The Original Super Smash Bros Nearly Featured an Alternate Pokémon Fighter
In the original _Super Smash Bros._ game for the Nintendo 64, the decision-making process for character selection included some surprising choices. One of the most fascinating revelations is that **Clefairy** was almost chosen as a Pokémon fighter instead of **Jigglypuff**. This choice not only influenced the early dynamics of the game but also impacted the subsequent popularity of these characters in the series.
Key Takeaways
- Jigglypuff was initially chosen as a joke character, benefiting from Kirby’s animation.
- Clefairy was a strong contender to be a fighter in the game.
- Jigglypuff’s presence significantly impacted the game and future series entries.
- This decision was influenced by an interview in the 1999 issue of _64Dream_ magazine.
- Pikachu and Jigglypuff were the two original Pokémon fighters and remain icons in the series.
An Unexpected Contender: Clefairy
When the developers of _Super Smash Bros._ for Nintendo 64 were deciding the roster, **Clefairy** was a serious candidate for the spot that eventually went to **Jigglypuff**.
Clefairy was popular in Japan due to its regular appearance in the Pokémon anime.
This made it an attractive choice for appealing to fans.
Why Jigglypuff was Chosen
**Masahiro Sakurai**, the game’s creator, chose **Jigglypuff** as a joke character.
This decision was influenced by the ability to reuse **Kirby’s** animation and fighting style, saving development time and resources.
What began as a joke quickly proved useful as Jigglypuff became a unique addition to the game’s fighting roster.
Impact on Popularity: Jigglypuff vs. Clefairy
Despite its origin as a joke character, **Jigglypuff** grew in popularity, especially in _Super Smash Bros. Melee_.
**Clefairy**, on the other hand, did not gain the same traction or in-game presence.
This decision had long-term effects on the series and each character’s standing among fans.
Historical Context
The insight about **Clefairy** being considered comes from a May 1999 interview published in the Japanese magazine **_64Dream_**.
The interview unveiled some internal considerations and decisions made by the development team.
This historical context provides an interesting look at how characters were chosen.
Original Pokémon Fighters
The original _Super Smash Bros._ game included **Pikachu** and **Jigglypuff** as its Pokémon representatives.
These characters have since become staples in the series.
Their inclusion set the tone for future games and established their iconic status.
FAQs
Why was Clefairy almost chosen for Super Smash Bros.?
Clefairy was a popular character in Japan due to its frequent appearances in the Pokémon anime, making it a strong candidate for inclusion.
Why did Jigglypuff end up being chosen instead?
Jigglypuff was chosen largely because Masahiro Sakurai could reuse and repurpose animations and fighting styles from Kirby, making it cost-effective and time-saving.
What impact did Jigglypuff’s inclusion have on the game?
Jigglypuff became more than a joke character and evolved into a significant competitor in the series, particularly in _Super Smash Bros. Melee_.
Where can I find more about the original character selection?
The details were discussed in the May 1999 issue of the Japanese magazine _64Dream_, which featured interviews with the development team.
Are Pikachu and Jigglypuff still in the Super Smash Bros. series?
Yes, both Pikachu and Jigglypuff have remained iconic staples and continue to appear in subsequent games in the series.
By understanding these factors, we gain insight into how the iconic roster of _Super Smash Bros._ was formed.
