T1000416
February 8th, 2008, 07:00 PM
http://stars.ign.com/articles/849/849217p1.html
Super Smash Bros. Wish-List
The 10 Non-Nintendo characters that shoulda made the cut.
by Phil Pirrello and Richard George
February 1, 2008 - Stars' extended Super Smash Bros. Brawl coverage continues, as earlier this week Nintendo revealed the game's official brawler line-up all 35 of 'em! and released the game in Japan. Needless to say, it's been a big week for anyone with a pulse and a Wii.
While the official list of Smashers is both epic and, for the most part, satisfying, we here at IGN couldn't help but wonder what characters should be on the list; we couldn't let our hypothetical mash-ups exist solely in our office conversations and imaginations. No, we think our list of shoulda been's belongs out there for you, the reader, to behold and/or belittle.
Stars' Smash Bros. Wish-List centers on non-Nintendo characters, and our picks are based on a variety of factors, including: Popularity, likelihood, skill-set and overall geek-out desire to see some of our favorite console characters get their shot at a Final Smash. We supply and rank ten dream hopefuls, then you cast your votes in the poll below for those you want in the game. With that said, let the bitching and moaning begin:
Honorable Mention: Master Chief
Yeah, we know the likelihood of Nintendo bringing an American-based Microsoft franchise character into their house is slim, but hear us out: Plasma grenade punch would make for one hell of a Final Smash. The Chief is currently the reigning badass of videogames, and there isn't a self-respecting gamer out there who wouldn't sell their lady friends for a chance to see Chief versus Samus, or versus Link, or Mario, or Ike, or
It just be plain cool. 'Nuff said.
10. Bomberman
The star of many Bomberman games, whose signature move of throwing bombs at folk and making them go boom, is a little non-descript character who could go a long way. Created by Hudson, the same company responsible for the Mario Party games, Bomberman's inclusion into a Brawl would make sense at some point, as it would be a likely fit alongside Mario and Luigi.
9. Gray Fox
Technically speaking, Frank Jaeger has appeared in Brawl before, as a corner man for the fighters, but he has yet to see center ring action. This robotic ninja would unleash all sorts of TKOs on his opponent, and the prospect of him facing off against Snake is reason enough to get this guy in a game ASAP.
8. Leon S. Kennedy
Resident Evil 2 and 4's Leon is a unique breed of ass kicker; a rookie cop who earned his stripes firing round after round into pissed-off zombies, giant crocs and other terrors the Umbrella Corp. threw his way. He did so without breaking a sweat, and was one of the best things to happen to the Resident Evil franchise. The opportunities the game could mine with him in the melee, the double-bazooka blazing potential his offensive could bring deserves a spot on some future Brawl roster. And maybe his Final Smash could involve wielding zombies like he does so many hand-guns. The more we talk about it, the more we realize it is officially a crime against fandom to deny Leon his chance to Smash.
7. Ryu Hayabusa
Ninja Gaiden's warrior has been around for quite some time; his franchise's historical importance warrants his inclusion alone. A lethal, stealth fighter, Mr. Hayabusa and his Dragon Sword would go through combatants like a deli slicer. His offense would be a tough one to beat, and his Final Smash would make for one hell of a finishing move. Ninjas make any fight better, especially this one.
6. Ryu (Street Fighter)
Can't have one Ryu without the other. Street Fighter is one of the most popular fighting games ever made, and Ryu is arguably one of its better characters; we know he is a fan-favorite amongst IGN readers and staff. Ryu is the only Fighter who can make a sleeveless gi work to his advantage; this wandering warrior and his blunt-force fighting style would fit perfectly in the world of Smash.
5. Sephiroth
Cloud's arch nemesis, alongside fellow baddies Bowser and Ganon, would make for an epic triple-threat, and would help put the Brawl series closer to Legend status. Sephiroth is the type of combatant who could add a much welcomed element of surprise to Brawl game play, entering the fray with a wide variety of possible Smash combos and defenses. The character himself doesn't even know the full extent of his power; Brawl could be the perfect excuse to find out.
4. Pac-Man
Who better to stand alongside such classic videogame characters as Mario, Link, and DK than the Pac? If the message boards are any indication, Pac-Man has been the stuff of hypothetical Brawling since the series premiered. The character is prime for a comeback, and what better way to do so than through this platform release. To all the naysayers out there, imagine for a moment Pac's Final Smash: He devours the Smash Ball like it were an oversized power pellet; his jaws distend to Cloverfield-monster proportions, his opponent goes all blue ghost, and Pac-Man does his best Jaws impersonation. Hell. Yeah.
3. Simon Belmont
We are surprised that this vampire hunter and Big N mascot has yet to receive a formal invitation to the Brawl. For years, Belmont has proven his mettle, slaying various vamps via various means, and thus becoming an icon in the gaming world. The guy deserves a shot to stand along side Mario and Link, and fans deserve a chance to have their dream of fighting with Belmont realized.
2. Cloud
Final Fantasy's hero supreme was rumored to appear in the game for quite some time, but did not make the list. Square Soft's mascot appeared previously in a Nintendo game before, but he deserves more than an easter egg-worthy appearance. Cloud's participation would change the Brawl landscape forever and would give gamers the fight they have wanted to see for a long, long time: Cloud vs. Link.
1. Mega Man
Capcom's blue bomber is a character who needs no introduction, and his absence in the franchise thus far is downright mean. Classic Mega Man, with a few upgrades here and there, is the type of character games like Brawl are made for; his crazy, eclectic fighting style and environments guarantee good times and great gaming. His long-standing history with Nintendo makes Mega Man the most likely potential contender to see his Super Smash number get called, and we can't wait.
Got issues? Gripes? Suggestions? You know where to put them Drop us a typo-filled opinion or two in the Comment section, and don't forget about voting in the poll. Stay tuned to Stars for more glorious Smash Bros. action.
For the most part, I like the list. The only gripe I really have that turns me into one of those flamboyant fanboys like in the IGN comment section is the suggestion of Leon Kennedy from Resident Evil. Honestly, why him? Of all the Resident Evil characters, Jill Valentine would work much better. She's also a much better character overall.
Ryu Hayabusa would be an awesome character to see. I was hoping to really see him in Brawl actually. I just want a ninja character is all. Hell I'll take Shinobi if I can.
http://stars.ign.com/articles/850/850433p1.html
Readers Go Smash
Top 5 wish-list from you, the fans.
by IGN Stars
February 7, 2008 - Last week, Stars provided ten Non-Nintendo characters we most wanted to make the official list of Smash Bros. Brawlers. And, as expected, the game's fan-base came out in full force, flooding the Comments section with a wish-list all their own. Stars culled through all the bitching and moaning to find five premiere characters, five really promising candidates that would make the Brawl arena that much more epic.
From our remote office in Denver, here is the list of the Top Five Reader-Requested, Potential Brawlers:
5. Geno
4. Crono
3. Crash Bandicoot
2. Kratos
1. Dante
We knew IGN readers had a bias toward Dante, but we didn't realize it was such a prevalent one...More than 70% of you cried for the Devil May Cry badass, so let's hope the Big N is listening so that maybe, some day, we'll see Dante and the other fantastic, hypothetical four on this list see their day in the Brawl.
Stay tuned to Stars for more Smash Bros. coverage.
Why on earth would anyone want Kratos is Brawl?
Super Smash Bros. Wish-List
The 10 Non-Nintendo characters that shoulda made the cut.
by Phil Pirrello and Richard George
February 1, 2008 - Stars' extended Super Smash Bros. Brawl coverage continues, as earlier this week Nintendo revealed the game's official brawler line-up all 35 of 'em! and released the game in Japan. Needless to say, it's been a big week for anyone with a pulse and a Wii.
While the official list of Smashers is both epic and, for the most part, satisfying, we here at IGN couldn't help but wonder what characters should be on the list; we couldn't let our hypothetical mash-ups exist solely in our office conversations and imaginations. No, we think our list of shoulda been's belongs out there for you, the reader, to behold and/or belittle.
Stars' Smash Bros. Wish-List centers on non-Nintendo characters, and our picks are based on a variety of factors, including: Popularity, likelihood, skill-set and overall geek-out desire to see some of our favorite console characters get their shot at a Final Smash. We supply and rank ten dream hopefuls, then you cast your votes in the poll below for those you want in the game. With that said, let the bitching and moaning begin:
Honorable Mention: Master Chief
Yeah, we know the likelihood of Nintendo bringing an American-based Microsoft franchise character into their house is slim, but hear us out: Plasma grenade punch would make for one hell of a Final Smash. The Chief is currently the reigning badass of videogames, and there isn't a self-respecting gamer out there who wouldn't sell their lady friends for a chance to see Chief versus Samus, or versus Link, or Mario, or Ike, or
It just be plain cool. 'Nuff said.
10. Bomberman
The star of many Bomberman games, whose signature move of throwing bombs at folk and making them go boom, is a little non-descript character who could go a long way. Created by Hudson, the same company responsible for the Mario Party games, Bomberman's inclusion into a Brawl would make sense at some point, as it would be a likely fit alongside Mario and Luigi.
9. Gray Fox
Technically speaking, Frank Jaeger has appeared in Brawl before, as a corner man for the fighters, but he has yet to see center ring action. This robotic ninja would unleash all sorts of TKOs on his opponent, and the prospect of him facing off against Snake is reason enough to get this guy in a game ASAP.
8. Leon S. Kennedy
Resident Evil 2 and 4's Leon is a unique breed of ass kicker; a rookie cop who earned his stripes firing round after round into pissed-off zombies, giant crocs and other terrors the Umbrella Corp. threw his way. He did so without breaking a sweat, and was one of the best things to happen to the Resident Evil franchise. The opportunities the game could mine with him in the melee, the double-bazooka blazing potential his offensive could bring deserves a spot on some future Brawl roster. And maybe his Final Smash could involve wielding zombies like he does so many hand-guns. The more we talk about it, the more we realize it is officially a crime against fandom to deny Leon his chance to Smash.
7. Ryu Hayabusa
Ninja Gaiden's warrior has been around for quite some time; his franchise's historical importance warrants his inclusion alone. A lethal, stealth fighter, Mr. Hayabusa and his Dragon Sword would go through combatants like a deli slicer. His offense would be a tough one to beat, and his Final Smash would make for one hell of a finishing move. Ninjas make any fight better, especially this one.
6. Ryu (Street Fighter)
Can't have one Ryu without the other. Street Fighter is one of the most popular fighting games ever made, and Ryu is arguably one of its better characters; we know he is a fan-favorite amongst IGN readers and staff. Ryu is the only Fighter who can make a sleeveless gi work to his advantage; this wandering warrior and his blunt-force fighting style would fit perfectly in the world of Smash.
5. Sephiroth
Cloud's arch nemesis, alongside fellow baddies Bowser and Ganon, would make for an epic triple-threat, and would help put the Brawl series closer to Legend status. Sephiroth is the type of combatant who could add a much welcomed element of surprise to Brawl game play, entering the fray with a wide variety of possible Smash combos and defenses. The character himself doesn't even know the full extent of his power; Brawl could be the perfect excuse to find out.
4. Pac-Man
Who better to stand alongside such classic videogame characters as Mario, Link, and DK than the Pac? If the message boards are any indication, Pac-Man has been the stuff of hypothetical Brawling since the series premiered. The character is prime for a comeback, and what better way to do so than through this platform release. To all the naysayers out there, imagine for a moment Pac's Final Smash: He devours the Smash Ball like it were an oversized power pellet; his jaws distend to Cloverfield-monster proportions, his opponent goes all blue ghost, and Pac-Man does his best Jaws impersonation. Hell. Yeah.
3. Simon Belmont
We are surprised that this vampire hunter and Big N mascot has yet to receive a formal invitation to the Brawl. For years, Belmont has proven his mettle, slaying various vamps via various means, and thus becoming an icon in the gaming world. The guy deserves a shot to stand along side Mario and Link, and fans deserve a chance to have their dream of fighting with Belmont realized.
2. Cloud
Final Fantasy's hero supreme was rumored to appear in the game for quite some time, but did not make the list. Square Soft's mascot appeared previously in a Nintendo game before, but he deserves more than an easter egg-worthy appearance. Cloud's participation would change the Brawl landscape forever and would give gamers the fight they have wanted to see for a long, long time: Cloud vs. Link.
1. Mega Man
Capcom's blue bomber is a character who needs no introduction, and his absence in the franchise thus far is downright mean. Classic Mega Man, with a few upgrades here and there, is the type of character games like Brawl are made for; his crazy, eclectic fighting style and environments guarantee good times and great gaming. His long-standing history with Nintendo makes Mega Man the most likely potential contender to see his Super Smash number get called, and we can't wait.
Got issues? Gripes? Suggestions? You know where to put them Drop us a typo-filled opinion or two in the Comment section, and don't forget about voting in the poll. Stay tuned to Stars for more glorious Smash Bros. action.
For the most part, I like the list. The only gripe I really have that turns me into one of those flamboyant fanboys like in the IGN comment section is the suggestion of Leon Kennedy from Resident Evil. Honestly, why him? Of all the Resident Evil characters, Jill Valentine would work much better. She's also a much better character overall.
Ryu Hayabusa would be an awesome character to see. I was hoping to really see him in Brawl actually. I just want a ninja character is all. Hell I'll take Shinobi if I can.
http://stars.ign.com/articles/850/850433p1.html
Readers Go Smash
Top 5 wish-list from you, the fans.
by IGN Stars
February 7, 2008 - Last week, Stars provided ten Non-Nintendo characters we most wanted to make the official list of Smash Bros. Brawlers. And, as expected, the game's fan-base came out in full force, flooding the Comments section with a wish-list all their own. Stars culled through all the bitching and moaning to find five premiere characters, five really promising candidates that would make the Brawl arena that much more epic.
From our remote office in Denver, here is the list of the Top Five Reader-Requested, Potential Brawlers:
5. Geno
4. Crono
3. Crash Bandicoot
2. Kratos
1. Dante
We knew IGN readers had a bias toward Dante, but we didn't realize it was such a prevalent one...More than 70% of you cried for the Devil May Cry badass, so let's hope the Big N is listening so that maybe, some day, we'll see Dante and the other fantastic, hypothetical four on this list see their day in the Brawl.
Stay tuned to Stars for more Smash Bros. coverage.
Why on earth would anyone want Kratos is Brawl?