Analyzing the compelling evidence for a Tales series character in Smash Ultimate’s next DLC
The Smash Ultimate DLC Speculation Landscape
The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate community is abuzz with theories about the remaining Fighters Pass Volume 2 characters, with compelling evidence pointing toward a Bandai Namco representative. As we approach the final three DLC slots, data miners and theorists have uncovered several intriguing connections to the Tales series.
With the ninth DLC slot approaching, patterns from previous reveals and developer relationships suggest Bandai Namco might finally get its own playable character beyond its development role on Smash Ultimate.
The crossover fighting game has become a hotbed for speculation due to its nature of bringing together characters from across gaming history. While rumors about characters like Master Chief or Doom Slayer persist, the current evidence trail leads specifically to Bandai Namco’s beloved JRPG franchise.
The Bandai Namco Connection
Developer Relationships
Bandai Namco’s deep involvement in Smash Ultimate’s development makes a Tales series inclusion particularly plausible. The company has served as lead developer since Smash 4, yet surprisingly lacks a dedicated playable representative despite creating characters for other franchises.
Tales of Festival Timing
The rescheduled Tales of Festival 2021 (originally planned for June 2020) now coincides perfectly with Nintendo’s DLC release window. This anniversary event celebrating 25 years of the Tales series would provide an ideal platform to unveil a character, mirroring how Minecraft Steve debuted near Minecon.
While Nintendo typically avoids tying DLC reveals to external events, the stars seem to align here. The festival’s new March 2021 date falls within the expected release window for the next fighter, creating prime conditions for a coordinated announcement.
Character-Specific Clues
The Missing Mii Costume
One of the strongest indicators is the conspicuous absence of Lloyd Irving’s Mii costume from Tales of Symphonia. While most Smash 4 Mii outfits returned in Ultimate, Lloyd’s remains missing – potentially being held back for a full fighter reveal alongside his costume’s return.
Voice Actor Teasers
English voice actor Scott Menville’s September 2019 tweet about an NDA-bound project raised eyebrows. As Lloyd’s voice actor, this could indicate early recording sessions, though the timeline seems unusually early for DLC development.
I wish I could tell you about this cool voice-over project I’ve been working on but they had me sign an NDA,
(Non-Disclosure Agreement)
or as I like to call it, a
“Nope, Don’t Ask.”
— Scott Menville (@scottmenville) September 19, 2019
Leaked Fighter Lists
Credible leaks have listed both Lloyd Irving and Yuri Lowell from Tales of Vesperia as potential DLC candidates. The Sephiroth reveal established a precedent for including multiple related Mii costumes with a new fighter, suggesting both characters could be acknowledged in some capacity.
The Amiibo Release Pattern
The consistently accurate Amiibo theory suggests DLC fighters typically release within weeks of their corresponding amiibo figures. With Terry, Byleth, and Banjo-Kazooie amiibo scheduled for March 26, 2021, this points to a character reveal in early March – perfectly aligning with the Tales of Festival timeframe.
This theory has correctly predicted every DLC release window so far, adding substantial weight to the March prediction. The convergence of this pattern with other evidence creates a compelling case for Bandai Namco’s representation.
What This Means for Smash Fans
While nothing is certain until Nintendo makes an official announcement, the collective evidence presents a strong case for a Tales series character joining Smash Ultimate’s roster. Whether it’s Lloyd, Yuri, or another Bandai Namco representative, the stars seem to be aligning for March 2021.
For JRPG fans and Smash enthusiasts alike, this potential addition would mark another exciting crossover moment in Ultimate’s already impressive legacy of bringing gaming worlds together.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » New Smash Ultimate DLC theory suggests next fighter is from Bandai Namco Analyzing the compelling evidence for a Tales series character in Smash Ultimate's next DLC