Lucas

Lucas (リュカ, Ryuka) is a character in the EarthBound universe, debuting in the Japan-only MOTHER 3.

See Lucas (SSBB) for fighter info.

Character description
Lucas is the main protagonist, and is similar in appearance to Ninten and Ness from previous Mother games. Lucas is Claus's twin, and is often referred to by him as a crybaby. After the intro when he grows up, he is drafted by Wes to find Duster and Kumatora. He learns PSI and begins to battle against the Pig Mask Army.

In Super Smash Bros. Melee
A popular rumor states that in Super Smash Bros. Melee, Lucas was meant to replace Ness as a playable character, but Ness was included due to time constraints. The rumor was substantiated by Sakurai himself on July 17th, 2001 when he updated the original Melee site with Ness's profile. Quoth Sakurai-san:


 * ("Actually, initially, MOTHER3 character change but, for many reasons roundabout with the original cod in history.")
 * ("Actually, initially, MOTHER3 character change but, for many reasons roundabout with the original cod in history.")

Loosely translated, Sakurai states that Ness was intended to be replaced by a MOTHER3 character (presumably Lucas) in Melee, but since MOTHER3 had been delayed--indefinitely, at the time--Ness returned for SSBM. Whether or not this means he will replace Ness in Brawl or not has yet to be seen.

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl



 * Main article: Lucas (SSBB)

Lucas has been confirmed to be a new playable character for Brawl. His Special Moves have also been updated on the Dojo. The majority of Lucas' Special Moves are much like Ness' moves from the previous two games. How this affects Ness' chances of being a playable character in Brawl is unknown, although it is stated on DOJO!! that Ness "has appeared in the Smash Bros. series up until now," leading some to believe that this means that he will be replaced with Lucas, as was apparently intended in Melee, however other updates on DOJO! have used "up until now" to refer to things still in the series.