Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's roster remains one of the largest in gaming history, containing over 70 fighters to choose from, with even more being added through the two Fighters Pass DLCs post-launch. The game continues to draw attention, as the appeal of so many different characters from gaming history in one fighting game package is a sight to behold. Fans are always looking to expand Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's roster however they can, though, with one modder deciding to add in one more character from the Xenoblade series into the mix.
The fighter added in, Melia Antiqua, is a fan-favorite amongst Xenoblade fans. She is an important member of the first game's cast, being an heir to the High Entia throne. Despite her regal nature, she is a kind-hearted and ardent ally to the party, which won many fans over. As the party's ether or magic caster, she is able to cast a variety of elemental spells that can assist with dispatching enemies. She even gets her own starring role in Xenoblade's Future Connected epilogue, where she explores the Bionis' Shoulder.
The modder, Demonslayerx8 or DSX8, is a prolific modder in the Smash Ultimate scene. He has created mods of various different Super Smash Bros. Ultimate characters, including bringing the late YouTuber Etika into the roster as a tribute. He's been praised for his high-quality mods, with this one being no exception. Thanks to the release of Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition, the fan was given access to a high-quality model that could be used for modding into Smash Ultimate.
As seen in the video, the mod uses Melia's model from Future Connected, where she's been designed with a new staff and outfit. The playable character she is modded over is the Goddess of Light Palutena from Kid Icarus. This is a fitting choice, considering both characters are magic casters in their respective games and are predominantly light based. According to DSX8, thanks to the breakthroughs regarding the limitations that loaded mods into Smash Ultimate, this allowed for Melia to be released as a standalone character. The modder even includes appropriate voice clips from Melia that would be used in Palutena's place.
As Smash Ultimate is nearing the end of its DLC support, the chance of Melia being added as a unique fighter is slim. Xenoblade already got another representative from its series through Pyra and Mythra, so adding one more from there is unlikely. That being said, modders will still support the game and add whatever character they wish, whether they're a fan-favorite or someone that is relatively unknown.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is available now for Nintendo Switch.
Source: GameBanana