Super Smash Bros. players have a pretty extensive wishlist of characters for their favorite game. Now, one of their dreams has come true. Sort of.
Smashified, a fan project by YouTube channel Artsy Omni, uses Photoshop to turn classic video game characters into Smash-worthy versions of themselves. Artist Chris Sczcesiul recently tackled King K. Rool, the final boss of Rareware’s Donkey Kong Country series. The project combines the efforts of numerous artists to bring fantasy character releases to life, including Banjo and Kazooie, Shovel Knight, and Rayman.
The montage, which comes both with and without artist commentary, is equal parts fan service and unmitigated skill. By reimagining existing characters, adding high-resolution textures, and keeping to the Smash aesthetic, Artsy Omni manages to manufacture models that would impress even Nintendo.
With Nintendo slowly rolling out new characters, including Mewtwo last month, there is still hope that the king crocodile could make his debut. But for now, this montage on steroids will have to suffice.
Screengrab via Artsy Omni