February 12, 2020|

Filed under: Editorial, Featured, SG Choice, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

SG Choice: Our Most Wanted Mii Costumes in Smash

EDIT: This article was originally published at 1:19 EST, without a proper header image. We removed it a few minutes later to account for that. This is the second publication, released at 2:11 EST, with no changes in content beyond the header. Our apologies for any confusion.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate showed a love of indie games, but its DLC rollout has taken that to the next level. Alongside more mainstream icons like Altaïr from Assassin’s Creed and two Persona protagonists, we’ve gotten Mii Costumes of Sans from UNDERTALE and the eponymous Cuphead. And these are nice costumes, ones that actively try to emulate the character instead of just acting as an outfit of them. They even come with a fancy music track! It seems fairly clear that Nintendo and its various indie partners have an investment in this, and it’s easy to imagine at least one more indie character coming for the ride over the next two years of DLC.

Here are character ideas we came up with, alongside the music track we’d like to see along with them. But if you have some, mention them in the comments!

Wolfman Jew: The Knight (Hollow Knight)

Knight’s Helm + Knight’s Cloak (Swordfighter)
Music track: “Hornet”

“Hollow Knight’s good” is, to be honest, the extent of my reasoning. But…Hollow Knight’s good. It’s one of the major examples of the Switch’s current place as a valuable, commercially worthwhile home for independent developers. It’s big and successful and neat, staying prominent even in a crowded field. And even though I really, really don’t think Nintendo cares that much about using their DLC just to advertise games they aren’t either making or publishing, I suppose there’d be a little something something for the upcoming Hollow Knight: Silksong. So make a nice little Swordfighter costume for the Knight – or Hornet, the sequel’s protagonist, really – and put it in, along with one of the game’s well known boss themes.

PhantomZ2: Kris (DELTARUNE)

Kris’ Hair + Kris’s Cloack (Swordfighter)
Music Track: “Rude Buster (Remix)”

While the full release of DELTARUNE is still being worked on, the Chapter 1 demo definitely received a lot of love from fans that played UNDERTALE on PC and Nintendo Switch. With the growing connection between Smash Bros. and Indie developers, I think it would be easy for Sakurai to return to Toby Fox, a developer he’s already invited to both his game and his house. So with a relationship already established, I think Kris being included as a Swordfighter, with a “Rude Buster” remix. It would not only continue the lineage of interest in Indie games, but it would also serve as a way to promote a game that isn’t fully out yet.

Hamada: Brad Armstrong (LISA: The Painful RPG)

Armstrong Bald Cap + Brad’s Poncho (Brawler)
Music Track: ”Boy Oh Boy (Remix)”

Honestly, the chances of this one happening are incredibly small. LISA is far from a series for good boys and girls, and the thought of it or any of its dark and mature themes being introduced to Smash is ridiculous. Which is exactly why a Mii Costume would be the perfect way to represent it! With the garb of the biggest installment’s main character, Brad Armstrong, and a music track, players would be given a taste of this quirky RPG’s insanity without Smash needing to allude to its dark themes. Throughout LISA, Brad uses his proficiency in martial arts to beat his foes into submission, making him a perfect match for the Mii Brawler. Let’s just hope there isn’t any Joy stached in that poncho…

Voyager: Gris (GRIS)

Gris’ Wig + Dress of Sorrow (Brawler)
Music track: ”In your Hands”

While Gris herself doesn’t directly “fight” in her game, she has a simple but captivating design and abilities that would translate well to the world of Smash (though you could argue that a stage based on her heartbreaking world would be more fitting). Despite that, this game not only has an outstanding visual art direction but also a flawless score. Tunes that go from soft environmental tunes to heart wrenching chants would fit stages like “Fountain of Dreams” or “Skyloft”…if only we could choose any music in every stage.

NOKOLO: Mae (Night in the Woods)

Mae Mask + Mae Outfit (Swordfighter)
Music Track: ”Die Anywhere Else”

Night in the Woods was released to critical acclaim on Steam in 2017, but due to releasing close to Breath of the Wild and Persona 5, it flew under the radar in a way other games on here didn’t. Despite that, it’s still an extremely good game with a great impact on those who’ve played it thanks to its story, art style, and soundtrack. And since its original release, it’s even come to consoles, including the Switch in 2018. A Mii Swordfighter costume with Mae’s bat taking the place of the sword would probably make the most sense for her Smash representation. The mask of her head would show off Night in the Woods’ distinct character design and art style, with a huge head and large eyes. For the music track included with this costume, “Die Anywhere Else,” a song you play with Mae’s band whose lyrics that describe many of the central characters’ struggles, would be a great choice to pair with it.

NantenJex: Cadence (Crypt of the NecroDancer)

Cadence’s Bandanna + Cadence’s Tunic (Swordfighter)
Music Track: “Overworld (Combat)”

Nintendo’s worked with indie companies before to make new IP, such as with Snipperclips and the Stretchers, but it’s very rare that they give out their characters to indie companies. But this is exactly what happened with Cadence of Hyrule, Crypt of the Necrodancer ft. the Legend of Zelda. It also helped the original game to become really popular amongst Nintendo’s usual crowd. Being so much on Nintendo’s radar means it’s entirely possible that it’s big enough to appear in Super Smash Bros. Honestly I’m surprised that Cadence of Hyrule hasn’t had spirits yet, and I’m hoping that’s a good sign Cadence could be a Mii Swordfighter, using her shovel in lieu of a sword. It might be hard for her to be fully playable and potentially incorporate complex rhythm mechanics, so this could be the best chance she gets.

Spazzy: Commander Video (BIT.TRIP RUNNER)

Commander Video Helmet +Commander Video Outfit (Brawler)
Music Track: ”Blackout City”

I think it’s often forgotten that Smash Bros. for Wii U actually had the very first indie presentation in the series in the form of a trophy for BIT.TRIP RUNNER’s Commander Video. This series actually has a pretty long history with Nintendo, as both games in the RUNNER series have appeared on Nintendo consoles (the first was even a WiiWare exclusive!). There was a point in time, in fact, when the visage of the Commander was synonymous with Nintendo Indie success. Commander Video also has a very distinct look with cartoony proportions that make him a perfect fit for Mii Brawler. If Sakurai and team could go the extra mile and give him a rainbow effect while running, he would be a visually stunning addition as well. The series itself has some absolute bangers, but I chose “Blackout City,” as its upbeat and energetic nature makes it absolutely suited to a fighting game.

Liquid: Shovel Knight (Shovel Knight)

Shovel Knight’s Helmet + Shovel Knight’s Armor (Swordfighter)
Music Track: ”Strike the Earth (Plains of Passage)”

This may very well be the no brainer to end all no brainers. Shovel Knight’s enduring position in the gaming world for the last five years was enough to land the titular man of shovelry as an Assist Trophy in Smash Bros. Ultimate. And since the likes of Spring Man and Black Knight have a presence in both AT and costume roles already, it’s only logical to think that Shovel Knight could get added treatment as part of the Mii Costume + song bundles we’ve seen. Obviously you’re looking at a Mii Swordfighter costume, and what better song to add with him than “Strike the Earth,” perhaps the game’s most iconic tune for the first level? Honestly kinda surprised that they haven’t done it at this point…which probably means they’re either saving him for later or simply can’t. Hopefully it’s the former.

Wolfman Jew (Part 2): Madeline (Celeste)

Madeline’s Hair + Madeline’s Coat (Brawler)
Music Track: “Resurrections”

Voyager brought in a nonviolent indie character, and it’d be nice to have another one. Celeste is (apparently – it’s currently high on my to-do list) excellent, and Madeline’s coat and long hair would be a nicely low-key design compared to most of the people who get Costumes. She’d also help provide another Brawler character, which do feel just a bit more rare compared to their more armed counterparts. And as for music, “Resurrections” seems pretty unambiguous amongst fans (with “First Steps” as a great alternative idea), though it’d probably have to have its long run time cut down a bit.

Voyager (Part 2): The Player (Golf Story)

WellWorn Hair + Player’s Outfit (Swordfighter)
Music track: “WellWorn Challenge”

To keep the nonviolent ball rolling, let’s highlight one of the favorite games of Nintendo CEO Shuntaro Furukawa. Despite lacking a name, the protagonist of Golf Story has a peculiar personality, always ready for a challenge no matter how unfit he is for it. And there is no bigger challenge to an amateur golfer than getting his glorious pompadour featured in Smash. With this costume, the Mii would swing a golf club as a sword, which is not recommended by professional golfers or fencers. The companion track could be “WellWorn Challenge,” a pretty chill song for a sports game that would fit really well in “Wuhu Island.”

Spazzy (part 2): Shantae (Shantae)

Shantae Wig + Shantae Outfit (Brawler)
Music Track: ”Dance Through the Danger”

Shantae is a character that finds herself on the top of many Smasher’s most wanted lists, and why wouldn’t she? She has quite a bit of history for an indie character, with her first outing being on the Gameboy Color way back in 2002. Her games (everyone of which has been on a Nintendo console) are fun, colorful, platforming adventures that are filled with all sorts of interesting characters and locations. She’s so well liked, in fact, that she is already in the base Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game as a spirit. With all that being said, I don’t know how well she fits as a Mii costume. She’s known to attack mostly with her hair, and her build and outfit would look odd on a Mii body. Still, I think her overwhelming popularity should land her a spot on this list, and “Dance Through the Danger” is an absolute gem that I would welcome on the Smash OST. The only question is, then, is would she be a Brawler or a Swordfighter brandishing a cutlass ala Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse? Since we have to choose one, I would say Brawler, as it’s closer to her average portrayals… but she could really work either way.

Hamada (Part 2): Specter Knight (Shovel Knight) (Swordfighter)

Crimson Cloak + Donovan’s Armor
Music Track: ”Hidden By Night (Remix)”

Arguably the second most popular Shovel Knight character after the Blue Burrower himself, Specter Knight – along with Plague and King Knight – made a name for himself with the introduction of his own campaign in Shovel Knight. While any of these three bosses could make for good Mii Costumes, I think Specter Knight would be the best choice given his popularity among fans and large role in the story. Naturally, he would inspire a Swordfighter costume that would bring along a track from Specter of Torment, the phantom’s own DLC campaign. However, that brings up a potential problem: could Specter Knight’s signature scythe work as a Mii’s sword? While the scythe would be ideal if it could work [Wolfman’s note: the Viridi costume works somewhat like this], in a pinch Specter Knight could wield the namcha-like sword he used as Donovan, before he took this form. Either way, Specter Knight would definitely make for a chilling addition to any player’s Mii Costume lineup.

NantenJex (part 2): Quote (Cave Story)

Traveller’s hat + Traveller’s Outfit (Gunner)
Music Track: “Plantation”

Regardless of what you think of publisher Nicalis, it can’t be denied that Cave Story is an iconic, beloved indie title. Developer Pixl did something inspiring when he made Cave Story all the way back in the early 2000s and to this day it’s one of the classics of the indie genre. Coming with his signature Polestar pistol, he would make a great Mii Gunner. His face could have the markings on it to make him look like a robot, even though they would most likely still use a Mii’s face. Though if they could get the Mii’s skin to be pale white, that would be a great effect. I think with indies getting this kind of representation, Cave Story should certainly get some of that love.

Wolfman Jew (part 3): Goose (Untitled Goose Game)

Goose Hat
Music Track: “The Garden”

…Really, why not? This is one I don’t think will happen at all, but let’s put it down as the kind of headline making absurdity that powers a lot of the excitement over the Costumes. Not every kind of costume has to be more than a hat, and I think we might be doing ourselves a disservice without thinking that. Imagine the creepy animal masks from Hotline Miami, the creepy melon of the kid from The Binding of Isaac, or…I dunno, that creepy eye art panel from Gorogoa? And the Goose is arguably better than all those ones, because the Goose is such a singular fixture of weirdness. The Sans and Cuphead costumes are great at making Mii Costumes that look so much more like characters than other costumes, but I’m saying we turn the tables. Emphasize the awkwardness with a goofy goose hat, one that periodically honks as it bobs up and down.

Note from Wolfman: due to the nature of Stardew Valley‘s customization, it’s hard to get an ideal in-game image of what the Costume would entail.

Patron: PizzaDudeMan: Farmer (Stardew Valley)

Stardew Valley hat + Farmer’s Overalls (Swordfighter)
Music Track: “Spring (It’s a Big World Outside) (Remix)”

Stardew Valley has been one of the most addictive modern Indies, so how about a commemorative Mii Costume for Smash Bros.? It’d include the game’s default overalls for Mii Swordsman, a hoe weapon, and a farmer’s straw hat as an additional accessory! Unlike the Indie Mii Costumes we’ve seen so far, this one could keep regular Mii faces, staying true to Stardew Valley’s character customization. But it still comes with a new song!

Patron: APC_Cipher: Hat Kid (A Hat in Time)

Top Hat + Hat Kid’s Costume (Swordfighter)
Music Track: “Train Rush”

When talking about indie characters, one of the first that come to mind for me is Hat Kid from Gears for Breakfast’s Kickstarter hit A Hat In Time. Besides being an incredibly solid 3D collect-a-thon platformer, the game oozes charm and boasts a cast of memorable characters and locales. A Hat in Time has had a bit of a strange history with Nintendo: conceptualized with the Wii U in mind, ultimately scrapped, then carried claims from Gears the game would never come to Switch, and promptly announced a few months later. So while I don’t feel like Hat Kid is necessarily likely, I feel she’d feel right at home among characters like Mario, Sonic, and Banjo. The Costume would be an umbrella wielding Swordfighter, and it’d hopefully come with one of the game’s amazing pieces of music. My personal choice is the energetic big band “Train Rush” from the second chapter, but there’s a good argument for the third chapter’s boss music, “Your Contract Has Expired.” Either way, more kickass indie music in Smash is never a bad thing.

APC_Cipher has also drawn prospective art imagining Cadence and Hat Kid, which we’ve included below: