TheSuper Smash Bros.series features many playable fighters from various video game franchises. Most of them are Nintendo’s original IP, like Mario, Link, and Samus. Others come from third-party companies, like Sora fromKingdom Hearts, Cloud fromFinal Fantasy, and Sonic fromSonic the Hedgehog.
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However, there are plenty of franchises theSuper Smash Bros.series has yet to represent as playable characters. Some of these franchises make appearances as Assist Trophies, Boss fights, or simply just collectible Spirits in the game. One way or another, these characters would make great representatives for their individual series.
10Andy & Sami (Advance Wars)
This turn-based strategy series has been dormant since 2008’sAdvance Wars: Days of Ruinon Nintendo DS. Prior to that, the series saw many releases on Nintendo consoles since its initial debut in 2001 on GameBoy Advance. The series also had an Assist Trophy, Infantry and Tanks, that appeared inBrawlandSuper Smash Bros. 4.
However, the series is making acomeback on Nintendo Switch with the re-releaseAdvance Wars 1+2: Boot Camp. Consequently, the series' protagonists, Andy and Sami, could be introduced as playable fighters in the nextSuper Smash Bros.title. They could function as alternate costumes of each other, likeMinecraft’s Steve and Alex, orSplatoon’s Inklings.
9Paper Mario (Paper Mario)
TheSuper Mariofranchise already has many fighters included inSuper Smash Bros., with many others on fans' wishlists. However,the spin-off franchisePaper Mariohas yet to include its titular 2D plumber as a playable fighter. Even though Paper Mario is just Mario, his moveset could be unique enough to his 3D counterpart.
Luckily, thePaper Mariofranchise has a lot of different abilities to pull for a potential moveset. Paper Mario could use his wooden hammer, which has yet to make an appearance in anySuper Mariocharacters' moveset. Paper Mario could even utilize some more unique abilities, like the ones seen inSticker StarorColor Splash.
8Isaac (Golden Sun)
TheGolden Sunseries hasn’t seen much lovefrom Nintendo in recent years. The latest installment,Golden Sun: Dark Dawn, was released for the DS in 2010, and the handheld-exclusive franchise never made it to 3DS systems. That hasn’t stoppedSmashfans from clamoring for protagonist Isaac’s inclusion in the series.
Isaac currently appears in theSuper Smash Bros.series as an Assist Trophy, utilizing abilities like Move, Pound, and Lift to disturb players. In theGolden Sunseries, Isaac has a lot of abilities that manipulate earth and plant life, meaning he could be a unique fighter in theSuper Smash Bros.roster.
7Hunters (Monster Hunter)
TheMonster Hunterfranchise has seen a big boost in popularity in the past few years, especially in the West. The most recent installment,Monster Hunter Rise, was made exclusive for Nintendo Switch before being ported to PC in early 2022. One of the series' flagship monsters, Rathalos, even appears as a boss character inUltimate.
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A Hunter would be perfect forSuper Smash Bros., with alternate costumes varying in armor and gender. The moveset could, like Inkling, incorporate many playable weapons, like Sword & Shield, Insect Glaive, and Hunting Horn. Plus, a fully-fleshed out Monster Hunter map would make for some pretty spectacular views while fighting.
6Takamaru (The Mysterious Murasame Castle)
Takamaru was a popular choice to be included inSuper Smash Bros. 4, though the samurai was relegated to Assist Trophy status. His franchise,The Mysterious Murasame Castle, had one entry on Famicom systems in 1986. However, it has seen re-releases on Game Boy Advance, as well as 3DS Virtual Console internationally.
However, Nintendo certainly hasn’t forgotten about the character or his franchise. Takamaru even had his own minigame inthe Wii U launch titleNintendo Land. There’s certainly potential for Nintendo to reviveThe Mysterious Murasame Castle, updating Takamaru’s abilities and giving him a shot in the nextSuper Smash Bros.game.
5Monita (Nintendo Land)
Speaking ofNintendo Land, Monita would be an interesting and perhaps humorous choice for a playableSuper Smash Bros.character. Monita appears inNintendo Landas a guide for players as they venture through various attractions based on Nintendo properties. She also cameos in several mini-games as an antagonist figure.
TheSuper Smash Bros.franchise has definitely not shied away from including characters from Nintendo’s own history, like R.O.B. and Mr. Game & Watch. The series has also been known to include some peculiar choices, like Wii Fit Trainer and Piranha Plant. Monita could be a surprisingly beloved fighter amongSmash Bros.fans.
4Ray (Custom Robo)
Custom Robois another franchise, likeGolden Sun, that hasn’t received much love from Nintendo for many years. Its last release wasCustom Robo Arenafor the DS in 2006, with its first release outside of Japan being two years prior withCustom Robofor GameCube. Perhaps it’s time this series is due for a revival.
There may have been some hope forCustom Robowith Ray Mk III appearing as an Assist Trophy inSuper Smash Bros. Brawl.Ray Mk III alsoappeared as a Mii Fighter costume inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, making him semi-playable. However, fans of the abandoned franchise may not be satisfied until they get to see Ray make a full appearance as a fighter in a futureSmash Bros.installment.
3Shovel Knight (Shovel Knight)
Shovel Knight has become indie game royalty since his debut title appeared on 3DS, Wii U, and PC. The titular character even shows up as an Assist Trophy inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, which is definitely a win for indie game fans. However, seeing Shovel Knight fully realized as a playable fighter would be an even bigger victory.
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Shovel Knight’s moveset could work similar to Mega Man, utilizing the various power-up he gains from defeating boss characters. TheShovel Knightgame also features a large cast of characters, like Plague Knight, Specter Knight, and Shield Knight, that would make great Assist Trophies, or even playable characters themselves.
2Shantae (Shantae)
TheShantaeseries, likeShovel Knight, is among the most beloved indie platformers. The series follows the titular Shantae, a half-human, half-genie with the ability to shape-shift. Simply put, Shantae is one of those characters with enough uniqueness, personality, and appeal thatmakes her perfect forSuper Smash Bros.
Currently, theShantaeseries is only represented inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatethrough a Mii Fighter costume of Shantae, as well as a Spirit. Hopefully, the inclusion of characters like Shovel Knight and Shantae could open the doors for more indie characters, like Cuphead, Sans fromUndertale, and Zagreus fromHades.
1Chorus Kids (Rhythm Heaven)
By farthe most surprising lack of inclusion inSuper Smash Bros.is that of theRhythm Heavenfranchise. According to mined game data, a Rhythm Heaven character was meant to appear inSuper Smash Bros. 4before being cut, though a representative never even made it to the follow-up,Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Many characters could work asRhythm Heavenrepresentatives, like Karate Joe or series mascot Marshall. However, the fan-favorite choice are the trio of choir boys known as the Chorus Kids. They could stand on each other’s shoulders and move altogether, with moves relying on players' timing, just like the beloved music-based series.
