The anticipation for Nintendo’s forthcoming console has sparked excitement among fans of the Super Smash Bros. franchise, especially concerning a potential new installment. Following the monumental success of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Switch, which remains a staple in Nintendo’s catalog, questions are arising about the direction a future game could take. With the bar set incredibly high, both in terms of gameplay and roster, speculation is rife regarding the inclusion of new characters in this beloved crossover fighting game.
One of the most intriguing possibilities for new fighters could be a character from the classic fighting game series, Virtua Fighter. The previous entry, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, made headlines by not only reintroducing returning favorites but also incorporating a variety of highly requested fighters and new franchises. This trend suggests that the next installment might delight fans with the introduction of Virtua Fighter’s first playable character.
The Inevitable Inclusion of a Virtua Fighter Character
Smash Bros. Could Leverage the Anticipation for a New Virtua Fighter
The potential addition of a Virtua Fighter character in Super Smash Bros. is not only logical because of its fighting game legacy, but it also coincides with the announcement of a new installment in the Virtua Fighter series. At The Game Awards 2024, Sega unveiled plans for a upcoming title, developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for its acclaimed work on the Like A Dragon series. This resurgence could create the perfect opportunity for Super Smash Bros. to capitalize on the renewed interest.
Nintendo often aligns character reveals with the release schedules of new games. Previous titles from the Fire Emblem series saw characters introduced right around their game launches, demonstrating a strategic timing that benefits both franchises involved. Therefore, if a new Smash Bros. title is released around the same time as the next Virtua Fighter, it’s plausible that fans will see a character from this iconic Sega franchise join the roster.
Virtua Fighter Has Previous Appearances in Smash Bros.
Interestingly, Virtua Fighter is not entirely foreign to Super Smash Bros., as elements from the franchise have appeared in past games. Characters like Akira Yuki and Jacky Bryant have previously been represented as costumes for Mii Fighters, and Akira even featured as an Assist Trophy in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. This established familiarity could greatly enhance the likelihood of a playable character making an appearance in the next iteration.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Akira Yuki, in particular, gain playable status. Historically, many characters who started as Assist Trophies, such as Little Mac, Dark Samus, and Isabelle, have successfully transitioned to full playable status. While these are all first-party characters, it raises the possibility that Akira could become the first third-party character to graduate from Assist Trophy to playable fighter.
A Love for Fighting Game Characters in Smash Bros.
Another factor working in favor of Virtua Fighter’s chances is the series creator, Masahiro Sakurai, who has frequently included characters from various fighting franchises in Super Smash Bros.. Recent editions have welcomed icons from franchises like Street Fighter, Fatal Fury, and Tekken. As Smash Bros. continues to expand its roster, the inclusion of characters from Virtua Fighter would enrich the game’s already diverse lineup.
As discussions around the next Super Smash Bros. title intensify, so does anticipation regarding which new characters will join the battlefield. Given the close timing of the new Virtua Fighter game, fans are hopeful for the inclusion of a character from the Sega classic. Such an addition would not only create excitement but also bolster the momentum leading into the next installment of Smash Bros..
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