This Dream Smasher was created with the help of @NintenZ on Twitter, and thanks to Cart Boy and Wolfman Jew for help with edits.
If our extensive coverage of the Pokémon series has made anything clear, it’s that there’s a lot to talk about regarding the titular Pocket Monsters. This rings especially true in the context of Super Smash Bros., where several of them have been dueling gaming’s finest for decades. There are hundreds of Pokémon, all battle-ready, all someone’s favorite, all perfect for a Nintendo-centric crossover…except almost all of them are far from all-star material. That’s not a bad thing, the brand would be lost without its endearing benchwarmers, but it does make the divide between them and the icons all the more apparent.
With some species, one good look’s all it takes to know which side they land on. Back in early 2010, that couldn’t have been more obvious when the Dark-type Illusion Fox Pokémon Zoroark, along with its pre-evolved form Zorua, made waves with its reveal. Spearheading the role-playing games’ fifth, then-latest Generation with a tie-in movie, exclusive events to obtain it within the upcoming Pokémon Black & White’s Unova region, mysterious ties to a memorable supporting character, and spots in all sorts of supplementary material, the trickster was poised to take its place as an esteemed mascot. It was, very clearly, replicating the style and success of Lucario, a headliner from the previous Generation that’s still going strong. Unexpectedly, despite all its publicity, despite its striking design and gimmick, its time in the spotlight came to a sudden end come the sixth Generation. Zoroark and its progeny weren’t completely excluded, but they weren’t subject to special treatment either. Years later, Pokémon has started taking unexpected steps forward with the release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Among its short list of new inclusions, a familiar pair of ghouls have captured the attention of fans…
What Is Hisuian Zoroark?
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(Courtesy of AShadowLink)
In the Pokémon world’s distant past, before man and ‘mon forged a connection, the Hisui region houses a violent and vengeful specter. Across the globe, whole populations of Zorua were driven from their homes due to their uncanny ability—the power to conjure illusions—and forced to seek refuge in other lands. Finding their way to Hisui, the wanderers were met with conditions too harsh to adapt and competition too fierce to contend. In time, they all perished. However, possibly due to spiritual energy wrought from the region’s Mt. Coronet, the resentment felt by these victims caused them to be reborn as the Normal/Ghost-type Spiteful Fox Pokémon. These Hisuian Zorua draw strength from the fear their mimicries inspire, but their powers pale in comparison to those of their evolved state. Upon evolving into Hisuian Zoroark, their illusions grow beyond just that, becoming powerful enough to physically harm their prey in body and spirit. While the Baneful Fox Pokémon dutifully protect those they trust, others are only met with malice-filled apparitions that are likely to drive them mad with terror.
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Background lore this heavy is unusual for this property. Enticing flavor text aside, though, neither of these two play a notable role in the campaign of Arceus, their debut game. Unlike most of their fellow newcomers, which serve as mounts or major bosses, these two can simply be found roaming one of Hisui’s harsher areas or protecting something more necessary than themselves. Fittingly, should a Trainer go out of their way to earn a Hisuian Zoroark’s loyalty, its one-of-a-kind type combination, offensive prowess, and signature move Bitter Malice provide a solid addition to any party. In addition, the revenants are quickly spreading to some of the franchise’s other ventures. February’s Pokémon Presents showed off an upcoming animated series set in Hisui, the official art of which prominently features Hisuian Zorua’s shadow. Moreover, Hisuian Zoroark headlines the Pokémon Trading Card Game‘s newest set: Dark Phantasma. The fox was even among the first species confirmed to appear in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, something especially impressive given its position as a regional variant—versions of Pokémon that are often treated as secondary. We can’t predict the heights this duo will reach as the ninth Generation approaches, but they’re off to a fantastic start.
Importance to Nintendo & Series
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Throughout Pokémon’s many iterations, a few noteworthy creatures have been promoted enough to be mistakenly labeled as “Legendary” by fans, despite them not really having the qualifications to be one of those mythical, ominous creatures. For instance, Marill had a mystique that only disappeared when it debuted in Pokémon Gold & Silver, and Lucario was assigned a “living legend” status in projects like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon before Pokémon Diamond & Pearl proved otherwise. When Zoroark first made the rounds as an event-exclusive capture that starred in its own film and traded blows with all three Legendary Beasts at once, some players seeing the illusionist as a new member of the Legendary pantheon was inevitable. Much like Zoroark’s own Illusion Ability, this was a facade hiding the truth: the fox was just a standard Dark-type. However, the impact had already been made. Smash fans definitely noticed, at least, regarding Zoroark as a prime candidate for the crossover—one who’d naturally follow Lucario onto the roster. Instead, a fresher face joined the battle from Pokémon’s sixth Generation. Afterwards, following the trickster settling for a secondary role in Smash, its best days and only shot at becoming a playable fighter seemed to have been behind it. Skip to 2021, and marketing for Arceus provided us with a bizarre recording of a researcher being attacked by an unidentified, creeping shadow. “Restored” footage released soon after gave a proper reveal to Zorua and Zoroark—specifically, Hisuian Forms that reinvigorated fans’ excitement for the pair.
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Ever since Pokémon Sun & Moon released in 2016, old favorites from all over the Pokémon world have been enjoying “regional variants.” These new forms for earlier monsters, sporting different typings than their original looks, have been one of the franchise’s most well-received innovations in years. Zoroark’s mix of popularity and perceived neglect made it an ideal candidate for its own revamp, something proven by the especially warm welcome its ghostly revision has seen. Now, to address the tire-shaped elephant in the room, we probably won’t be hearing from Smash for a while following Smash Ultimate’s unprecedented scope. Although we can anticipate seeing a brand-new Pokémon combatant whenever the platform fighter returns, Hisuian Zoroark’s odds at earning an invitation by then are questionable. Typically, the current Generation at the time is the part of the monster-collecting enterprise that provides a newcomer. Hisui’s inhabitants might remain relevant enough when the next Smash enters development (like how Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen gave Pokémon Trainer some credit), but they would, by no means, be frontrunners. If Hisuian Zoroark manages to maintain its momentum and distinguish itself from Scarlet & Violet’s impending lineup, however, its positive reception and vast moveset potential could bear fruit. After all, nothing’s truly stopping this wildcard from reaching Smash in place of, or maybe even alongside, whatever the ninth Generation has in store.
Colors & Design
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Oftentimes, Pokémon designs strive for both coolness and cuteness to provide as appealing a character as possible. They might be fierce and intimidating to foes, but not without their world’s signature charm. Then there’s Hisuian Zoroark. It’s constantly slouched, covered in bizarre red bumps and fur that trails off its body, and displaying penetrating eyes that lack the Unovan breed’s range of emotions. The wraith looks diseased and apathetic, surprisingly edgy characteristics for such a marketed monster. Some consider this direction a betrayal of what makes Pokémon special, but I think it’s a standout example of the tone Hisui and its cast go for. In an era set before humans and Pokémon learned to coexist, most new discoveries are dangerous and aggressive. The likes of Kleavor and Ursaluna are wild animals that take effort to connect with. Hisuian Zoroark shows this idea off really well, and it would likely need to maintain these attributes if it found its way to Smash. By the way, as for whether the crossover would call it “Hisuian Zoroark” or just “Zoroark,” I could see it going either way. Moving on to the illusionist’s appearance, it could make the leap to Smash’s aesthetic fairly easily. Keep its eerie mannerisms and attitude, but apply the realistic fur textures similar Pokémon reps have gotten—and a darkness effect to some of its flashier attacks, the kind Ganondorf and Mewtwo use.
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As for Zoroark’s palette swaps, there’d be its default costume in white and red fur, one in white and light blue fur (referencing Shiny Zorua), one in white and purple fur (referencing its Shiny form), one in gray and green fur (referencing N, a character inarguably linked to classic Zoroark), one in golden-white and orange fur (referencing Ninetales), one in pale blue fur (referencing Alolan Ninetales), one in slate gray and lavender fur (referencing the Pearl Clan), and one in slate gray and crimson fur (referencing Unovan Zoroark).
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(Courtesy of Voyager)
How Would It Play?
Now, let’s have a look at Hisuian Zoroark’s stats:
- Can it crawl? Yes
- Can it wall jump? Yes
- Can it wall cling? Yes
- How many jumps does it have? 2
- Does it have any exclusive abilities, like Peach’s float? No
- Weight Class: E+ (around Fox)
- Height Class: C+ (around Pit)
- Speed Class: A (around Sheik)
- Is it mirrored when it faces left? No
(A more detailed look at the stats)
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According to Hisui’s Pokédex, the region’s take on Zoroark battles with no regard for its own safety. In fact, the illusions it releases are intense enough to “lacerate” its own body (the edge it exudes is sharp enough to cut even itself). The predator’s stats reflect this, harboring admirable speed and offense, but pitiful defense (a weakness its three immunities help offset). In the context of Smash, the glass cannon archetype couldn’t be a better fit for something this vicious and feeble. Hisuian Zoroark would strike hard and fast, have all sorts of ways to follow those strikes up, and keep foes guessing with its deceptive arsenal. However, we are talking about a ghost, and given Smash’s tendency to upscale its Pokémon reps, it’d be a relatively tall one. Fortunately for Zoroark, it could avoid another extermination by relying on its swift special attacks, supplying cover and burst movement.
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On a surface level, Zoroark’s brutality and heavy claw use would resemble Wolf, but its faster playstyle, less exploitable recovery, and lack of a proverbial projectile provide a more polarizing pugilist. Regardless, it could follow most of the other playable Pokémon’s example by avoiding any defining gimmicks. Its specials would be fairly typical, with the exception being its neutral special and trademark technique. Making use of its infamous illusions, Bitter Malice sees Zoroark conjuring a copy of itself that’d act either passively or aggressively, making opponents question which is the fighter, and which is the intangible duplicate. And with Zoroark’s ability to turn even the illusion into a weapon, all sorts of tricky opportunities would open up. Consequently, it’d need to constantly blend in with its illusions, remain on the move, and fight like the cunning beast it is to gain the upper hand and take its revenge.
Boxing Ring Title: “Master of Illusions”
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| Series Icon |
Stock Icon (Courtesy of Voyager) |
Kirby Hat |
| Move Type | Description | ||
| On-Screen Appearance: |
A sinister shadow glides into view before landing and dissipating to reveal Hisuian Zoroark. |
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| Stance: |
Zoroark stands with a constant slouch as its fur flows in all directions. |
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| Idle #1: |
Zoroark leans back and gives an uncanny chuckle. |
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| Idle #2: |
Zoroark stares forward with a spiteful glare as its eyes briefly glow. |
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| Walk: |
Zoroark saunters ahead at a deliberate and intimidating, but surprisingly fast pace. |
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| Dash: |
Zoroark swiftly darts forward and keeps its head near the ground. |
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| Crouch: |
Zoroark rests one arm on the floor, bends downward, and can menacingly crawl on all fours. |
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| Jump: |
Zoroark simply leaps into the air for its first jump, then performs a frontflip for its second jump. |
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| Damage: |
Zoroark reels backward and catches its breath for a moment. |
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| Shield: |
Zoroark defends itself by crossing its arms, then gives a demented grin upon pulling off a perfect shield. |
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| Neutral Attack: Fury Swipes |
Zoroark takes small steps ahead and rapidly slashes in front of itself with its claws. Like with Meta Knight’s jab, the entire barrage is executed with a single input. |
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| Forward Tilt: Knock Off |
Zoroark quickly extends its palm, launching nearby foes relatively far. Since the wraith’s neutral attack is a bit unorthodox, this technique serves as a solid burst option in its place. |
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| Up Tilt: Hone Claws |
Zoroark swipes its arm upward, smacking enemies around it into the air. The closer its victims are to the attack, the more vulnerable they’re left afterwards. |
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| Down Tilt: Low Sweep |
Zoroark quickly kicks at the ground in front of itself, knocking opponents directly upward. From there, opportunities for aerial follow-ups emerge. |
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| Dash Attack: Sucker Punch |
Zoroark swiftly lunges, prepares its claws, then performs a powerful slash. While the added flair makes this move slow among its kind, its considerable strength makes up for it. |
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| Forward Smash: Night Slash |
Zoroark brings its arms together atop its head, engulfs them in a shadowy aura, then forcefully swings them downward in front of itself. Like with Joker’s forward smash, the phantom takes a step forward upon executing the strike. |
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| Up Smash: Foul Play |
Zoroark kicks above itself with a swift, wide-reaching frontflip and rises above the ground for a moment. While airborne, the specter can avoid attacks that are aimed low. |
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| Down Smash: Burning Jealousy |
Zoroark crosses its arms, then unleashes a wave of purple energy at the ground in front of and behind itself. Although the technique doesn’t deal much damage, it extends impressively far. |
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| Neutral Aerial: Assurance |
Zoroark extends its claws and horizontally spins a total of three times. Opponents hit by any of the three strikes are likely to suffer the rest of them. |
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| Forward Aerial: Throat Chop |
Zoroark quickly slashes in a wide arc using its claws, poking at anything right in front of itself with little risk. |
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| Back Aerial: Payback |
Zoroark looks behind itself and swings one of its arms in that direction, launching unsuspecting prey relatively far. |
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| Up Aerial: Aerial Ace |
Zoroark performs a surprisingly acrobatic backflip and kicks to the sky. Like with similar maneuvers, its wide range is effective at juggling opponents. |
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| Down Aerial: Mega Kick |
Zoroark raises one foot above its head, then dramatically kicks it downward. The windup is a bit long, but the strike always spikes foes. |
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| Grab: Imprison |
Zoroark forms a small vortex of dark power in front of itself, ensnaring foes with respectable reach. |
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| Pummel: Hex |
Zoroark intensifies the whirlwind engulfing its adversary as they desperately struggle. |
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| Forward Throw: Slash |
Zoroark launches its foe with a simple, but reliable swing from its arm that sends fighters farther than most forward throws. |
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| Back Throw: Trick |
Zoroark warps behind the trapped victim, then swipes at their back with its claws to get rid of them. |
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| Up Throw: Fling |
Zoroark tosses its prey upward using the dark aura that surrounds them. The move is less about starting combos and more about securing knockouts off the top. |
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| Down Throw: Facade |
Zoroark performs a weaker take on its forward throw, then appears above the enemy and spikes them downward with a powerful slash. This would usually bounce the foe off the ground, but if the first slash sent them offstage, the follow-up might seal their fate. |
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| Neutral Special: Bitter Malice |
Upon tapping the input, Zoroark conjures an identical illusion of itself that charges at opponents and emulates a typical fighter’s behavior. Unfortunately, the mimicry’s attempts at attacking are harmless, and enemies can dispel it with a single hit. By inputting the move again, though, the trickster can immediately detonate its doppelgänger in a blast of sinister energy to launch foes and inflict frostbite (temporarily slowing them down). By executing the move with a held input instead of a tap, the illusion behaves passively and stays out of danger. Generally, it’s in the user’s best interest to make foes guess which Zoroark is which, then capitalize on the confusion (much like Forsburn from Rivals of Aether, as pictured above). |
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| Side Special: Sludge Bomb |
Zoroark briefly becomes intangible and leaps a short distance forward or backward, depending on the input, but not before leaving a mass of sludge in its place (if used in the air, the trap slowly falls down). Upon touching a foe, or after a few seconds, the sludge explodes and poisons fighters in its wake. Like with Joker’s Eiha/Eiagon, poisoned combatants take bits of continuous damage for a short period of time. The trap Zoroark leaves behind is helpful, but the maneuverability supplied by the initial lunge might be even more useful. |
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| Up Special: Shadow Claw |
Zoroark’s primary recovery option acts much like Pikachu’s Quick Attack, complete with omnidirectional movement and the ability to execute it twice in a row. However, the attack also resembles Wolf’s Wolf Flash in appearance, distance covered, and offensive prowess (though, its infamous spike is toned down). Like with both special moves, Zoroark goes into freefall afterwards. |
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| Down Special: Snarl |
Zoroark takes after the three latest Pokémon reps with a personalized counter of its own. The ghost braces for impact and, if attacked during this brief state, responds with a shriek that knocks fighters back and echoes in all directions. Those struck by the assault on their eardrums temporarily suffer a considerable reduction in launch power, but don’t take too much damage. |
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| Final Smash: Endless Night Daze |
Zoroark enlists the aid of its Unovan counterpart as the two illusionists dash in opposite directions. Those hit by either predator are sent skyward, where they suffer a barrage of slashes from an army’s worth of Hisuian Zoroark’s illusions. Finally, Unovan Zoroark appears from above, engulfs its arms in a crimson aura, and slams its quarry into the ground with a cinematic strike. Overall, this dramatic finisher calls back to Zoroark’s pre-existing role as a Poké Ball summon. |
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| Up Taunt: Illusion |
Zoroark references its lineage’s history with the Legendary Beasts by turning into either Entei, Raikou, or Suicune, howling, and reverting to normal. |
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| Side Taunt: Nasty Plot |
Goofy question marks made of shadows materialize around Zoroark before being dispelled with an agitated swipe. |
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| Down Taunt: Shelter |
Hisuian Zorua emerges from Zoroark’s mane, surveys the environment, then returns to its superior’s care. |
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| Victory Pose #1: |
Zoroark imitates the Unovan breed’s signature Night Daze by coating its arms in ghostly energy, slamming them into the ground, and releasing a potent explosion. |
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| Victory Pose #2: |
Zoroark slashes at the air with its back turned, looks at the screen with one eye, then sinks into its shadow and departs. |
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| Victory Pose #3: |
Zorua wanders into view with Zoroark close behind, approaches the camera upon noticing it, then sheepishly hides behind its protector. |
Victory Fanfare: Smash is no stranger to giving multiple fanfares to one universe, Fire Emblem’s already gathered four, and yet every single Pokémon fighter shares a single theme. Sure, it fits them all well enough, but with Hisuian Zoroark hailing from a wholly unique game and setting, it makes a strong case to receive its own fanfare. And if Zoroark did get one, “Rank Up!” from Legends: Arceus would perfectly represent both Hisui and Sinnoh. And while they’re at it, fellow Sinnoh icon Lucario would be a perfect match for this theme, too:
Outro
With how entwined Pokémon and Smash have been since they both started, it’s only natural that every region’s mascots be assessed on what they could bring to the platform fighter. In turn, every Generation’s gotten its fair share of representation through summons, stages, and spirits. As for the most important bridge between the two properties, the cast of fighters, it’s been a polarizing mix of decade-spanning all-stars and one-hit wonders. There’s merit in bringing both archetypes to a crossover, but Zoroark’s firm position in the latter category might’ve been the biggest factor holding it back. Nowadays, on the other hand, the fox’s reanimated respect adds an iconicity that spans much further. It might’ve taken a banishment and extinction to get this far, but it makes for a memorable story. So, would Smash interpret all this as significant enough to deserve an invitation? Of course, Zoroark’s tale is far from over, so we’ll just have to wait and see. Regardless, even if neither the Illusion Fox nor Baneful Fox make the playable roster, their prestige is undeniable. No matter which lands they stumble upon next, these Masters of Illusions are sure to continue seizing fans’ devotion for years to come.
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