3. Snake (Smash Bros. Brawl)
Brawl may have the reputation for being the black sheep of the franchise (landing smack bang in the middle of our pre-Ultimate rankings), but it generated hype at an incredible pace.
Whether it was the tantalizing updates of the whimsical Dojo or the growing fanbase drawn in by the rollicking success of the Wii, it was a thrilling time to be a Nintendo fan.
The first trailer, screened at E3 2006, delivered surprise after surprise. Pit has returned from the dead! Wario has no sense of common decency! Samus has a gun so powerful it makes her nekkid!
It was a joy to behold, but the best was saved for last. After we thought it was all over, an incoming transmission displayed on the screen. We recognized the source, but the circumstances were completely foreign.
Solid Snake was on a recon mission, scouting out potential threats… in Super Smash Bros.
It was a huge game changer, because it opened the door for just about anyone to make the jump to Nintendo’s roster of all-stars, a delightful notion that continues to this day.
What was once the exclusive playground of the first-party elite had now been opened up to unlikely competitors from every walk of life, whether they were absolutely ludicrous (Goku) or unfathomably distinguished (Bop-Louie).
