direct, my mind has been constantly thinking about the game, especially about what other characters I’d love to see in the game. There are still plenty of previous fighters I’d like to see return, but for the purposes of this list, I am keeping it to characters that have never been a playable fighter in this game in the past. And no, this list isn’t going to have crazy characters like Goku or Naruto either. Without further adieu, here are the top five characters I’d like to see in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. game.

5. Sora

This one is the character that I know has the least chance of joining the roster from my list, but is still one I would like to see. Considering the Kingdom Hearts series has graced Nintendo handhelds over the years with four different titles, it wouldn’t be that farfetched to see the series’ lead make an appearance as a third-party character. With the use of the keyblade, Sora could provide some excellent melee combat, with the ability to use magic as well. Maybe we could even see something to do with cards for one attack, considering Chain of Memories was the first Kingdom Hearts handheld title.

4. Andy

In the early days of the Game Boy Advance, the Advance Wars series of strategy games reigned supreme. I still remember the days of competing against friends for hours, with Andy being one of the central figures in the game. As a result, I would love to see him added into the mix. While he isn’t the typical fighter, he could easily control different types of units in battle. Considering that Snake is likely not returning to the fight, this could be a good character to fill the void with the use of realistic weaponry. Perhaps this could coincide in another Advance Wars game as well.

3. Palutena

While this character is one that was teased with the Pseudo Palutena trophy in the Nintendo Direct and possible leaks in the past, I still felt I should put her on the list. After debuting in the original Kid Icarus, Palutena played a major role in Kid Icarus: Uprising, which Masahiro Sakurai directed. As the Goddess of Light, Palutena has a staff and shield in her arsenal that could be turned into an intriguing moveset, especially with Sakurai having prior experience with the character. Palutena’s summoning ability could even come into play as a Final Smash. If there is any one character that seems just right from the type of fighter they are to the Sakurai connection, Palutena seems about as perfect a fit as any for the game. Not to mention that she was already a part of Pit’s Final Smash in Brawl.

2. Professor Layton

The Professor Layton series from Level-5 has become a staple of the Nintendo handhelds ever since the release of Professor Layton and the Curious Village in 2007. After just finishing up his most recent trilogy and a crossover game with Phoenix Wright still set to arrive in the US, the Professor Layton series is certainly flourishing. Due to Layton’s puzzle solving tactics, you might say that he would be difficult to translate into a fighter. However, after seeing how Capcom utilized Phoenix Wright in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, I have faith that Layton could be done justice. His top hat is just perfect to turn into some sort of attack. Who wouldn’t want to hear Professor Layton spout off witty one liners in battle anyways?

1. King K. Rool

For every hero in a game series there is a villain, and that has carried over into Super Smash Bros. over the years with characters like Bowser and Ganon being added to face off against Mario and Link. However, one key villain that is missing in the game is that of Donkey Kong’s antagonist, King K. Rool. While he hasn’t made an appearance in either of Retro’s Donkey Kong Country games, King K. Rool is still the definitive Donkey Kong villain. From his appearances in the three original Donkey Kong Country games, as well as Donkey Kong 64, he easily has an arsenal moves that Masahiro Sakurai could use to shape a really fun character. One of the knocks is that he would just be another Bowser due to his size, but that is far from the truth, as long as his moveset is unique enough. His Final Smash could consist of cannon balls being shot all over the battlefield, just like in the first Donkey Kong Country final boss fight. We’ve already seen Kremlings in the 3DS exclusive Smash Run mode, so why not bring in the big Kremling himself?