The recent video “Mr. Sakurai Presents” provided fans with important information about Pyra and Mythra prior to its release in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. As in previous presentations of this type, Masahiro Sakurai acted as a presenter and revealed some fascinating details regarding the development of the game’s content.
Throughout Sakurai’s explanations, fans were able to easily notice the presence of figurines of Pyra and Mythra sitting next to them. These statuettes were quite large, which immediately told us that they were not amiibo. At the end of the presentation, Sakurai talked about the statuettes.
Click on the image to see the animated version
“You must have noticed these figures in front of me,” said Sakurai. “Clearly, these are not amiibo. In fact, they are official statues and are incredibly well made.”
Apparently, these statuettes were purchased for the specific purpose of using them in the development of Pyra and Mythra in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Sakurai then mentions that he usually does this when it is decided that a character is joining the cast.
“After it was decided that a character will enter this game as a fighter, I often buy 3D figures like these and share them with our modeling team as reference material.” – Masahiro Sakurai
“After it was decided that a character will enter this game as a fighter, I usually buy 3D figures like these and share them with our modeling team as reference material,” continued Sakurai. “These numbers are not always 100% faithful to the original game. However, they can provide useful tips. For example, what the soles of your feet should look like.”
At this point, we have a quick look at the Sakurai figurine collection. Characters that can be seen in the Sakurai 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. Several copies of characters can be seen for Ryu, Link, Mario and a few others.
“I have a lot of figures on my desk in the office. In fact, I hide figures of unreleased fighters in a locked drawer.” – Masahiro Sakurai
Of course, this is evidently just a small sample of Sakurai’s collection. Sakurai observes how he has to hide statues from challengers who have not yet been announced. If they were seen before their official disclosure, then their identities would probably be deduced very soon.
“I have a lot of numbers on my desk in the office,” noted Sakurai. “In fact, I hide figures of unreleased fighters in a locked drawer. Not that we can enter the office now. In any case, we would like to do our best to overcome the situation.”
Before the first announcement of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Sakurai at one point revealed that he had bought a figure representing a mech holding a gun from a certain anime. Sakurai said he wanted to study the rifle attached to a project he was working on.
Looking back, this rifle was probably used as a reference for the development of the Inkling model in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Alternatively, it could also have been used for an item or Spirit in the game.
This information implies that Sakurai has statues of the last two unannounced challengers from Fighters Pass Vol. 2. Of course, Masahiro Sakurai has taken precautions to keep these figures hidden until his officer reveals them. We will just have to wait until then.