Editing Unused content (SSB4)

Much like ''Brawl'', SSB4 has a reasonable amount of unused character data. The reasons mainly include a combination of time constraints and hardware limitations. This is supported by the fact Sakurai himself stated this during a post-release interview<ref>http://www.reddit.com/r/smashbros/comments/2qvwwp/really_long_japanese_interview_with_sakurai_needs</ref>. However, he refused to give any sort of information on what other scrapped characters were, other than stating that characters unlikely to appear in new games in the foreseeable future were given lower priority. It is unknown whether any of the [[downloadable character]]s were originally intended for the game's initial release.

*[[Ice Climbers]] - The Ice Climbers were originally planned to return as characters. While reportedly functioning on the Wii U version, the Nintendo 3DS's technical specifications made it difficult to properly incorporate the two into the game.<ref>http://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/07/09/i-answer-some-questions-sakurai-famitsu-column-vol-461-464</ref> Sakurai stated in his Famitsu collection, ''Thoughts About Making the Video Games 2'', that they even went as far as disabling gravity and other effects in attempt to get the Ice Climbers working. Since Sakurai wished for the two games to have identical rosters, the Ice Climbers were ultimately removed from the game, though they do appear in the games as a trophy.

*''[[Rhythm Heaven]]'' character - Data mining has revealed an unused emblem reference for a potential Rhythm Heaven character.<ref>http://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/01/26/smash-4-wii-u-data-discoveries</ref> The emblem reference appears in the emblem database on Smash for Wii U. ''Rhythm Heaven'' is, notably, one of the few [[universe]]s to not have a representation other than a [[Sneaky Spirit|Smash Run enemy]] and collectible trophies,<ref>[http://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/07/24/smash-for-wii-u-and-brawl-emblem-order The order of the emblem]</ref> and the name suggests that a character from ''Rhythm Heaven'' was planned to be included before being scrapped at some point in development.

*Alternate characters - Sakurai has stated that {{SSB4|Dark Pit}}, {{SSB4|Dr. Mario}}, and {{SSB4|Lucina}} were originally going to be [[alternate costume]]s for {{SSB4|Pit}}, {{SSB4|Mario}}, and {{SSB4|Marth}}, respectively. They were promoted to full characters due to either having a feature that made them unique, or because Sakurai wanted to add a feature to make them unique<ref>http://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/07/09/i-answer-some-questions-sakurai-famitsu-column-vol-461-464</ref>: Dr. Mario with his [[Megavitamins]] and [[Dr. Tornado]], along with his [[down aerial]]; Dark Pit with his [[Electroshock Arm]] and [[Dark Pit Staff|Final Smash]]; and Lucina with her hitbox placement. In addition, Sakurai felt that Dr. Mario's fans would be upset if Dr. Mario was only a palette swap. Regarding the decision to make Lucina a full-fledged character, however, Sakurai stated in a [https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAADRUqGH9l5mlg Miiverse post] that "whenever there is even a small difference in abilities, that character gets an actual roster slot."

*[[Alph]] - Information from interviews and Sakurai's design documents shows that Alph was next in line to get his own roster spot as a clone, and would use Rock Pikmin. He was scrapped possibly due to time constraints and instead, became an alternate costume for {{SSB4|Olimar}}.

*[[Takamaru]] - In a Niconico interview, Sakurai states that [[Takamaru]] was briefly considered as a playable character, but didn't make the cut due to lack of fan familiarity, resulting in his [[Assist Trophy]] role.<ref>http://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/03/22/mewtwo-dlc-takamaru-and-sakurais-nico-nico-appearance/</ref>

*[[Chrom]] - In Sakurai's weekly Famitsu Column after the reveal trailer for {{SSB4|Robin}} and {{SSB4|Lucina}}, Sakurai stated that he considered adding Chrom in the game. However, he instead chose Robin, feeling that Chrom offered nothing unique over {{SSB4|Marth}} and {{SSB4|Ike}}.<ref>http://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/06/28/sakurais-famitsu-column-vol-457-abilities-unlike-any-other/</ref> Chrom appears as part of [[Pair Up|Robin's Final Smash]], and a {{SSB4|Mii Swordfighter}} outfit based off of him (the latter as DLC).

*[[Heihachi Mishima]] - In Sakurai's ''Thoughts About Making Video Games 2'' Sakurai states that Heihachi was considered as being a playable character, but was decided against since his moves would have been too difficult to implement.<ref>https://sourcegaming.wordpress.com/2015/06/26/800</ref> A {{SSB4|Mii Brawler}} costume based on Heihachi appears as DLC.

Hidden with the games files exist stages that were planned to be included in SSB4, but were not implemented in the final release. For some stages, it remains unknown whether they were meant for the 3DS or Wii U version.

Apparently, some of these stages were meant to have [[Stage hazard|hazards]] or [[Stage element|other elements]], as the game's files depict file called <code>SSB4\param\ui\ui_character_db</code>, which refers to boss characters such as [[Ridley]], the [[Yellow Devil]], and [[Metal Face]].  

Text exists in the Wii U version which suggests that the [[Gamer]] and [[Temple]] stages were once unlockable.

Also, there exists unused files in the Wii U version for [[Mushroomy Kingdom]] and [[3D Land]]; however, the only files remaining in each directory is the item parameter file, meaning these files are mere remnants from the 3DS version.

*[[Magicant]] - the [[Flying Men]] were intended to be given unique three-dimensional models as opposed to sprites. In a weekly issue of Famitsu, [[Masahiro Sakurai]] stated that the sprites, adapted from ''{{b|EarthBound|game}}'', were used as to lessen the strain on the 3DS's hardware. An image of the Flying Man's 3D model also was featured in the column. While the model itself was removed from the official game, it was later reworked as a paid DLC costume for {{SSB4|Mii Brawler}}s.

*{{SSB4|Mario Circuit}} - Unused textures exist for a blue Toad's model, suggesting that Toads were planned to appear as racers on the stage. However, as with [[Rainbow Road]] and [[Mario Circuit (SSBB)|Mario Circuit (Brawl)]], only [[Shy Guy]]s in their {{s|mariowiki|Standard Kart}}s appear instead.

*''{{s|mariowiki|Super Mario Land}}'' stage - A stage based on ''Super Mario Land'' was slated to appear before being reworked into {{SSB4|Dream Land}} for unknown reasons; both stages are based on well-known Game Boy titles.<ref>http://sourcegaming.info/2016/05/11/sakuraifanmisconception505/</ref>

*''Dr. Mario'' stage - An unused boss character named "Virus" exists, with Virus a potential reference [[mariowiki:Virus|to the ones from ''Dr. Mario'']]. This implies that {{SSB4|Dr. Mario}} was meant to have a home stage with a boss. Unused portraits for the Virus characters were found in the game, and the Virus uses the unused render for their trophy stance, further suggesting this. No files have been found for the stage.

*''{{uv|Brain Age}}'' stage - A file called <code>mark_30_braintraining.nut</code> exists, referencing the Japanese, British and European name of ''Brain Age'', suggesting a stage based on the series was meant to be included in the game. However, the file itself is empty.

*"Plankton" - A file called Plankton exists, suggesting that either [[Hanenbow]] or another stage from {{uv|Electroplankton}} was to appear in ''SSB4.'' No files were found to reference plankton or Hanenbow; the only reference is in the emblem database, also raising the possibility that it is merely leftover data that was ported from ''Brawl''.

*"Diary" - This stage could possibly refer to the ''{{s|wikipedia|Swapnote}}'' messaging application for the [[Nintendo 3DS]], the Japanese name of which includes "Diary". The only reference to this is inside the emblem database, and no other files are present in the game.

*[[Stale-move negation]] was not present in earlier demo versions of the game showcased during E3 2013, though it could have simply just been turned off for the demo like it is for single-player modes in the final game.

*In the Super Smash Bros. Developer Direct, Bowser can be seen performing his old [[neutral attack]] animation, which was later changed into a new animation involving Bowser punching instead of swiping his claws.  

*In {{SSB4|Sonic}}'s reveal trailer, his Spin Dash is shown to behave exactly like in ''Brawl'', whereas in the final version, the short hop performed on release is much quicker.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7w5XUPHFoY Super Smash Bros. - Sonic Joins the Battle! (Nintendo 3DS/Wii U)]</ref>

*In the Super Smash Bros. Direct and the E3 2014 demo, the Power Star {{SSB4|Rosalina}} summons during her Final Smash stays at a constant size, whereas in the final game it grows gradually.

*Also in the Super Smash Bros. Direct, {{SSB4|Mega Man}}'s Final Smash has a different animation, and it is slower. <ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xUWnQu2Grs&feature=youtu.be&t=29m16s Super Smash Bros. Direct 4.8.2014]</ref>

*Many attacks and Final Smashes originally dealt significantly more damage and knockback than in the final version; for example in the E3 2013 demo, Mega Man's [[Mega Man (SSB4)/Down smash|down smash]] was a multi-hitting attack that dealt over 40% uncharged, while the first hit of Mario's [[Mario (SSB4)/Down smash|down smash]] was seen KOing Mega Man under 100% uncharged from the center of {{SSB4|Battlefield}}. A few attacks did less damage.

*At one point in development, it had been considered to allow characters to attack with their tail while under the [[Super Leaf]]'s effect.

*In {{for3ds}}, unused graphics exist for clearing stages 8 and 9 of [[Classic Mode]] and/or [[All-Star Mode]]. In the final game, only stages 1-7 are used.

*Even when launched at extreme speeds, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-R36MFM2U4| characters could still get Star KO'd and Screen KO'd]. They could also get Star and Screen KO'd in [[Sudden Death]]. In the final game, Star/Screen KOs cannot happen under these conditions.

*Mushroom Kingdom U and Skyloft featured Star KOs, whereas they cannot occur on these stages in the final game.

 

Trophy Rush.jpg|A screenshot of Trophy Rush with 3 minutes, 21 seconds left. This is impossible in the final version, as the maximum time possible is 2 minutes, 30 seconds.

*In pre-release material, there are multiple instances of characters using animations or sound clips from [[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]] that were later replaced for the final release.

**{{SSB4|Ike}}'s [[Eruption]] originally had red flames as in ''Brawl''. In the final game, the flames are blue.

**In the Super Smash Bros. Direct, {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}} and {{SSB4|Lucario}}'s portraits alongside their damage meters use their ''Brawl'' artwork, presumably as a placeholder. The final game appropriately uses their ''SSB4'' artwork.

**The pose that {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}} performs for [[Paralyzer]] was taken from ''Brawl'' in early shots. It has changed since then.

**In the Super Smash Bros. Developer Direct, {{SSB4|Kirby}} used his voice clips from ''Brawl''; he has new ones in the final game.

**Link's old [[Spin Attack]] animation can be seen in the Villager trailer, at around 1:14. However, it is hard to notice, as the screen shakes violently.

**Link's Brawl fighting stance can be seen in the E3 Developer Direct.

**In the Super Smash Bros. Direct, {{SSB4|Sheik}} could be seen with her standing idle animation from Brawl.

**In {{SSB4|Sonic}}'s reveal trailer, his back aerial and up aerial each use the Brawl animations.

*While some characters have always been mirrored on the ''Wii U'' version, some characters such as Bowser and Kirby have been seen facing away from the screen (akin to ''Brawl'') on the ''3DS'' version in the Super Smash Bros. Developer Direct. This was fixed in the final version.

*In the E3 2014 demo build of {{for3ds}}, the character select screen displayed the names of the characters under their icons. In the final version, only the icons are displayed.

*In an early picture Link can be seen on the [[Spirit Train]] stage with the ''Spirit Tracks'' Link as the conductor, but in the final game, when Link is on the stage, Alfonzo will conduct the train.

*[[Fox Illusion]] had more detailed afterimages.

*During the results screen, when the winning character's name is displayed, a sound is played; the E3 demo build of {{forwiiu}} used the splash art sound from the newcomer trailers. The final build uses the same sound effect as {{for3ds}}.

*On the same image, the stage location for [[Skyloft]] is stated to be ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'', while in the final it is ''The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword''.

*In the E3 2014 ''Smash 3DS'' trailer, character names originally had lowercase letters in Classic mode. In the final game, however, all letters are uppercase.

*In the E3 2014 ''Smash 3DS'' trailer, {{SSB4|Samus}} was listed in the [[Sound Test]], but in the final game she is not listed.

*Kirby was originally less expressive when using moves such as Hammer Flip and Final Cutter. In the final game, he has "angry eyes", but he did not in pre-release screenshots.

*{{SSB4|Luigi}} was also less expressive, as his eyes can be seen open during his dash attack in Pac-Man's trailer.

*During the E3 2014 Round Table, in which {{SSB4|Pac-Man}} was first revealed, he had a placeholder [[victory theme]], which differs from the final version.

*Little Mac's trailer showed him using his down taunt with a more fierce expression on his face. In the final build, his mouth is slightly misplaced and his expression is less fierce.

*At E3 2014, the player [http://www.ssbwiki.com/images/archive/a/a9/20140907190038%21Bowser_Bomb.png originally] had to press L, R, and X to start a match; in the final game, the player just has to press L and R.

*Some characters' Screen KOs were changed for the final release, most notably with Pit, who showed no expression when he was Screen KO'd. Screen KOs were also changed to be less dynamic, this can be seen with characters such as Pikachu, who cannot have a sideways position when Screen KO'd in the final release.

*Greninja's KO voice clips and it's high knockback voice clips were swapped for the final release.

*A [[Crash Bomber]] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ6LH5XAW6c=87s can be seen exploding] on a Screen KO'd character.

E3 Character select screen.png|Note that the names under the character selection slots are not present in the final versions of {{for3ds}}. Also note Greninja and Fox's different background colors on the screen.

RaymanTrophy.png|Rayman's trophy in the final version.

*Some sound files were found that had {{SSB4|Kirby}} call out all three of {{SSB4|Palutena}}'s neutral special moves, suggesting either Kirby was planned to be able to copy customs, or Palutena's default custom hadn't been decided.<ref>http://orangerob.tumblr.com/post/100877071708/kirby-saying-the-english-versions-of-copy-moves</ref> Eventually, his voice clips for [[Explosive Flame]] and [[Heavenly Light]] would become unused as he cannot copy custom moves. He will, however, use Olimar/Alph's custom side special moves for copying their neutral special.

*The sound effect that played during [[Sheik]]'s entrance in ''[[Brawl]]'' exists as an unused file in {{forwiiu}}.

*The "Forest Stage" track from ''Kirby Air Ride'' was found in the April 16th, 2015 patch on the 3DS version, along with the music for [[Dream Land (SSB)|N64 Dream Land]], indicating it was meant to be the [[alternate music]] on that stage. While it is indeed used as a My Music option on the Wii U version, it is absent from the 3DS where it was originally found, with a remix of "Ice Cream Island" from ''Kirby's Adventure'' taking its place.

*Co-op play for Smash Run (3DS) was planned, but had to be scrapped due to limitations with the hardware.

*Co-op power-ups for Smash Run were also planned.  

*Special rule-sets for [[8-Player Smash]] were planned, apparently similar to the online mode Light vs. Dark in ''Kid Icarus: Uprising''.

*Some [[custom moves]] were awarded in the E3 demo build of {{for3ds}}. Only neutral and side specials were awarded, but they were presented as up and down special moves, respectively.

*Hacking has revealed that characters were intended to have three custom move options for each special, instead of two in the final game<ref>http://smashboards.com/threads/unused-animations-for-custom-moves-found.385685/</ref>. Through hacking these scrapped custom moves can be accessed, though they're significantly incomplete, lacking sounds, visual effects, animations, some of them even freezing the character or [[crash]]ing the game, and all except {{SSB4|Mario}}'s lacking any sort of [[hitbox]]es: a Fireball variant with ice properties(like Luigi's Iceballs), a Cape variant that deals very little damage but very much shield damage, and a F.L.U.D.D. variant that deals electric damage.

A trophy for the ''Fire Emblem Awakening'' character {{s|fireemblemwiki|Tharja}} was initially planned for the game, and the trophy was visible in [[Leak|leaked ESRB footage]]. Following the release of the game in Japan, however, Tharja's trophy was not found by players on [[Twitch]], and later hacking showed that there was no data for the trophy in the final game, suggesting that it was removed some time after the ESRB footage. The reason for the removal of Tharja's trophy is considered to be related to the game's rating; her outfit as a {{s|fireemblemwiki|Dark Mage}} was likely considered too suggestive and revealing for ''SSB4''{{'}}s intended '''E10+''' rating, compared to ''Fire Emblem Awakening''{{'}}s '''T''' rating. As the leaked images showed a counter of 686 and there were 685 trophies prior to {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}'s release in the final build, Tharja's trophy was the only such trophy removed.

*A Miiverse preview icon exists within the Wii U version's files with a darker background.

The file <code>SSB4\param\ui\ui_character_db</code> contains unused icons of bosses in the game (which includes Virus of the ''Dr. Mario'' series).<ref>https://tcrf.net/Super_Smash_Bros._for_Wii_U#Virus</ref> A majority of them belong to [[Master Core]], who notably has its health shown on the 3DS version but not on the Wii U version. Given that a few stage bosses in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' can take damage (namely the aforementioned bosses), these icons suggest that at one point, a player could see how much more damage a boss could take before its defeat (similar to how bosses from ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' had a health gauge in the [[Subspace Emissary]] and [[Boss Battle]].)

==Cross-version Leftovers==

Several unused gameplay elements can be found within the data of the 3DS version of the game, some of which ended up becoming integrated into the final build of the Wii U version.

*[[Announcer]] clips for "Yellow team", "[[Master Orders]]", "[[Crazy Orders]]", and "[[Special Smash]]". The lattermost still exists in the 3DS version's [[Sound Test]], as clip 84 for the Announcer.

*Amidst the unused clips is a sound clip for "Smash World", which could be a beta name for [[Smash Tour]] as "Smash World" is the final name for said mode in at least one version of ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' (as the Spanish-language releases for North American and European territories incorporating the term "Mundo Smash"), as well as being similar to the mode's final name in Japanese, "World Smash".

Early in development, the song {{SSB4MusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Saria's Song / Middle Boss Battle}} was named only "Saria's Song" without Middle Boss Battle in the title, the song {{SSB4MusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Ballad of the Goddess / Ghirahim's Theme}} being referred to as just "Ballad of the Goddess", and {{SSB4MusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Main Theme / Underworld Theme (The Legend of Zelda)}} being referred to as "Main Theme". It can be seen in [[:File:SSB4 My Music Beta.png|this image]]. The reason is unknown. It can also be noted that the words "Arrangement" in the image were changed to say "Remix" in the final game.

==References==

{{reflist}}