User blog:Zony514/My Predictions on Returning/Rejecting Veterans

We have seen many veterans returning for SSB4, but of course Sakurai can't bring everybody from Brawl due to the limited amount of memory capacities. So Sakurai will reject few characters from Brawl if possible. In this blog, I have made predictions on who will return or be rejected for SSB4, including their returning chance percentages. Just to warn you and those who might already understand, this is just my opinions, so please don't take things extremely serious if you have any objections or something that's unacceptable, and I will not allow any negative feedback such as insults towards certain characters or even myself.

Okay, now lets begin...

Diddy Kong
Just like Mario and Luigi, Sonic and Tails, and Mega Man and Rush...Diddy Kong was first noticed as Donkey Kong's best partner since his first debut "Donkey Kong Country". He also became a main protagonist in "Donkey Kong Country 2", including "Diddy Kong Racing". However, although he belonged to Rare, Nintendo decided to buy his license before Rare moved to Microsoft, so he is now part of Nintendo family as he also appears not just only the Donkey Kong series, but Mario series too.

To me, he is pretty tricky to use since his actions are complicated, so I hardly use him in the games. However, since "Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze" will be released this month, there will be possibilities that he will return as a veteran from Brawl. There may be possibilities his move set will change, such as removing his banana peel attack since Sakurai removed the slipping effect. The game will be released soon, so we'll what will happen to him.

Returning Percentage:90%

Shiek
Shiek first debut was "Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time" as Zelda's magical disguise...or something that's close to that. Although she didn't appear in "Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess", Sakurai decided to bring her back in her new Twilight Princess version to Brawl.

Since Zelda has returned to SSB4 after the release of "Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds", there may be possibilities that Shiek will return as Zelda's Down B transformation move, although it hasn't announced that she'll return yet. However, we have seen a pic of Zelda summoning Phantom, and Sakurai still haven't explained what this mean, so we still don't know if Shiek's gonna come back or not.

Returning Percentage:85%

Ganondorf
Although there are many other villains appeared in Zelda series such as Ghirahim, Yuga, Majora, Bellum, etc. But Ganondorf is known as the main villain of all villains, and his humanoid form since "Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time" has became famous and popular than his beast form. However, although he's been a villain for a long time, he also had a major role of joining forces with his arch nemesis Link and Zelda, and saving the world together for the first time since Brawl's Subspace Emissary.

Although he was a clone of Captain Falcon from Melee, Sakurai decided to change his move sets more far different from Falcon, so he could return to Brawl as Zelda series' main villain. Furthermore, he's no longer a clone of Captain Falcon anymore, although there may be a slight similarities between both characters. Although Ganondorf may be heavy and slow, he's popular among players for not just being powerful, but sometimes using him as a visual gag for making weird poses and wearing weird accessories such as the Rabbit Ears. Plus he's mostly treated as a heartful father/uncle like character in Japanese fandom. But putting those aside, there maybe possibilities for him to return to SSB4 as a main villain of Zelda series, and since they kept Link and Zelda's Twilight Princess design, then this might be a hint that Ganondorf will return in his Twilight Princess design too. Plus he's Sakurai's favorite character, so this might make sense for his return too.

Returning Percentage:85%

Zero Suit Samus
Samus' true form and identity that she's really a women since first timers mistaken her as a guy due to the power suit. Although there were many types of Zero Suits since her first debut to "Super Metroid", the suit that we know was first debuted from "Metroid Zero Mission", and became her main suit afterwards. Some fans like her new suit as being more erotically sexy.

We've seen Samus using a Zero Laser in SSB4's first trailer, so there may be possibilities that Zero Suit Samus will return too, although there's no announcement regarding to that point yet. But maybe its better to change the transformation easily than after the Final Smash.

Returning Percentage:95%

Yoshi
First debuted in "Super Mario World" as Mario's transportation sidekick, but now obtained his main series from puzzle games such as "Yoshi's Egg" and "Yoshi's Cookie" to action games such as "Yoshi's Island" and "Yoshi's Story". Although he can sometimes be mistreated as Mario's gap falling lifesaver back in "Super Mario World" (and even in "New Super Mario Bros." series), his popularity has never changed and kept growing since then, thanks to sound editor Kazumi Totaka for performing his voice since "Yoshi's Story".

Yoshi has been a regular since the 64 version, and it is very odd why he's still not announced to return to SSB4. It is surely impossible for him to be rejected, so I believe he'll return after his new game "Yoshi's NEW Island" is released.

Returning Percentage:100%

Meta Knight
First appeared in "Kirby's Adventure" as a boss character, which people have believed that he's a villain, including his antagonist actions in "Revenge of Meta Knight". But it was later proven that he's a rival and ally of Kirby, which sometimes challenges Kirby for a sword fight to test his skills, and joining forces to save Dream Land from the dark beings. Also a leader of the Meta Knights, owns the flying battleship Halberd, and was a member of the Galaxy Soldier Army in the anime. His popularity was huge than Kirby's, which this successfully made him become a playable (and secret) character in many other Kirby series, including "Kirby's Return to Dream Land".

Although his evil version "Dark Meta Knight" has returned to "Kirby Triple Deluxe", it is odd that he hasn't return to that game at all. Plus according to many Japanese users from Brawl, he's really not popular due to his weak and short ranged attacks, and his strange appearances such as sleeping with his eyes open (a.k.a. Battery-loss Meta Knight). But of course Sakurai wouldn't choose or reject characters according to their popularity, and since Meta Knight had major roles back in the "Kirby's Return to Dream Land" and anime, there may be possibilities that he'll return to SSB4. However, Sakurai might fix his abilities a little better in order for him to become a better character.

Returning Percentage:75%

Falco Lombardi
First debuted from "Star Fox" as the member's ace pilot, and Fox's reliable friend and rival. Although he doesn't like when somebody takes away his targeted enemy, and sometimes becomes absent due to the boredom from peace, he's known to be a best sidekick of Fox since then. He's also popular in Japan, which he sometimes use "soumen" (Japanese cold noodle) in his phrase for mysterious and meaningless reasons. And to make sure nobody mistaken his specie, he's not a falcon, but a pheasant.

Just like Ganondorf, he was a clone of Fox back in Melee, but since he made a major role back in "Star Fox Command", Sakurai decided to change all his move sets far different from Fox so he could return to Brawl. So although he has a slight similarities from Fox, he's no longer a clone. Since he can jump higher than anyone, and can't think of any other character that can take his place, there may be possibilities that he'll return. However, maybe he'll get new move sets so he'll be a lot more different from Fox.

Returning Percentage:55%

Wolf O'Donnel
Although his first debut was "Star Fox 64", his actual first debut was from a cancelled game "Star Fox 2". Although his first appearance was a villain occupied by Andross, he became an antagonist who challenges against his rival Fox, and sometimes join forces to save the galaxy from enemies like Mother Aparoid and Angler. Due to his popularity, he became a playable character in "Star Fox Assault"'s VS mode, and "Star Fox Command".

I actually don't call any characters from Brawl a clone because they have similar move sets and such things, and although Wolf had similar moves as Fox and Falco, he was Star Fox side's powerhouse, and that's for sure. However, although he's a main antagonist, he's not a main villain as Bowser and Ganondorf is, and since it might be difficult to change his move sets to something original than Fox and Falco, his return may be difficult as well. Probably replace with Krystal as Star Fox's main heroine, if she appears as a new character.

Returning Percentage:35%

Pokemon Trainer
Although there are many Pokemon Trainers in Pokemon series, the trainer that we know is from "Pokemon Fire Red and Leaf Green", the remake of "Pokemon Red and Blue", including "Pokemon Pikachu". Although he's from a remake version, he's actually based from the first version, plus as a legendary trainer from "Pokemon Gold and Silver and Crystal" and "Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver", so this could be a reason for him to appear in Brawl.

Among all characters in Smash Bros., he was a only character to stand in the background and summon three Pokemons in battle, which is Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard, as they were based as light/standard/heavy characters. However, although Sakurai may plan to bring him back, he might change the model of theirs because his model is too old for today. So if Pokemon Trainer is planned for returning, maybe he'll be replaced from "Pokemon Black 2 and White 2" or "Pokemon X and Y".

Returning Percentage:65%

=Jigglypuff== First debuted in "Pokemon Red and Blue" as part of the three cute Pokemons during that time, which Pikachu and Clefairy was part of it. As if anybody knew about this character, Jigglypuff was actually used as an optional character to bury the empty roster in 64's Smash Bros. So it isn't odd that she's created as a weakest character in Smash Bros. However, players finds out that she can become a strongest character on how they control her.

Jigglypuff has been appearing as a regular secret character since 64, much she's still being used to bury empty roster, so I doubt Sakurai will reject her in any meanings. But unlike Luigi, I think she'll still stay as a secret character.

Returning Percentage:100%

Captain Falcon
First debuted in "F-Zero" as a main protagonist among 4 playable racers during that time. Although he's known as a fastest bounty hunter and racer in the series, his identity is fully kept unknown, except revealing as being Jody Summer's brother in the anime.

Before Sonic appeared in Brawl, he was known as the fastest character in the series. He's also popular in Japan but not just for his abilities, but his actions which may be comical, as how players use Ganondorf as I explained above. He has also been a regular character since 64, but mostly as a secret character except for Melee. We haven't heard of any new F-Zero games since "F-Zero Climax", so its pretty difficult if he's gonna return to SSB4. But since he has been appearing as a secret character except Melee, there might be possibilities that he'll return as a secret character once again. But further on, I'm not quite sure about his fate.

Returning Percentage:50%

Ness
In Japan, there were three sequels for Mother series. "Earthbound", which Ness first debuted, is actually a second sequel of Mother series, which I don't understand why they didn't release the first and the third to US. But anyhow, Mother series were known to be a famous RPG game which made players cry for the impressive storyline, and the second series were known to be the most popular among fans in Japan due to its storyline and music.

Alongside with Captain Falcon, he has appeared as a regular character throughout the series since 64, but mainly appeared as a secret character except for Melee. The Mother series has been completely finished since the third sequel, so this may worry us if he'll return to SSB4. However, since "Earthbound" was released as a downloadable game for Wii U's Virtual Console, then there may be possibilities that he'll return, but possibly as a secret character like Captain Falcon.

Returning Percentage:55%

Lucas
A main protagonist who first debuted in "Mother 3", which only released in Japan and known as the series last sequel. Although he was born with a timid and spoiled personality, after he loses his mother and brother from their tragic death, and encountered many loses throughout his adventures, he spiritually grown to become a courageous hero to save the world's fate. Just like Ness, alongside with his lost brother Claus, he has a ability to use PSI as his special weapon.

I do see people here hate him so badly because they refer him as Ness' clone, but this is a mistake. Yes, he does use a same PSI ability as Ness, because every main protagonist in Mother series use PSI as their weapon. People say negative things about him because nobody have ever played the Mother series before, and just by watching a game play won't help unless they don't understand Japanese. Well, I guess Nintendo didn't want to release Mother 3 to US because it was too dark than the previous series, which might be understandable. But the huge difference between Ness and Lucas is...Ness uses baseball bat and yo-yo as his weapon, and some PSI moves were learned from his comrades Paula and Poo according to their trophy's description. Lucas is weaker than Ness, uses PSI moves learned from his comrade Kumatra, and mostly uses kicks learned from his other comrade Duster. They're not even related to each other, proven that Lucas is not a clone of Ness. If he's a clone, then Luigi and Toon Link is too, and they shouldn't be returning to Brawl if they were clones. But anyways, although I don't hate this character, I doubt that he'll return to SSB4. Not because he's unpopular because Sakurai won't focus only on popular characters, but Mother 3 was never mentioned in the foreign since it never released there, so this might be a reason for Lucas to be rejected. I like using Lucas because he's fast and easy to use, so it may be disappointed for me if he's rejected though.

Returning Percentage:15%

Ice Climbers
First debuted in the classical arcade game "Ice Climbers", which Popo the blue eskimo was an 1P character, while Nana the pink eskimo was a 2P character. They were also the first retro character to join Smash Bros. since Melee, and they were the only character who can be played together at the same time.

Although Ice Climbers don't have their series, they're existence has been famous and popular in modern times. Playing two characters at once were rare to players during then, and they enjoyed how powerful they can be when it comes with double attacks. However, although "NES Remix" was released recently, there was no announcement that they'll return to SSB4, which was odd though. Plus since Rosalina and Luma does have a similar controls except they're attacks are different, this might be a sign that the Ice Climbers might have been rejected. I may be sad since I mostly use them as part of my favorite, but still, there's no different that they were the first retro character to join Smash Bros., so there's a 50/50 chance that they might return.

Returning Percentage:50%

Ike
Appeared as a main protagonist on both "Fire Emblem Path of Radiance" and "Fire Emblem Radiant Dawn", and a leader of the Greil Mercenaries. As he is a powerhouse of Fire Emblem side, he might have became a replacement of Roy who appeared in Melee, probably rejected due his game was too old to be mentioned during that time. He wasn't popular because he's powerful, but he's mostly mentioned that he loves meats, and sometimes turns him into "Donut Man" due to the snapshot posted at the official website, according to Japanese fandom. Just like Marth (not including his remakes), Ike have appeared as a main protagonist twice in the series, which he also returned as a hero from an alternate universe from "Fire Emblem Awakening"'s DLC character.

Since there are many new Fire Emblem series released today, which including the newest one planning to be released in this year, there may be possibilities that Ike may be rejected and replaced by a new comer since his games is too old to be mentioned too. But as I explained before, he has appeared as a DLC character in "Fire Emblem Awakening", so there may be possibilities that he might return due to that point. If not, then replacement may be a high rate for Ike's place.

Returning Percentage:50%

Wario
First debuted in "Super Mario Land 2" as a main villain, but later became a protagonist in his own "Wario Land" series, and antagonist in Mario series. The Wario that appears in Smash Bros. are mainly from "Wario Ware" series due to his biker costume, but can be exchanged into his regular overall costume, as he's the only character who have two different costumes in Smash Bros. Mostly goes adventures as a treasure hunter, works as a CEO in his own video game company, and challenge against Mario on kart racing and other sports. He may be disgusting due to his low moral and less delicacy, his move sets really makes players laugh as he's a fighting gag.

As "Game & Wario" was released not too long ago, there may be possibilities that he'll return as a veteran due to that point. Also since it was confirmed that Ashley will join in as an Assist Trophy, that'll include his returning purpose too. However, his move sets were pretty much complicated of how it relates to his series, so they might fix his move sets before he's confirmed.

Returning Percentage:80%

R.O.B.
R.O.B. was an NES accessory for his games "Gyromite" and "Stack-up", but never lasted due to two reasons: the unpopularity due to people wouldn't accept its high-tech novelty during that time, and it was easily breakable if not used carefully. However, R.O.B. became a legend for Nintendo and to many retro fans, which it started to appear in many Nintendo games to keep it's legacy alive; such as a similar model of Spyborg from "Star Fox 64", part of 9-Volt's mini-games in Wario Ware series, a statue in Port Town from "F-Zero GX", a treasure in "Pikmin 2" and "Tomodachi Collection" series, a special guest character from "Kirby's Dream Land 3" and Capcom's "Viewtiful Joe", and even a secret playable character from "Mario Kart DS" and including Brawl.

Before Brawl was released, it was confirmed that R.O.B. will appear as enemies in Subspace Emissary, but nobody knew he'll appear as a playable secret character until its release. R.O.B. has a brilliant move sets which can help him avoid falling by using booster attacks, and uses heavy attacks as its a heavy character. However, since R.O.B. was had an important role for Subspace Emissary, and since his icon uses both gyromite and Subspace Emissary's symbol, it is difficult if he'll return for SSB4. Maybe Sakurai'll change his icon, if it plans to return.

Returning Percentage:25%

Mr. Game & Watch
The true legend of Nintendo, and the true origin for the classical Game Boy, Mr. Game & Watch has appeared as main character for 1980's classical liquid crystal hand-held game, Game and Watch series, which his first debut was "Ball".

This mysterious character has appeared as a last secret character throughout the series, and had a major role back in Brawl's Subspace Emissary as being a source of reproducing Shadow Bugs. However officials has explained that he's a neutral type character, meaning he's not either protagonist or antagonist. Although he's a balanced character, he has powerful attacks using titles from his original series, and an only character being flat in 2D. There maybe possibilities that he will return once again, but that'll probably the same routine as a last secret character.

Returning Percentage:75%

Solid Snake
A legendary mercenary who saved the world from the terrorizing nuclear weapon Metal Gear in Metal Gear Solid series, and a special guest character in Brawl alongside with Sonic. In his most popular design from "Metal Gear Solid II", he joined the Smash Bros. as his creator Kojima Hideo requested to Nintendo due being a huge fan of Smash Bros. Nobody knew a third party character would join the Smash Bros. since the reveal of Brawl's first trailer, and this was the beginning Sakurai started bring third parties as special guests in Smash Bros.

However, since Sakurai wouldn't want to bring too many third parties since that'll lose the meaning of "Nintendo All Stars", there may be possibilities that Snake will be rejected for sure. Since Mega Man has newly joined, and Sonic successfully returned, I think this will be the limited amount for the third parties to join. Even since his existence didn't fit right in Smash Bros.' world, used powerful but complicated move sets, and since Metal Gear series were mostly mentioned for Playstation side than Nintendo's franchise (which made Raiden join Playstation's Smash Bros. rip-off), and since Solid Snake's story has completely finished and replaced by Naked Snake/Big Boss further on, then Snake may not return to SSB4 for good.

Returning Percentage:5%

That's pretty much it for my predictions on returning veterans. I'll think of the new entrees after this. If I have time though.

Thanks for reading, and have a nice day!