Mega Man's always been an imitator. Slaps around a robot master, absorbs their unique power, then it's off to the next master before taking the fight to Dr. Wiley. Lather, rinse, and repeat. He's learned a lot of tricks through his 25 years, including a few borrowed from another of Capcom's classic franchises, Street Fighter, which he'll be exhibiting in the next Smash Bros. game.
Screenshots have emerged online of the blue bomber about to knock Nintendo's infamous plumber into next week with one of Ryu and Ken's signature moves, the dragon fist, or shoryuken, if you prefer. Looks like Mega will be packing a wallop when he hits the Wii U and 3DS respectively.
This won't be the first time Mega has borrowed from Street Fighter to dish out the pain. Older gamers may remember the Mega Man X series' humble beginnings on the Super Nintendo. If player's knew where to find the secret capsule in Mega Man X2 *cough*Agile's stage*cough*, then with the right amount of skill and luck, they could learn the same technique that adorned Sagat with his trademark scar. The infamous uppercut would also be utilized in later Mega Man games, namely Mega Man Xtreme 1 and 2. Echoing Ken with flaming fists, the move did a number on the game's various bosses, causing massive amounts of damage with one hit. Players could also learn the hadouken in the first Mega Man X.
Mega Man is one of the three newest characters for the new Smash Bros., announced back in June. After taking on the crew of Street Fighter, a lummox like Donkey Kong and mound of fluff Kirby should pose no threat to the azure AI. Mega's combat is about a lot more than slide kicks and shooting tiny pellets. He also comes pre-loaded with a number of powers from the robot masters he's conquered over the years, a trailer showing Crash Man's bomber, Metal Man's blade, and Wood man's leaf shield to name a few. It'll be interesting to see what other techniques Mega will be bringing to the table.
Alongside Mega Man are two more, shall we say "unusual," additions joining the fray. "Unsual" may be unfair; after all, this is a series that once had you face off against a giant glove for a final boss fight. The pasty Wii Fit trainer is probably the most unique, and oddly enough, perhaps the most qualified to blacken a few eyes. With her WiiFit board, she's no doubt helped more than a few players lose a couple pounds and gain a better center of balance.
Also new is a villager from Nintendo's own "life-simulator" series, Animal Crossing, fighting with a wide array of equipment normally reserved for yard work. That, and a very festive balloon hat.
Super Smash Bros. is slated to hit both the Wii U and the handheld DS and 3DS in 2014.