Nintendo surprised everyone when Cloud was unveiled for Super Smash Bros on Wii U and 3DS during November's Nintendo Direct. However, with no confirmation that the protagonist of Final Fantasy VII is the winner of the Smash Bros Fighter Ballot, there is plenty to speculate as we lead into the final Super Smash Bros presentation on Tuesday 15 December at 10pm.

With that in mind, members of the N-Europe team have taken it upon ourselves to predict the character we expect to see unveiled for Nintendo's superb brawler, as well as consider which of our favourite gaming icons we'd personally like to appear.

Who S.C.G would like to see: Banjo & Kazooie

It would be simply amazing to finally have both Banjo and Kazooie in Super Smash Bros as not only are the pair more fondly associated with Nintendo than they ever will be with Microsoft - despite Rare not being a Nintendo developer for some time now - but it would just make so much sense to have them as part of the roster. Not only would their moveset be amazing but their unique charm and trademark humour would be simply unmatched even among Nintendo's finest, obviously the character models would have to be based off the N64 originals though and NOT anything resembling Nut 'n Bolts otherwise there would be little point.

S.C.G's prediction: Banjo & Kazooie

Just to jump onto a bandwagon which is understandably already piled rather high, I'd have to say that Banjo-Kazooie appearing in Smash is actually likely as it would be such a surprise announcement which would startle everyone yet in another way shock no one who has ever played the original games as they should be a natural inclusion. Plus we have seen how Duck Hunt Duo work rather well so there is definitely a super amount of scope here; although if indeed the Bear & Bird don't get in then I think a certain Chameleon & Bat combination could prove an interesting wildcard inclusion.

Who RedShell would like to see: Karate Joe

The perfect choice in my mind. I'd love for Smash Bros. to have more representation from quirky titles, and Karate Joe would be an excellent choice. The fact that he's already a fighter makes it easy to create his moveset, and a Rhythm Tengoku stage could bring with it a new style of play that rewards attacking in time to the music!

RedShell's prediction: Chibi-Robo

Yeah, I've just done who would you like it to be again!

Seriously though, despite the poor reception to Zip Lash, Chibi-Robo is still a much loved character, and one that could be absolutely brilliant in Smash Bros. He can keep a lot of stuff inside that head compartment of his, and now that he can also use his power cord as a whip the possibilities for moves are immense. Not to mention the amiibo is all ready to go too (although they'd blatantly make another Smash version amiibo anyway).

Who nekunando would like to see: Banjo & Kazooie

As much as I feel the series has gone off the rails ever since the amazing first game on N64, Banjo & Kazooie would make an awesome addition to the Super Smash Bros franchise, not least because they've got moves such as the Beak Buster and Rat-a-tat Rap at their disposal. However, given that Rare have been owned by Microsoft for over a decade, the likelihood of seeing the bear and bird duo appear is almost zero.

nekunando's prediction: Shovel Knight

Shovel Knight has a bit of a following and is certainly in people's thoughts these days given how relatively recent, and popular, the NES-style game was along with the accompanying DLC. I have no doubt that there will have been plenty of votes for this character but whether it is enough for Nintendo to include him in one of their biggest franchises remains to be seen.

Who Nicktendo would like to see: Inkling

The Splatoon franchise has the potenital to be absolutely massive and what better way to introduce those who are yet to try it than in Smash Bros. I know there are already costumes in the game, and Sakurai has said that the costumes would be in place of DLC characters, but I'm not giving up hope! It could indeed be too tricky to pull off, but I am in no doubt that if they could do it, the character would be awesome. I have Smash Bros. to thank for my love of Earthbound and even Metroid (!) as the original 64 game was where I first time I saw Ness and Samus in a video game. I also am in no doubt that the character polled high, so come on Sakurai, spread some squid love.

Nicktendo's prediction: Rayman

Rayman Legends was a big deal on Wii U (I know, I know, it came out way later than it should have, and it appeared on other consoles, but still...). A franchise which is popular with both kids and more experienced gamers seems like a logical choice. Sonic is there, Pac Man, Mega Man and now Cloud, so why not Rayman? A 90s gaming icon whose style and retro look would fit in well with the series.

Who Cube would like to see: Banjo & Kazooie

Some of my favourite video game characters. They remind me a lot of my childhood, and they have a lot of moves in their games to make for some brilliant Smash moves. There are also lots of great game levels that a Smash stage can be based on, and even music from Grant Kirkhope.

Cube's prediction: Banjo & Kazooie

With the surprise announcement of such a non-Nintendo character like Cloud, I think that there's actually a good chance for Banjo-Kazooie to appear in the game. They're highly popular characters, have a history with Nintendo and Microsoft said that they're up for it. On top of that, Microsoft and Nintendo will have been working together recently due to Minecraft being released on Wii U.

Who Kaepora_Gaebora would like to see: Ryo Hazuki

Since Cloud has been announced, anything is possible. I'd love to see Nintendo feed off a little bit of that Shenmue buzz and get Ryo involved in Smash. And with a move set that could be lifted from the series, it should be a fairly job of getting him on board. Whether or not he has the votes though..

Kaebora_Gaebora's prediction: King K. Rool

The DK series has always been criminally under represented when it comes to Smash, so it would be great to see this bruiser climb aboard the Smash band wagon. I can't say I'd necessarily use him, but I know there is a fairly big clamouring for him to turn up. Or Cranky Kong. Either will do.

Who Dcubed would like to see: Bomberman

Just look at his cute little... err... face! He's a classic gaming icon that hails even further back from Nintendo history than the likes of Mega Man and Ryu. Not only is his classic design iconic and beloved (his, ahem "modern", appearance in Act Zero thankfully disregarded into the dustbin of history), but his series is a classic multiplayer mainstay on Nintendo consoles. His was the first series to move into 8 player territory and what more fitting character to appear in 8 Player Smash than the man of the bombs? Quite frankly, this guy has more than earned his place on the Super Smash Bros 4 roster and is long overdue the recognition he deserves!

His moveset would be inspired by the various powerups that appear throughout the series (bomb kick, bomb throw, Kangaroos, line bomb, speed up and many many more), his costume designs can be taken directly from Bomberman Blast on Wii Ware and his Final Smash could place players in a quick-fire top down maze, reminiscent of the series multiplayer gameplay where bombs are nigh on undodgable!)

Dcubed's prediction: Shovel Knight

Shovel Knight already has an amiibo and I don't reckon Shovel Knight will be the only game that makes use of it!

I would be very happy to see the Blue Burrower dig his way into Smash though! While he is a very newly established character, he is much beloved by everyone who has ever played his own game (myself included). The sheer absurdity of his premise is also a great fit for the comic absurdity of Super Smash Bros itself! And while his game is now out on multiple platforms, it's no secret that his game was initially built for Nintendo platforms first and foremost as a timed exclusive and, on top of being an amazing game in its own right, is a lovingly crafted tribute to everything that made the NES era so amazing.

While he does share some similarities with Mega Man, he would certainly stand out as a unique fighter, with a host of Relics to draw a varied moveset from (The anchor, the fishing rod, the flare wand and many more), his costumes can be based on the various armours that he can equip throughout the game (bonus points for making the gold one Flashy, Acrobatic and Useless too!) and his Final Smash would of course feature a dance from none other than everyone's favourite piscine apple, The Trouple King himself! Long may his stem grow!

Who Kagato would like to see: Simon Belmont

I was thinking a few days ago about cartoons i watched as a kid and my thoughts settled on the "classic" show, Captain N: The Gamesmaster. Kevin Keen gets sucked into his NES and lands in an Nintendo themed world and assembles a team consisting of Megaman, Kid Icarus, Simon Belmont and some original characters to taken on the evil Mother Brain! Then it hit me, how cool would it be to have Simon Belmont in Smash bros swinging, wipping and throwing crosses like boomarangs all over the place?

Kagato's prediction: Shovel Knight

Id place money on Shovel Knight, he already has his own amiibo, his game is super popular with just about everyone and the game itself looks like a throwback from the era of the NES. His asthetic is also ideal for Amiibo armor given his dimensions and overall look, plus he does look adorable swinging that shovel around like its an axe...

Who Hellfire would like to see: Crono

I know this isn't going to happen, but it would make me giggle like a schoolgirl. He has magic to complement the sword, loads of moves from Chrono Trigger to choose from and the Final Smash could be a triple tech where other Chrono Trigger characters appear!

Hellfire's prediction: Inkling

Shovel Knight is probable, but seeing that his amiibo isn't from the Smash series (and for the sake of variety), I'm voting Inklings! Splatoon is a huge hit, the characters are great and you can "easily" make move sets with their weapons and subs that would make for a very different type of character. Can't think of anything fresher than that.

 
Those are our predictions, but what about you? Which characters would you like to see make an appearance in Super Smash Bros? Is there a favourite that you would love to see return? Leave a comment below with your thoughts and predictions!