12 Characters That Should Be in Super Smash Bros

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If you weren't on the internet last week, you probably missed the collective heart attack that happened when Nintendo announced that Final Fantasy VII lead Cloud was joining the cast of Super Smash Bros for Wii U and 3DS. It was a completely unexpected "one more thing" to cap off the Nintendo Direct.

Cloud's inclusion in the game marks the culmination of the childhood dreams of many avid gamers. Realize that Super Smash Bros now includes Mario, Link, Mega Man, Pac-Man, Ryu, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Cloud in a single title. Sadly, Solid Snake didn't make a return appearance after being in Super Smash Bros Brawl, but that's still a damn good crossover roster.

Since Cloud was so out of left field, who else would be a good fit for Nintendo's crossover fighting extravaganza? We're most likely going to see more feature characters outside of Nintendo's own roster, so which characters would be a great fit for Super Smash Bros?

Bayonetta - Bayonetta

Honestly, this is an easy choice for Nintendo. Sure, you could keep Zero Suit Samus around, but why not use your access to a character that fills nearly the same slot? In fact, Bayonetta feels like a superior option all around compared to ZSS; she did everything first and better. Lara Croft (the Tomb Raider: Anniversary Edition version would fit into Smash better than the current incarnation) was almost in this slot, but again, Bayonetta is better.

Bub and Bob - Bubble Bobble

The Bubble Dragons Bub and Bob have been showcase characters of various Taito Corporation titles, including Bubble Bobble, Puzzle Bobble, Rainbow Islands, and Bust-A-Move. Taito is currently owned by Square Enix, so if Cloud can make an appearance, why not these two? In fact, I'd treat them like a new version of the Ice Climbers: two characters, one body.

Inkling Girl - Splatoon

I'm stunned that this hasn't been announced already. With how well Splatoon has been doing for Nintendo, an Inkling Girl/Boy character and Smash level seems like free money. You could do both characters, but I admit I'm partial to Inkling Girl and I'm the one making this list.

Amaterasu - Okami

The lead for Capcom's Okami was an unique addition to Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and she'd be a great inclusion for Super Smash Bros. Nintendo could just take parts of her moveset from MvC and Ammy would fit right in. Plus, we'd get an Amaterasu Amiibo!

Bomberman - Bomberman

Deep within the mines of Konami's IP library hides the entire Hudson Soft catalog. Great classic games including Adventure Island, Bonk's Adventure, Bloody Roar, and Far East of Eden, lost to the sands of time. One of the top games in their stable is the beloved multiplayer classic, Bomberman. If anyone could free Bomberman from the dark hole that is Konami, it's Nintendo.

Commander Shepard - Mass Effect

I think this will probably be a point of contention in this list. I originally had another Final Fantasy alumni, Final Fantasy XIII's Lightning, in this spot. Instead, I decided to go with an alternate and more interesting choice. Bioware's Commander Shepard would be a kickass addition to Super Smash Bros. For the purposes of this list, I'm assuming "Commander Shepard" is the fiery-headed woman voiced by Jennifer Hale. I don't personally play FemShep, but mentally, that's the "default" version of the character, an idea that Bioware has seemingly bought into recently.

These choices represent outside of the box thinking. They aren't safe; Nintendo would be going into a whole new direction with Super Smash Bros. A more comprehensive and magical direction for the fan-favorite series.

Necrid - Soul Calibur II

Back in 2003, Soul Calibur II graced us with one of the best fighting game characters ever. Visually designed by Spawn creator Todd McFarlane with input from Namco, Necrid left a deep impression on the hearts and minds of Souls players. The character had a unique fighting style that certainly didn't just pull moves from other characters. Imagine Necrid in Super Smash Bros, bringing his unique aesthetic and punishing fighting style to Nintendo's brawler. Best addition ever? I think so.

Mara - Shin Megami Tensei

Some people would choose someone from the Persona cast like Teddy, but they would be wrong. In the long history of the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, there are few characters as iconic as Mara. Some might say, "Mike, that's a penis on a chariot!" but I counter that a penis is exactly what Super Smash Bros needs. What better way for the family-friendly title to reach new heights than by serving as a gateway to the most important conversation a parent can have with their children?

Sorceress - Dragon's Crown

Speaking of having a conversation with your children, the next character that would do well in the world of Super Smash Bros is the Sorceress from Dragon's Crown. George Kamitani's designs look great in 2D, but I think Nintendo could do a great job translating the Sorceress' figure into the 3D space. Sure, Nintendo has closer access to Bayonetta or a Fire Emblem character, but it's better if they go the extra mile.

Pyramid Head - Silent Hill 2

If you're adding Cloud to the ever-growing list of Super Smash Bros' sword-wielding characters, then I have another one for you. Sure, Silent Hill 2's Pyramid Head actually handles the Great Knife, not a sword, but I argue the difference is negligible once a blade goes beyond five feet. Plus, who would dare edgeguard the manifestation of James Sunderland's semi-sexual vengeance?

Alma - F.E.A.R.

You know what Super Smash Bros needs? More characters with the innocence of a child. If you've played any of the F.E.A.R. games, than you probably know about Alma, the misunderstood psychic antagonist of the series. What says "Super Smash Bros" more than a creepy, Ring-like little girl who tears her opponents limb from limb? I'm sure she'd be best friends with Mewtwo.

SHODAN - System Shock

How would Nintendo even make a playable character out of the villain of System Shock and System Shock 2? SHODAN is a digital artificial intelligence that manifests as a giant cybernetic lady face with cables and lights streaming from it. But hey, they made Master Hand work as a playable character, so I'm sure if Sakurai and company put their minds to it, they could come up with something grand.