Smashmania: What August Smash Direct teached me · 1:37am Aug 10th, 2018
I'm still trying to process everything, so I'm going to keep it brief:
Richter has confirmed Shadow
I do think that Shadow is 100% confirmed for the game. Thanks to Richter, the possibilities are open. Some are asking for Ken, but I don't want Capcom getting another rep, specially considering how they're treating the console right now. When it comes to Echo Fighters, I think we will get at least 3 more. My guesses: Shadow, Isabelle (because Vergeben is credible until he fails) and Dixie Kong.
Krystal and Shovel Knight
Shovel Knight was a big surprise for me. I know everyone wanted him to be a playable character, but I thought it was unrealistic. Not because he's an indie (I firmly believe will get an indie rep in Smash. Just one.), but because he's American and, as some people know, Sakurai doesn't speak English (that's why almost all the roster is Japanese-based). But putting him as an assist trophy is a huge open gate for everyone else.
As for Krystal... it's not strange that both Nintendo and Star Fox fans have been trying to ignore Star Fox Adventures for all these years. Being an assist trophy and using her classic attire from that game is gratifying. Coming from a person whose first Star Fox game was this one (I know it's not a Star Fox game, but you get the idea), I'm thankful she's getting recognition in some shape or form.
King K. Rool
Part of me thought it wouldn't actually happened and I'm not as excited as everyone else, but it happened. King K. Rool is in Smash. Not only this means that the characters are from the ballot, but this actually means 3 things:
1. More recognition for the character: Casuals don't know who he is and veterans who do know him are getting older, which means this exposition is vanishing. This actually helps him to get more recognition and curiosity towards the casual audience to play his games.
2. Roster balance: Lack of villains and heavyweights. Two categories this character fulfills. I'm pretty sure he's going to be low tier (just like Ridley based on the demo), but casuals and people who play for fun won't care.
3. Future appearances in the main series: King K. Rool hasn't been use in any game for 10 years. Thanks to this, if Retro Studios decides to do another Donkey Kong Country game, this might help him to be included.
So, what do you think?
