And yet nearly every other fighting game has some sort of ultimate attack mechanic that isn't tied to an item. :b

^That's pretty much the reason why Smash Bros is unique in that sense.
A gauge or something similar would be way too generic, and Smash Balls imo really create a sense of tension, a race to see who can get to it first. A concept that isn't really explored often in fighting games.
I mean, some people may not like that feeling, but personally I like it as it's something quite different.

I guess that's true, although weren't Final Smashes an idea since the first game they tried implementing?

Also I blame Cleod for making Final Forms because that wants me to duke it out with Bankai against Super Saiyan. :b

Here's an idea for a new "item".

You guys remember Bubsy? That annoying jackass who had those four horrible games? What if this universally-hated character became an item in SSF2? He could have a small chance of spawning in the battle and would try to attack opponents. However, his attacks woud deal little to no damage and negligible knockback. His real purpose in the game is to be a punching bag and if someone is able to knock him off the stage, that player will gain a point. (Also, Bubsy's head would appear alongside the heads of every other KO you got in the match, just like Ridley amd Metal Face in Smash 4.)

What do you giys think?

He could be an AT... IDK

That would defeat the purpose of K.O.ing him. Besides, the devs should save those Assist Trophy slots for characters that we actually WANT to come ot and assist us.

If only there were such an item that revolves around being the punching bag and rewarding you for hitting it in the Smash Series.

Oh wait.

Are you saying that you don't want to have the cathartic feeling of ruthlessly beating on the universally hated main character of what is arguably the worst game franchise ever conceived?
Yeah, Sandbag-kun is was the original punching bag in Smash and all but he's actually a pretty sweet dude. I mean, he gives ZERO f***. You wanna have a party? He'll be there--hell, he's already wasted. He's a lot of fun to be around when he isn't being possessed by Cleod-Bot. Bubsy on the other hand... f*** him, he needs to feel all of our collective wrath.

Since Naruto doesn't have a rep for an Assist Trophy, I speculate that Sakura Haruno will appear as one. Her function is basically punching the ground at fast speeds that either trap those too close or send those flying straight up if they're almost out of range. For a finisher, she performs one massive punch that sends her opponents flying with a good amount of KB. This AT has no effect on airborne enemies or those out of range though.

So...Knuckle Joe with a couple of limitations here and there...?

I guess? Don't know if Knuckle Joe is making it or not so why not?

I mean, I wouldn't mind if Sakura was an AT. I'm just saying...

I speculate the elephant in the room here.

That's right. The Fire Flower. The only item from SSF1 that's still absent.

We mainly didn't have it before because of Fire Mario. But he's kablooie, and he ain't coming back.

...Heheh, wow, that last post was a while ago. Now not only are we getting the Fire Flower, but the Ice Flower as well.

Anyway, I have a feeling there's still yet more we haven't seen. I still think the Crate, Barrel, and Hammer are going to appear, but haven't been revealed yet because Sandbag can't create them.

The Golden Hammer might also have a shot, since other "clone items" like the Ice Flower and Beam Rod are in.