Future Smashers?

Much time will go by between now and the release of "Super Smash Bros. Brawl," but nerds like me can't wait. If you've been keeping up with the official Smash website, you'll know that there have been many character announcements. Even some pretty outlandish ones, including the announcement of Solid Snake of the "Metal Gear Solid" series.

But what about Nintendo's other options? I mean, Nintendo has seen a number of fantastic characters. Why can't they utilize some more?

It would obviously be ludicrous to say, "They should include the Master Chief from Halo and Crash Bandicoot and a lot of other characters from non-Nintendo related games." It's a beautiful world that we live in, but we can't always be so fortunate.

So let's look at some potential candidates, shall we (all who have appeared on Nintendo consoles before/in the future, mind you)?

THE (imaginary) CHALLENGERS!


Sonic the Hedgehog!

Who: That ever-popular Sega staple, always wanted for a Mario vs. Sonic showdown (which we will see in that Olympics game that's coming up, but regardless).
Why: He's made for a game like this. He's got the worldly experience of Mario combined with the...uh...mammalish nature of Fox McCloud. Why not? Sonic is now a regular guest on Wii consoles everywhere. Why not add him to this particular pile - maybe with Tails or Knuckles?


Bomberman!

Who: He's that little guy in the white jumpsuit. You know, with the pink antenna thing and what with the bomb throwing?
Why: Bomb throwing - it's like a gift from the gaming deities.


Bonk!

Who: A little caveman, popularized in SNES, Game Boy, and TurboGrafx16 games.
Why: His weapon? His giant caveman head. It's about time we saw a comeback.


Lil Mac!

Who: The fierce and dashing, yet oddly tiny, protagonist of "Punch-Out!"
Why: Well, honestly he shouldn't be featured as a main player. But who wouldn't love to see him or Doc Louis or King Hippo or even Mr. Dream himself show up to help out as an assist trophy?


Megaman!

Who: The little blue guy in the armored suit, complete with rocket arms.
Why: Well, he's small and furious and could easily take somebody out with those rocket arms. He's perfect.


Leon Kennedy!

Who: The hero of the day in "Resident Evil 4."
Why: Well, this is an odd one. But then again, look at Solid Snake. Although he's from a bloodier background, it'd be an interesting change to the Smash roster. He'd also be a handsome man for the job, wouldn't you say? See also Dante from "Devil May Cry."


Luigi!

Who: Taller, green brother of Mario. More frightened of ghosts, but at least he's prepared.
Why: Well, he was in the first two games. Plus, he's taller and more efficient for butt-kickery. And slap a vacuum on his back and we're all good to go. Preferably in Leguizamo form, if I may be so bold.


Nights!

Who: The purple jester guy from Sega's not-so-popular Saturn game. A sequel will be out next month.
Why: Once again, this particular character will join the likes of Lil Mac in having the distinguishable quality of working better as an assist trophy. They could swoop down in all of their flamboyant glory and win the day!


Viewtiful Joe!

Who: A B-List Capcom star of the GameCube who I happened to love.
Why: He'd make a pretty valiant warrior. Plus I'd love to see his alternate graphics style to fit the game. It'd just be neat, says I.

So come on Sega and Capcom (and all other companies withholding significantly cool characters) - get to handing the rights over! We nerds demand satisfaction!

What do you think? Who else? Battletoads? Harry Potter?