It's been a big day for Super Smash Bros. fans. Fighting aficionados have been given quite a bit to think about and look forward to in the forthcoming installments of the beloved Nintendo franchise, including a Summer release window for the 3DS version of Smash, but news of the removal of mid-match transformations will understandably change up the dynamics and roster layout in the series going forward.

During today's Super Smash Bros. Nintendo Direct, franchise creator Masahiro Sakurai announced that transformations would be completely removed from the franchise. He then proceeded to confirm that the likes of Zero Suit Samus and Sheik (the two infamous transformations of Samus and Zelda, respectively) will be returning, but they'll be occupying their own spot on the roster this time around.

Sakurai elaborated on this decision during the Nintendo Direct presentation, confirming that transformations have been cut in order for players to focus on using just one move set per character.

“All characters who used to change forms during a match will no longer change. Instead, you’ll be able to concentrate on a single move set for the entire fight.”

In lieu of having a transformation move, Zelda will summon a giant knight to inflict serious damage on foes, while Sheik has been given a couple of brand new moves to make up for her inability to change forms. Meanwhile, Zero Suit Samus has been made much more powerful in an effort to bring her up to par against her competition, so she's been given jet boots that resemble high heels — drastically increasing her maneuverability and reach in the process.

This decision is likely apart of Sakurai's plans to buckle down and really bring balance to the Super Smash Bros. franchise on Wii U and 3DS, and it ties into the concept that the prominent Brawl mod, Project M, introduced by removing transformations. There are, of course, some repercussions that'll surface as a result of this decision, and that was instantly made apparent at the end of the Direct.

Yes, this basically means that Pokemon Trainer (a character that specialized in switching between Pokemon to battle) won't be returning, and it's not looking good for Ivysaur or Squirtle either, but at least fans can take comfort in knowing that the ever-popular Charizard will once again be playable.

Do you think eliminating transformations in Super Smash Bros. was the right call, Ranters?

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Super Smash Bros. will be hitting the 3DS in Summer 2014, while the Wii U version will launch in Winter 2014.

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