Description
Clones in fighting games are characters that closely mirror another character in terms of moves, animations, and sometimes even appearance. These characters are often introduced to pad out the roster, provide slight variations on a popular character, or address balance issues by offering a modified version of an existing fighter. While clones can sometimes be viewed negatively by players who desire more unique and diverse characters, they also offer a way for developers to experiment and iterate on character design without starting from scratch. Clones often have minor differences like altered hitboxes, different properties for specific moves, or unique attributes that set them apart. These distinctions can make clones appealing to players who enjoy the original character but are looking for a fresh twist.
Examples
- Ken Masters in the 'Street Fighter' series: Originally created as a clone of Ryu, Ken shares many of the same moves but has different properties and animations, such as his flaming Shoryuken or his faster movement speed.
- Ganondorf in 'Super Smash Bros. Melee': Initially introduced as a clone of Captain Falcon, Ganondorf has a similar move set but is slower and stronger, offering a contrasting playstyle while retaining familiar mechanics.
Additional Information
- Clones can serve as a way to test new mechanics or balance changes without disrupting the core gameplay.
- Some clones evolve over time to become more distinct characters, gaining unique moves and traits in subsequent game releases.