Crossover games have long been a staple of big developers to introduce fans to new game series and to celebrate the range of characters that have enjoyed success on their systems. But it’s only recently that Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. series has brought in third-party characters into the game, such as Cloud Strife from Square’s Final Fantasy VII and Ryu from Capcom’s Street Fighter.
With the recent Nintendo Direct and the confirmation of Shovel Knight as an assist trophy, it’s clear that Nintendo isn’t going to shy away from including characters from independent games. With an already noteworthy library of indie games available for the Nintendo Switch and 3DS, we’ve taken a look at what characters we think would be exciting to see in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. We’ve created a list of the top eight characters we think are the most exciting to be incorporated.
Sans (Undertale)
The hit indie game from developer Toby Fox, Undertale has an extensive cast of combat-ready characters that could readily fit into Smash Ultimate. Earlier in the year fans were treated to a teaser for Undertale on the Nintendo Switch. Even before the announcement, fans have jokingly demanded for the affable and mysterious skeleton to join the roster, and with the game being ported to the Switch those demands can be taken even more seriously.
Quote and Curly Brace (Cave Story)
Already a hit on PC since its release in 2004, Cave Story made its way to Nintendo consoles six years later on the Wii and made its way to the 3DS and Switch since then. Cave Story is a classic among indie games and stands out as a pioneer when the indie game scene was a lot smaller than it was today. To that end, we think Quote deserves a place in Smash Ultimate with Curly Brace easily being an Echo Fighter.
Shantae (Shantae: Half-Genie Hero)
Brought to us by Wayforward Technology and gracing Nintendo systems since Shantae in 2002, the titular character has been speculated to join the Smash series for years. Coming a long way from the Game Boy Color, Shantae’s enjoyed a renewed fan following with recent their latest game Shantae: Half-Genie Hero raising over $800 thousand on Kickstarter. With such a devoted fan base we’re sure a lot of gamers would be happy to see Shantae on the roster.
Officer Patricia Wagon (Mighty Switch Force!)
Our second representative from Wayforward Technologies, Patricia Wagon had a similar increase in notoriety to Shantae with two games released on the Nintendo 3DS. Coming from Wayforward’s Mighty series of puzzle platformers, Patricia Wagon is one of the earlier characters in Nintendo’s recent indie scene. Patricia wouldn’t be out of place in Smash Ultimate as an assist trophy.
The Knight (Hollow Knight)
Released on PC in 2017 but brought to the Nintendo Switch just this year, Hollow Knight follows the adventure of The Knight as he delves into the dangerous kingdom of Hallownest. Hollow Knight has sold exceptionally well since being ported to the Switch and as a Metroidvania style game it feels at home on a Nintendo system. With an explosive introduction to the console, we think The Knight deserves acknowledgment in Smash Ultimate.
Gunvolt (Azure Striker Gunvolt)
Released in 2014 on the Nintendo 3DS, Azure Striker Gunvolt is an original game series from developer Inti Creates. With gameplay similar to the Mega Man Zero, Azure Striker Gunvolt has drawn in a fan base from diehards of the Mega Man series and distinguishes itself with its fast-paced action and development team of ex-Capcom staff.
The Prisoner (Dead Cells)
Released this August, Dead Cells has captured the attention of gamers on the Nintendo Switch for its grueling difficulty, beautiful pixel art and original design. The Prisoner would bring with him the spirit of Nintendo’s indie scene and hardcore gaming fans if they brought him in. With such breakaway success, we feel The Prisoner would be a fitting new character in the upcoming Smash title.
Zizou Olympia (The Legend of Dark Witch)
The Legend of Dark Witch hit the Nintendo eShop in 2014 and was followed by two sequels in 2015 and 2017. While Zizou doesn’t have the notoriety of some others on this list, here at Indie Ranger we like to highlight the underrated and unknown. With its classic Mega Man style gameplay, cute art direction and simple mechanics, The Legend of Dark Witch feels like a Nintendo game in its own right. For that reason, we think Zizou more than deserves a spot in Smash Ultimate.
With Nintendo embracing and encouraging its own indie scene, the list of characters eligible for Smash Ultimate will only continue growing! What characters do you think deserve the recognition of a place in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? Let us know!