The First Non-Nintendo Character in Smash: A Look Back at the History
The Super Smash Bros. series has been a beloved franchise for many fans of Nintendo games. However, it’s interesting to note that the series hasn’t always been exclusive to Nintendo characters. The first non-Nintendo character to appear in the series was none other than Sonic the Hedgehog from the popular platformer game series created by Sega. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the Super Smash Bros. series and highlight the significance of Sonic’s inclusion as the first non-Nintendo character.
Early Days of Smash Bros.
The first Super Smash Bros. game was released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64 and featured a roster of Nintendo characters, including Mario, Donkey Kong, and Link from The Legend of Zelda series. The game was created by Masahiro Sakurai, a renowned game developer who would go on to create subsequent titles in the series. The game was a massive success, thanks in part to its innovative gameplay mechanics and the nostalgia factor that came with seeing beloved Nintendo characters face off against each other.
The Addition of Sonic
Fast forward to the release of Super Smash Bros. Melee in 2001 for the Nintendo GameCube. This game introduced two new characters to the roster: Solid Snake from the Metal Gear series and Fox McCloud from the Star Fox series. While both characters were well-received by fans, it was Sonic the Hedgehog’s inclusion that marked a significant milestone in the series’ history.
Why Sonic?
Sonic’s inclusion in the series might seem surprising at first, given the rivalries between Nintendo and Sega in the past. However, it’s important to note that both companies have since put their differences aside, and Sega has even developed games for Nintendo consoles. Sonic’s inclusion also marked a significant departure from the traditional Nintendo-only character roster, paving the way for future non-Nintendo characters.
The Impact of Sonic’s Inclusion
Sonic’s inclusion in Super Smash Bros. Melee had a significant impact on the series’ future direction. It showed that the series was open to including characters from other companies, and that it was possible to create a game that appealed to a broader audience. The game’s success also led to the inclusion of other non-Nintendo characters in future titles, such as Solid Snake and Samus from the Metroid series.
The First Non-Nintendo Character in Super Smash Bros.
In conclusion, the first non-Nintendo character to appear in the Super Smash Bros. series was Sonic the Hedgehog. His inclusion marked a significant milestone in the series’ history, paving the way for future non-Nintendo characters. The success of Sonic’s inclusion also demonstrates the series’ willingness to innovate and expand its roster beyond Nintendo-exclusive characters.
Other Non-Nintendo Characters in Smash Bros.
The Super Smash Bros. series has continued to feature non-Nintendo characters in subsequent titles. Here are some of the notable non-Nintendo characters that have appeared in the series:
- Solid Snake from the Metal Gear series
- Fox McCloud from the Star Fox series
- Samus from the Metroid series
- WarioWare, Inc.‘s Wario
- Pikmin 2‘s Captain Olimar
- Pokémon Trainer‘s Pokémon
Here is a list of non-Nintendo characters in Super Smash Bros.:
| Character | Franchise |
|---|---|
| Sonic | Sonic the Hedgehog |
| Solid Snake | Metal Gear |
| Fox McCloud | Star Fox |
| Samus | Metroid |
| Wario | WarioWare, Inc. |
| Captain Olimar | Pikmin 2 |
| Pokémon Trainer | Pokémon |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the inclusion of Sonic the Hedgehog in Super Smash Bros. Melee marked a significant milestone in the series’ history. The character’s appearance paved the way for future non-Nintendo characters and demonstrated the series’ willingness to innovate and expand its roster beyond Nintendo-exclusive characters. As the series continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see even more non-Nintendo characters join the fray.