Nickelodeon All-Star Brawlwas announced on July 13, and since then has become arguably one of the most anticipated games for the tail end of 2021. It is a platform-fighting game alaSuper Smash Bros.developed in-part by Ludosity, the studio behindSlap City, and trailers released thus far suggestAll-Star Brawlhas content for casual and competitive fighting game fansalike. The game has deep mechanics like wavedashing, made famous bySuper Smash Bros. Melee, to back up its growing roster of popular Nickelodeon characters.
That roster ranges from older, more obscure references likeAaahh!!! Real Monstersto ongoing modern programs likeThe Loud House, and of course Nick’s most popular series:SpongeBob SquarePants. However, a lot of appearances come from the “golden age” of Nickelodeon cartoons in the late 1990s and 2000s. Three fighters recently revealed forAll-Star Brawlare Aang andToph fromAvatar: The Last Airbender, as well as Korra from its sequel seriesThe Legend of Korra. Fans of that fantasy universe may notice something missing in that spread, and fan-favorite character Prince Zuko would be a perfect fourth addition.
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Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl - Balancing the Elements
InThe Last Airbender, the world is split into four nations defined by uniquely Asian-inspired cultures and the element-controlling “benders” who live there: The Water Tribe, Earth Kingdom, Fire Nation, and Air Nomads. The series centers around airbender Aang, one boy in a long line of all-powerful individuals called the Avatar meant to keep balance between these nations and the Spirit World. Aang tries to run away from this responsability, only to freeze himself in an iceberg for 100 years - which lets him narrowly escape his peoples' genocide at the hands of the Fire Nation.
Though a large part ofThe Last Airbender’s narrative revolves around Aang learning the remaining three elements and mastering his untapped spiritual power in order to stop Fire Lord Ozai,Aang’s moveset inNickelodeon All-Star Brawlfocuses exclusively on airbending. Similarly, his blind companion and teacher Toph uses her earthbending almost exclusively inAll-Star Brawl.
The Legend of Korratakes place 70 years afterThe Last Airbender, and focuses more on conflicting political philosophies than warring elemental nations. Korra is the next Avatar from the Southern Water Tribe, though she has already mastered earth and firebending by the start of the series. This is reflected in herNickelodeon All-Star Brawlmoveset, but she is still primarily a waterbending representative. Thus the crossover fighting game could also use a firebender, be it in the base experience or DLC.
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Why Prince Zuko Would be Perfect for Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl
Prince Zuko, voiced by Dante Basco also ofHookandAmerican Dragon: Jake Longfame, is believed to have one of thebest redemption arcs in entertainment- especially for a series developed for younger audiences. He is the son of Fire Lord Ozai and bears a scar inflicted by his father for speaking out of turn. Much of his early life is spent trying to capture the Avatar to reverse his banishment, but over the course of his adventure Zuko is shaped by his experiences and chooses to side with Aang as his firebending teacher.
The inner turmoil of Zuko’s struggle between seeking the favor of his family and following his own moral compass is compelling, and by the end he usurps his father to become a Fire Lord who rebuilds the world with Aang leading intoThe Legend of Korra. He would be a great draw for something like DLC, with plenty of potential references like his dance for the Firebending Masters or even alternate costumes based on the outfits he wears at different points in his arc.
There are other firebenders who could be included to balance the four nations inAll-Star Brawl’s roster, with someone like Mako fromThe Legend of Korraoffering a more diverse representation of the two series and different powers like better control over lightning. However, it’s hard to picture anyone serving as a better selling point than the beloved, honor-seeking Prince of the Fire Nation.
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawlreleases October 5 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
