Creating The Ultimate Super Smash Bros Roster For Nintendo DS

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As a long-time Super Smash Bros. enthusiast and a devoted Nintendo DS fan, I've often found myself daydreaming about what a Smash game on the DS could have looked like. The dual screens, the stylus controls, the portability – the DS had so much potential for a unique Smash experience. This article details my take on a dream roster for a Super Smash Bros. game on the DS, a roster that blends iconic veterans with fresh faces, all while considering the technical limitations and unique capabilities of the handheld console. Let's dive into the exciting world of a hypothetical Smash adventure on the go!

Core Concepts and Considerations for a DS Smash Bros. Roster

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of character selection, it's crucial to understand the core concepts and considerations that shaped my roster choices. The Nintendo DS, while a fantastic handheld, has certain limitations compared to its console counterparts. Therefore, my roster for a DS Smash game aims to balance ambition with feasibility. Here are some key factors I took into account:

  • Character Variety: A good Smash roster shouldn't just be a collection of popular characters; it should offer a diverse range of playstyles. I've strived to include characters with different movement speeds, attack ranges, and special abilities to ensure a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.
  • Franchise Representation: Smash is a celebration of Nintendo's rich history, so representing a wide array of franchises is paramount. My roster includes characters from flagship series like Mario, Zelda, and PokĂ©mon, as well as more niche titles that deserve recognition.
  • Technical Feasibility: The DS has less processing power than the Wii or even the GameCube, so character complexity is a factor. While I've included some ambitious choices, I've also considered how their movesets could be adapted to the DS hardware without sacrificing their core identity.
  • Nostalgia and Fan Favorites: Of course, a Smash roster wouldn't be complete without some classic characters and fan favorites. I've made sure to include iconic fighters that are synonymous with the Smash series.
  • Unique DS Features: The DS's dual screens and touch screen capabilities open up exciting possibilities for character design. I've considered how these features could be integrated into character movesets to create a truly unique Smash experience.

The Veteran Core: Returning Fighters We Love

No Smash game would be complete without its core cast of veteran fighters. These characters are the backbone of the series, and their inclusion is essential for maintaining the Smash identity. My DS Smash roster includes a curated selection of returning characters, chosen for their popularity, versatility, and iconic status:

  • Mario: The face of Nintendo and the star of countless adventures, Mario is a Smash staple. His well-rounded moveset and familiar presence make him an essential addition to any roster. Mario's inclusion is paramount, not just for his iconic status, but also for his balanced playstyle that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned players alike. His presence helps anchor the game, providing a familiar face amidst the potential newcomers and unique mechanics that a DS Smash title might introduce. Imagine utilizing the touch screen to execute Mario's various special moves, adding a new layer of control and precision to his already versatile arsenal. Furthermore, Mario's inclusion allows for the classic Mario-themed stages and items, further enriching the overall Smash experience on the DS.
  • Donkey Kong: The powerful primate is another must-have veteran. Donkey Kong's brute strength and heavy-hitting attacks provide a stark contrast to Mario's more balanced approach, offering players a different style of gameplay. Donkey Kong brings a much-needed sense of raw power to the Smash roster. His inclusion allows for the incorporation of his iconic barrel-based moves and the potential for stages based on the Donkey Kong Country series. Picture using the touch screen to charge his powerful punches or control his barrel roll, adding a unique twist to his traditional gameplay. Moreover, Donkey Kong's rivalry with King K. Rool, another potential roster addition, opens up exciting possibilities for story elements and character interactions within the game.
  • Link: The Hero of Time, Link, is a legendary character whose inclusion is non-negotiable. His sword-based attacks, versatile projectiles, and iconic design make him a fan favorite. Link's inclusion in my hypothetical DS Smash roster is critical due to his iconic status and versatile moveset. Representing the Zelda franchise, Link provides a balance of melee and ranged attacks, making him a formidable opponent in any situation. Imagine utilizing the DS's touch screen to precisely aim his arrows or control the trajectory of his bombs, adding a new dimension to his gameplay. Furthermore, Link's presence allows for the inclusion of classic Zelda-themed stages and items, enriching the overall Smash experience on the DS. His potential interactions with other characters, particularly those from different Nintendo franchises, also adds to the depth and charm of the game.
  • Samus: The intergalactic bounty hunter, Samus Aran, is a powerful and enigmatic fighter. Her arm cannon, missiles, and morph ball ability provide a unique blend of ranged and close-quarters combat. Samus's inclusion in the roster is essential due to her unique blend of ranged and melee combat, offering a distinct playstyle compared to other characters. Her iconic arm cannon and morph ball ability make her a versatile fighter capable of adapting to various situations. Imagine using the DS's touch screen to precisely aim her missiles or control her morph ball, adding a new layer of depth to her gameplay. Furthermore, Samus's presence allows for the inclusion of Metroid-themed stages and items, which would contribute to the overall atmosphere and variety of the DS Smash game. Her potential interactions with other sci-fi or bounty hunter characters could also lead to interesting dynamics within the game.
  • Kirby: The pink puffball with the ability to copy abilities is a beloved character known for his floaty movement and versatile moveset. Kirby's inclusion is vital due to his iconic status and unique ability to copy opponent's moves. This mechanic adds a layer of strategic depth to his gameplay, allowing him to adapt to different situations and opponents. Imagine using the DS's touch screen to select the copied ability from a visual menu, making the process more intuitive and engaging. Furthermore, Kirby's presence allows for the inclusion of whimsical Kirby-themed stages and items, adding a touch of lightheartedness to the Smash experience on the DS. His cheerful demeanor and ability to transform also make him a popular character for players of all skill levels.
  • Fox: The leader of Star Fox, Fox McCloud, is a fast and agile fighter with a focus on aerial combat. His blaster and reflectors make him a formidable opponent in the air. Fox McCloud's inclusion in the DS Smash roster is crucial due to his fast-paced aerial combat style and iconic status within the Star Fox franchise. His blaster and reflector moves provide a unique blend of offense and defense, making him a challenging yet rewarding character to master. Imagine utilizing the DS's touch screen to control the trajectory of his blaster shots or activate his reflector with precision, adding a new layer of control to his gameplay. Furthermore, Fox's presence allows for the inclusion of futuristic Star Fox-themed stages and items, expanding the variety of the Smash universe on the DS. His leadership role and competitive spirit also make him a compelling character for both single-player and multiplayer modes.
  • Pikachu: The electric mouse PokĂ©mon is a mascot for the franchise and a popular Smash fighter known for his quick attacks and powerful electric moves. Pikachu’s inclusion is non-negotiable, his iconic status and electric-based moveset make him a staple in the Smash series. His quick attacks and unique specials, like Thunderbolt and Quick Attack, provide a fast-paced and electrifying gameplay experience. Imagine using the DS’s touch screen to precisely aim Pikachu’s Thunder Jolt or control the direction of his Quick Attack, adding a new layer of interactivity to his moveset. Furthermore, Pikachu’s presence allows for the inclusion of vibrant PokĂ©mon-themed stages and items, expanding the variety of the game's environments. His enduring popularity and cute appearance also make him a favorite among players of all ages.
  • Yoshi: Mario's trusty dinosaur companion, Yoshi, is a unique fighter with his flutter jump and egg-laying abilities. Yoshi’s addition brings a unique playstyle to the roster with his flutter jump and egg-laying abilities, setting him apart from other characters. His flutter jump allows for greater aerial maneuverability, while his egg-laying ability can be used for both offense and defense. Imagine using the DS’s touch screen to precisely control Yoshi’s flutter jump or aim his egg throws, adding a new level of precision to his movements. Furthermore, Yoshi’s presence allows for the inclusion of colorful and whimsical Yoshi-themed stages and items, contributing to the game’s overall visual charm. His friendly demeanor and versatile moveset also make him a popular choice for both casual and competitive players.

This core group of veterans provides a solid foundation for my DS Smash roster, ensuring that the game feels familiar to long-time fans while also leaving room for exciting new additions.

New Challengers Approaching: Fresh Faces for the DS Era

While veteran fighters are essential, a Smash game truly shines when it introduces new challengers to the fray. These newcomers inject fresh energy into the roster, bringing new playstyles, franchises, and surprises. My DS Smash roster includes a diverse selection of new characters, chosen for their potential to add unique gameplay elements and represent a wider range of Nintendo's history:

  • King K. Rool (Donkey Kong): The main antagonist of the Donkey Kong Country series, King K. Rool, is a long-requested character who would bring a heavy-hitting and villainous presence to the roster. King K. Rool's inclusion is a nod to fan demand and adds a much-needed villainous presence to the roster. His heavy-hitting moveset and arsenal of gadgets provide a stark contrast to the more agile characters, offering a unique playstyle for those who prefer a slower but more powerful approach. Imagine using the DS’s touch screen to precisely aim his cannonballs or control the trajectory of his crown throw, adding a layer of strategic depth to his attacks. Furthermore, King K. Rool’s inclusion allows for the addition of Donkey Kong Country-themed stages and items, enriching the overall experience for fans of the series. His long-standing rivalry with Donkey Kong also adds an interesting dynamic to the character interactions within the game.
  • Toon Link (The Legend of Zelda): The cel-shaded hero from The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, Toon Link, offers a more expressive and cartoony take on the classic character. Toon Link's inclusion provides a fresh and visually distinct take on the classic hero, offering a more expressive and cartoony design. His moveset, inspired by The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass, could incorporate unique items and abilities specific to those games, such as the Wind Waker itself or the grappling hook. Imagine using the DS’s touch screen to conduct the Wind Waker melodies or aim the grappling hook with precision, adding a new layer of interaction to his gameplay. Furthermore, Toon Link’s inclusion allows for the addition of stages and items inspired by the vibrant world of The Wind Waker, offering a refreshing contrast to the more traditional Zelda settings. His lighter and more agile fighting style also provides a unique alternative to the more traditional Link.
  • Waluigi (Mario): The mischievous foil to Luigi, Waluigi, is a fan-favorite character who has yet to make it into Smash as a playable fighter. His inclusion would be a great nod to the fans. Waluigi's inclusion is a direct response to fan demand, finally giving the mischievous foil to Luigi a chance to shine on the Smash stage. His moveset could draw inspiration from his appearances in various Mario spin-off titles, incorporating his signature trickery and unconventional fighting style. Imagine using the DS’s touch screen to set traps or perform his acrobatic maneuvers with greater precision, adding a unique flair to his gameplay. Furthermore, Waluigi's inclusion would add another layer of humor and personality to the roster, contributing to the overall lighthearted tone of the game. His rivalry with Luigi and his quirky personality make him a compelling addition to the DS Smash roster.
  • Zoroark (PokĂ©mon): The Illusion Fox PokĂ©mon, Zoroark, has the unique ability to transform into other PokĂ©mon, making him a potentially unpredictable and versatile fighter. Zoroark’s inclusion brings a unique gameplay element to the roster with his illusion ability, allowing him to transform into other PokĂ©mon and deceive opponents. This mechanic adds a layer of strategic depth to his gameplay, forcing players to adapt and anticipate his next move. Imagine using the DS’s touch screen to select the PokĂ©mon Zoroark transforms into, allowing for quick and strategic switches during battle. Furthermore, Zoroark’s inclusion would add a more mysterious and cunning character to the roster, contrasting with the more straightforward fighters. His dark and mysterious aesthetic also adds a unique visual element to the game.
  • Sceptile (PokĂ©mon): The final evolution of the Grass-type starter from PokĂ©mon Ruby and Sapphire, Sceptile, is a fast and agile fighter with a focus on Leaf Blade attacks. Sceptile's inclusion expands the PokĂ©mon representation in the roster and adds a fast and agile Grass-type fighter to the mix. His Leaf Blade attacks could be visually impressive and provide a unique offensive option, while his speed and agility would make him a challenging opponent to catch. Imagine using the DS’s touch screen to chain together Leaf Blade attacks or control his movements with precision, adding a new layer of fluidity to his combat style. Furthermore, Sceptile's inclusion would appeal to fans of the PokĂ©mon Ruby and Sapphire generation, adding a nostalgic element to the game. His cool and collected demeanor also makes him a popular choice among PokĂ©mon fans.
  • Isaac (Golden Sun): The protagonist of the Golden Sun series, Isaac, is a powerful Adept who wields Psynergy, a form of magic. His inclusion would represent a beloved RPG franchise. Isaac's inclusion represents the beloved Golden Sun series and brings a unique magic-based fighting style to the roster. His Psynergy abilities could provide a variety of offensive, defensive, and support options, making him a versatile and strategic fighter. Imagine using the DS’s touch screen to select and aim his various Psynergy spells, adding a layer of tactical depth to his gameplay. Furthermore, Isaac’s inclusion would appeal to fans of RPGs and add a more serious and heroic character to the roster. His noble personality and powerful abilities make him a compelling addition to the DS Smash roster.
  • Professor Layton (Professor Layton): The puzzle-solving professor, Professor Layton, might seem like an unlikely fighter, but his wit and resourcefulness could translate into a unique and quirky moveset. Professor Layton's inclusion brings a unique and unexpected character to the roster, showcasing the puzzle-solving professor in a surprising new role. His moveset could incorporate his signature puzzles and gadgets, creating a quirky and strategic fighting style. Imagine using the DS’s touch screen to solve mini-puzzles during battle or activate his various gadgets with precision, adding a layer of intellectual challenge to his gameplay. Furthermore, Professor Layton’s inclusion would add a touch of British charm and intelligence to the roster, contrasting with the more action-oriented fighters. His unexpected presence and unique abilities would make him a memorable and engaging character.

These new challengers would bring a fresh and exciting dynamic to the game, ensuring that my DS Smash roster feels both familiar and innovative.

The Complete Roster: A Dream Team for the DS

So, with all of that in mind, here's my complete roster for a dream Super Smash Bros. game on the DS:

  • Mario
  • Donkey Kong
  • Link
  • Samus
  • Kirby
  • Fox
  • Pikachu
  • Yoshi
  • King K. Rool
  • Toon Link
  • Waluigi
  • Zoroark
  • Sceptile
  • Isaac
  • Professor Layton

This roster strikes a balance between veteran favorites and exciting newcomers, representing a wide range of Nintendo franchises and playstyles. It's a roster that I believe would be both technically feasible on the DS and incredibly fun to play.

Conclusion: A Smash Dream Realized (Hypothetically)

While a Super Smash Bros. game on the DS never came to fruition, it's fun to imagine the possibilities. My dream roster for a DS Smash game reflects my love for the series and my appreciation for the unique capabilities of the handheld console. This roster blends the familiarity of veteran fighters with the excitement of new challengers, creating a dynamic and engaging experience that I believe would have been a perfect fit for the DS. Perhaps one day, we'll see a Smash game on a dual-screened handheld again, but until then, we can always dream!