Heading into E3 2021, one of the most highly anticipated announcements from Nintendo was the next fighter to join the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate cast.
A few months ago, there were leaks that Nintendo and Microsoft had teamed up, starting with Halo's Master Chief joining the cast of Nintendo's popular fighting game crossover series.
However, at the Nintendo Direct showcase at E3 2021, Nintendo took audiences by surprise by announcing Kazuya Mishima of the Tekken series as the next newest Super Smash Bros. Ultimate fighter. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Welcomes Kazuya to the Roster It definitely looks like Kazuya's bringing an entire volcano along for the ride.
Kazuya is one of the most popular characters in the Tekken series. He first appeared in the original Tekken game as the protagonist, before transforming into one of the series' main antagonists in subsequent games. Since then, Kazuya has appeared in most of the mainline Tekken games. The sole exception was Tekken 3. This was when his son, Jin Kazama, took his spot and became the protagonist of the franchise.
Judging from the trailer, it looks like Nintendo isn't going to change a lot of Kazuya's movesets from the Tekken games. Of course, it'll be tweaked to fit better with the Smash style.