Unveiling the First Outsider: Who Was the First Non-Nintendo Character in Smash?

The electrifying world of Super Smash Bros. is renowned for its epic crossover battles, bringing together iconic characters from across the gaming landscape. While the series is undeniably rooted in Nintendo’s rich history, it has also embraced characters from other companies, enriching the experience with beloved faces from various franchises. But who was the trailblazer, the very first character from outside the Big N’s umbrella to join the fray?

The answer is a tie! The distinction of being the first non-Nintendo characters in Super Smash Bros. belongs to Solid Snake from Konami’s Metal Gear series and Sonic the Hedgehog from SEGA’s Sonic the Hedgehog series. They both debuted in Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Wii, released in 2008. These additions marked a pivotal moment in the franchise, signaling a willingness to broaden its scope and celebrate the broader gaming world.

Delving Deeper: The Significance of Third-Party Inclusion

The inclusion of Solid Snake and Sonic the Hedgehog was more than just a roster expansion. It was a strategic move that injected fresh excitement and broadened the appeal of the Super Smash Bros. series. Here’s why it mattered:

• Breaking Boundaries: It shattered the perception that Smash was exclusively a Nintendo affair.
• Expanding the Fanbase: It attracted fans of Metal Gear and Sonic, introducing them to the Smash experience.
• Opening the Floodgates: It paved the way for countless other third-party characters to join the roster in subsequent installments, creating the diverse and expansive cast we know today.
• Celebrating Gaming History: It acknowledged the importance of other gaming giants like Konami and SEGA and their contributions to the industry.

The inclusion of Solid Snake and Sonic felt like a watershed moment, a true celebration of gaming as a whole. It made the game feel bigger, more inclusive, and more exciting.

The Impact of Snake and Sonic on Gameplay

Beyond their symbolic importance, Solid Snake and Sonic the Hedgehog also brought unique gameplay elements to the Super Smash Bros. series.

• Solid Snake: A tactical fighter with an emphasis on gadgets and stealth, Snake brought a more grounded and strategic approach to combat. His use of C4, grenades, and his codec conversations added a layer of complexity that was new to the series.
• Sonic the Hedgehog: Sonic’s blazing speed and spin attacks introduced a high-velocity playstyle that was unlike anything seen before in Smash. His emphasis on movement and quick attacks made him a challenging but rewarding character to master.

Their contrasting styles further enriched the gameplay experience and demonstrated the potential for diversity in character design within the Smash universe.

Super Smash Bros: More Than Just a Game

Super Smash Bros. transcends the realm of mere entertainment. It provides a playground for creative problem-solving, strategic thinking, and a community that fosters shared experiences. If you’re interested in learning more about the intersection of gaming and education, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the world of Super Smash Bros. characters:

1. Who was the first Smash Bros character?

The original Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64 featured eight starting characters: Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu.

2. Are there non Nintendo characters in Smash?

Yes, there are many third-party characters in the Super Smash Bros. series, originating from franchises not owned by Nintendo.

3. How many total characters are in Smash?

As of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, there are 89 playable characters in the game, including both Nintendo and third-party representatives.

4. Who is the oldest Smash character?

Mr. Game & Watch is considered the oldest playable character, as his first appearance was in April 1980, predating Pac-Man by a month.

5. Who is the “father” of Smash?

Masahiro Sakurai is the creator and director of the Super Smash Bros. series.

6. Who was the first Western character in Smash?

Banjo-Kazooie were the first characters originating from a Western-developed franchise to appear in Smash.

7. Which characters are considered “banned” in competitive Smash?

Certain characters or moves might be restricted in competitive play due to perceived imbalances or glitches. For instance, Olimar used to be banned due to the randomness of his pikmin.

8. Who are the “Five Gods” of Melee?

The “Five Gods” are five Melee players who were at the top of the scene: Armada, Hungrybox, Mango, Mew2King, and PPMD.

9. Who is considered the “best” character in Smash Ultimate?

The “best” character often varies with updates and player skill, but characters like Steve, Pyra/Mythra, and Joker are consistently ranked high.

10. Who is the hardest Smash character to master?

Characters like Pichu, Meta Knight, and Toon Link are often considered difficult to play effectively due to their complex movesets or unique weaknesses.

11. What makes a character “heavy” in Smash?

Heavy characters generally have high weight, making them difficult to launch, but they often lack speed and agility. Bowser and King K. Rool are good examples.

12. Who is the fastest character in Smash?

Sonic the Hedgehog is the fastest character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

13. Why did Nintendo seemingly stop the Smash World Tour?

Nintendo ceased their official license for the Smash World Tour due to concerns over how it was run.

14. Who is ZeRo in the Smash community?

Gonzalo Raúl Barrios Castro, known as ZeRo, is a retired professional Super Smash Bros. player and streamer.

15. When was Sora added to Smash?

Sora was announced as the final DLC character for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on October 5th, 2021, and became available shortly after.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Outsiders

The inclusion of Solid Snake and Sonic the Hedgehog in Super Smash Bros. Brawl was a defining moment for the franchise. It signaled a shift towards inclusivity, celebrating the broader gaming landscape and opening the door for a diverse roster of characters from various companies. These outsiders not only enriched the gameplay experience but also expanded the Smash community, making it the beloved crossover celebration it is today. Their legacy continues to shape the series, ensuring that Super Smash Bros. remains a vibrant and exciting platform for celebrating gaming history.