Nintendo just announced that Ike from Fire Emblem is returning to Smash Bros. So, he’s not a new character to the series, but he now looks… different. And some in Japan are mocking his pumped-up appearance.
On popular game sites like Hachima and My Game News Flash, there are commenters calling the muscular Ike a “gorilla”.
Below you can see a comparison between Ike as he appeared in 2007’s Super Smash Bros. Brawl and how he will appear in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.
“And here’s gorilla Ike!” wrote one commenter. “Why’d they have to make him look like a gorilla?” asked another. “Who is this gorilla?” asked yet another.
Meanwhile, on 2ch, Japan’s largest forum, some commenters said the beefy Ike looked like Ryu from Street Fighter. Oh, and people thought the new Smash Bros. character looked like a gorilla.
As noted by Kotaku tipster Kitsunenoyomeiri, many Japanese tend to like thinner characters with muscles — instead of simply, muscle men. Make no mistake, these thinner characters are strong, but they don’t simply rely on brute to win. Rather, they use technique as well. In the West, sheer strength tends to be favoured, especially in video games.
That doesn’t mean everyone online in Japan hates the gorilla Ike. “This gorilla Ike works for me,” said one commenter on My Game News Flash. “My chest is going to get warm.” On Hachima, one commenter wrote, “He’s macho. I’m in love. I am a dude though.” A 2ch commenter wrote, “I think gorilla is cooler.”
What do you think? Do you like old Ike or the new macho version?
Ike [Smash Bros. — Thanks Kitsunenoyomeiri!]
Comments
13 responses to “Ike Joins Super Smash Bros., Gets Compared To A Gorilla In Japan”
Geez, Japan really does have image problems.
MANLY IKE
Better fits with how hard he smacks everyone around.
But does he still fight for his friends?
Yes.
Because they are all puny weaklings that need a big buff protector pal.
I’ve never played Smash Bros or Fire Emblem, so I thought of a different Ike when this was announced.
Ike Turner. Problem is he only slaps around women.
No, Ike Broflovski.
If these commnts appeared on a U.S site, would the article have been called
‘Ike gets compared to a Gorilla in the United States’?
I mean, really who cares what a few random internet comments posted via Japan servers says.
I’m pretty sure it’s just the older Ike from Radiant Dawn, while the SSBB Ike was the younger one from Path of Radiance.
Um…he looks older, I would think its obvious this is Ike as he is during Radiant Dawn(Older, more experienced), as opposed to the last Smash Bros, which had Ike as he is in Path of Radiance (Younger)
The newer version should have like 5 o’clock shadow or a beard.
I really like the change and as Gooky said, it much better fits his slower but stronger play style of Ike compared to the faster and more nimble Marth.
If they don’t like his looks they can just play as another slower character like Ganondorf … When he gets announced … Right? ;~;
Whenever I think of Ike, I think of “Don’t kick the goddamn baby!”
It appears that Gatrie has past away at some point and Ike has looted some of his armour.
Japanese sensibilities are very different, aren’t they? He’s in no way Gorilla-like to me. Also, he looks much more handsome and manly. I’m fully on board with the new look.
Alright, he does look a lot more handsome and mature than the older version of himself… But LORD Jesus… is he on steroid?!! He is so buff that it almost looks abnormal to me. Please fix his arms! It seems like he had a surgery to attach someone’s thick thighs onto his shoulders…