Later today, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate director Masahiro Sakurai presents the new DLC fighters. This time it is Pyra and Mythra from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 and they just happen to be a bunch of sword users.
Leading up to this broadcast, Sakurai appeared in the latest episode of Washa Live and took the opportunity to remind everyone that the decision to add swordsmen is not his. Here’s what he had to say, courtesy of a translation by Nintendo Everything:
“Swordsmen …? Hey, it is what it is! … Like it or not, it’s not up to me if another swordsman comes into play.”
“even if it’s another swordsman, it will be fine as long as we balance them properly … and in contrast [to fighters like Steve] swordsmen are simple [to implement]
Who then determines the service? Sakurai explained this last February, explaining how his own “preferences” play no part in the hunter selection process, and noted that Nintendo had “greater” say in decision-making:
“My preferences don’t play a role in adding new fighters; Nintendo has a greater say in that decision and brings their thoughts to the table … Smash Bros. usually come from series with a history. For example, Dragon Quest‘Hero’, ‘Banjo & Kazooie’ and Fatal AngerTerry Bogard all first appeared about 20 to 30 years ago – I want to include quite a wide variety of characters. “
In his last conversation about the hunter selection process, he also warned everyone that he could get in trouble for saying too much:
“I’m sure if I go a little further, I’ll get something from Nintendo …”
The upcoming Smash Bros presentation takes place again today (2:00 pm GMT / 3:00 pm CET / 6:00 am PT / 9:00 am ET). It will take “about 35 minutes” and will take an in-depth look at the new two-in-one fighter. Nintendo revealed yesterday that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is also coming out soon.
How do you feel when more swordsmen join the roster in Smash Ultimate? Leave a comment below.