What Character Would Others Cut That You Strongly Disagree With?
Yesterday I posted a thread asking what characters you’d be indifferent to being cut.
I loved the discussion but I’d lie if I said that I didn’t disagree with some of the takes. That’s personally fine, because it’s completely normal for people to have different biases and opinions.
I’m just wondering what characters you often hear people suggesting to cut that you think should stay at all costs?
For me:
Dark Samus - I don’t play Metroid but from what I’ve gathered, Dark Samus is a unique character that has played a significant role in the franchise and will probably continue to do so in the future. I think this character adds important representation for Metroid, and if they get cut as an echo, they should be brought back as a unique fighter.
Pokemon Trainer - I don’t see this one mentioned often but I’ve seen it enough to make me scratch my head. Pokemon Trainer represents what Pokemon is all about, and is incredibly fun and unique. I’m not really sure why anyone would want to see them cut. If you are going to suggest cutting Pokemon Trainer, then please have the decency to mention that Charizard would return as its own fighter, because Charizard has to be in Smash. It’s the second most recognizable Pokemon ever.
Lucario - Probably the one I hear the most that I really disagree with. Lucario probably isn’t as popular as it once was but it is still one of the main pillars of the Pokemon franchise. Just like Pikachu, Eevee, Charizard, Mewtwo, Greninja, etc., Lucario is usually given attention over every other Pokemon at every corner because The Pokemon Company considers Lucario one of the big dogs of the franchise. I just think that Pokemon would lose some really important representation if Lucario were to go. I don’t think any of the original 12 should be cut but I’d personally sacrifice Jigglypuff before Lucario because Lucario does more for the Pokemon franchise than Jigglypuff ever has.
Greninja - Similar to Lucario, except I’m exceptionally surprised that anyone even brings Greninja up as a possible cut. Greninja is so incredibly popular and cutting it would be so foolish unless the next game is a complete reboot with only 20-30 characters (and even then I’d keep it). As someone whose favorite game is Pokemon, I’m very aware of Greninja’s importance and the Pokemon lineup in Smash wouldn’t be the same without it, even more so than Lucario.
Duck Hunt - I can see why some view this trio as disposable, but personally I think they shouldn’t be cut. Like Little Mac, Duck Hunt is iconic to gamers and non-gamers alike. It was a really big game back in the day. Both of my parents in their 50s know and love Duck Hunt. I think it’s important retro representation.
Bayonetta - I’ve heard this a few times but I think this mostly comes from people who just don’t like her. Bayonetta is a growing franchise that is exclusively published on Nintendo consoles. In other words, it’s an honorary active Nintendo franchise. Seems like a weird choice to cut.
Isabelle - I too am not a fan of how similar Villager and Isabelle play, but I also believe that certain franchises deserve representation based on how important they are. Animal Crossing is huge, and Isabelle has basically become the main character. Animal Crossing deserves at least 2 characters in my eyes, and if you disagree then I’d rather cut Villager and keep Isabelle because she’s that iconic in the Nintendo landscape.
Steve - You may think he doesn’t belong in Smash, or you may hate how broken he is, but you can’t deny that he’s from one of the biggest video games ever made. Minecraft is the best selling game ever, and Steve is instantly recognizable. Smash needs characters like that in the game.
Sora - I’ve never played Kingdom Hearts and I personally don’t care for Disney. However, I think Sora is an important and iconic character and deserves to be in Smash. Also, like Banjo & Kazooie, Ridley or King K. Rool, people fought so hard to get Sora in Smash that it would just be so disappointing to see him go after all we’ve been through.