Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has reached a milestone, celebrating its fifth anniversary. Among various celebratory articles, one of the highlights is the game's character reveal trailers, which have brought immense excitement and speculation to the Smash community over the years. There's a particular joy in witnessing the addition of new characters to the ever-growing roster, whether it’s through unexpected surprises or long-awaited announcements. To commemorate this occasion, the game's enthusiasts were invited to vote on their favorite character introductions.
Looking back, remember when Persona 5's Joker was cheekily unveiled at The Game Awards? Or the climactic reveal of Sora from Kingdom Hearts? Those moments captured the community's imagination like nothing else. Now, with the poll results in, we’re ready to disclose which character reveal claimed the top spot.
The team at Nintendo Life also shared their personal top picks:
One editor expressed a profound connection to the Banjo-Kazooie announcement during the June 2019 Nintendo Direct. The cleverly crafted trailer mirrored King K. Rool's introduction, delivering a nostalgic rush and a heartwarming welcome back to the beloved duo, Banjo and Kazooie. The edit captured the characters' essence, complete with memorable music and a snippet showcasing other characters’ joy, mirroring his own fan reactions.
Another highlight from an August 2018 Nintendo Direct was Simon and Richter Belmont's reveal. The trailer cleverly meshed the eerie atmosphere of Luigi's Mansion with the dark world of Castlevania. It featured a thrilling sequence where Luigi confronts various ghoulish creatures, setting up the appearance of Death and the subsequent arrival of the Belmonts—an absolute delight for fans of both franchises.
Interestingly, despite not being a massive supporter of Sephiroth, an editor recalled the overwhelming excitement at The Game Awards in December 2020 when the legendary Final Fantasy VII antagonist was announced. The trailer oozed the grandeur and drama befitting Sephiroth, and for a moment, even had fans believing Mario met a grim fate at his hands.
The Isabelle reveal on September 13th, 2018, may have been less dramatic, but it was no less significant. It was a charming and humorous in-game presentation directly leading to the announcement of the then-unnamed New Horizons. The simplicity and joy of Isabelle's introduction made it a standout moment for many.
Now, for the community's verdict:
The fifth favorite reveal went to King K. Rool, whose introduction set a precedent for future trailers with its bait-and-switch tactic. Fourth place was taken by Joker, whose surprising arrival from Persona was executed with a clever touch, flipping an envelope to the Smash logo.
Sora clinched the third spot, representing a cumulative celebration of the game's expansive world and the love fans have for it. Sephiroth's reveal was so impactful that it secured second place, not just for the character's significance but also for the cinematic quality of the trailer itself.
Topping the list was Banjo-Kazooie, whose return was not just a high point in Smash reveals, but a momentous event in gaming history, symbolizing a homecoming to Nintendo.
Other characters, though not making the top five, have also left a lasting impression on players. The introduction of Steve, Pyra, Mythra, and the Belmont duo, among others, have all contributed to the diverse and celebrated world of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Incredibly, the results show just how much these events resonate with players. Character reveals in Smash Bros. go beyond mere announcements; they become cultural touchstones within the gaming community. They're a testament to the affiliation fans have with these characters and the worlds they come from.
With such passion still evident after five years, the hope for more reveals in the future remains alive, hinting at the underlying wish among fans for a new addition to the Super Smash Bros. series. The excitement, anticipation, and joy that accompany each new character reveal are what the community cherishes, and it is something they are eager to experience again.
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