Oh yes, I suppose it is. It's hard to spot because it's only on screen for a split second:



At least, I think that's the Corneria stage.

I'd recognize those mountains anywhere. Definitely Corneria.

This image is definitely the biggest illustration of why I'm disappointed Dark Samus isn't a skin (yet) for Samus:



Look at that badassery...

For those interested, the website's How To Play section has a lot of other Item, Assist and Pokemon images, some not yet seen before. Confirms a lot of unknown effects, such as mention of the Nightmare Wizard appearing in his orb form first before darkening the stage, and which Assist Trophies can be attacked, such as Mother Brain, who can be outright defeated if attacked enough.

http://www.smashbros.com/us/howto/entry5.html
http://www.smashbros.com/us/howto/entry6.html
http://www.smashbros.com/us/howto/entry7.html

There were apparently two more Pic-of-the-Days added to the site sometime late yesterday:

Quote:

«Shulk's sword, the Monado, slashes enemies with a beam when activated, so it can strike from long range. What really makes this weapon unique is that when the Monado Arts are activated, it can change Shulk's features and abilities! Emerge victorious in battle by changing your abilities strategically!!»

Quote:

«[List of Monado Arts] ? (Jump): higher jumps, lower defense. ? (Speed): faster movement, weaker attacks. ?(Shield): higher defense, slower movement. ?(Buster): stronger attacks, weaker launch ability. ?(Smash): Stronger launch ability, weaker attacks, lower defense against launching.»

So, it looks like Shulk made it into Smash Bros. after all.

I'm going to be honest, but I'm not very happy about his inclusion. Not only does the range of his sword makes him appear a bit broken (something Sevenstich doesn't care for either), but also I don't actually see Xenoblade as an official Nintendo game since Monolith software isn't exactly one of their second party developers. I know that the same could be said about the other characters, like Sonic and Megaman, but there are good sentimental reasons behind those exceptions. My guess for Shulk's inclusion is to promote the port of his game on the New 3DS or something.

Anyway, I'm sorry if I'm a bit of a stick in the mud about this, but I'm just a little tired of everyone praising Xenoblade all the time and expecting Shulk to show up in Smash Bros.

Shulk for top tier

(08-30-2014, 05:21 PM)E-Man Wrote: I don't actually see Xenoblade as an official Nintendo game since Monolith software isn't exactly one of their second party developers.

uh
yes it is?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monolith_Soft
"Later Namco sold the remaining 16%, making Monolith Soft a first-party developer for Nintendo."

(08-30-2014, 07:30 PM)Vipershark Wrote:

(08-30-2014, 05:21 PM)E-Man Wrote: I don't actually see Xenoblade as an official Nintendo game since Monolith software isn't exactly one of their second party developers.

uh
yes it is?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monolith_Soft
"Later Namco sold the remaining 16%, making Monolith Soft a first-party developer for Nintendo."

Not to mention, the Xenoblade series is even published by Nintendo, so that's another sentimental reason for Shulk to be in SSB4.

I just realized that Kirby's new jumping-swallow attack is going to make Kirbicides a way more common occurrence ...

It's going to give Kirby a pretty good option for tech chases too

(08-30-2014, 07:32 PM)Mystie Wrote:

(08-30-2014, 07:30 PM)Vipershark Wrote:

(08-30-2014, 05:21 PM)E-Man Wrote: I don't actually see Xenoblade as an official Nintendo game since Monolith software isn't exactly one of their second party developers.

uh
yes it is?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monolith_Soft
"Later Namco sold the remaining 16%, making Monolith Soft a first-party developer for Nintendo."

Not to mention, the Xenoblade series is even published by Nintendo, so that's another sentimental reason for Shulk to be in SSB4.

and even if it wasn't, this is a series which has had representatives from Namco, Konami, and Sega as of this game.

It's also kind of dickish to want them to not include a character that so many other people wanted just because you don't personally like them.

My only issue with Shulk personally is his symbol, which is literally just his sword. Is there really nothing else in the franchise iconic enough to be the series representative icon?

The Monado is very plot-centric to the game. I mean, it's on the cover.

I haven't even played the game before and I still know that somehow.

(08-31-2014, 11:53 AM)Drshnaps Wrote: It's also kind of dickish to want them to not include a character that so many other people wanted just because you don't personally like them.

My only issue with Shulk personally is his symbol, which is literally just his sword. Is there really nothing else in the franchise iconic enough to be the series representative icon?

It's a good thing none of the other franchises have that sym-

The series is called Xenoblade for a reason.