January 11, 2022|

Filed under: Featured, History, Speculation, Super Smash Bros. Series, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Dream Smasher: Raven Beak

Thanks to Cart Boy, Wolfman Jew, and NantenJex for help with edits.

Back when Super Smash Bros. was in its infancy, the franchises invited to the fledgling fighter were usually repped by just a single character, their home turf, and an item or two. Super Mario and Pokémon each got an extra combatant based on pre-existing assets, but for the most part, the crossover had too many worlds to include and not enough resources to add the likes of King Dedede or Mewtwo. But with every subsequent Smash release, the idea of a property having “enough” content seems to matter less and less (unless it’s Fire Emblem, according to a flock of vocal fans). Nemeses, sidekicks, successors, even alter egos aren’t just on the table anymore, they’re frontrunners. Nowadays, it seems like every major universe with a playable contender has at least a few viable newcomer candidates…except Metroid.

The heroine Samus, Prime’s corrupted imitation, the villain who’s been there since the beginning, an alternate take on the hunter without her Power Suit, and a moderate lineup of battlefields and summons were all great additions, but the Metroid well had clearly run dry by the time we reached Smash Ultimate (who was next, Crocomire?). That is, until Metroid Dread made its triumphant debut to immense critical acclaim and introduced an abundance of new material to the Metroidvania cofounder. It might be too soon to speculate over a potential new Smash entry, but seeing how new members of Nintendo’s cast could play in its signature crossover is always an interesting topic. And of Dread’s additions to the Metroid saga, none leave as strong an impression as the Mawkin tribe leader, Raven Beak.

Who Is Raven Beak?

(Courtesy of Voyager)

Following the events of 2002’s Metroid Fusion, Dread sees Samus investigating the uncharted world of ZDR in search of what might be a resurgence of the deadly X Parasites. Descending to ZDR’s interior, Samus is ambushed by an unexpected foe: a member of the Chozo alien race that made her the warrior she is today. Surprisingly, she’s defeated (and even more surprisingly, spared), but unsurprisingly, she’s stripped of all her abilities as per the series standard. Fighting her way back up the planet and slowly reclaiming her arsenal, Samus meets another, more cooperative Chozo. This peaceful scientist, Quiet Robe, explains how the heroine’s attacker, Raven Beak, lured her to ZDR so he could extract the Metroid DNA she acquired back in Fusion.

The power-obsessed head of the Mawkin warrior tribe seeks to conquer the galaxy using an army of cloned Metroids, a goal he eradicated Quiet Robe’s Thoha tribe to achieve. Raven Beak kept the researcher alive due to his people’s ability to control Metroids, but executes him via drone during his meeting with Samus. Enraged by the avian’s brutality, the protagonist continues her journey back to the surface. Finally, in the clouds above ZDR, Raven Beak offers Samus an opportunity to join him, calling her his “daughter” on the grounds that he donated the Mawkin DNA that has powered Samus throughout her adventures. She immediately rejects the madman and, using her newly acquired Metroid abilities, puts an end to him before escaping the doomed planet.

In typical Metroid fashion, lore and narrative take a backseat to atmosphere and exploration. The same applies to the cast, with only a few entries having the honor of introducing noteworthy characters. Dread follows suit, but makes the most of the new faces it headlines. Back in 2017’s Metroid: Samus Returns, completionists caught a glimpse of Raven Beak and Quiet Robe years before their proper debut via the unlockable “Chozo Memories.” Moreover, the Mawkin overlord made for one of the most intriguing mysteries prior to Dread’s release, the prospect of a living—and hostile—Chozo having quickly enticed fans. And while Raven Beak himself only crosses paths with players during the opening cutscene and finale, he makes for one of Metroid‘s most memorable characters nonetheless. His looming presence, the facade he pulls throughout the adventure, the forces he endlessly sends after Samus (including the E.M.M.I., foes worthy of their own discussion), and his fantastic final boss battle make for an unforgettable new figure among Nintendo’s rogues’ gallery.

Importance to Nintendo & Series

As of this article’s release, Dread is only a few months old. Following Raven Beak’s first appearance, whether or not he will become a recurring face is unknown. Of course, being dead doesn’t help his chances at all. But even if he doesn’t make like Ridley and come back, his significance to the universe is clear. Ever since Metroid’s inception, the Chozo have been one of the lore’s most integral and enigmatic elements. Their statues and artillery litter players’ hunting grounds, the main character was raised by them, and the titular Metroids they left behind are at the center of most installments’ plots. Raven Beak and what’s left of his Mawkin tribe not only add a new layer to this long-lost society, but also spearhead one of the most acclaimed and beloved Metroid games yet. With Prime 4 on the horizon and the franchise’s future looking bright, MercurySteam’s contributions to the series cannot be overstated.

That being said, the fact remains that Smash has already treated Metroid well. Four playable reps and plenty of secondary content are impressive, especially considering the action-adventure games’ middling sales history. Overall, Raven Beak’s odds at joining the battle when the crossover resurfaces are uncertain. Dread should remain in a good spot when Ultimate’s sequel enters development, but the conqueror’s still a fresh face in a tough room. However, plausibility aside, he would perfectly fit a certain newcomer trend often seen in non-Ultimate installments. Occasionally, new fighters use moves made famous not by themselves, but by existing veterans. For instance, Zelda casts Link’s spells from Ocarina of Time and Rosalina takes after abilities Mario uses in Super Mario Galaxy. These references suit the newcomers and allow Smash to show off new material without needing to rework classic contenders. Recently, Samus has garnered a reputation for keeping a stagnant moveset that ignores her modern outings. Thus, Raven Beak could showcase the iconic powers the hunter can’t in Smash (as he’s already done in Dread), supplying both a unique combatant and worthy home for tools like the Speed Booster and Aeion Abilities.

Colors & Design

A bird-like alien in the shape of a human with piercing red eyes, Raven Beak is a hulking presence adorned with armor throughout his body, a flowing cape, familiar Arm Cannon, and complicated headpiece parading his status among the Mawkin. He wears two scarves displaying Chozo letters that translate to “Power Is Everything,” and his helmet’s right eye features a large crack from his first battle with Samus. Furthermore, Raven Beak can grow a pair of black wings when taking to the air, tearing up his cape in the process. About three times as tall as his “daughter,” the conqueror matches his intimidating aura with an arrogant demeanor. He taunts in the middle of combat Shao Kahn-style, builds himself up as an unbeatable force through his ADAM impersonation, and thinks it’s a good idea to treat the Ultimate Warrior herself as his property.

Given the beatdown he gives Samus once and almost twice, it’s clear his confidence is not unfounded. Upon joining Smash, Raven Beak’s design and hubris should be brought over completely. As a brand-new character from a brand-new game, virtually nothing needs to be updated. His height would obviously be toned down (like with Ridley), but he’d still be one of the tallest fighters yet. And as a nod to his boss battle, upon growing his wings to use an attack or jump that needs them, his cape could be torn up and removed for the rest of the stock. The wings would emerge and disappear as needed, but the cape would only return once he’s respawned (defeating players without ever losing the cape could be a fun way to taunt them).

As for Raven Beak’s palette swaps, there’d be his default costume, one in blue armor and a white cape (referencing Dread’s Power Suit), one in orange armor and a white cape (referencing the Varia Suit), one in purple armor and a white cape (referencing the Gravity Suit), one in gold armor and a blue cape (referencing Quiet Robe), one in red armor and a gold cape (referencing the Chozo Soldiers), one in spectral cyan armor (referencing Prime’s Chozo Ghosts), and one in black armor with white eyes (referencing the Chozo Zombies).

(Courtesy of Voyager)

How Would He Play?

Now, let’s have a look at Raven Beak’s stats:

Can he crawl? No
Can he wall jump? Yes
Can he wall cling? No
How many jumps does he have? 5
Does he have any exclusive abilities, like Peach’s float? No
Weight Class: D (around Meta Knight)
Height Class: A+ (around Ganondorf)
Speed Class: A (around Greninja)
Is he mirrored when he faces left? No

(A more detailed look at the stats)

Metroid Dread sees Samus at her fastest, angriest, and cockiest. Unfortunately, comparing this force of nature to Smash’s floaty, robotic take on her leaves a lot to be desired. There’s merit in the old-school moveset, but it leaves room for someone else to be the swift and flashy Chozo-based fighter. That’s where Raven Beak, along with an armory’s worth of upgrades, comes in. Generally, the roster’s villains contrast their rivals by being slower, heavier, and stronger. There are some exceptions (Sephiroth’s lighter than Cloud, Bowser runs faster than Mario, and so on), but those distinctions seem to always be considered. Conversely, when it comes to foiling the sluggish Samus, the other end of the spectrum seems best. Ridley already tries this, but he’s still heavier and stronger than your average contender. Thus, a fitting niche for Raven Beak is close to that of Fox or, ironically, Zero Suit Samus: hit-and-run. He can hit hard and fast, seamlessly duck in and out of foes’ reach, and dictate the flow of a fight using his powerful special moves.

Speaking of specials, they mostly utilize the Aeion Abilities, which were introduced in Samus Returns and refined in Dread. Techniques like the Beam Burst, Flash Shift, and Lightning Armor are invaluable to those exploring SR388 or ZDR, as well as obvious choices for the Mawkin’s moveset. In fact, all three of them function a lot like Fox’s special moves, but with notable upgrades. Naturally, this is counterbalanced by the mechanic’s usual limiting factor: an Aeion Gauge that depletes with each use of it and prevents the use of Aeion moves until enough energy’s been regained. The meter quickly refills with time and regulates some moves more harshly than others, keeping these ridiculous specials in check and encouraging a dynamic playstyle. Overall, like in his home game, Raven Beak corrals his prey with ferocity and superior equipment. His speed, adaptability, and respectable reach for a hit-and-run fighter inspire dread in those facing him. However, by exploiting his poor survivability and beating him at whatever game he decides to play, his chances of winning can come crashing down.

Boxing Ring Title: “Zenith of ZDR”

Series Icon

Stock Icon

(Courtesy of Voyager)

Kirby Hat

Move Type

Description

On-Screen Appearance:

Raven Beak appears from atop his throne and rises as the seat vanishes.

Stance:

Raven Beak stands tall with his arms to his sides and arrogantly looks downward.

Idle #1:

Raven Beak places his free hand on his Arm Cannon and points the weapon forward.

Idle #2:

Raven Beak casually surveys his surroundings as his cape and scarves sway in the wind.

Walk:

Raven Beak menacingly marches ahead at a moderate pace.

Dash: Speed Booster

Raven Beak rapidly sprints forward, steadily accelerating and amassing a bright glow. While he runs, he has access to a more effective up special.

Crouch:

Raven Beak puts his free hand on the ground, lowers his head, and ducks.

Jump:

For his first jump, Raven Beak forcefully leaps upward and gains considerable height. Then, for his multiple midair jumps, he spreads his wings and flaps them.

Damage:

Raven Beak stumbles backward as his armor emits faint sparks.

Shield:

Raven Beak braces himself and covers his face with his Arm Cannon.

Neutral Attack: Lunging Swipes

Raven Beak uses his free hand to slash to his left, then to his right, then finish with a vertical swing downward. With each strike, the Mawkin swiftly advances ahead.

Forward Tilt: Red Tide

Raven Beak gathers a crimson aura around his free hand before releasing it with a forceful slam. The resulting energy wave’s tip is this disjointed attack’s sweet spot.

Up Tilt: Unfurl

Raven Beak sprouts his wings and swipes them upward, launching those in the appendages’ way and repelling nearby opponents with a weak windbox.

Down Tilt: Sweeping Talon

Raven Beak quickly kicks in front of himself at a downward angle, prepping anyone he hits for an aerial combo.

Dash Attack: Mawkin Body Blow

Raven Beak winds his fist back, then slides a short distance forward and delivers a devastating punch. It’s not his fastest option, but it’s capable of knocking enemies out especially early.

Forward Smash: Omega Stream

Raven Beak aims his Arm Cannon at the ground and charges up a short-range beam, then swings the blaster horizontally as the laser launches anyone in its way. While the technique is powerful, the warlord is left wide open upon whiffing it.

Up Smash: Cover Fire

Raven Beak dramatically lifts his Arm Cannon, then unleashes an intense blast from its tip. On the weapon’s way up, it can knock foes into the impending explosion’s wake.

Down Smash: Thoha Backstab

Raven Beak slashes at the ground in front of himself with his free hand, then turns around and does the same toward the ground behind himself. Resembling Wolf’s down smash, it’s a swift and effective edgeguarding tool.

Neutral Aerial: Clockwise Cannon

Raven Beak sweeps his Arm Cannon in a circular motion around his body, helping relieve pressure or follow up on an earlier move.

Forward Aerial: Talon IV

Raven Beak performs four roundhouse kicks in quick succession, likely forcing enemies caught by one of the strikes to suffer the rest.

Back Aerial: Wings of Subjection

Raven Beak’s wings appear on his back as he aggressively slaps them backward, drifting himself forward. The technique’s startup is slow, but its knockback and safety on shield give it plenty of uses.

Up Aerial: Burenia Backflip

Raven flips backward with a simple kick, reliably starting or extending combos. Like Mario’s up aerial, the attack can easily lead into itself and make landing difficult for airborne fighters.

Down Aerial: Dairon Dive

Raven Beak propels himself downward in a burst of speed with his talons outstretched, spiking foes hit on his way down and leaping off anyone he strikes. Of course, this stall-then-fall borrows the latter trait from Greninja’s down aerial.

Grab: Chozo Chokehold

Raven Beaks dashes a short distance ahead and attempts to seize someone with his free hand. Upon successfully grabbing an opponent, he lifts them upward from where their throat would be.

Pummel: Excruciate

Raven Beak tightens his grip on the enemy as they helplessly struggle.

Forward Throw: Showdown

Raven Beak fires his Arm Cannon at point-blank range, launching his victim at an upward angle.

Back Throw: Banishment

Raven Beak raises his prey above his head and chucks them backward, like Dr. Mario’s back throw.

Up Throw: Sharpshoot

Raven tosses his opponent into the air before blasting them farther with a shot from his Arm Cannon, like Kazuya’s up throw.

Down Throw: Pulverize

Raven Beak slams his opponent into the ground and viciously stomps on them, knocking them directly upward.

Neutral Special: Beam Burst

By tapping the input, Raven Beak immediately fires a small barrage of energy shots from his Arm Cannon and consumes a fraction of the Aeion Gauge. Like Fox’s Blaster, the projectiles don’t flinch foes. Alternatively, by holding the input, the Mawkin plants his feet (if grounded) or slows his descent with his wings (if airborne), then unleashes a relentless stream of lasers as the Aeion Gauge continuously depletes. In this state, his aim can be adjusted in any direction.

Side Special: Flash Shift

Raven Beak instantly warps a short distance forward or backward, passing through other combatants and completely draining the Aeion Gauge. By repeating the move immediately afterwards, Raven Beak can freely warp in either direction again, then again once more. While the ability lacks a hitbox, its blinding speed and consecutive uses are fantastic perks for a hit-and-run character.

Up Special: Raven Wing / Shinespark

Raven Beak summons his wings and propels himself through the air in a corkscrew-like motion. Although he can fly toward any direction, the attack is mediocre and easily punishable. However, inputting the move during a dash sees Raven Beak storing his Speed Booster’s energy and using it to launch himself in one of eight cardinal directions. Foes hit by this attack take considerable damage, but aren’t knocked too far away.

Down Special: Lightning Armor

Raven Beak stands insultingly still as his armor emits blue electricity. Upon taking a hit, projectile or otherwise, the electricity’s color shifts to represent the power of the move it just deflected. Then, the veil either releases a shockwave to launch the foe or reflects the projectile. The electricity’s strength, from weakest to strongest, goes blue, green, red, then gold. The stronger the strike it sends back, the harsher the Aeion Gauge is depleted.

Final Smash: Nevermore

With a dramatic blast from Raven Beak’s Arm Cannon, caught foes are sent to the surface of ZDR. There, an X Parasite appears behind Raven Beak and transforms him into the enormous Raven Beak X. The monstrosity crawls toward its foes and consumes them with one bite, ending the cinematic and launching the unfortunate fighters toward the blast zone.

Up Taunt: Mocking Mawkin

Raven Beak beckons his opponent, then stands still with his arms crossed. Until he makes another move or takes a hit, the Chozo maintains this pose.

Side Taunt: Command

Raven Beak raises his Arm Cannon and points ahead, gesturing to an unseen army of Mawkin.

Down Taunt: Fallen Chozo

Raven Beak sprouts his right wing, then rips it off and tosses it aside with his free hand.

Victory Pose #1:

Raven Beak arrogantly lifts his Arm Cannon toward the camera and charges it up, saying, “Power…is everything” in his native tongue.

Victory Pose #2:

Raven Beak, alongside a reluctant Quiet Robe, looks over E.M.M.I. schematics with his arms crossed.

Victory Pose #3:

With an E.M.M.I.’s head serving as the animation’s camera, the malfunctioning robot falls to the ground as Raven Beak towers over it, holding one its arms in his free hand.

Victory Fanfare: Fortunately, Smash already features a victory theme reserved for Metroid’s villains. Since the piece suits Raven Beak even better than it does Ridley or Dark Samus, it’s the obvious choice here:

Outro

Since Smash is always adding fighters who debuted in recent games, it’s easy to assume any new and prominent Nintendo character is a likely candidate. After all, Ultimate’s recent Challenger Packs prioritized this, with Byleth, Min Min, and the Aegis having been introduced on the same console as Ultimate itself. With that in mind, why shouldn’t Raven Beak be included to rep MercurySteam’s Metroid projects? Well, one aspect of this trend is prioritizing sequels with wholly distinct settings and casts. Three Houses and Xenoblade 2 warranted their own fighters because their characters were completely new, but with Samus—obviously the heroine of Dread—already in Smash, is Raven Beak even worth the trouble? In that light, he’s a lot like Ghirahim, a one-off Zelda villain who missed his chance at the roster a while back.

Of course, whether or not Raven Beak’s potential to represent a new era of Metroid earns him an invitation, the legacy left by him and his home game are undeniable (and, honestly, greater than those of a lot of one-time villains). Between Other M and Dread, the property’s future was in question. Federation Force disappointed fans, Samus Returns releasing on the 3DS in 2017 did it no favors, and Prime 4 wasn’t gonna change anything for a long time. Suddenly, the infamous Dread moniker reappears, breaks records for its series, and cements itself as one of Nintendo’s most respected products in years. Even if he never makes a notable appearance again, even if he doesn’t find his way to gaming’s greatest character select screen, Raven Beak’s roles as Metroid 5’s driving force and the most powerful foe Samus Aran has ever faced make him worth remembering.