Welcome to my Smash Diaries were every week or so I discuss my hopes and thoughts on Super Smash Bros for Nintendo Switch, otherwise known as Smash 5. This week I'll be taking a look at an entire franchise within Smash Bros, the legend of Zelda series.
The Legend of Zelda series is considered one of the big three Nintendo properties alongside Mario and Pokemon. Unlike Mario and Pokemon, Zelda was given the short end of the stick in Smash 4. The series received no new representatives despite four new titles releasing between Brawl and Smash 4. Pokemon received one new rep and Mario gained two during the same transition. The last new character the series added to the roster was Toon Link, a redesign of a previous character that was already sitting in the clone territory. A new character is needed, perhaps two, and one perfectly fits the bill.
Impa
Impa has been an important supporting character in the Zelda series over the years. She has taken many forms with her most recent being an old woman in Breath of the Wild. For Smash 5, I would prefer to see Impa in a new form that combined many aspects of her character from Skyward Sword and Ocarina of Time, but the bulk of inspiration for this character should come from Hyrule Warriors.
How will they play?
Impa would combine various aspects from Link, Zelda and Sheik while adding a few unique features of her own. Impa is a member of the shieka tribe so it would only make sense for her to have swift attacks that deal small damage. Much like Sheik, she could disappear in a puff of air and reappear in other locations. Impa would also have access to magic attacks through her specials. Hyrule Warriors assigned various elemental spells to characters, but I think giving Impa access to Fire, Ice and water based spells would add a nice hint of variety. Her most notable feature would be her large sword. While her basic attacks would be fast and hit for small percentages, Impa’s sword would be a slower moving and harder hitting force.Impa’s final smash is the only question I can't come to conclusion on. While a massive spell would be a visual treat, it doesn't fit the character that well. Perhaps an original final smash, similar to what they did for Link, would be the best option.
How likely are they to get in?
I would say Impa’s inclusion falls under the toss-up category. She hits a lot of major notes that a character needs to make it into smash bros, but her biggest issue is her lack of presence in the Zelda games. She has appear multiple times, but has only ever showed fighting skills in one title. Her biggest break was Hyrule Warriors, but that game was a spin off so it's hard to say how much it would improve her chances.
Impa would share a lot of similarities with Sheik since they are similar characters in the series. She would also be another sword user, something Smash 4 characters seemed to favor more. Being a female character might improve her chances as well.
Newcomer: Impa
Category: Classic
Likelihood: Toss-Up
Other Potential Characters
Impa is by far my most wanted Zelda character, but there are plenty of other supporting characters that might make for good fighters.
The four champions from Breath of the Wild could all make decent fighters. They were a big focus in Breath of the Wild and were even more heavily featured in the DLC, the champions ballad. If Link’s final smash does change to feature the guardians, I think it's unlikely that any of the champions might appear. Of all the champions, Urbosa seems like the most likely inclusion. Like Impa, she's another female character. She would use swords more than likely and would have magic use in the form of lightning spells. Her final smash could see her putting on the thunder helm to deliver an earth shattering lightning bolt onto the battlefield. Revalia would also make for an interesting fighter. His long range bow skills and vertical air play style would give him a niche in battle. I would place all of the champions in the “Toss-Up" category, but I would only expect one to get in at best.
Moving to older Zelda titles, Skyward Sword presented an interesting and underloved villain, Ghirahim. While he would be another sword user, Ghirahim has a very important distinction that is lacking in the Smash bros games, he's 100% a true villain. Ghirahim would be a fast sword user, almost like a real-life fencer. He could use his tongue to attack opponents as well. For his final smash, perhaps he could summon Demise to wreak havoc across the stage. Another Zelda baddie that could show up would be Vatti, the primary antagonist from the four swords trilogy. He could serve as the opposition to toon link in Smash bros, much like Ganondorf does for Link. Unfortunately, both of these fighters are unlikely to appear. Smash 5 should definitely include more villains, but neither of these characters have been featured in a mainline Zelda title in over five years.
Last, we have Tetra and Toon Zelda from Wind Waker. Toon Zelda is rumored to have been a considered character for Brawl after hackers found data in the game’s files supporting the claim. I would imagine Toon Zelda and Tetra working in a similar manner to Zelda and Sheik with Tetra being considered the base character. Tetra could attack foes with her cutlass and bombs while toon zelda can use magic attacks and the phantom from Spirit Tracks. Their final smash could feature either the a ship from Wind Waker firing its cannons at opponents or the train from Spirit Tracks doing the same thing. I would say their inclusion borders the Toss-Up category, simply because Toon Zelda was considered for Brawl. Otherwise, their chances are slim as neither have appeared in a game since 2009 and Tetra wasn't a playable character in the Zelda spin-off Hyrule Warriors until DLC was released.
The returning fighters
In the first entry of the series I discussed some changes I wanted to see with Link, but I think a few other characters deserve updates for Smash 5.
While she wouldn't necessarily need an updated moveset, I would love for Zelda to receive an upgraded look. Her design from Twilight Princess is great, but it's a bit old now. I would prefer to see her default costume be something similar to her design from Breath of the Wild. I want the Twilight Princess look to still be an option, however. And I would love for the original Zelda design used in Melee to make a return as well. These three designs are by the far the most icon for the princess and deserve an equal chance to shine. While we're at it, maybe including a design similar to the one use in Hyrule Warriors wouldn't be a bad idea. I personally loved the redesign for a lot of characters in Hyrule Warriors and Zelda’s is probably my favorite.
Now for the big one. Ganondorf needs his own moveset in Smash 5. Ganondorf joins the likes of Luigi and Falco by bring yet another character that shares their moveset with another fighter. While Ganondorf isn't exactly a clone anymore, he struggles to find a place in Smash. His moveset is largely copied from Capt Falcon’s who sees more play in general due to his faster play style and combo game. Giving ganondorf a faster, but still brutal moveset is necessary. And for the love of God, let the guy use his sword for once. I would like to see Ganondorf receive an updated look as well. I don't think is Hyrule Warrior’s design would mesh well with the Breath of the Wild designs that Link and Zelda will likely have, but incorporating parts of Ganondorf’s various forms would be pretty sweet. Updating Ganondorf’s final smash would be nice as well. Beast Ganon in Twilight Princess was cool, but I would love to see the more pig-like form he had back in the 80’s and 90’s take over. Just please. PLEASE. Make Ganondorf a unique fighter. And make him good. Thanks.
That wraps up entry #3. I love the Zelda series and I really hope that it receives at least one new fighter. I also hope that many of the veterans from the Zelda series receive some much needed upgrades to their moveset and design. Be sure to check back next week when I cover yet another big Nintendo franchise. This one is so big you'll be able to fit it into your pocket.
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