Gallery: It's Time for a Shulk Super Smash Bros. Blowout

What is with all these skimpy outfits all of a sudden?

He's so cool! Definitely going to work on making him my alternate main next to Sheik!

@IxC It's the swimsuit armor from Xenoblade..

@IxC Probably fanservice for girls haha . nah i just thinks its a throwback to xenoblade chronicles where if you change shulks outfit i think, he takes his clothes off

@97alexk @B3ND3R

Fair enough then.

I haven't played Xenoblade. Looking forward to it on the new 3DS though.

Samus in shorts -> "Talking Point: History of the Sexualization of Samus (Volume 1 of 493)"
Shulk in shorts -> "Random Skimpy Outfit"

@CaviarMeths That, my friend, is the internet.

@CaviarMeths It's so true!! This will be completely ignored, but is literally EXACTLY equivalent to samus's outfit!

Is there also a reason for Samus' skimpy outift? I don't recall her ever dressing like that. But I didn't complete Other M... so who knows what happened at the end.

Is Shulk being exploited too? I don't know what to think of that

Shulk showing a lot of skin future talking point?

I guess the ladies get some fan service too. That's a nice touch. I think if there is a 4-way battle between skimpy samus, skimpy shulk, and the male and female fit trainers, the world may explode.

@IxC
At the end of the first Metroid game, it's revealed Samus is a woman with a shot of her without her suit, wearing that swimsuit type thing. Additionally, in other Metroid games, when she dies her armor explodes, showing that she wears this outfit underneath.

@Jazzer94 well i think shulk has been working out lately and just wants to show it off. nothing wrong there.

@evanescent_hero

Oh yes, I forgot about the end of the first game.

@IxC specifically the outfit is from the end of Zero Mission a remake of the first.

And Shulk's skimpy outfit is disgusting. Not for the shorts and skins but for the clog like crocs. Gross. jkjk

@mcpedwards Clearly beach season in SSB4.

Shulk needs to work out. He has scrawny arms.

@CaviarMeths Lol!

Zero Suit Shulk

No sure anyone noticed that the picture with Shulk and Captain Falcon is quite possibly the most epic screen shot of the entire video game industry ever. Ever!

What does he mean that Shulk is not a normally a character who would appear in Smash Bros? I thought his inclusion his pretty normal since he was a popular Nintendo character. Or is it because Shulk is a one game wonder and probably won't appear in Xenoblade Chronicles X?

The concept art is my new wallpaper!

@Lasermaster123 It's already confirmed that Xenoblade Chronicles X takes place in a different universe. If you played through the first game you'd know its impossible for both games to exist in the same universe.

@IxC actually she does in a hidden ending to zero mission and fusion.

I hadn't really expected him. Now, that he truly is in the game, I guess the leak from some days ago can be thought of as real.

@ekreig Haha, Ned Flanders is on TV right now. But not the same episode though.

I really would love to see xenoblade remade. That is ridiculously nice looking

@Jayvir

Well I just started Xenoblade Chronicles but from what little spoilers I know, I do know that it is kind of impossible for the two games to be in the same universe. I was just asking what he meant by that dialogue. Because Shulk will not appear in any other game besides this crossover and the NEW 3DS port (which is basically the same game).

@CaviarMeths Exactly what I was thinking

It's a bathing suit. Why does everything have to be a sexual agenda? It's getting really irritating.

@Lasermaster123 Maybe it has something to do with his different arts and damage modes. No character in Smash plays anything like that.

@MussakkuLaden I always thought he had a good shout of being added since he had unique combat opportunities, came from a fresh IP that was hugely acclaimed and is getting a heavily anticipated sequel. He was actually my no.1 hopeful in addition to Lucina.

I've tried to expose myself to all the leak stuff as little as possible but he had the biggest chance of being included out of the newcomers I heard about.

Also is it just me or will those Monado Arts make him the the most technical and adaptable character in the series.

I have MY character to play as now!

This looks like a really strong character for a person who knows his moveset by heart and is able to quickly strategize.

@thesilverbrick
To be honest, many of my friends and I thought that a element changing mechanic would belong to Isaac in a similar way that Shulk got this stat changing mechanic. Well Isaac still has tons of options to explore,

I wonder if that is the reason behind why Sakurai said that. Well we can only speculate regarding that.

Still Shulk seems to be a good strategic character.

So where is the article claiming that Shulk is being sexualized and that the game is sexist? I'd love to see that just to prove that there is no double standard.

@DiscoGentleman So was Samus' costumes, but that didn't stop anyone.

Curious if they put the other outfits as alt skins for Shulk, and what the internet backlash will because obviously they are creating a "Even the Guys Want Him" Trope within Smash Bros. Total sexplotation!!

Looks like Shulk forgot to equip any armor...again.

@RosaQKeller

Oh my gosh... The freaking spam bots have made their way to NL... The world is doomed.

@CaviarMeths @HyliasHero Things like that is why there's such a revolt against SJW news articles going on right now.

If looking at partially nude pictures of cartoony video game characters is something you do for 'fun' you might need to get out more often anyway. Take that however you'd like. I just think it all gets blown out of porportion and alot of times, favors particular parties arguments over others. Everyone just wants to be offended at something.

@PvtOttobot The outfits are the same but I don't think it's the same thing; men haven't been subject to centuries of gender inequality after all have they?

"That's a debate we've tackled recently with Samus."

Yes, but now it's time for "A History of the Sexualisation of Shulk" to be done. Let's go Jake.

Wow he looks very camp/gay. Nothing wrong with that, some people may love it but that look means he is not the character I will be choosing

Why are people scared of characters being sexualized even though samus's costume is close to 30 years old and shulks costume is how I played a certain part of the game to see if my characters were stronger. Why is bloody gore more accepted than sex here and everywhere?

yay, skimpy outfits!!!

I remember that article from several months ago where Shulk's voice actor was interviewed. I remember NL asking him if he was doing voice work for Shulk in SSB. He said that he didn't know if he would be called in for that. Well, I guess he does now.

@siavm It really is ridiculous. She's had that outfit since the first Metroid, but all of a sudden it's an attack against women.

Okay, check this out:

Shulk's assist smash has Dunban and Riki?

No Reyn?

Think about it, does that mean Reyn might be coming as a separate character? Reyn is Shulk's best bud. I'm crossing my fingers.

Wow in that sixth official screenshot he's fighting dark link! How did I miss his announcement ?

Okay, can I chime in on this whole "skimpy outift/sexualization/Zero suit thing"?

1) Shulk is wearing long trunks and no shirt...like men wear in the summer especially at the beach or swimming pool or basketball court, so what's the big deal?

• If you find something bothersome or "gay" about a young man with no shirt, then perhaps the issue lies within you?

2) People need to relax. These are video game characters, and this kind of mild, harmless "sexualization" has been going on since comic books existed. Samus' Zero suit is pretty much a stock female superhero costume.

Another realistic human being; wielding a sword no less?

What happened to the zany, oddball aspects of the character roster? SSB4 is starting to get full of Final Fantasy would-bes. It sort of ruins that special charm SSB is known for.

@OGGamer yeah when did this happen!? Exactly what I just thought! He looks like he's staring into your soul :S

Also, Hooray for SKIMPY SHULK SMASH!

@OGGamer

Dark Link is just an alt. color palette for Link.

Have no trouble with his swimsuit outfit. Was a bit surprised when playing Xenoblade and I first got Swimming Oil as a chest armor Used it for a bit since it had better defense than the leather shirt he previously had. Was a fun thing, and glad it's here too.

@Action51 Most likely Reyn would be an assist trophy.

At least now we got fan-service for the gals, and people can stop complaining about Zero Suit Samus.

That art piece is lovely but is anyone else slightly bugged by Bowser's hand/claw placement? It could just be me but I can't help looking at it and feeling it looks a little off.

So this character looks OP as F----. 4 different battle modes? Sword character? Long range? Looks like most marth mains and gonna switch over.

@DiscoGentleman I don't know, its probably the revealing of these particular reps all in a row that bugs me. Too many anime-faced archetypes for my tastes. The supposed leak of the roster just looks off with all those characters in between the more "Nintendo-y" ones, imho.

@luke88 No, but you can't hold someone responsible for the wrongdoings of their fathers. If you look throughout history, every group of people has been mistreated at some point in time in some way, shape or form.

Ya, women have been the victims, but so have every other gender/race/ethnicity/nationality/religious group conceivable. A lot of times the over-sensitive knee jerk reactions based on "past prejudices and/or discriminations" does more harm than good. Those anti-discriminatory reactions, justified by "past mistreatment" often swings the pendulum too far in the other direction, and what you end up with is a double standard.

Furthermore, unsubstantiated accusations only serve to dilute the social issue, and harden people's hearts against the real problem, like the Boy Who Cried Wolf. We grow so accustomed to the offended crying foul over trivial matters that we begin closing our ears. Political correctness has become a disease, eroding the very social justice that it claims to preserve.

That's how I feel about the matter anyways...

@Beau_Skunk:
They probably won't stop. For some reason, people have a problem seeing an attractive character in an attractive outfit. I think it's ridiculous too that Nintendolife targeted Samus, but will not do the same for Shulk. They need to smash and delete their copies of Super Metroid if they have an issue with Samus in revealing outfits. That's an outfit that's actually skimpy.

@DiscoGentleman @Action51 I was just about to comment on that, too. It's pretty sad that that would stop someone from using the character(not sure how the heck that conclusion was even made; what does that even look like really?). I mean, it's a game where you fight other characters. What, was his moveset changed to include groping other male characters or something I missed? o,o

@DiscoGentleman @Dipper723 Didn't it also have to do with his profession? If I remember right he didn't go out very often.

Are they using different translations for some of the symbols? Cause I don't remember a Jump or Smash skill. Also, Shield seems like it should have been renamed as Armour. Well these are mostly minor grievances.

Can't wait to play him though.

see now its time for us guys to say something about this "skimpy outfit" like how they did with samus...

anyway i think this character might be cool to use in the game to many new cool characters omg its going to be fun for sure

Swimsuit option is perfect. Exactly like how I have him in game. Lol

Xenoblade was my favourite game since Majora's Mask so Shulk will definitely have to be my main.

Shulk is such a Hulk!

@MegatonWhale Bowser looks off to me as well; some of the proportions seem odd.

@CaviarMeths makes a REALLY good point.

@JaxonH Some really good points! Well said!

relax everyone. Shulk's MALE designer worked really hard to finish programming this alt costume into the game in time for the deadline. said no one. because a hairless 17 year old boy in tiny shorts and clogs needs no explanation. yet, a female warrior in her mid twenties can't wear athletic gear without having to justify the programmer's sex. that is the real issue. or not. just a thought. still hate the crocs. still a day 1 purchase. go nintendo.

Games journalism in the 1990s:
This game you like is awesome!
In the 2000s:
This game you like is terrible!
In the 2010s:
This game you like is sexist.

WAIT WHAT. Shulk is in Smash Bros!?!? AWW YEHS. My new main. Sry Fox and Marth, there's a new boss in town.

Just to give some of my thoughts on what you people have been saying:

@Whopper744 You said everyone likes to get offended at something. It seems to me like you people who don't mind the "skimpy" outfits are getting offended at those who do. Relax and let them say their opinions!

Also, just using common sense: it seems a little weird to me that Sakurai would make some of the characters wear bathing suits even though they aren't even swimming; and people then defend them for just wearing "swimsuits." Guys, if you have to get so desperate that you're defending them for just having swimming outfits on, there probably is a problem with your defense

@Portista I think that stupid points of debate will only foster stupid arguments from both sides. Why is Shulk in a bathing suit even a point of debate? What I find disturbing is that the topic of sex pops up as soon as people see skin, be it female or male. Jeez, would you guys die of hysteria if you ever went to the beach?

If that skimpy outfit is a response from the devs to critics of Samus' costumes, that would be hilarious.

@3Daniel I think a big problem with the Samus situation is when people think Metroid they turn to the disaster that was Other M rather than the good games. As that had big issues regarding the treatment of Samus, some people would think this is a similar situation.

@Portista There IS an Animal Crossing stage at a beach and some stages take place near water so it is reasonable to have summer attire..

Some people who think beach ware are skimpy need to get off the computer and out to a beach or pool more.

@Grumblevolcano Those people should stay away from the series. It's pretty sad too that bigger fans of the series have had that same way of thinking. Other M has been no where near as offensive as they are.

@Lasermaster123 thats the only thing I could think of

@Grumblevolcano I liked Other M. The plot had bigger issues than the submissive role Samus played IMO(the deleter, Sector Zero, the Commander's son being a missed opportunity). I loved the use of 2d and 3d roaming but it needed an analogue input. The dodge and combat mechanics were fun. The music was awesome, most of the boss battles were cool (the final boss was a total let down as I beat her in under 3 seconds by aiming at the center of the screen during the cutscene). The first person perspective was poorly implemented. I just think it's sad that we live in a day and age where Smash Bros has devolved into the type of trash that would showcase Video Game's epic heroes wearing crocs.

@CaviarMeths That was the best. You win the internet today, sir.

@JaxonH Preach on brotha!!!!

Awesome character that was highly demanded gets announced: 80% of people react on him having a swimsuit costume...
Is there something wrong with poeple these days?

@Action51 The faux over-reaction to Shulk in a swimsuit is, at least for me, criticism of the over-reaction to Samus Aran in a Sports outfit. Classic Disney Princesses have more sexploitation than Samus Aran in a Sporting bra and shorts.

Samus Aran isn't helpless, judged solely by her looks or just there to be rescued. She is there to kick butt and chew bubblegum, and she is all out of bubblegum. To be honest, Metroid: The Other M is more offensive because it forced her to be an over-sexualized caricature of the strong, independent character she was created to be.

i was restarting xenoblade when i heard about this. excited that he made it to smash

Smash is so skimpy these days

@IxC
skimpy outfits should be dlc, wouldn't you agree!

@Fazermint Because it is one of his outfits in his game

Mario also has an skimpy alt costume of a tank-top tee with heart print boxer shorts...

What the heck! Random skimpy outfit haha.. This alternate outfit thing is getting kinda dumb to be honest.

@Darknyht:
You were right on the money until that final sentence.

I did not expect him to start out with, but after X was revealed to be firmly named Xenoblade X, I had a hunch he'd be around for the marketing potential.

Personally I don't know how to feel about another young anime swordsman.

@PvtOttobot Too true. Hahaha. XD

I love how he seems to be playable in just shorts. Male characters almost never have this option, I think it's a good idea. I mean: if Samus is playable in almost no clothes, it's only fair to have a handsome guy that can do the same thing.

@DiscoGentleman
Sorry I meant the effect. Shield did something entirely different in xenoblade. The smash bros effect seems closer to what Armour did in xenoblade. If launch resistance was one of his abilities in smash it would be closer to Shield's original effect.