Clone characters
Clone characters are playable characters whose entire movesets (both normal and special) are identical to another's with only minor variation and/or effects. Creating a larger roster is usually the reason for the creation of clone characters but unique movesets are more desirable. While often thought as one by many due to the similarity of his special moves with those of Mario's, Luigi is not considered a clone due to his unique normal moveset (and side special move in Melee). Clone characters' portraits appear next to and slightly lower to those of their counterparts on the Melee character select screen. Only unlockable characters in the Smash Bros. series are considered clones.
List of Clone Characters in Melee
- Dr. Mario: a clone of Mario
- Falco: a clone of Fox
- Ganondorf: a clone of Captain Falcon
- Pichu: a clone of Pikachu
- Roy: a clone of Marth
- Young Link: a clone of Link
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Masahiro Sakurai previously suggested that any returning clones in Brawl might be "decloned" with new movesets. Upon the Japanese release of the game, this has been confirmed to technically be the case for the most part, in that no characters share complete movesets as in Melee (with the exception of Toon Link). However, to the dismay of some fans, several characters remain "semi-clones"-- based off the design of others and sharing variations of special movesets and fighting styles while still retaining other unique moves. This is also commonly known as "Luigification". Prior to Brawl, Luigi was the only character of this kind, hence the name.
List of Semi-Clone Characters in Brawl
- Luigi: a semi-clone of Mario
- Falco: a semi-clone of Fox
- Wolf: an alternate semi-clone of Fox
- Ganondorf: a semi-clone of Captain Falcon
- Zero Suit Samus: a semi-clone of Sheik
- Marth: a semi-clone of Ike
- Ness: a semi-clone of Lucas
