Clone characters are playable characters whose entire movesets (both normal and special) are identical to another's with only minor variation and effects. Creating a larger roster is usually the reason for the creation of clone characters but unique movesets are more desirable. Typically the clone's special moves will be the same except for visual differences and minor damage or effect changes. Clone characters' portraits appear next to and slightly lower to their counterparts on the Melee character select screen. As of now, only unlockable characters in the Smash Bros. series have been considered clones.
List of Clone Characters in Melee
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Sakurai suggested that any returning clones in Brawl would be decloned with new moves. Upon the Japanese release of the game, this has been confirmed to technically be the case, in that no characters share complete movesets. However several characters are "semi-clones"-- based off others and share variations of special movesets and fighting styles while still retaining some unique moves. Prior to Brawl, Luigi was the only character to previously fit this category.
List of Semi-Clone Characters in Brawl
- Luigi: a semi-clone of Mario
- Falco: a semi-clone of Fox
- Wolf: a semi-clone of Fox
- Ganondorf: a semi-clone of Captain Falcon
- Ness: a semi-clone of Lucas
- Marth: a semi-clone of Ike
- Toon Link: a semi-clone of Link
- Zero Suit Samus: a semi-clone of Sheik
Luigi is the only semi-clone to appear prior to Brawl.