While the roster likely won’t be completely revealed until the game launches, one fan-favorite character from the classic Japan-exclusive Nazo no Murasme-jÅ, Takamaru, will now officially not be making an appearance on the roster in the new Super Smash Bros. games.
The creator of the Super Smash Bros. franchise, Masahiro Sakurai, once again took to MiiVerse for the weekly Monday update, but this time he immediately put an end to speculation that Takamaru would be joining the battle as a playable fighter. Instead, the often forgotten samurai will be featured as an Assist Trophy alongside the likes of other beloved characters such as Skull Kid and Waluigi.
While dedicated Smashers are likely to be disappointed that Takamaru didn’t make the cut (there’s a samurai joke in there somewhere), others are likely unfamiliar with the character. While it’s true that he originated from a Japan-only NES title, the character has amassed somewhat of a cult following in recent years.
After having his own mini-game section in Nintendo Land called Takamaru’s Ninja Castle, the character found himself relevant again amongst fans. This, of course, contributed to character’s rise in popularity and beefed up interest amongst gamers who wanted to see Takamaru join the fray as a newcomer.
While some fans will be disappointed, there are still a solid number of characters making their debut in the new games. Most recently it was announced that both Lucina and Robin from Fire Emblem: Awakening would be joining the fray in the forthcoming installments of Super Smash Bros..
It’s hard for Nintendo to please everyone, but Takamaru’s upgrade from a sticker in Brawl to a summonable Assist Trophy is still something for fans to get excited about.
Super Smash Bros. for 3DS will be arriving on October 3, 2014, while the Wii U version will hit during Holiday 2014.
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Source: Masahiro Sakurai — MiiVerse
