Editing Kid Icarus (universe)

{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Kid Icarus'' (universe)}}

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|originconsole    = Nintendo Entertainment System

The '''''Kid Icarus'' universe''' refers to the ''Smash Bros.'' series' collection of characters, stages, and properties that hail from Nintendo's ''Kid Icarus'' games, which were originally a pair of cult-classic action/platformer games for NES and Game Boy. A twenty-one-year hiatus for the series ensued, and it only ended once [[Masahiro Sakurai]] developed and released a third game for the 3DS after debuting a heavy stylistic redesign for the series and its star, the young angel knight [[Pit]], in 2008's ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.

During the "golden age" of the [[nwiki:NES|Famicom/NES]] in the late 1980s, one of the original titles and IPs released alongside titles such as {{uv|Metroid}} and {{uv|The Legend of Zelda}} was ''Kid Icarus'', an action platformer that aimed to blend several genres. The game's development process was stressed by time constraints, and the game was released on NES on July 1987 to mixed critical reception, which focused criticism on its frustratingly high difficulty and some odd design choices; despite all this, the game has long since been regarded as a cult classic for the console, and some of its characters had been featured on the American cartoon ''Captain N: The Game Master'' alongside other video game characters popularized by the NES. Following this, a sequel for the Game Boy, ''Kid Icarus: Of Myth and Monsters'', was co-developed between Nintendo and Tose Co., Ltd. and released on November 1991. Reception was decidedly more favorable for the sequel, citing significant improvements to the gameplay all around, though the game never reached the level of public attention that the original had. In an odd twist, ''Of Myths and Monsters'' was, for literally two decades, one of few first-party Nintendo games that were not published in Japan.  

For fifteen years following the 1991 release of the second game, the ''Kid Icarus'' "franchise" made no return appearances in any format, and the two-game series had seemed to have forever been left behind in a state where it would represent nothing more than a curious piece of history from the Nintendo timeline. But then, in 2006, {{uv|Super Smash Bros.}} series director [[Masahiro Sakurai]] began an ambitious series revival for ''Kid Icarus'', first by announcing through a trailer the inclusion of the main character, {{SSBB|Pit}}, as a new playable fighter in his then-highly-anticipated ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' for the Wii. Sakurai had previously brought another obscure NES title from the era, {{uv|Ice Climber}}, back into the public limelight by including [[Ice Climbers|its player-characters]] as playable fighters in 2001's ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', but for ''Brawl'', Sakurai debuted a radical, anime-style redesign for Pit, as well as a more detailed reimagining of Pit's in-game world.

As Sakurai later noted, the redesigned Pit's appearance in ''Brawl'' greatly influenced his decision to jump-start the series' revival with a new installment. Following ''Brawl''{{'}}s release in 2008, Sakurai directed and wrote the scenario for ''Kid Icarus: Uprising'', a high-budget title for the Nintendo 3DS that features on-rails-shooter segments in the air that are separate from third-person-shooter segments on the ground. The game's overall presentation makes full use of the design style introduced in ''Brawl'', complete with fully voice-acted character dialogue and copious amounts of story-driven cutscenes, but also with a far more satirical tone to the story and dialogue itself. The game was released on March 2012 to glowing reviews; however, Sakurai has yet to confirm interest in a sequel. Nonetheless, the now-familiar modern design for Pit is considered standard for the franchise, and has made a return appearance in ''Brawl''{{'}}s sequel, ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. Meanwhile, ''Of Myths and Monsters'' was released in Japan for the first time in the country's history on the 3DS Virtual Console, a month before the release of ''Uprising''.

The ''Kid Icarus'' games themselves are set on a multi-plane Grecian fantasy world called Angel Land, where a plane hanging above the mortal Overworld is the light realm of [[Skyworld]], ruled over by the Goddess of Light, [[Palutena]]. In the original game, the goddess of the hellish plane of the Underworld, Medusa, wages war against Palutena and the human world, and Palutena sends her loyal warrior, the young angel knight [[Pit]] (note that the name "Kid Icarus" is not the main character's name itself, but more of a comedic descriptor of how he is essentially a child equivalent to the Greek myth of the winged man Icarus), on a quest to defeat Medusa by gathering three sacred combat treasures. In ''Of Myths and Monsters'', Pit similarly battles a demon named Orcos. Many years later in ''Uprising'', Pit must battle Medusa and her minions again, but ends up thrust into a much stranger, multi-sided conflict involving a greatly-expanded cast of literally colorful allies and enemies, several of which are drawn from other figures and monsters in Greek mythology. Pit's fights take him through human cities under siege, temples and caverns in the Underworld, Palutena's residence in the Skyworld, and even outer space.

==In ''Super Smash Bros.''==

Rumours have claimed that Pit was to be a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros.''; like rumours involving Peach, Bowser and other characters, however, this rumour has never been definitively proven.

==In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''==

There are a large number of trophies in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' that depict classic Nintendo games from the past, and a trophy depicting a 3D rendition of the classic-style [[Pit]] is no exception. Other than that, however, there is no additional representation of the ''Kid Icarus'' franchise in the game.

==In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''==

===Character===

*[[Image:PitIcon(SSBB).png|50px|right]]'''{{SSBB|Pit}}''': A young angel knight who serves the goddess Palutena and saves the kingdom of Angel Land from the evil of the Underworld goddess Medusa. The name "Kid Icarus" is technically a misnomer, and refers not to Pit as an alternative name, but more as to what kind of entity Pit is. The Greek myth of Icarus is centered around a man possessing wings; since Pit has wings, he can be considered a "kid Icarus" of sorts. For his appearance in ''Brawl'' as a fighter, Pit has undergone a major character redesign. He uses the Sacred Bow of Palutena in combat, both to fire arrows, as it always has, and also to demonstrate its previously unseen ability to split in half and be used as a pair of swords for close-quarters combat.  Like [[Kirby]], [[Jigglypuff]], [[Meta Knight]], and [[Charizard]], Pit can jump multiple times in the air. His Standard Special move is the [[Palutena's Arrow]], which Pit uses in a similar style as [[Link]], [[Young Link]], and [[Toon Link]]; however, Pit's arrows travel much faster, unaffected by gravity, and their trajectory can be controlled (i.e. it can be made to curve upwards or downwards) by pressing a direction right after releasing the arrow. His Up Special move, titled [[Wings of Icarus]], is a unique move giving him the ability of temporary free flight around the stage. His Down Special move, [[Mirror Shield]], reflects projectile attacks and protects Pit from damage on one side. His Side Special move is the [[Angel Ring]], a reflector move in which Pit spins the Palutena's Bow at a blinding speed in a full 360 circle, which does damage to his opponents.

*[[Image:Icon-skyworld.gif|right]]'''[[Skyworld]]''': This stage, set in the eponymous realm of the franchise's world, features several platforms that can actually be shattered by characters attacks, but they become replaced by clouds that substitute as platforms right after, although the clouds are pass-through.{{clear}}

*'''{{SSBBMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Underworld}}''' - A small medley consisting of a remixed version of the Underworld level theme and the Grim Reaper's theme.  It is used on the ''Skyworld'' stage.

*'''{{SSBBMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Skyworld}}''' - This is a redone version of the Overworld level theme from the original Kid Icarus.  It is not the Skyworld level theme as the name would suggest--the track is mislabeled in Brawl.  It is the theme of the ''Skyworld'' stage.

*'''{{SSBBMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Title (Kid Icarus)}}''' - A remix of the original Kid Icarus's title screen theme. It is used on the ''Skyworld'' stage.  This track is also played during Pit's Classic Mode credits.

*'''Pit's victory theme''' - Derived from the original Kid Icarus's title screen theme, this fanfare was not actually heard in this form in the first two Kid Icarus titles, but an orchestrated remix of it was included as the victory fanfare for the multiplayer portion of ''Kid Icarus Uprising''.

===Trophy===

*{{SSBB|Pit}}

*[[Palutena's Army]]

*[[Palutena]]

*[[Palutena's Bow]]

After the series was revived with ''Kid Icarus: Uprising'', the franchise received a large boost in representation.

*[[File:PitIcon(SSB4-U).png|50px|right]]'''{{SSB4|Pit}}''': Pit returns as a playable character in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'', with a new design based on his appearance in ''{{s|icaruspedia|Kid Icarus: Uprising}}''. This is reflected by Pit gaining new moves, such as the Upperdash Arm and the Guardian Orbitars.{{clear}}

*[[File:PalutenaIcon(SSB4-U).png|50px|right]]'''{{SSB4|Palutena}}''': Palutena was confirmed to be a newcomer in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' during the E3 2014 Nintendo Digital Event. She uses various {{s|icaruspedia|Powers}} that she would grant Pit and the Fighters in ''Kid Icarus: Uprising''. Along with the {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}}s, her custom special moves are completely unique rather than using the same animations, making her a more unpredictable fighter than most.{{clear}}

*[[File:DarkPitIcon(SSB4-U).png|50px|right]]'''{{SSB4|Dark Pit}}''': Dark Pit appears as an unlockable character in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. He is a [[clone]] of Pit; the extent of his clone status is unclear.{{Clear}}

====Common Enemies====

*'''[[Boom Stomper]]''': A giant enemy in Smash Run that crushes the player.

*'''[[Bumpety Bomb]]''': A enemy bomb in Smash Run with two wheels that chase players down and detonate themselves.

*'''[[Clubberskull]]''': An enemy in Smash Run that hits players with the skulls on its hands.

*'''[[Daphne]]''': A flower enemy in Smash Run that launches flower-like mines.

*'''[[Flage]]''': A floating enemy in Smash Run that slashes players with the blades on its hands.

*'''[[Lethinium]]''': An enemy in Smash Run that fires a large beam at players.

*'''[[Lurchthorn]]''': An enemy in Smash Run that launches projectiles from its body segments.

*'''[[Mahva]]''': An enemy in Smash Run that projects a shield around itself.

*'''[[Megonta]]''': An enemy in Smash Run that curls into a ball and rolls into players.

*'''[[Mimicutie]]''': An enemy in [[Smash Run]] that runs frantically and rapidly kicks players as an attack. Like in ''Uprising'', it can pose as a treasure chest.

*'''[[Monoeye]]''': A flying enemy type that appears in Smash Run, and attacks the fighters with beams.

*'''[[Nutski]]''': A flying enemy in Smash Run flies around and fires seeds at players.

*'''[[Orne]]''': A formidable enemy in Smash Run that deals massive damage on contact.

*'''[[Reaper]]''': An enemy in Smash Run that slashes the player with its scythe. It also summons Reapette to home in on the player.

*'''[[Skuttler]]''': Another enemy in Smash Run that appears in three varieties. Normal Skuttlers swing their clubs, Skuttler Cannoneers fire long range shots, and Skuttler Mages cast magic from far away.

*'''[[Souflee]]''': An enemy in Smash Run that flies around and attacks erratically.

*'''[[Zuree]]''': An enemy in Smash Run that transforms from its misty form to slash with its claws.

===Stage===

*'''[[Palutena's Temple]]''': A stage based on an area in ''Kid Icarus: Uprising'' appears in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''. Not much is known about it aside from a large state depicting [[Palutena]]'s visage is seen.

*'''[[Reset Bomb Forest]]''': A stage based on an area in ''Kid Icarus: Uprising'' appears in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''. The area is based upon a castle, features many wooden platforms, and takes place in front of a war between greed-driven humans and {{s|Icaruspedia|Viridi}}.

===Assist Trophy===

*[[Magnus]]

*[[Phosphora]]

*'''[[Back Shield]]''': A new protective item that defends the user from attacks from behind.

*'''[[Daybreak]]''': A new item that activates upon collecting three parts, similar to the Dragoon. When activated, it will be able to fire a beam at opponents. Its power is implied to be high.

*'''[[Drill Arm]]''': A new shooting item that fires out a drill to attack opponents. For unknown reasons, this item is classified as part of the [[Super Smash Bros. (universe)|Smash Bros. series]].

*'''[[Killer Eye]]''': A new throwing item that acts like a turret, firing energy shots in the direction it faces.

*'''[[Ore Club]]''': A new battering item to the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series was introduced in the form of the Ore Club, which first appeared in ''Kid Icarus: Uprising''.  

*'''[[X Bomb]]''': A new explosive item to the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series was introduced in the form of the X Bomb, which first appeared in ''Kid Icarus: Uprising'', also drawing inspiration from ''Meteos''.

*'''Boss Battle 1''': This song played in the newcomer trailer for Palutena. It is unknown where it will play in the final games.

*'''Chaos Vortex ''':This song played in the newcomer trailer for Palutena. It is unknown where it will play in the final games.

*'''Dark Pit's Theme''': This song played in the Super Smash Direct during a montage of Nintendo 3DS Stages. It is unknown where it will play in the final games.

*'''Destroyed Skyworld''':This song played in the newcomer trailer for Palutena. It is unknown where it will play in the final games.

*'''Wrath of the Reset Bomb''': Theme of Chapter 12, which goes by the same name, in ''Kid Icarus: Uprising''. This song plays in the 3DS Stage Reset Bomb Forest.

{{clear}}

===Trophy===

This is a list of the known trophies from the ''Kid Icarus'' series.

''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS]]''

*Pit

*Palutena

*Dark Pit

*Viridi

*Reaper

*Pseudo-Palutena

*Mimicutie

*Nutski

*Space Pirate Ship

*Upperdash Arm

''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''

*Phosphora

In a similar way to how many fundamental gameplay elements in the ''Smash Bros.'' series are inspired by the ''Kirby'' series, there are several elements in ''Kid Icarus: Uprising'' that are clearly inspired by those in the ''Smash Bros.'' series. This is often attributed to Masahiro Sakurai being the lead designer for both games. Some examples include:

** In one of ''Uprising''{{'}}s tutorial videos, Pit directly notes that the dashing technique is familiar. Palutena mistakenly claims that it's from "Super Bash Sisters",  Pit corrects her, but she doesn't believe him.

*Many of the enemies in ''Uprising'' appear to be influenced by Subspace Emissary enemies, in terms of design and function. For instance, the {{s|icaruspedia|Stackjaw}} enemy operates similarly to the [[Gamyga]].

*Various attacks have differing {{s|:category|effects}} when they connect, including [[flame]], [[electric]], [[freezing]], [[darkness]], and light.

*The {{s|icaruspedia|Powers}} system, which involves placing shaped objects on a grid to utilize extra abilities, is very similar to the [[Sticker]] system.

*The ''Kid Icarus'' universe is the only universe introduced in ''Brawl'' that has any newcomers in ''SSB4''.