A Smash Rival?
By MasterSplinter 10 Comments
NOTE: I wrote this entry some time ago, so while the writing is not timely, the concept is still relevant. I will post something more recent, soon!
The much anticipated Super Smash Brothers Brawl has finally arrived after numerous delays and Nintendo fanboys are now rejoicing. It has been some 6 years since Melee graced the Gamecube. The latest version of this 4-player action fighter is sure to be a success while unveiling new characters, stages, and online functionality.
I love the concept of gathering a large group of Nintendo characters (and now some 3rd party.. Snake?) and shoving them into a fighting game with colorful graphics and an intuitive control scheme. The most discussed topic about the last two iterations of the SSB series have been the characters, and rightfully so. Being able to go head-to-head with Nintendo icons such as Link and Samus is what makes this series such a novelty. With that being said, there are a number of characters from a couple of rival platforms that I believe deserve a fighting franchise of their own. Here are some of my top choices:
Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
Possibly the most notorious video game vixen in history has earned her spot on the roster. Over the years Lara has increasingly become more badass and can certainly hang with the fellas. Her duel-wield abilities and years of agility training at the mansion make her one tough adversary.
Sam Fisher (Splinter Cell)
Solid Snake somehow found his way to SSB. Yes, that is a big loss for this foe, imaginative title. But have no fear... another stealth aficionado is here! And instead of a cardboard box for hiding, this guy hangs from a pipe, grabs you from behind, and snaps your neck to your ultimate demise!
Dante (Devil May Cry)
The DMC series has always been one of my personal favorites and Dante is easily a contender for the most badass game character around. His flashy attire and hilariously sarcastic personality are what make him memorable. And oh yeah, he's a demon hunter.
Ryu Hayabusa (Ninja Gaiden)
A quality ninja game was practically a lost art form until Ninja Gaiden came along. Shinobi was a valiant attempt, but the unfathomably hard difficulty shied gamers away and the Tenchu series is mediocre at best. But then like Y2J, Ryu Hayabusa came and rescued us with his nifty Dragon Sword and served up a can of whoop-ass like no other ninja could fathom!
Nemesis (Resident Evil 3)
Kratos (God of War)
We all know why the game is titled God of War. And no Ares, your sorry ass has nothing to do with it.
Sweet Tooth (Twisted Metal)
The serial killer clown who drives an ice cream truck is one of Sony's most recognizable characters. Sweet Tooth was finally playable outside of his notorious truck in Twisted Metal: Head-On in a bonus mode. This maniacal monster is practically an obvious choice as an addition to the roster.
Ratchet (Ratchet & Clank)
As one half of Insomniac's unusual duo, Ratchet can certainly hold his own with many "tools of destruction" in his arsenal. Who doesn't want to see this lombax throw up a disco ball and blast Kratos as he dances?!
Big Daddy (Bioshock)
Keeping with the theme of duos, Bioshock heralded it's own unique twosome. This heavily armored behemoth in a diving suit served as a bodyguard to the Little Sisters. The Big Daddy is as memorable a character as there is and you would totally buy this game just to play as one.
Tommy Vercetti (Grand Theft Auto: Vice City)
Vice City was one of the best selling titles on the PS2. We played as Tommy Vercetti, a mafioso fresh out of prison, trying to make his way up the crime ladder. Vercetti is as hardcore as they come and can do some serious damage with a rocket launcher.
Master Chief (Halo)
Surprised much? I didn't think so. Chief is a cultural icon. He is the hero of one of the highest selling games of all-time. This super soldier is everything the Terminator wishes he could be and then some. I'll take the Chief via Battle Rifle any day. Let the t-bagging begin!
There are copious amounts of fan-favorites who could have made this list, but that would just be more time consuming. Regardless, I think what we have here is a nice start. Now if only this foe title could come to fruition, then we would be on to something. Until then, happy wishful thinking to all!