You can get Cloud in Super Smash Bros. today

Cloud will join the battle in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS later today, Nintendo announced in the game's final Direct presentation. You'll be able to add him to just one platform for $5.99, or to both platforms for $6.99.

Nintendo also took the opportunity to run down Cloud's mechanics: he's a hard-hitting, mid-range brawler who can use his chargeable Limit Break meter to change up his attacks. It looked particularly useful in concert with Cloud's recovery attack, letting him come back from near-fatal drops in an instant. Just don't push the button again before you land or you'll send him slamming back down to his demise.

As one final treat, here's the full New Challenger Illustration for Cloud, drawn by Final Fantasy 7 character designer Tetsuya Nomura himself. It's a bit more impressive than the Cloud/Link duels my friend had scribbled on his notebook back in elementary school.

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