Brainstorming Dark Matter in Super Smash Brothers 

Anti-Duke-Tangent timestamp: 10:47 It was a funny conundrum figuring out what to do with that segment. The more I reminisced on the memories the more I enjoyed telling the story, but it also caused the segment to grow longer and longer. Does it completely break the flow of the video? Absolutely! But goddamn is it also the best possible way to experience what makes Kirby bosses so ridiculously cool! Anyway, FAQ time! Like usual I'll be using this pinned comment to field questions and clarifications about anything I might have missed in the video itself. Please note that this is not an "Ask me anything and I'll answer" kind of deal, its purpose is more to fill in any blanks that the Brainstorm may have had. Q: This sounds overpowered/underpowered! A: Disregarding that balance judgements are near impossible to make at the conceptual stage... yeah, almost definitely. Forget balance, I'm still unsure if it can even work! But making that sort of call doesn't really have weight when its a concept, this would need playtesting to figure out what direction it's imbalanced in and go from there. Again, the puppet summoning duration would make or break this, and trying to balance something based on team play when the series has never made an attempt to do so (PSI Magnet) would be tricky. Though then again, that also gives reason to disregard balance on that front, no? I am positive though that this would need changing before a hypothetical "Final Version" could exist, so here is a list of potential balance changes to move it from being overpowered/underpowered. Feel free to mix and match to your hearts content! -Dark Matter's puppets can only be summoned when on the ground, or at least take much longer when trying to summon them midair. -Damage to the puppets carries over no/reduced damage to Dark Matter. Maybe make it even lighter to compensate. -Dark Matter's attacks damage it's host when it uses them (Like Pichu) -Dark Matter can take full control of shield-broken allies -Dark Matter grants it's host additional jumps/speed/stats/etc. -Dark Matter can still shield when in an ally, allowing them to attack while it protects them -Dark Matter's puppets have reduced mobility, possessing less jumps and being unable to dash. Q: Why so many original, gruesome attacks? Especially at the cost of actual Dark Matter references? A: To keep up the contrast of Kirby villains. Monsters like Marx, Fecto Forgo and Zero are so jarring because they exist alongside Kirby who is, well, Kirby. Pure innocence juxtaposed against corruption makes the corruption stand out so much stronger. But when placed in a game alongside Ridley and Sephiroth, that effect becomes far weaker. So to compensate I upped the gruesomeness tremendously to ensure the classic effect of Kirby bosses becoming terrifying is still intact. Q: What happens if Dark Matter teleports an ally using a grounded attack into the air? A: Should've covered this in the video, but I didn't think of it until partway through uploading. I feel like outright animation canceling is less interesting, so the way this would work is that, if an animation is playing that would cancel if the fighter went airborne (Smash attacks, for example), Dark Matter would teleport it's host and spawn an invisible platform underneath them until their animation is complete. So, if Ike Forward Smashes and Dark Matter teleports him mid swing, he'll complete the attack before he beings to fall. Q: Why Dark Matter? Why not Marx/Magalor/etc.? A: While I do think Kirby has had several villains that are more interesting, I'd argue Dark Matter is the best choice overall. It is the closest thing to a "main antagonist" that Kirby has, and it's amorphous nature allows it to easily represent all Kirby bosses in addition to itself, hence why it takes so many attacks from other bosses of the franchise. Q: Can Dark Matter possess Assist Trophies/Pokeball Pokemon? A: I hadn't given it any thought before someone asked, but ABSOLUTELY that would be hilarious. Q: Can one Dark Matter possess another Dark Matter? Which can then possess a 3rd, stacking like a nesting doll? A: Yup! Isn't quite as good as it sounds, with every one stacked upon each other it essentially multiplies whatever damage they are taking, but the Dark Matter nesting doll is absolutely possible. I'd go so far as to say that I'd want it programmed so Dark Matter prioritizes possessing another Dark Matter, that way you could have cool custom boss fights by going 1 vs. 6 Dark Matters and a Bowser or something, that's be so fun! Q: No Dark Matter Blade? A: I don't wanna say "Too many swordfighters" cause it's a contrived viewpoint, but... well, there is some truth to the complaint. There are absolutely unique things that can be down with Dark Matter Blade, but I didn't want to have yet another sword swipe forward air or back air, the concept is so unique on it's own that I wouldn't want to add something that so many other potential characters could do instead. Going all "This character is amorphous, so it's going to morph into yet another sword attack" just felt off to me, and the depiction is recurring enough that would feel odd to have it only morph into the Blade form for an attack or two. Definitely should at least be a taunt or victory animation. It can be the new Melee Ganondorf, having a sword only in a victory animation. Q: Wouldn't killing allies attract trolls? A: Yes, but trolls will be trolls regardless of the tools they are allowed to use, I'd rather not limit a design because of an inevitability. Though, I did have an idea in that comment chain where an ally could input to cancel the move, which would cause Dark Matter to use the other form of Marx's splitting attack, where he turns himself into a barrage of projectiles! And make it so that using that move leaves Dark Matter vulnerable and stunned for a short time. That could be a cool way to fix that potential problem, essentially throwing out a choice of which member of the team is going to make the sacrifice play to use a devastating attack. Q: What would the alt colors be? A: I'd use colors referencing other Kirby Final Bosses, with the textures too if possible. A white and red for Zero/02, purple for the Void, pale green for Fecto Forgo, Blue and red for Magolor (Styled after his second phase), pink with multicolored fins/attacks for Marx. I don't know if it would be possible, but a 'starry' color styled after Nightmare's cape would be cool, texturing Dark Matter as if it's some cosmic star eater. And lastly I'd throw a monochrome one to match Kirby and Dedede's monochrome alts.

"If Dark Matter were in Smash Brothers, what entity would stand out as one it would immediately possess?" Is...it wrong I immediately said "Dedede" aloud?

The minute I heard "sheltered in a religious environment" with the context behind it and what was about to happen my jaw went wide open. I knew exactly who Zero Two was and how they looked, so I couldn't imagine the feeling of an angel not only being the final boss but also *trying to kill you* fear increased tenfold by religion.

As an idea to balance the whole “possessed meatshield” gimmick: Summoning is instantaneous, but Dark Matter has to wait out a cool down once a vessel is killed.

My personal hope for Dark Matter in smash would be it appearing in its swordsman form, but i don’t think anyone can deny the potential of the possession mechanic

I love how the 4th charge move in a double battle is basically; "Good luck." * Teleports away *

I friggin adore how you specifically designed this moveset to combo best with Jigglypuff, as if she’s a perfect host given her similar physiology to a dreamlander/void creature, also implying she’s the one of most evil of the cast and most willing to submit to darkness

I love your idea of dark matter as a character. Dark matter would be a very interesting rep of the creepy side of Kirby and more villans means more fun. I have concern about this design. I feel this character is leaning towards support than corruption. When you explain the moveset, the tone of dark matter is very helpful person as a teammate. When I think of possession and corruption, I think of like "I am going use your body against your will for my benefit." I get the impression of dark matter as a guardian than a corrupter. My idea would be to allow dark matter to possess opponents in a 3+ player free-for-all. This could drive the idea of using someone for your own goals with some dark matter creepy stuff, plus it can remove the team battle barrier.

This would be such a cool character however, since smash isn't really a team game it is doubly unlikely, but I think this concept would fit really well into team based game like multiverus.

Another balancing issue I think should have been addressed: If Dark Matter is ever in a sudden death situation, they lose their ability to summon hosts or possess teammates. Because if they had meat shields to create, they’d have way too much of an advantage.

I think what’s more disturbing about Dark Matter is that even after Kirby and Ribbon destroyed their leader in 64, it always comes back to haunt Kirby, weither it’s offshoots of Dark matter like Dark Nebula or Mock Matter, or it officially returns in a dark twisted way like a horrific fusion of nightmare and Zero, the god of destruction taking a form similar to It, and probably the biggest one, Magolor getting possessed and having his body completely destroyed by dark matter and yes it is pretty much confirmed that eye is Dark Matter. (Kirby is even shocked and horrified by that eye appearing in the Novel adaptation of RTDL) it shows that despite being a super tough Pink Puff Kirby is haunted by the ghost of Zero. The only other foe that gives Kirby such fear is Sectonia (is who almost killed him BTW) I love the more horror aspect you designed Dark Matter around, because out of any Smash villian they’re probably one of the most horrific. Just ask Dedede and Adeleine who have been possessed the most by it. I love the host gimmick also showing the sort of immortal nature of the race as no matter what you do to it, it will never go away. A really great design for the true main antagonist of Kirby. Also I agree, Adeleine should return in the kirby franchise especially after the reveals in forgotten lands, I don’t want to wait another 18 years for the 64 crew to team up again. I feel both her and especially Ribbon should be developed more, I mean Ribbon is heavily implied to be Kirby’s love interest and aside from 64’s finale, she hasn’t really shown that yet (Mostly because she’s tethered to Adeleine in Allies) I think it would be interesting for a new 64 crew game, it gives Ribbon the chance to be on equal footing with Kirby (Maybe give her own Copy abilities? It’s not like it’s a Kirby only thing, Gooey and the animal buddies can do it as well).

15:48 Quick idea: The more damage Dark Matter takes, the longer it takes to summon a host.

The ability to instantly kill your ally sounds incredibly frustrating to deal with. If you happen to have trolly friends if you do a team game and they pick dark matter you essentially will not get to play the game because they'll just instantly kill you all the time. This isn't even taking into account online trolls who you aren't even friends with so you won't even be able to laugh about it with them. A solution to this could be if you are possessed having a way to cancel the black hole before you die? So both the Dark Matter player and the puppet have to agree and commit to it?

Miracle Matter being the shield would be a neat touch.

I would like you to imagine King K Rool. Now I would like you to imagine his bulging eye. What a perfect host spot, big friend for Dark Matter! Just a massive, pulsating eyeball that was already throbbing in bloodshot irritation. With every hit, growing bigger, more strained, twitching, until finally the creature bursts from the Kremling King's eye socket as he reels back and perishes... and then immediately gets back up because it's K Rool that's what he does. Just a cute thought, y'know? At the very least, I sincerely hope someone uses this idea for animation practice; the idea of this kind of body horror seems RIFE for artistic expression.

I think for Dark Matters possession of Mr. Game and Watch, the eye appears where an eye would normally go. It would really sell the horror element of the character. Also, love the idea of a symbiotic or parasitic fighter and you implemented it in a very cool and interesting way, especially for a game like smash bros!

17:00 out of all the “smash reboot rosters” i’ve seen this has to be the best one. Keeping pickachu the same but having the trainer behind them is the Perfect way to condence the pokemon representation (since before i alwasy struggled cutting trainer since his huge importance. I’d love to see a video with the thought process behind it.

Legit, after Bandana Dee and Gooey, I'd love to see Dark Matter appear. Alas, Sakurai won''t add any of them considering the track record with Kirby's representation in Smash and how Sakurai prefers to reference the stuff from the games he worked on which is a shame because it would've amazing to hear a track from Return to Dreamland to Star Allies and the Dark Matter Trilogy get remixed in Smash Ultimate. I definitely would've traded Corrin for Bandana Dee.

I love this concept, possession, Creepypasta level of amalgamation horror and The theme prefectly captures darkness itself It's easy to rid of at the start but let it's influences spread and the nothing can stand in it's way Extra bits The snake codex's/palutena guidance could have most the conversation debating it's origins taking an obvious jab and at the Kirby community Pit: uhh is that a floating black eye? Palutena: not just any floating eye ball pit, that's a dark matter, Kirby's greatest enemy and darkness incarcerate. Pit: wait? This thing came from KIRBY'S WORLD!? How can a place that cute have something that creepy? Palutena: every thing has darkness pit, no matter how nice they act.... Viridi: anyway... This thing dark magic is impressive but it's greatest power is possession, one wrong move and you become this things personal meat shield! Palutena: with that In mind, take care of it quick and most of all don't let take control of anyone! Pit: how do think this Thing even came in existence anyway, I think that it was made to counter Kirby's kindness Palutena: well a popular theory is that they & Kirby are on the same family tree, not exactly clear on how. But what we do know it has something to do with ancient entity that could have both light and dark power Viridi: no it's clearly Kirby is just one those things that defected to side of light Palutena: if that were true wouldn't Kirby would only have one eye 🤨 Pit: I'm actually kinda with palutena on this viridi, there probably like me and pit 2! Viridi: I mean my idea explains why there aren't many Kirby's around, I'm the godness of nature for crying out loud so I'm pretty sure I know biology better than you angel boy! Pit: okay I'll shut up 🥲 Palutena: later you two, now pit do what you do best and banish the darkness! Pit: let's put a lighter tone on this dark matter! Viridi: one more pun and I'm feeling him to that black blob! Snake: otacon! There this floating eyeball thing here and looks like it's ready to stir up trouble Otacon: that's a dark matter, evil incarcerate and unending pain in Kirby's side Snake: even the pink marshmallow had some demons, don't we all? Otacon: how can ya tell? Snake: usually when someone good come along there usual a cruel force right on it's tail Otacon: the question on is, who's casting who's shadow? From my leads I can't get solid answer, most answer lead to dark matter coming 1st and the other lead to them being created to counter each other. But one things are certain, this blob wants nothing but to see the world burn. Snake: so how do put this thing in ice? Otacon: it's has many forms but a common trait is symbiotic nature, but it more willing to sacrifice it's host than most. But any threat is doubled with it backing them up Snake: so is there anything stopping it from making me his next toy? Otacon: well............. No Snake: so just make sure it stays on it's own, got it The trailer could have it taken control of young link and sonic 1st, making a reference to a certain executable file and drowning boy Classic mode Title: where's your hero now? Theme: you have team matches with the hero of a specific franchise as your partner fighting there allies and friends, using the heros of the land to aid in it's down fall. Sometimes the villains will help too, they fought the hero for longer than they can count so taking them on should be easy right? All ending with a multiman brawn against Kirby's as dark matter finally gets to dance on Kirby's grave Because dark matter has many interpretations depending what theorist (or Kirby fan In general) you ask but one thing is the same *They REALLY hate Kirby*

2:13 I'll just say that it makes me hope to have "that" as a boss in the next Smash game. And then have a guest from RE fight it.

8:36 It honestly feels absolutly amazing to hear somebody talking about their experiences with final bosses. This intro took me back to my 6 year old self playing kirby return to dreamland after my parents got it for me for Christmas SPOILERS FOR RETURN TO DREAMLAND The twist that Mangolor was evil all along litteraly shattered my little brain, and man that final boss, the first phase was okay and so was the second but it was during another attempt to beat him i vissually remember seeing the red eye INSIDE HIS MOUTH and being utterly mortifyed. I remember pausing the game and running to my parents because of how scared I was. When I showed them the boss i beat it before it opened its mouth and showed its 3rd eye BEST MEMORY OF MY LIFE

I didn't even get three minutes into this video before I was absolutely in love with it. You GET IT, man. The Feeling. The Experience. The whole entire appeal of Dark Matter. Everything you wrote about your experience with 02 was just... IT. That's what we love about it. I miss the Dark Matter Trilogy so much because it gave us art like this.

Ive already thought that Darkmatter should join Smash. But I thought it would just be the Sword version from Kirby's Dreamland 2. But this. This is genius. A pure team based focus fighter is something Im shocked the series hasn't dove into yet. And if this is the route they go. I'd love it. I wish Kirby in general got more representation. With Dee or Matter being my most wanted choices

I will never forget my first time playing through the ending of Kirby Planet Robobot. I was hiding under the covers, playing on a 3DS I wasn't supposed to have in my room, and I was so caught up in the excitement that I completely forgot to keep it quiet. My sister heard the game noises and came into my room. I thought she was going to rat me out, but instead, she stayed and watched, and I beat Star Dream at 2:00 that morning, laying on the floor with my sister. It was simultaneously terrifying and exciting, and I'll never forget it.

16:44 "You want to do WHAT to Sora!?!" I laughed out loud at this, good video dude!

Honestly this is both incredibly horrifying and sounds like a cup of tea as a character. A character that on its own is dangerous but easy to kill, but with the help of others it takes the friendship aspect of Kirby and puts it in a much darker light. However I'd like to throw my own hat into the ring with the idea of an interesting villain concept because initially this isn't the villain but the protagonist who is not evil normally but hear me out. Mega Man Battle Network has and always will be one of my favorite Capcom RPG series ever made, an alternate timeline where instead of focusing on robots, it's focused on the digital world of the net with a world where pretty much everything is connected to it. It's easily one of the more popular Mega Man series, getting 6 main line games all on the GBA, a few spinoffs, 2 mobile games of it's own, and even appearing in X Dive to show Capcom still cares. I honestly think out of all the Mega Man, he should be the next one to be represented in Smash, with Geo obviously as his Echo Fighter if not an alternate costume. In terms of gameplay I think he should be very weak overall, using only his Mega Buster, Navi Cust equipment such as a shield for his Side Special, and small attacks to reference the various fusions such as Double Souls and Crosses perhaps working as a small nod to the Trans Arm from the Battle Network mobile game, Legend of Network. However his Down Special and Neutral special would be your main method of damage dealing. I'd want his down special to summon a menu that works pretty much like a near one to one copy of the Battle Network battle chip selection screen. You'd get 5 chips available and can slot them in to send EXE and he can use these chips via the Neutral Special button. However you can't load in all 5 at once, instead each chip has a specific letter on it, if two or three chips have these letters, they can be used together. Though If you select a single chip and a chip with an asterisk symbol, these chips can be used with any chip though you can't combine it with a chip you have selected two chips at least with the same letter. Once loaded in the chips will be replaced once you open it again, which takes about 10-20 seconds in a battle after sending MegaMan the chips. Of course since you can't customize it, you'd be stuck with random chips sk these chips will be a mix of iconic staples such as cannons and swords but like the games you'd get stronger versions of those chips over time. And if you put chips in a certain order, you can form a Program Advance, basically a powerful attack that can deal much more damage than the individual chips. Like Battle Network however, the folder has a finite space and thus you'd have a finite amount of chips. However I'd say the amount of chips should be dependent on the ruleset. Meaning EXE gets stronger over time but eventually at some point he's gonna run out. However I can guarantee that you'd get a maximum of 5 Mega Chips (which are basically stronger chips) and 1 Giga Chip. There are plenty of different Mega Chips and a small pool of Giga Chips however so the ones you'd get would be random in both which ones you get and when they appear. You could fight for a while and not see a Giga Chip until your folder is nearly empty or you can open it at the start of the match and it would be right there. Now after all of that, you may be wondering what this has to do with a villain pitch and why I spent so long talking about the Battle Chip mechanic? Well let me bring a small summary of some of Battle Network 4's story and you can see where I'm going with this. At the very start of the game, a powerful Navi by the name of ShadeMan attacks several Navis to suck their energy and captures Roll to be his dessert. Naturally being the hero and because Roll is one of his best friends, MegaMan chases after him and confronts him, only to find him impervious to attacks (with MegaMan quoting: "Just like shadowboxing" after a few rounds). But ShadeMan escapes when ProtoMan appeared, abandoning Roll and leaving a mysterious Battle Chip behind. This strange Battle Chip is known as a Dark Chip. Later on you encounter this Navi again when he attacks an amusement park with its robots to retrieve the Chip he dropped. MegaMan tries to fight against him once more but again is unable to hurt him. However even when he thought he destroyed the chip, something appears in the Custom Screen. In the lower right hand corner appears that Dark Chip. With his back against the wall, and against his better judgement, EXE and Lan are forced to use the Dark Chip and defeats ShadeMan in a single blow. This awakens a dark power of MegaMan's soul, a once pure soul now tainted by the deal with the devil he was forced to make. I want this aspect of MegaMan added to Smash. In battle if you find yourself taking too much damage without being able to hurt your foe, two dark purple battle chips will appear in the lower left hand side of the screen. Tempting you to use their power, power that could turn the tide back in your favor… such as the iconic Dark Sword which is basically a Life Sword Program Advance in a single chip. Now before you start claiming these as OP, there is a price you pay. Upon usage these Dark Chips, they will take a single stock from EXE’s amount or give EXE a death despite not dying, this won’t kill you mid-battle like Kamikaze however so your damage taken so far remains the same, it just takes a stock for the Dark Chip used unless you’re at 1 Stock left. However, not only that, but EXE is given a Bug for each Dark Chip used, the bug you get is dependent on the Dark Chip used for the rest of the battle. Keep in mind, this stock loss only affects you ONCE, after that the Dark Chips will not take any more stocks. Like in BN4 and BN5 where you normally lose 1 HP regardless of it you used a single Dark Chip or 3 Dark Chips. However, upon using the chip you are no longer playing as MegaMan.EXE, the Dark Chip’s power turned Hub into the mighty Dark MegaMan.EXE. Gameplay wise DarkMega is virtually the same in every way to MegaMan only his model becomes a darker purple hue and his eyes will turn red just like we see in his portrait sprite in MMBN5, but certain evil chips become usable while a few light type are now unusable. But a small side effect is you are about to die via an attack like a Smash Attack or Final Smash and you are on your last Stock or in Stamina mode, you won't automatically die. Any knockback is rendered gone and you enter Dark Soul Mode, this gives EXE just 1 HP in statima and makes EXE temporarily invincible for 12 seconds. You also now no longer use the Chip Selection screen and instead spam neutral special to use a random chip during this time. This state also can also only happen once per battle. Twice if you use Dark Invisibility, but only once by natural means as DarkMega. But keep in mind you also still suffer from those bugs. To balance this out however, if you can be patient and not give into temptation you can guarantee an extra special Giga Chip replacing a non Mega or Giga Chip you haven't used yet and is only way to get it. The Giga Chip in question would be the Hub Batch Giga Chip. A Giga Chip that replicates the effects of HubStyle, one of the most powerful forms in Battle Network 2, despite the half health downside. It consistently reappears in BN3 and BN4 as a Navi Customizer program, and in BN5 you could get it via using an E-Reader card. In the final game BN6 however is when it appeared as a Giga Chip. Upon use, MegaMan's model gains a bright greenish cyan aura over it. In gameplay however he also gains +3 Custom Screen slots for more Battle Chips to choose from, boosts his normal attacks by 1.5x their normal speed and power as well as increases the power of your charge shot’s speed and damage. You also have some Heavy Armor and like DarkMega you’ll remain like this for the rest of the battle. It cannot be used as DarkMega however, in fact this disables your ability to use Dark Chips and will actually remove them all from your Custom Screen. I want this battle of light vs darkness rolled up into a character. The entire character arc of Battle Network 4 and Battle Network 5 personified and forces the player to pick their poison. Do they risk it all for some quick gains now, or do they wait it out despite everything and gain true power the honorable way. A moveset like this would be incredibly fun and interesting. Meanwhile I imagine Geo as his own Echo Fighter not relying on his forms and being more well rounded in comparison. Using similar Battle Card variations of EXE's Battle Chips. Maybe his own gimmick, like if he can counter a foe (use a chip while they try to attack) he gains a special chip in his own menu to use one of his Big Bang Cards though nerfed obviously for balancing reasons as they usually tend to nuke the enemies. But obviously EXE was the main focus here. Ironically similar to your Dark Matter moveset in that it focuses on corruption and being incredibly powerful… with a price. However in this case, not all hope is lost as if you can overcome temptation, you are rewarded for it.

Wow... this video made me realize that I’ve been enjoying Kirby games on a very face-value spectrum. No wonder this series has such a dedicated fandom. I mean, the way you described that final boss... most horror games nowadays WISH they could pull that off!

I did not expect this character concept, but I really like it. I’d prefer Marx, but this concept makes me intrigued to dark matter, especially with the references to possible descendants

Dark Matter: (has final smash) Master Hand: *Why do i hear boss music*

Dark Matter honestly has a decent chance of getting in. After the main four heroes, adding a villain makes sense, and if you discount Dedede and Meta Knight, Dark Matter is the only one that’s ever really returned, the rest are either one-off or only come back as cameos. Not to mention, Void Termina is a great example of how a Dark Matter character could reference a ton of related one-off bosses, like Piranha Plant does for other Piranha Plant-like enemies (plus y’know, Sakurai era bias)

Very unique, one of the most interesting moveset concepts I've seen. I was never really sold on Dark Matter before because I'd just see people use the swordfighting form which is kinda lame. But this possession gimmick sounds so intriguing and fun to see in action, especially if its accompanied with all the creepy animations.

Starting off with Kuja’s theme, we’re off to a great show. Very interested to see how you’ll implement this possessive fellow. That thumbnail is cursed though. EDIT: Well, that's probably the most disturbing concept for a platform fighter character I've seen, and its one of the most unique, too. I would have liked to see some use of Dark Matter Blade, but I can see that the form probably didn't fit the concept all too well. Oh, and the teammate sacrifice attack would definitely get used a lot by trolls online, as funny and disturbing as the move is.

At the 10 minutes mark I was totally content with the video, and then it struck me again that this is about smash bros and there still a lot of video to watch. Incredible story telling

I've wanted both bandana dee and marx to be playable in smash for awhile but the thought of dark matter becoming playable never even crossed by mind, And i can't deny that the move set you show in this video has made me very interested. Plus i'd love to see people who know nothing about the Kirby lore react to his reveal trailer, You've earned a sub my friend!

The backstory of how you came to learn about the deeper side of Crystal Shards was really cool! Even just that alone made the video for me! I wanted to advocate for Dark Matter to represent the Kirby villain in Smash too, so looking forwards to the proposed moveset half of the video, just thought the backstory was so good it deserved a comment. EDIT: Now I've seen the moveset, I really love the idea of it embodying the subtle horror of the Kirby series as whole, rather than just going "this is the most recurring villain of the Kirby series so deserves the Kirby villain role". Playing on its amorphous nature and taking the horror of it up several notches whilst playing in super creative ways with the attacks and possession was super cool, and the ways to balance this like how easy it would be to launch or how long it would take to use these things made for a super neat concept. The Final Smash idea, though, had me clapping, it was absolutely amazing! This is a great video, I'm really glad someone else thought of the potential of Dark Matter in Smash but with the amazing creativity of their own childhood experience of it guiding them to make something so fitting for the darker side of the Kirby series! Amazing video, love your creativity!

This moveset idea is super awesome, although I can’t imagine how disturbed your family was if they ever realized what you played in that cute little cartridge. Also ayo, isn’t Dharkon just Dark Matter?

The idea of a parasitic teammate alone is super cool. With how often we see the "dark force possessing a host and offering ultimate power that's also bad for their health" trope, you don't see a lot of support characters that really do stuff like that and use a teammate as a meat shield and even sacrifice them for an ultimate move.

Awesome vid - glad to hear that you're pleased with the outcome and that you've managed to complete this project that you've been passionate about (though whilst I'd like both Bandana Dee and Dark Matter in given the chance, if I had to choose one I'm afraid my loyalty to Bandana is absolute). As for how long the summoning of a puppet takes, I don't know if it's been suggested already (a quick scan of the comments at the time of writing didn't find any), but surely it'd be best to base it on Dark Matter's current percentage - at low percentage Dark Matter is fresh, so it comes out swiftly, whilst at higher percentage Dark Matter is exhausted, taking longer to grab a puppet to use.

This is an interesting idea holy moly. Now I too wanna make a Dark Matter move set

The doubles concept is a really cool idea, reminds me of abathur from heroes of the storm - especially with larger teams where you could choose which allies you possess. I don’t know how good it would be but I already love it Edit: oh huh abathur was mentioned later in the video lmao. Still really cool

I feel like the possession thing should work more similarly to kirby, where it takes the form of the character, clones it, and steals a few of its moves, as well as becoming the weight in between its weight, and whatever it stole

I agree with the villain thing, Kamek is easily my most wanted character

This is genuinely one of my favorite videos I've seen in awhile, this would be such an amazing character in Smash keep up the great videos :)

God, this is an absolutely incredible video, I love it!! Your story about your introduction to dark matter was super fun to hear, your moveset idea was super cool, and your general enthusiasm for this topic was just,,, *chef’s kiss* While it’s hard to say I’d want dark matter over our good pal bandana dee, or, uh, the guy in my name and icon, you’ve definitely sold me on an idea that I wouldn’t have thought would work. The emphasis on team play is unique, Dark Matter’s possession abilities is definitely one of its coolest features for me and your ideas, though potentially a pain in terms of actual implementation, are very clear and do a great job of showing off that power. Plus, I’m a sucker for body horror, so having a character with so much of that in the moveset is sick. It’s also worth mentioning then when you were describing the final smash, my first thought was “Oh! Just like Brawl in the Family!”, and seeing that that was the actual inspiration brought me immense joy because you’re absolutely right about it being the best. Wow this turned into a bit of a ramble, my bad. There just is no chill when it comes to Kirby I suppose. Tldr: Great video, Great ideas, Great taste in both video games and video game related media. Keep up the great work!

Really interesting idea for a move set. I also loved hearing the story of how you first saw zero two. I’d like to share a story of my own. I remember one summer i saw a commercial for a brand new Kirby game, which looked AWESOME! I was a massive fan, and just finished watching all of right back at ya. There were the standard abilities, and playable characters, and a waddle dee with a spear! But then I saw THAT. SUPER ABILITIES??? WHAT??? I was excited, then forgot about it like a day later. Fast forward to thanksgiving break. So my mom had me “work” with a ac and heat repair guy (basically just give him tools) back in 7th grade during thanksgiving break (long story, basically just wanted to repay someone for their help) and I got paid for my “work” even though I didn’t really do anything. Either way, my mom was proud of me “working” and took me to Walmart to buy a game. Then I saw it on the shelf: “Kirby’s Return to Dreamland.” HOLY HELL THAT LOOKS AWESOME! My mom bought it, and I played that damn game for HOURS. It was pure bliss. Everything was just wild, and my sister and cousins would play with me too, and it was MUCH funner than Mario bros Wii’s multiplayer. Eventually we all got to the final boss, I make the last hit, and “WE DID IT GUYS! WE JUST BEAT THE GAME!” Is what we thought, but oh no. That’s when the crown flashed, magalor’s second phase emerges, and fucking CROWNED begins. Oh. My. God. THIS was what defined kirby to me now. His ability to mimic super abilities, juggling enemies in his hands, the magic lasted beams and star portals, it was mind blowing. Something we DID NOT expect to see. That moment is why magalor is and always will be one of my FAVORITE villains EVER. Basically, put magalor in smash

Absolutely BREATHTAKING CONCEPT WHAT!!!! Possession in smash!!! so flexible and creative and NOVEL, Dark Matter has been one of my dream smash fighters for ages but I never thought of a concept as horrifying and strange as this! Absolutely perfect representation of Kirby bosses! You are so good at making my brain flood with ideas and imagining playing as this, there's so much potential! Also LOVED the Kirby 64 story time, it adds a lot!

Wow this concept for Dark Matter is so cool! Your description of the final smash gave me chills I love it. I always heard that Kirby bosses were insane but I never played a Kirby game before so I never knew until now just how crazy they are.

“Angels are unquestionably good.” Unless you count demons which would literally be bad angels.

Congratulations, you've sold me on a character i never knew i wanted. The idea of a teammate you can never completely trust is fascinating for a fighting game, and something I can't really think of being done before

What a incredible moveset, definitely the most ambitious and creative one I've ever seen for a character. You did a fantastic job, and that story about your first encounter of 02 was expertly crafted. 10/10 video. I also wanted to add some additional ideas for some visual parts of Dark Matter, such as alts, taunts, victory animations, etc. Alt. Colors: 1. Base colors, black "body" with orange tentacles(?). 2. Blue body, with red tentacles, referencing Gooey, the only good form of Dark Matter. 3. Pure white body (maybe a little red thrown in there), referencing Zero, 02, Miracle Matter, and even Void. 4. Fiery Orange coloring with redish highlights, referencing Dark Mind. 5. Purple Body with blue tentacles, referencing Dark Nebula. 6. Faded Grey body, referencing N-Z, an enemy from 64, implied to be apart of the Dark Matter species. 7. Multicolored body, referencing Dark Crafter. 8. Finally, a Pink body with Red tentacles, referencing the species' ultimate enemy (and implied relative), Kirby. Taunts: (Don't know how'll they'll work when possessing something, but it's all speculation). 1. They'll shriek upwards, shaking their tentacles furiously, causing blood to spurt from them as they do so. 2. Multiple eyes will appear on their body, and they'll always look in the direction of a foe, even as they're moving. 3. Dark Matter will turn towards the camera, and it will morph its eye into the creepy smiley face of 02. Victory Animations: I honestly couldn't think of anything else besides Darkness completely covering the screen, leaving only Dark Matter's eye staring into the camera. I mean, when your a cosmic horror whose one goal is to blanket the universe in nothingness, what else would be a victory to you? It would make things tricky for team battles however.

This seems like a moveset for The Thing in smash. This is great.

I resonated too much with your story as I had something similar with Sonic Adventure 2. Anyways, the thumbnail has such a Learning with Pibby energy that I think that Dark Matter is more of a final boss material rather than a character, as Dark Matter's charm is how deceptive it is, just like Kirby's lore. Having Dark Matter as a playable fighter is like putting it on the cover art of a Kirby game. It kinda robs the experience of being as surprised as you were. Still, amazing video! It compelled me to play more Kirby games

For smash attacks while possessing an ally I would say you can hold the attack but it doesn't gain increasing power

I'm also something of a villains man myself, considering that I'll literally side with the bad guys when given the chance.

Best vid of yours yet Duke! I got so caught up in the story in the first 11 minutes that I forgot what vid I was even watching lol

That's so freaking cool, I am disappointed that I didn't know about this channel until today but this was an extremely creative moveset!

this video and the ideas presented in it are executed amazingly. i absolutely Loved that story about how kirby 64 affected you personally, and that thumbnail art is Harrowing, in a good way as well as the traditional way people tend to use the word. i love to see people talk in-depth about the total juxtaposition that kirby is basically made of. this concept is extremely interesting and even if smash might not do something like it for one reason or another, i am absolutely enamored at such a shake-up to the normal fighting character formula. i hope one day we get to see something like it in action.

I had an idea that if dark matter was possessing someone, they would also share healing like if they eat a maximum tomato or hero uses heal

If there's one thing I don't like about this, it's knowing that there's not really any support-type characters in the roster. Like, supports that help and assist in team fights. But you... not only did you manage to add in a villainous character (which there's barely any of, aside from K.Rool, Ganon, or Ridley), but you also managed to make them a fairly supportive character that could turn the game around should it play its ever so dark cards right. I. LOVE THIS! You managed to turn it into such a supportive character that helps and covers weaknesses other fighters may have (Dark Matter up-air into Jigglypuff rest, Side/Up-special during Dedede up-special/Bowser down-special, etc). My boy, I am very happy you decided to do this and I wish you the best day possible. ^^

16:09 This kinda feels like a feature that'd be more at home in something like Multiversus. I don't think Smash Bros has any moves that focus on team games.

You have such amazing ideas! I really hope he gets added in smash

I like this idea, imagine the overpowered plays two very well coordinated players could go through, just shredding the competition

This video is amazing... Your story with Kirby 64 is amazing, it's wonderful how blind you were playing it, I wish I got to live that with the game as a kid! And of course, your concept sounds incredible, one of my favorites I've ever heard for Smash.

"Music are for Hymns" Zero Two: Nice argument, UNFORTUNATELY!

i feel like summoning would be like a bar you have to charge up sorta like cloud's limit, instead of just pressing it once and summoning. of course the bar would be a lot smaller then limit but still

"My son, you ARE an air fighter! And expendable."

Two notes. One: Nintendo would absolutely be willing to make body horror with their mascots. What company do you think made Dark Matter in the first place? Two: You are absolutely right about the rating thing. Everything about SSBU was given the a-okay by the ESRB, save for one character who single-handedly bumped the age rating to M. Naturally, the character was Marx, who got heavily toned down to get a reasonable age rating.

This is honestly my favorite recent moveset for a "what if" character yet. The theme-ing, the final smash, and the possession mechanic are great.

Wow, made a whole ass new playstyle, never seen or heard anything like this and now I want this so bad. This sounds so much fun…

Would be neat to see a design video for Multiversus in the future

This is the most creative smash imagining I've EVER SEEN!! I believe you could do any character, even Klonoa at this point!

I’m late to the party, but I can’t believe they got away with letting Zero’s eye ERUPT FROM IT’S BODY AND BLEED ALL OVER THE BATTLEFIELD, and until the rerelease they were allowed to have a E rating! *I love this fucking franchise.*

I've been advocating for Dark Matter as a fighter in Smash along with Wart for some time now. Although admittedly, I desperately want Wart more due to all his potential as a fun character. Yet, when it comes to Dark Matter, I knew the perfect way to implement his moves and such. Sakurai normally likes to stay true to a character with maybe some other series references slipped in when necessary. So, I had some iffy feelings about your concept. First and foremost...this is Nintendo. They won't make Dark Matter that gruesome. Sakurai even had to tone down Marx in Ultimate for the ESRB rating. Second, having about half of his mechanics rely on doubles or possession is...somewhat an insult to how Dark Matter is on his own. But, it's also just not fun for the person fighting with or against Dark Matter, easily making him one of the most hated Smash fighters. Also, essentially, the player can't enjoy the character itself so much as having to rely on another body to become something. I know for me, I love Dark Matter's design, and I'd like to see that for the majority of the time I fight. When it comes to his design, I think going for a mix of his blade form and true form is a good idea. Like the Dark Matter Clone from Planet Robobot. Yes, it's another sword fighter of sorts, but I think making his basic attacks focus on his sword moves, like jabs and smash attacks, his specials could be for his true form. Final Smash would easily be him summoning Zero or Zero 2 and then firing a large red laser. Kind of like K. Rool's Final Smash. It fits Ultimate's design philosophy. Quick and straight to the point with a memorable reference. Since I said his basic attacks would be sword related, I think we can move from that since the majority of that would be simple. Maybe something unique worth mentioning, however his is forward tilt and air would shoot sword beams that go a short ways. Side Smash would be his frantic slashing attack from Planet Robot. For specials, his neutral special would be firing his laser with a tap, or hold it to excrete his orange orbs and fire them as they lock on nearby opponents. Both forms of the attack are meant for basic defense/long range tactics, so as such, the damage output would be around 5% for the laser, and 10%-15% when all orbs hit. Side Special would be his shadowy charge. And keeping your teleport idea is great. So, I'd keep those two moves the same. Especially since Kirby Final Bosses are known for teleporting. Now, for the possession part. I know some people may not like this, but... Down Special becomes a sort of counter-like attack. Dark Matter will leave himself open for attack, like Incineroar's Revenge. Getting hit will still hurt Dark Matter slightly like Revenge, but with the reward of possession of your opponent. While inside, the opponent has a poison-like effect. Similar to Joker's side special. Dark Matter can then move the opponent around as he pleases and can attack from the body. But there is another catch. The lower the percent of the person he's possessing, the more they can resist your control, and the faster they can get you out of them. Say their percent is 0. Without mashing, you can stay within their body for 5 seconds. With mashing, it cuts the time by 50%. So, 2.5 seconds with mashing. For every 10%, 2 seconds are added to how long he can possess you. So, at 10%, he can stay in you for 7 seconds undisturbed. 20% = 9 secs, 30% = 11 secs, 40% = 13 secs, 50% = 15 secs, 100% = 25 secs, and so on. Now, remember, if someone mashes, this can be cut in half which is why the time needs to be somewhat generous. I think in order to make it not as good, if necessary, one second can be added per 10% instead. But, even with 100% and mash, that drops from 25 seconds to 12 and a half. Still a lot of time, but here is the other perk for the person being controlled. They can influence where they go early on. The "healthier" they are, the more control they'll have, even while possessed. The big question then is, what can Dark Matter do with a possessed fighter? What does that fighter look like? Well, they emit a dark glow and give the face when under Joker's side special effects. Dark Matter can teleport around, but the distance is dependent on the weight of the fighter. Someone like Bowser makes it hard to teleport very far. While Pichu makes it easy to go about as far as he does normally. Dark Matter will retain all his specials, essentially. But, his neutral attacks are now the fighter's he took over. His neutral special his is eye peaking out and firing a laser. He cannot use his orange orbs in this form. His side special makes the fighter lunge forward in with dark aura which causes the fighter to be consumed and take damage. Then his down special is how he can leave the body willingly. Why? So he can try to make a fighter go off the stage and then jump out of them as they fall to their doom. However, if they break free before he can exit them over a pit, Dark Matter will be pushed down instead and be in disadvantage, making it a risky move early on. I should mention that all attacks used when he is possessing someone will have a small multiplier. Including attacks of fighter he is controlling (jabs and other neutral attacks). I'd say maybe a 1.1 to 1.2 multiplier. So, in doubles or free-for-alls, this means being able to use another player as your protection. You can still take damage, but the fighter you possess takes damage and Dark Matter. However, Dark Matter only takes 50% of the damage output as well as the fighter you are controlling. Essentially sharing the pain. This equally allows both the person under control and Dark Matter to not be punished horribly by outside forces. So, that's the gist of his Down Special, which is obviously his most complicated move, but also needs someone to "touch" him, or in this case, attack him, to be able to get inside someone. His grab attacks would be him also possessing the opponent and working kinda like DK's cargo throw. This would be the simpler and weaker alternative to his Down Special. For his pummel, he can simply leech away their life (but he doesn't get health from it). He can move them around, but slowly. So it's not easy to get them off the stage unless you grab them next to the ledge. Throwing them will have Dark Matter come out and do an attack. This can be several thing, so take your pick, but if his down throw is used in their air, it should have a weak meteor effect. Anyways, I've rambled on a long while. But this the foundation of the idea, with room for improvements I'm sure. The idea is that Dark Matter can stand on his own as a fighter. But, he is more than capable of possessing someone when he's on the back foot.

I love everything about this. The emphasism on shape-shifting and body horror, the puttet gimmick that makes it feel like fighting a parasite that won't die, possessing teammates. Seriously, great job.

I just found out about this channel, and just...when it hit 9:00 , I knew I wasn't alone on being heavily sheltered and Video games blowing my complete lid on what they could do/what they were. Granted, for me it was a party at my uncles house and Mario Kart 64. Rainbow Road completely shattered expectations. You got a subscriber my dood, I can't wait to see more stuff!

Very fascinating ideas, when I was thinking about Dark Matter in Smash all I really thought of was their Swordsman variation, with the ability to switch between that and the orb for certain moves, but you honestly sold me on the orb being used for more than just lasers and stuff.

For the whole animation problem of fusing with other fighters, I think something similar to what they used for Inklings Ink and the other "coating" effects like Metal and Gold forms could work well as an indicator.

I feel like the taunts could be where he mimics his opponent, taking their form and the respective taunt. So, his down taunt against Luigi would be the kick. If it's against multiple enemies, it could be randomized.

I FUCKING CALLED IT- After watching the video, I can definitely say this is one of your best concepts. Highly impractical on the development side, but it was still a fun watch! I actually had a few ideas for this thing's moveset before watching this. For example, a Side Tilt/Smash where its eye swells up, only for it to burst almost immediately upon expanding. Or a Grab where it just up and consumes opponents, morphing its body to attack them inside and out. Moving onto the actual moveset, the possession gimmick was such an out of left field idea, and I mean that in a good way! The way it was treated like a Venom-esque parasite, with the ability to possess characters from its own series and the fighters its teamed up with actually blew me away. No matter how much I type, I'm never going to make a comment that does this video enough justice. At the end of the day, this moveset was just downright impressive, and truly gave my brain the push to support Dark Matter in Smash - maybe even more than Bandana Dee and Gooey!

Been waiting a long time for this, can’t wait to watch it!

It's neat, even if the moveset takes very little inspiration from Kirby itself. I would like to see a somewhat similar possession mechanic added to Mario's moveset through Cappy.

i have no other words to describe this video and the idea it presents but... BASED. we need more amorphous characters in fighting games to get the respect they deserve

You sold me on a character I never even knew I wanted, amazing job!

2:12 I'm very grateful for this, man, thank you so much, I really have a harsh time trying not to spoil myself by accident (only spoiler for now being the Waddle Dees Rick Rolling me on the village sort of thing place), so thank you

Sounds like an interesting idea… someone please use this idea to add dark matter into rivals of aether

Honestly I would have a blast with this character. Its the kind of character to either be upfront causing chaos, or lingering in the background to prepare devastation. It being a few hits away from death at any point yet being highly mobile and deadly makes it a kind of Chaotic Glass Cannon that relies on its host and friends to tank for them. This sounds like a fun character to play as, and it definitly represents the energy that kirby bosses give.

You just think the exact same way as me, this is the first video I see from your channel and I already love you Love live Dark Matter and any form of it

This is such an inspired and unique concept! I've always wanted some form of Dark Matter in Smash (at least as a boss) but never actually thought it would work, and this is a really cool representation of the character(s), Although I was kinda surprised there wasn't as much of an emphasis on Miracle Matter and that one Dark Matter that looks like a Knight. Anyway, easiest sub of my life.

I definitely agree and love how you explain the Kirby 64 and the crystal shards. It has a cute to eerie factor to it, and I too played it when I was a kid so it was three times more creepy than it should be.

Your story reminded me of myself when I played Return to Dreamland. It was the first game I actually played (I “played” Smash Bros Brawl but in reality my sister made me a CPU and I just pressed buttons, I was very small). Spoilers to Kirby’s Return to Dreamland btw. I have never experienced a final boss or a plot twist before so when Magalor revealed that he led me on the whole time, the rage and awe I felt was immense and will never leave me. Then I got to fly through space on a dragon and fight the ship I repaired throughout the adventure. I finally got to face Magalor, after too many tries to count, I beat him but then…. Magalor Soul appeared and CROWNED played. That beginning, the rising music as the crown was covered with shadow, it put a sense of dread into my heart. I tried and tried and tried but Magalor Soul wouldn’t fall but as I played, the song that was once gave me dread now played a hopeful tune that drove me forward. I eventually beat him and the euphoria I felt that day was greater than I ever had felt before. That is why the character I pray for is Magalor instead of Bandana Waddle Dee. Should Bandana Waddle Dee get in over Magalor? Probably but I think Magalor would be much more interesting.

At first I was like this couldn’t possibly work But after watching this I’m like yeah no this can work I love this idea also I loved your backstory of Kirby 64

The whole possession type mechanic, imo, is so damn cool. Plus, if you’re doing say, Co-Op Classic with a friend who’s not particularly good at the game, you could use Dark Matter to help them out, protect them and/or save them if they fail to recover properly. Despite the down-special while possessing an ally could cause salt, the most interesting thing about this is how Dark Matter of all things…can also cause some incredibly wholesome interactions between players.

This is such a fantastic concept for a character that can shapeshift and morph into anything. What you've said is something I wish a certain character from another crossover fighting game had. I love the team mechanic as well, something I've never thought about with some characters. I wish more Smash characters could have special moves for teams but I guess it will break the competitive scene since some characters will be better in teams than 1v1 or in 2v2. Also, making one remake video with another video being new is a great idea.

When you started playing clips of kirby villains i got worried about being spoiled forgotten land. Thank you for not spoilers.

Zero 2 was your first final boss? At 6!? Holy shit! How were you not traumatized for life?!

Dark Matter: *charges neutral special* Buy me some time. Sonic/Jigglypuff: You want me to fight 2 on 1? Dark Matter: Just do it! (30 seconds later. The move is fully charged.) Dark Matter: “TWO KIDS GON’ DIE TONIGHT!”

This was amazing, I love personal stories like this

Gosh, this is so well thought-out. I want to play as this (currently) non-existent fighter so bad! If they can make the Plant a fighter, they can do Dark Matter. One thing I wanted to add: There should be a move the utilizes Dark Matter's orange "orbs", maybe as a defensive move(shield?). In fact, what if he used the orbs instead of having a shield? They would float around him for the "shield's" duration, both blocking enemy moves and dealing a small amount of contact damage(makes it hard to grab). The catch is the orbs will break after a small amount of damage, and loosing a lot of them will leave Dark Matter vulnerable to attack. The orbs will regenerate on their own over time, like a shield. I think it fits the characters theme well; it uses the orbs as damage buffers, like puppets, but when they're gone he is left vulnerable. TL/DR: Use Dark Matter orbs instead of standard shield.

This is amazing I love it It fits them so, so well

Dark matter trilogy is underrated also loving the moves you have given him and loving the StarCraft references everywhere