Hey everyone, welcome to the latest edition of the Itoby Fox Newsletter! This week, we're tackling a question that's been swirling around the gaming community for ages: Sans in Super Smash Bros.? Specifically, we're going to dive deep into why this character from Undertale is such a popular choice, the history of his potential inclusion, and what the future might hold. Get comfy, grab your favorite snack, and let's get into it!

The Allure of Sans: Why Everyone Wants Him in Smash

Alright, guys, let's face it: Sans is more than just a character; he's a cultural phenomenon. From the moment we first meet him in Undertale, his quirky personality, cryptic dialogue, and, let's be honest, those fantastic puns immediately win us over. But the reasons behind the community's desire for Sans in Smash go way beyond surface-level charm. It's about a confluence of factors that make him a perfect fit, or at least, a highly desired one.

First off, there's the iconic status of Undertale itself. Undertale isn't just a game; it's a genre-bending experience. It's a game that asks you to consider the consequences of your actions, and Sans is the embodiment of this philosophy. He's aware of the player's choices, and his meta-commentary adds a whole new layer of intrigue. This awareness, this breaking of the fourth wall, is exactly the kind of cleverness that Smash Bros. loves to celebrate. Smash is known for its meta-references, inside jokes, and unexpected inclusions. The inclusion of Sans would be a nod to this gaming culture in general.

Then there's the gameplay potential. Think about it: Sans's powers are tailor-made for a Smash Bros. fighter. The Gaster Blasters, the telekinesis, the ability to manipulate gravity – all of these could translate into a unique and exciting moveset. Imagine dodging his blasters, getting tossed around by his attacks, and generally getting completely outsmarted (as you often are in Undertale)! The creative minds at Nintendo could have a field day with his abilities, turning him into a truly unexpected and memorable character.

It's also about representation. Undertale has a massive fanbase, and many of them see Sans as a symbol of the indie gaming scene. Seeing him in Smash would be a celebration of that community and its creativity. It would be a way for Nintendo to acknowledge and support the smaller developers who have made such a big impact on the gaming world. It's a way of saying, "We see you, we appreciate you, and we're bringing your favorite character to the biggest fighting game of all time."

Finally, there's the nostalgia factor. For those who played and loved Undertale (and there are a lot of us!), Sans represents a special time in gaming. He's a reminder of a game that was innovative, heartwarming, and deeply emotional. Bringing him into Smash would be a way of reliving those memories and sharing them with a wider audience. So, yeah, the hype is real, and the reasons are many. Sans's addition would be a dream come true for many people, especially considering how his game made him one of the most beloved characters of all time.

The History: Sans's Near-Misses and Fan Hopes

Okay, so we know why people want Sans in Smash. But what about the history? Has there ever been a realistic chance of his inclusion? The short answer is: maybe, but mostly not. The road has been paved with anticipation, and close calls, but the end result is the same: the lack of Sans in Smash.

Throughout the entire Smash history, the community has always speculated and hoped for the inclusion of fan-favorite characters. In a sense, the series' ability to add almost any character is one of its most exciting components. The most significant moment of hope for Sans's inclusion came with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The game's roster was the largest of any Smash game yet, featuring a staggering number of characters. This naturally led fans to speculate, and dream. Could Sans be on the list? Would Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale, reach out? The possibilities seemed endless.

Of course, there was also the presence of a Mii Fighter costume. The Mii Fighter costumes are often included to represent characters who, for whatever reason, don't make it as full-fledged fighters. Sans did receive a costume, and this sparked a mix of emotions among the fanbase. Some were happy to see him in Smash, even in a limited form. Others were disappointed that he wasn't a fully realized character, with his own moveset and special abilities. The inclusion of the costume was a bittersweet moment. It was a sign of recognition, but it wasn't the victory that many fans had been hoping for.

Then there were the rumors and leaks. Before the release of a new Smash game, it's not unusual for rumors and leaks to start circulating online. Fans are always eager to get a sneak peek at the roster and see if their favorite characters are included. The anticipation and buildup of excitement are a part of the fun. Some of these rumors did indeed mention the inclusion of Sans, which added fuel to the fire. However, as it turned out, these rumors were not accurate. Ultimately, Sans did not make the cut as a playable fighter.

Despite the lack of full inclusion, the fact that he was recognized at all speaks to the strength of Undertale's influence. The game's popularity allowed its characters to be recognized in the game. It’s undeniable that the game impacted the industry in many ways. While Sans's absence as a full fighter was a letdown, the history of his potential inclusion shows the enduring appeal of both the character and the game.

The Future: Will Sans Ever Join the Battle?

So, what about the future? Is there any chance that Sans might one day find his way into Super Smash Bros.? It's tough to say for sure, but let's consider the possibilities. There are a few key factors that could influence this, and it’s important to acknowledge them when thinking about his future.

First, there's the ongoing popularity of Undertale and the Smash series itself. Undertale continues to be a beloved game, with a passionate fanbase. The game's success is a constant reminder of the possibilities of gaming. As long as people keep playing and loving Undertale, the demand for Sans in Smash will likely remain. It is a long-standing series that, time after time, has always met the expectations of its fans.

Second, there's the potential for DLC (Downloadable Content). Super Smash Bros. Ultimate had a robust DLC plan, adding a variety of new characters and stages over time. While the main DLC run has concluded, Nintendo could always surprise us with more content down the road. With the history of unexpected characters added to the game, anything is possible. It’s unlikely, but the prospect of DLC keeps fan hopes alive.

Third, there's the influence of the creator. Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale, has demonstrated his skills in other areas of gaming. He composed music for the game and also has a deep knowledge and appreciation for Smash Bros., and he is a well-respected figure in the gaming community. His involvement could have a significant impact on the chances of Sans's inclusion. If he were to actively advocate for Sans's inclusion, it would certainly help. His involvement adds credibility to the prospect.

Finally, there's the ever-changing nature of the gaming industry. Who could have predicted the success of Undertale? The gaming world is constantly evolving, with new trends, technologies, and fan favorites emerging all the time. It is important to stay flexible and be aware of new possibilities. Anything can happen, and sometimes the most unexpected things can come to fruition. Although the chances are slim, the possibility is still there.

Conclusion: The Hope Persists

So, where does that leave us, guys? Sans in Smash is the dream of many, and a testament to the character's impact and staying power. While he hasn't made it in yet, the possibility, however small, remains. Even if he never gets in, the community will keep the dream alive, and the discussion will continue. And hey, at least we have that awesome Mii Fighter costume, right? Until next time, stay safe, keep gaming, and remember: Don't forget to have a smashing good time! Thanks for reading!