In theSuper Smash Bros.series, Assist Trophies are items that can summon a randomly selected character to as the name entails, assist the player in combat. The characters summoned by Assist Trophies are all notably not playable in any capacity and can only be summoned through the use of the item.

RELATED:Ten Least Viable Characters in Super Smash Bros Melee

However, as we’ve seen through Little Mac’s promotion from Assist Trophy to playable character betweenBrawlandSmash Bros.for Wii U, there is hope for characters currently relegated to the status of Assist Trophies. As there are numerous notable fan-favorite characters who currently appear as Assist Trophies, we’re going to examine the ten Assist Trophies most deserving of an upgrade to playable status.

10Bomberman

While a relatively straightforward character, few Konami characters tote the sheer iconography of Bomberman. The mascot of a sizable series of games, as Bomberman’s name entails, all of his abilities revolve around the use of a wide range of explosives.

AsSmashis home to the most recognizable and most well-established video game icons, it seems natural for Bomberman to be made playable at some point.

Article image

9Akira

TheSmash Ultimateroster currently includes two of the most iconic fighting game characters of all time in the form ofStreet Fighter’s Ryu and Ken. WhileStreet Fighteris by and large the most influential 2D fighting games of all time,Virtua Fighteris one of the progenitors of 3D fighting games.

Despite this, Virtua Fighter’s protagonist and mascot, Akira, is currently relegated to the position of Assist Trophy. Perhaps he could be integrated in a way that could implement his techniques and gameplay inVirtua Fighter.

Article image

8Samurai Goroh

Captain Falcon has become a character more synonymous withSmashthan he is with his own series. While he is little more than a playable racer in theF-Zerofranchise,Smashdeveloped the character’s personality, attitude, and fighting style. Despite his widespread popularity inSmash,Captain Falcon remains the only representative ofF-ZeroinSmash.

RELATED:Ten Least Viable Characters in Super Smash Bros Ultimate

When it comes to other potentialF-Zerocharacters to be made player,  look no further than the current Assist Trophy, Samurai Goroh. The rival of Captain Falcon, Goroh could bring a much different flavor to the traditionalSmashsword-wielder while also including another playable villain, something that has become somewhat of a rarity in the series.

7Alucard

While many players were delighted by the prospect of the inclusion ofCastlevaniacharacters such as Simon Belmont inUltimate,the reveal that Alucard would be little more than an Assist Trophy was a disappointment, to say the least.

The son of Dracula and the protagonist of the belovedCastlevania: Symphony of the Night,Alucard’s popularity has only grown due to theCastlevaniaNetflix series. Wielding a sword and capable of transforming into forms such as that of a wolf, Alucard’s move-set could bring a great deal of variety to the table.

Article image

6Shovel Knight

In recent years,Nintendo’s relationship with independent developers has improved significantly, with the Switch being home to a plethora of notable indie titles such asUndertaleandShovel Knight. Despite this,  Smash has still yet to receive a playable character with indie origins.

While most indie representation in the game has come in the form of Mii costumes, Shovel Knight had the distinction of being added as an Assist Trophy. Having access to a solid melee weapon and numerous spells that could be used as his special moves, Shovel Knight seems like the indie-game character most well equipped to make the jump to become a playable character.

Article image

5Isaac

Poor Isaac. The protagonist of the cult classic RPG series,Golden Sun, he’s been featured as an Assist Trophy for threeSmashgames in a row, while his home series has seemingly stopped dead in its tracks.

Capable of wielding a sword and magic alike, Isaac is a character who has the potential to be one of the most balanced fighters in the series, fighting up close with his blade and from afar with spells.

Article image

4Krystal

While theStar Foxseries currently has three playable representatives, all three of their move-sets share many similarities, most of which reside within their special moves. Despite this, one of the most popular and widely requested otherStar Foxcharacters, Crystal, is currently in the game as an assist trophy.

RELATED:Ranked: Top 10 Fighting Games of the 2010’s

Article image

Krystal is distinct through her fighting style that is notably melee-focused and relies on the use of a staff. Though Smash has many fighters that use melee weapons, the vast majority utilize swords. This would allow Krystal to set herself apart from not just otherStar Foxcharacters, but other weapon-wielding fighters as well.

3Shadow

Say what you will about theSonic the Hedgehogfranchise, but if one thing is certain, it’s the popularity of Shadow the Hedgehog. Following the release ofSonic Adventure 2,few characters were as widely popular in theSonicfranchise as Shadow. While his popularity has since waned to a significant degree, he still remains one of the most requested potential roster members for theSmashfranchise.

While one may expect Shadow to function as little more than a Sonic echo fighter, he has numerous unique abilities that could help to flesh him out as his own character.

Article image

2Zero

As far as SNES era platformers are concerned, it’s hard to compete with theMega Man Xseries. Improving upon previously established mechanics of earlierMega Mangames, theMega Man Xseries has a special place in the hearts of many players. While earlierMega Mangames had solely focused on Mega Man, theXseries introduced another major character in the form of Zero.

Wielding a beam sword, Zero is one of the most widely popular characters created by Capcom, and he’s appeared across theCapcom Vs.series as well as his own games. Despite this, he currently functions as little more than a stage hazard in his role as an Assist Trophy.

Article image

1Waluigi

If you’re familiar withSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate,when you began reading this list, you knew this would be number one. Despite never appearing in any main seriesMariogames,Waluigihas garnered a dedicated fan following for his memorable appearances throughoutMario PartyandMariosports titles.

Having the potential to utilize his lankiness for range or even include references to his other appearances, many are still scratching their heads contemplating why Waluigi is still just an Assist Trophy. Due to the notable amount of fan outcry caused by his continued exclusion, it feels like only a matter of time until he’s eventually added to the game.

Article image

Article image