Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Gets Castlevania's Simon And Richter Belmont

Nintendo kicked off its latest Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Direct by revealing a brand-new character: Simon Belmont from the Castlevania series. The new fighter was introduced via a grim cinematic trailer, which began with Luigi exploring a dark castle filled with supernatural monsters before being struck down by Death (but he's okay). The reaper was then attacked by a mysterious cloaked figure, who removed his hood to reveal his identity as the legendary vampire hunter.

Just as in Konami's classic series, Simon uses many of his signature items in battle, including his iconic whip. According to director Masahiro Sakurai, Simon's whip is a bit slow and leaves him vulnerable, but it has a longer average reach than other fighters and can be controlled freely. Simon can also throw axes and crosses, as well as use holy water in battle. His Final Smash, meanwhile, is the Grand Cross; it stuffs opponents into a coffin and launches them.

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Simon's accompanying stage is Dracula's Castle, which Sakurai notes is the darkest stage in the game. Attacking candlesticks around the level will drop items. Iconic Castlevania bosses and enemies such as Medusa and Flea Man also appear on the stage, as will Dracula--although Nintendo is keeping the conditions that make him appear a mystery. The stage also features 34 new and classic music tracks.

Simon isn't the only Castlevania representative joining the Ultimate roster. His descendant, Richter Belmont, will also appear in the game as an Echo Fighter. He has his own distinct voice, appearance, and animations, but his moveset is similar to Simon's. Another iconic Castlevania protagonist, Alucard, also appears in Ultimate as an Assist Trophy, and his moves are inspired by Symphony of the Night.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate launches for Nintendo Switch on December 7. We learned a ton of other details about the game during the new Direct presentation and got a look at several other new fighters, including Chrom, Dark Samus, and the much requested King K. Rool from Donkey Kong Country. You can catch up on all the news in our roundup of every announcement from today's Direct.