I don't know if deserve is the write word. I don't think it makes any sense for Cloud to be in Smash UNLESS, as many people now suspect, the FFVII remake will make its way to NX. If so, then very smart move.

My first exposure to Snake and Metal Gear was on NES.  

The game left a major impact on me, I even read the novelization I played it so much.

Alright, after seeing some of these comments, I agree that my word choice wasn't the best, so I am changing the title a bit.

To say that Final Fantasy has a history on Nintendo systems would be a gross understatement. Cloud is the most iconic Final Fantasy character. I can't be bothered to attempt to phrase it more eloquently than GameXplain: "I am a huge fan of the idea of Final Fantasy being in Smash, and if there was ever going to be a Final Fantasy character, it was always going to be Cloud."

It works. I have no objections.

New poll might actually be less effective. "I like his inclusion" and "There were better choices" aren't mutually exclusive. Though personally I'm hard-pressed to think of a better choice to represent Final Fantasy as a series.

I don't really mind his inclusion tbh. Sure, there are other characters I'd prefer but I think it's kinda neat. Plus, it should be good publicity for both Nintendo and SE

And lemon.

I don't know if this character hints something... more, but I'd be unbelievable happy if that FFVII remake releases in NX. He's one of my favourite characters of all time, FFVII is my favourite JRPG of all time, and I want this. But, no, maybe is a Snake case again T__T

I think it has something to do with the remake. NX is getting that bad boy.

i think it's cemented the future of the series, in that Smash Bros. will no longer be a "Nintendo game" in the sense that it features a Nintendo cast + at most a handful of guest characters. I think it's pretty clear that with the direction they're taking it, Smash Bros. will be a much more inclusive series in the future in terms of character roster, and will become sort of like a video game hall of fame of sorts.

All I'm saying is that I don't like the idea of characters who haven't had a very large presence on Nintendo consoles being in smash.  I will feel that Cloud being in smash would be justified if he comes to a game on a Nintendo console.  I've never really liked the idea of snake being in smash as he hasn't had a very large presence on Nintendo consoles, while Ryu kinda has with how big Street Fighter II was on SNES.  Either way this is just my opinion on which characters should be included.  I understand it makes money for the companies, but I would rather have someone relevant to Nintendo instead.