When new, previously Japanese-only characters show up in a Super Smash Bros. game, playable or not, they intrigue new fans, gain popularity, and give Nintendo the dilemma of deciding whether or not to bring franchises either to the international market, or to simply revive them from a long hiatus. Many have argued that Super Smash Bros. brought interest in the Mother and Metroid series to a whole new generation of gamers. Super Smash Bros. Melee was partially responsible for the release of Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem being brought over. This time, it looks like Brawl might spur a little more than a Kid Icarus revival…

Enter Saki Amamiya, a new assist trophy. He’s from the N64 game Sin & Punishment: Successor to the Earth, previously only released in Japan, now available worldwide through the Virtual Console. His Cannon Sword is essentially a sword and gun combined into one. He’ll jump around the stage, slicing and dicing, and firing at you with a moveset that rivals any playable character’s. Apparently Saki received a ton of votes when all Nintendo sites were asking for character suggestions.

Smash Bros. DOJO!!