Birdo
Since her first appearance as an egg spitting mid boss, Birdo has stuck in the minds of players everywhere. Though somewhat ignored directly after Mario 2, over the last decade or so, Birdo started popping up in Mario spin-offs until eventually she became a regular in most Mario sports and party games. Often used as the feminine counterpart to Yoshi, Birdos got a big enough fan base that she deserves to be playable in SSB instead of restricted to the cameo roles shes had to put up with. If nothing else, shed be a welcome female addition to a rather male-oriented roster.
How they should play: Since Birdo has been symbolically intertwined with Yoshi for years, why not use the green dino as a starting place for controls? She should have the flutter jump or a variation on it, though her egg attacks would obviously be a straight shot instead of Yoshis arc. Initially we thought you should be able to stand on her eggs if you time the jump right, but that seems like it might break the whole throw your opponent off the stage concept to the battles.
Professor Layton
First appeared: Professor Layton and the Curious Village (2007)>
Professor Hershel Layton is one of the most well-known characters introduced in the last five years, having starred in multiple hit puzzle games. Layton is famous for using his ample intelligence and good manners to solve ancient mysteries all over the world, often finding the logical explanation for some supernatural occurrence. And while Layton strives to be a gentleman at all times, if hes forced to defend himself, hes more than skilled at that too.
Chance hell be in SSBWU: Layton seems like a shoe-in given the brands closeness to Nintendo systems, SSBs Japanese development, and the fact that the next SSB will be on 3DS and needs guest characters famous on handhelds. Additionally, Layton just appeared in his first crossover game, Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney, a good sign developer Level-5 might share the character again in the future. The biggest strike against Hershel appearing is that his next game for 3DS is rumored to be his last, so if Level-5 is set on retiring him, its possible the publisher wont want Layton appearing in SSB so soon afterwards.
Midna and Wolf Link
If youre looking for a new form to give Link in the fourth Smash Bros, look no further than 2006s Twilight Princess. Every time Link entered the Twilight Realm, he was transformed into a wolf, controlling very differently than he did in human form with more ferocious attacks. His constant companion, whether he liked it or not, was Midna, an imp that wields powerful magic and holds a dark secret.
How they should play: Despite being two separate characters, this duo would be better off playing more like a single character and less like the Ice Climbers. The combination of the wolfs practical attacks (mostly involving biting jugulars) would mix with Midnas mysterious powers that could be used for ranged and defense. Obviously Midnas transformative abilities could come in handy too, especially with regards to a Final Smash.
Tom Nook
Super Smash Bros has always been light on your options to play as a bad guy, and few in the Nintendo pantheon are more evil than Tom Nook. Dont let his furriness fool you; this raccoon controls your life in Animal Crossing with an iron fist. Youre constantly pushing yourself to escape the grip of your many debts to Nook, and even when you finally do, he has a monopoly over your town's businesses, so you still have to give him your money. Truly one of Nintendos most evil characters.
How they should play: Probably working similar to Mr Game & Watch, Nooks moves would be based around his random uses of items from AC. A shovel here, an apple tree there, and his best power would be burying his enemies in crushing debt. Hed be a wonderful fighter in the joke character tradition of SSB.
Rayman
The armless French creation is enjoying a renewed relevance these days. Following years of being upstaged by Rabbids, Rayman and his lovably goofy friends returned in the gorgeously 2D platformer Rayman Origins. Based on Raymans history with the Wii and 3DS, plus Ubisofts dedication to the Wii U, if any guest character would appear in the next Smash Bros, itd be Rayman.
How they should play: The Origins update to Rayman works almost perfectly for Smash. Hes got tons of different melee attacks, transformative powers, and can hover with his propeller head. As for his design, wed hope for a mash-up between his colorful 2D self in Origins and his 3D looks from Rayman 2 and 3.
Kazuya Mishima
Since way back when Soul Calibur II came out with the earth-shattering appearance of Link, Namco has been needing to return the favor by lending one of its characters to a Nintendo fighter, but at first it was tough to decide who. You might think Pac-Man, but traditionally he doesnt really have any arms or legs, and wed rather Nintendo ignore the middling Pac-Man Worlds of a few years ago. No, Namco should instead go with its premier fighting game, one that thats already appearing in another crossover, and was one of the few franchises to appear in the Wii U reveal trailer. Were obviously referring to Tekken, and Namcos got to go with the series anti-hero Kazuya.
How they should play: Obviously his move set will be simplified a little from the Tekken games, but all of his marquee attacks should be there. Perhaps the platforming aspects of the combat might seem odd at first, but wed get used to it. Plus he could have a Zelda/Sheik-type transformation into his Devil form. Perhaps his style would be a little too rough for the good-natured thrashing of Smash Bros, but itd certainly make him standout from the crowd.
Bomberman
Mascot of the now defunct Hudson, Bombermans a strange mix of cuteness with explosive death, which is why many love him. His adorable, modest design is fitting with his NES background, and the simple multiplayer joy of blowing people up in Bomberman games could translate to fun in Smash Bros. Wouldnt it be fitting if he appeared alongside his 8-bit mascot brothers?
How they should play: Like Banjo, Bomberman has been dormant the last couple years. Perhaps you can blame that on Konami purchasing Hudson and so far having little need for the cute powder keg, so he could use the kind of boost a Smash Bros cameo would provide. If Konami isnt into the character right now, who would it harm to lend him to Nintendo, especially given Nintendos history with Bomberman crossovers? (See Wario Blast)
Warning! New Challenger Approaching!
Of course, this is just the beginning. There will likely be characters we never would have suspected in the roster, as well as a few favorites (though we're not going to hold our breath for some of them). Is there anyone else you'd want to see added to Smash's roster?
And if you're looking for more Nintendo talk, check out our long list of Nintendo trivia and everything else we know about Super Smash Bros. Wii U/3DS.
