The recent “Mr Sakurai Presents” video provided fans with important information regarding Pyra & Mythra prior to their launch in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. As with previous presentations of this kind, Masahiro Sakurai acted as host and revealed some fascinating details regarding the development of the game content.
During Sakurai’s explanations, fans could easily see the presence of Pyra & Mythra figures sitting on the sidelines. These figurines were quite large, which immediately told us that it is not amiibo. Towards the end of the presentation, Sakurai talked about the figurines.
Click on the image for the animated version
“You may have noticed these figures in front of me,” Sakurai said. “Obviously it’s not amiibo. It’s actually official statues and is incredibly well made.”
Apparently these figurines were purchased with the specific purpose of using them for the development of Pyra & Mythra in Super Smash Bros.Ultimate. Sakurai then mentions that he does this regularly as soon as it is decided that a character joins the roster.
“After deciding that a character as a fighter will join the game, I regularly buy 3D figures like these and share them as reference material with our modeling team.” – Masahiro Sakurai
“After it was decided that a character as a fighter would join this game, I regularly buy 3D figures like this and share them as reference material with our modeling team,” Sakurai continued. “These figures are not always 100% true to the original game. However, they can provide useful tips. For example, what the bottom of the feet should look like.”
At this point, we get a quick look at Sakurai’s collection of figurines. The characters that can be spotted in Sakurai’s collection include Kirby (wearing his fire hat), Toon Link, Mega Man, Pit, Link, Ness, Pokémon Trainer, Mario, Meta Knight, Terry Bogard, Ryu, Cloud, Corrin, Dark Pit, Hero (multiple versions), Lucina, Snake, Zero Suit Samus, Yoshi, Mewtwo, Samus and Charizard. Many copies of characters can be seen for Ryu, Link, Mario and a few others.
“I have a lot of figures at my desk in the office. I actually hide figures of unarmed fighters in a locked drawer.” – Masahiro Sakurai
Of course, this is apparently only a small example of Sakurai’s collection. Sakurai notices how he has to hide statuettes of challengers yet to be announced. If they were spotted before their official unveiling, their identity would probably be inferred too soon.
“I have a lot of figures at my desk in the office,” Sakurai remarked. “I’m actually hiding figures of unarmed fighters in a locked drawer. Not that we can enter the office now. Anyway, we would like to do our best to overcome the situation.”
Before the first announcement of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Sakurai revealed at one point that he had bought a figure depicting a mech holding a gun from a certain anime. Sakurai said he wanted to study the attached rifle based on a project he was working on.
Looking back, this rifle was probably used as a reference for the development of Inkling’s model in Super Smash Bros.Ultimate. Alternatively, it could also be used for an item or Spirit in the game.
This information does imply that Sakurai owns figurines of the last two unannounced challengers of the Fighters Pass Vol. 2. Of course, Masahiro Sakurai took precaution to keep these figures hidden until their official release. We’ll just have to wait until then.