GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

Smash Ultimate's Director Agrees There Are Too Many Fire Emblem Characters

Sakurai says it's up to Nintendo, though.

11 Comments

With Byleth's addition to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Nintendo's mascot fighter now includes eight characters from the Fire Emblem series--tying it with Pokemon for the second-most number of representatives. Many fans have long complained that Smash Bros. features a disproportionate amount of Fire Emblem characters, and it appears game director Masahiro Sakurai feels the same.

In his latest column for Famitsu magazine (as translated by Siliconera), Sakurai agrees that Smash Bros. has too many fighters from the Fire Emblem series. "There are too many Fire Emblem characters. And there are too many sword characters. I, too, understand," Sakurai writes. "However, these things are already decided, so we move forward."

Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
This video has an invalid file format.
00:00:00
Sorry, but you can't access this content!
Please enter your date of birth to view this video

By clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Now Playing: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Pass 2 & Free Stuff Available Now - GS News Update

Ultimately, Sakurai explains, Nintendo is responsible for deciding which characters make the cut. "I don't choose the fighters based on my own preference, that's for Nintendo to bring in," Sakurai says. That will be the case for the next wave of DLC characters; Sakurai confirmed during his recent Byleth reveal stream that all six new characters in development for the game have already been selected, so there's no use in telling him your requests.

Byleth arrived alongside Smash Bros. Ultimate's 7.0 patch, which made a sweeping array of balance adjustments to many fighters. The update also introduced an assortment of new Mii Fighter costumes, one of which is based on Cuphead. On top of that, Switch Online subscribers can grab another free Spirit Board Challenge Pack from the Eshop for a limited time.

As for the next wave of DLC, Sakurai hasn't teased who the new fighters will be, but they're all slated to release by the end of 2021. You can pre-purchase the entire set right now via the Fighters Pass Vol. 2, which costs $30 USD. If you do grab the Fighters Pass, you'll receive a Mii Fighter costume based on the Ancient Soldier gear from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild as a bonus.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

Join the conversation
There are 11 comments about this story