The initial reveal of Pyra/Mythra for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate back in February was quite a surprise to many, especially fans of Xenoblade Chronicle 2 who were expecting Rex to be chosen to represent the series.
In a recent Famitsu column, Sakurai explained that although they originally did plan on having Rex & Pyra appear as a duo character similar to the Ice Climbers, this was ultimately scrapped in favor of the form changing Pyra/Mythra due to development challenges.
Although Sakurai briefly touched upon this topic in the Pyra/Mythra Smash Presentation, his comments in the Famitsu column shed a lot more light on how Rex ended up being passed over in favor of Pyra/Mythra.Â
Famitsu Sakurai Rex Highlights
When it was decided that we were to create a character from Xenoblade Chronicles 2, the very first thing I thought about was to show and move Rex and Pyra at the same time on screen. But a conclusion that it’s impossible came at a mach speed. I somewhat requested the team to inspect it, but it was impossible.
When we talk about 2 people who move as a single group, there are the Ice Climbers. They have the same looks and can only do the same things. When we tried Rex + Pyra, it was clear that we could not do an essential task to have their [data] capacity exceed a processing load threshold.
The system to have Rex as the main fighter and Pyra overseeing him was also determined to be difficult. The design was so complex that a lot of things would have to be done.
Rex would have to be moved on his own. But then I thought it would be better if we can change between Pyra and Mythra.
Are you happy with the decision of going with Pyra / Mythra?
