Why Pichu and Roy Were Deleted from Brawl: A Deep Dive

As the beloved franchise Super Smash Bros. continues to evolve, it has become a bit of a mystery to fans why certain characters, such as Pichu and Roy, were omitted from earlier entries. This article delves into the reasons behind these deletions, providing fans with a detailed and entertaining explanation. The changes in the game's lineup across different versions bring new insights and challenges for players, especially in the latest installment, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

The Role of Pichu in the Smash Bros. Series

Pichu, the small and cute electric-type Pokémon, was initially introduced in Brawl, but you might be wondering why he was removed. Pichu, while being visually appealing and charming, was often criticized for being redundant and less impactful than his larger counterpart, Pikachu. Pikachu, a well-established and highly recognizable character, already provided a wide range of playstyles and strategies within the game. Introducing Pichu essentially meant adding a character with the same functionalities but with worse efficiency and balance. Players found that Pichu's self-inflicted damage on his attack moves made him less reliable and fun to play. In essence, Pichu's inclusion offered very few unique benefits, making it an unnecessary addition to the game.

The Fate of Roy

Another controversial decision made by the developers involved the inclusion of Roy, a featured character from the street-fighting game Battle Street Nova. Roy, the blue Soul Edge character, has a complex backstory and brings a unique playstyle to the table. However, when he was not included in Brawl, many fans were puzzled by this move. It was suggested that Roy was not deemed significant enough to join the Smash Bros. roster. Marth, another revered character from the Fire Emblem series, was selected instead. Marth’s inclusion was more than just a move in the character lineup; it offered players a new set of strategies and playstyles, combining the graceful and relatively weaker offense of Marth with the brawny and more effective offense of Roy. Marth’s broader appeal and flexibility made him the perfect fit for the game, whereas Roy, despite his charm and unique moveset, was considered less essential to the overall game balance and gameplay experience.

The Advent of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Thankfully, the next chapter of the Smash Bros. saga, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, provides answers to these questions. This latest installment brings every character that ever existed in the series, plus a roster of new additions. This expansion of the character pool brings with it a wealth of new strategies and playstyles for players to explore. Pichu, for instance, will make his triumphant return to the series for the first time since Melee. Fans are eagerly anticipating the re-introduction of Pichu, as it offers a potential new challenge and a fresh perspective on electric-type Pokémon in the game.

Conclusion

In summary, the deletions of characters like Pichu and Roy in Brawl can be attributed to redundancy and gameplay efficiency. While Pichu was redundant with Pikachu, Roy was not deemed essential to the overall game balance. However, the release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has reintegrated these characters, enriching the game with diverse and exciting playstyles. As the series continues to grow and evolve, fans can look forward to discovering and mastering the unique attributes of these characters, making Smash Bros. an even more delightful and engaging experience.