VicViper on 28 September 2012
Smash had exactly 21 characters from the start adding to 35 (or 40) with all unlockables.
This game will have more secret characters no doubt. One of the main pulls these kind of game have is unlocking secrets. This list will grow to 25 (minimum) to 30 (absolute maximum), imo.
One thing smash has in the bag is stages... zero chances of this game reaching 41.
