The Super Smash Bros series has been around for over 20 years now. The idea of this was something gamers back then only ever dreamed of, or didn’t even bother to dream of because it just seemed so outrageous that we were certain it would never happen.

But one day, Nintendo gave us a game that put video games’ biggest stars in the same arena and let you battle each other. The novelty of this idea has still not worn off on me, and each time I play it, I still have that feeling like I’m playing it for the first time (which is something to be said, since I’ve probably put a good few thousand hours between all the games).

This might be because each game boasts an ever-growing roster of fighters, the latest entry, Ultimate completely destroying all previous games when it comes to content.

Every time a new character is revealed, the internet seems to go into a frenzy, mainly because they don’t like the character, or feels they aren’t deservant enough, and that someone else would have filled that spot better. Or people are ecstatic about the new character. Originally, the game’s roster was only reserved for Nintendo characters, but it has since grown to include many fighters from third-party companies such as Capcom and Sega, so that now Super Smash Bros is a celebration of video game history, not just Nintendo’s history.

So to honor this wonderful franchise, and to throw my hat into the online brawl of opinions, I am going to list a quick reaction of each character in the series. The reaction will obviously be from the game they debuted in.

And for the record, I love every single character, and I don’t care who they put in the game, for a new character is a new character, and that excites me, regardless of who it is.

1. Mario: (SSB)

“Well of course he’d be the first choice.”

2. Donkey Kong (SSB)

“Great choice.”

3. Link (SSB)

“Weird that they went with adult Link, since he’s been a kid in like all his games.”

4. Samus (SSB)

“Well, I guess this is the closest thing we’re going to get to a ‘Metroid 64.'”

5. Yoshi (SSB)

“How in the world is he going to fight on his own? …Oh that’s how. I love it!”

6. Kirby (SSB)

“Oh my God! He can actually steal the other’s powers!”

7. Fox (SSB)

“So that’s what he looks like outside of an Arwing. I wonder how he fights?”

8. Pikachu (SSB)

“Holy crap, they put a Game Boy character into this game? Why would they do that? But it’s awesome to see what he looks like in 3D!”

9. Luigi (SSB)

“I mean, he has to be in it, but why does he have the same moves as Mario? Then again, he doesn’t exactly do anything differently in his games.”

10. Ness (SSB)

“Who is that? He’s from what?”

11. Captain Falcon (SSB)

“Who’s this now? There are people inside the F-Zero cars?”

12. Jigglypuff (SSB)

“Of all the Pokemon they have to choose from, why the heck this one?”

13. Peach (Melee)

“Wow, I didn’t think they’d put a damsel in distress in a fighting game. Kind of interesting.”

14. Bowser (Melee)

“Yes! I wished he was in the first! I was afraid they were excluding villains.”

15. Ice Climbers (Melee)

“Who the heck are…wait, there’s two of them? Awesome!”

16/17. Zelda/Sheik (Melee)

“Oh cool, another princess. It’s crazy how they come up with move sets for these girls. WHAT?? She can transform into Sheik!?!?! Genius!”

18. Dr. Mario (Melee)

“Ha, that’s a clever choice. At least he’s got the same moves as Mario so I don’t have to learn another character.”

19. Pichu (Melee)

“What is this, a baby Pikachu? And he hurts himself? Lame.”

20. Falco (Melee)

“Oh nice, I love Falco. It’s good to see them putting secondary characters in.”

21. Marth (Melee)

“Guess I should move to Japan. I don’t think it’s fair they put people from games that aren’t released globally.”

22. Young Link (Melee)

“Woohoo! They put him in, and kept adult Link!”

23. Ganondorf (Melee)

“Oh nice, another awesome villain. Oh wait, why does he have the same moves as Captain Falcon?”

24. Mewtwo (Melee)

“Now they’re using their heads. This is the kind of Pokemon we want!”

25. Roy (Melee)

“Oh…another one. Hey! His attacks have fire! Cool!”

26. Mr. Game & Watch (Melee)

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Oh my God! I forgot about those old games! Best character choice by far!”

27. Metaknight (Brawl)

“Nice choice, he’s an awesome character in the Kirby series.”

28. Pit (Brawl)

“Huh, I always thought his name was Icarus.”

29. Zero Suit Samus (Brawl)

“Yes! I was hoping she’d be in it! It’s cool how final smashes switch between her and regular Samus.”

30. Wario (Brawl)

“Nice, I was hoping they’d put him in. I wish they gave him more moves from his Game Boy games though. But it’s really cool they gave him his original and Warioware costumes.”

31. Solid Snake (Brawl)

“Oh my God! A third-party character. The possibilities now are huge! But Snake? He seems so out of place. But after playing him, I have faith they can now make any character work in this series.”

32. Ike (Brawl)

“A nice replacement for Roy. At least I know what Fire Emblem is now, even if I don’t know the character.”

33/34/35. Pokemon Trainer-Squirtle/Ivysaur/Charizard (Brawl)

“Wow, I can’t believe they actually did this! Me and my brothers always said something like this would be amazing!”

36. Diddy Kong (Brawl)

“Yes! I wanted him, but was afraid he was owned by Rare.”

37. Lucas (Brawl)

“Another Ness? Okay…”

38. Sonic (Brawl)

“YES! YES! YES! He was my most wanted, but I never thought it would happen! Wow, Mario and Sonic fighting in the same game. That’s so bizarre, but every 90’s kid’s dream!”

39. King Dedede (Brawl)

“Nice, Bowser’s got some competition.”

40. Olimar (Brawl)

“I’m not surprised, with how popular Pikmin is. I never played the games, but he looks like the most unique and interesting character in the Smash Bros.”

41. Lucario (Brawl)

“If they are going to make someone similar to Mewtwo, why not keep Mewtwo in it, since he’s cooler and I know who that is?”

42. R.O.B. (Brawl)

Looks up what R.O.B. is from. “Haha, a great pick, the Mr. Game & Watch out of nowhere selection for Brawl.

43. Toon Link (Brawl)

“Yes! I wanted them to replace Young Link with him, and it seems they have! Hallelujah!”

44. Wolf (Brawl)

“YES! Are you kidding me? This game is giving me all my most wanted!”

45. Villager (4)

“Well that’s an interesting choice. I don’t like Animal Crossing, but I guess it’s overdue.”

46. Mega Man (4)

“OH MY LORD! YESSSS! One of my most wanted for this game!”

47. Wii Fit Trainer (4)

“Hahaha nice! I never saw that coming!”

48. Rosalina & Luma (4)

“I was wondering if they were going to put her in it. I was kind of hoping they would.”

49. Little Mac (4)

“Yes! He’s my most wanted!”

50. Greninja (4)

“I don’t know who that is, but he looks like a worthy Pokemon.”

51/52/53. Mii Gunner/Fighter/Swordsman (4)

“I was shocked these guys weren’t in Brawl. I figured their wasn’t a way to implement them, but I’m happy to see they did so spectacularly.”

54. Palutena (4)

“Wow, I never thought she’d make it since she really doesn’t do anything in her game. But I am thrilled!”

55. Pac-Man (4)

“Amazing! I can’t believe I never even considered him a possibility, especially since he is one of the most historical characters in video games.”

56. Robin (4)

“Another Fire Emblem character I don’t know. But at least he’s not a primary sword user and looks to be the coolest character from that series.”

57. Shulk (4)

“Another dream come true! I didn’t think it was possible for him to be in it! This is wonderful!”

58. Bowser Jr. (4)

“Nice! I was wondering if they would make him, though I didn’t expect him to be like this. And putting the Koopalings as his alts is incredible!”

59. Duck Hunt (4)

“HAHAHA. I thought Wii Fit Trainer was the classic out of nowhere character, but this might take the cake.”

60. Lucina (4)

“Another Marth clone…didn’t really need that. Oh wait, she was originally going to be an alt costume for Marth? Then I’m very glad she’s her own character!”

61. Dark Pit (4)

“I was happy with a color alt for Pit, but okay, I’ll take this.”

62. Ryu (4)

“Wow, one of the most iconic characters from a fighting game joins the roster of a completely different fighting game. How interesting, and I am excited!”

63. Cloud (4)

“Wow! This is a big deal, and he look’s awesome!”

64. Corrin (4)

“A character from a Fire Emblem game that hasn’t come out yet? That’s the best kind of advertisement. At least they’re really unique and awesome looking!”

65. Bayonetta (4)

“Wow, I did not see this coming. She is really out of place, being a highly sexualized and violent character. This could be very interesting, and I am excited to see what they do with her.”

66. Inkling (Ultimate)

“Yes! I was hoping they were DLC in the last game, so I’m a very pleased they’re the first new character to be announced.”

67. Daisy (Ultimate)

“Great choice for an echo!”

68. Dark Samus (Ultimate)

“Dark Samus was one of my most wanted, but not as an echo…She has a huge potential move set, but I guess I’m glad she’s in it in some way.”

69. Chrom (Ultimate)

“Meh. I know a lot of people wanted him, so good for them.”

70. Ridley (Ultimate)

“Now all the people who’ve been begging for him the last 10 years can finally shut the eff up.”

71. Simon (Ultimate)

“WOOOO!!!!! He’s my most wanted third-party character since they put in Sonic!!!”

72. Richter (Ultimate)

“A double-dose of my most wanted? Cool!”

73. King K. Rool (Ultimate)

“Now all the people who’ve been begging for him the last 10 years can finally shut the eff up.”

74. Isabelle (Ultimate)

“This is the first time I have been disappointed by a character selection. Do we really need another Animal Crossing character?

“Oh wait, she’s fun.”

75. Ken (Ultimate)

“I was hoping they’d make him an echo.”

76. Incineroar (Ultimate)

“Another new Pokemon I don’t know, but he looks pretty interesting!”

77. Piranha Plant (Ultimate)

“Is this a joke? Nope I guess it’s not. How hilariously genius of a character!”

78. Joker (Ultimate)

“Who? Oh, I’ve heard of the Persona series. Didn’t realize it was that popular. Maybe this is another advertisement character? He looks cool though.

79. Hero (Ultimate)

“Wow, they really made him play like an RPG character. I love the four different versions. I can’t believe this is the only fighter to use a sword and shield besides the Links.”

80. Banjo-Kazooie (Ultimate)

“I was kind of hoping they’d put him in, he’s a great fit in the Smash universe.

81. Terry (Ultimate)

“Well that’s a random choice.”

82. Byleth (Ultimate)

“There’s got to be one from Fire Emblem. They look awesome at least.”

83. ARMS Rep (Ultimate)

“YES! I was hoping one would have been in it already, but better late than never!”

And there you have it. After the ARMS rep, there will still be five more characters added to the roster, and I suppose I will add my reactions as well.

As I said, of all these characters, I enjoy playing as every single one of them, so I don’t really care who they put in, whether I know how they are or not, because I know they will do a good job on them. That’s not to say I don’t have my own hopefuls, which I talk about in this post.

What were some of your most memorable reactions, especially when the first game came out?