Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Pass Vol. 2 character predictions

Shantae (WayForward Technologies)

If there’s one criticism towards the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster (and even the industry in general), it’s that there is a serious lack of female characters represented. Furthermore, the only non-Nintendo owned female fighter in the game is Bayonetta (and even then, both Bayonetta 2 and the upcoming Bayonetta 3 are titles exclusive to Nintendo). Nintendo can attempt to address this issue by adding another female fighter, and Shantae could easily fit that mold.

Shantae made her first appearance in her own self-titled game, Shantae, on the Game Boy Color. Shantae did not receive a release until June 2002, which was well after the début of the Game Boy Advance. Most games in this position can become very obscure and unknown, but Shantae’s positive reception by critics made it a coveted gem that was, unfortunately, released too late into the Game Boy Color’s life cycle. Due to the warm reception Shantae received, WayForward eventually released a sequel, Shantae: Risky’s Revenge, eight years later as a downloadable-only game on the Nintendo DSi. The game was well-received, allowing WayFoward to establish a new gaming franchise.

Both Shantae and her main antagonist, Risky Boots, are already in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as spirits. Although this doesn’t necessarily guarantee that Shantae will definitely be added to the roster, it does bode extremely well for the half-genie’s chances.

Furthermore, every Shantae game in the series has appeared on a Nintendo platform, so the character has a strong Nintendo connection. Her unique attacks, like primarily using her long hair as a “whip-like” weapon and conjuring magical spells through belly dancing, could help her stand out from most of the other fighters.

Some critics may think that her character is a bit “sexualized” for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but Bayonetta’s inclusion should easily dispel those notions. Shantae has also been a popular choice in fan polls for years, so it’s easy for me to believe that Shantae has a very strong chance of being a new roster addition.