Why is there no Goku in Smash?
The eternal question that has been plaguing fans of both Super Smash Bros. and Dragon Ball Z alike: why is there no Goku in Smash? While the inclusion of characters from other franchises is a hallmark of the Super Smash Bros. series, the beloved Goku from Dragon Ball Z has never made an appearance in the game. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Goku’s absence and examine the factors that contribute to this omission.
The Origin of Super Smash Bros.
To understand why Goku isn’t in Smash, it’s essential to grasp the origin of the series. Super Smash Bros. was created by Masahiro Sakurai, a renowned video game developer, and the director of the first game. Sakurai has consistently stated that the series was designed to celebrate the world of video games, featuring characters from various Nintendo franchises and third-party developers. The inclusion of characters from other franchises is a crucial aspect of the series.
Why Goku Can’t Fit in
One significant reason Goku can’t fit in with the existing cast is the difference in tone and style between the Dragon Ball Z series and the rest of the characters in the game. The Super Smash Bros. series is known for its light-hearted, family-friendly approach, while Dragon Ball Z is renowned for its intense, dramatic, and often dark storytelling. The contrasting tones would make it difficult to integrate Goku seamlessly into the game.
Another significant factor is the copyright and licensing issues involved in featuring Goku. The Dragon Ball franchise is owned by Toei Animation, a Japanese animation studio, and Akira Toriyama, the creator of the series. While Nintendo has successfully collaborated with third-party developers in the past, the inclusion of Goku would require a complex agreement with Toei Animation and Toriyama himself.
The Inability to Represent Goku’s True Power
Goku is known for his incredible abilities, which would be challenging to accurately represent in a fighting game like Super Smash Bros. The developers would need to find creative ways to balance his power without making him overpowered, which could lead to issues with game balance and the overall player experience.
Additionally, Goku’s signature attacks, such as the Kamehameha, would require significant graphical and animation resources to create and implement. The inclusion of Goku would likely require significant updates to the game’s graphics and mechanics.
Why Characters from Other Franchises Make Sense
So, why are characters from other franchises included in the game? There are several reasons:
• Friendship and Respect: Sakurai has stated that he wanted to celebrate the friendships and rivalries between characters from different franchises, making it easier to include characters from other series.
• Iconic Status: Many characters, like Sonic, Cloud, and Link, are iconic figures in gaming, and their inclusion would be a natural fit for the series.
• Gameplay Potential: The inclusion of characters with unique abilities and movesets would add diversity and replay value to the game, making it more engaging for players.
Conclusion
While Goku is an iconic character in the world of gaming, the inclusion of characters from other franchises is a crucial aspect of the Super Smash Bros. series. The reasons for Goku’s absence are complex and multifaceted, involving differences in tone and style, copyright and licensing issues, and the difficulty in representing his true power in the game. However, the developers have consistently demonstrated their ability to balance and integrate new characters from other franchises, and we can only hope that one day, Goku will make his debut in Smash.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpShbRjYucQ