This thread is about the development and future release of Haru Akenaga. Haru Akenaga is a character that will be released for both Brawl, and Wii U.
As for the Brawl version...
The concept of the character is that you 'level up' as you play by satisfying certain conditions.
Leveling up will get you new moves, and allow you to access level-draining finishers.
The character will have a tap, and a hold version for each move, sort of like Ryu in Smash 4. However, you must be level 4 or higher to use the powerful variation of these moves. Reaching level 10 will allow you to reach a stronger mode, but dying will reset your levels back to 0.
Here is a character sheet for the character concept. It was used to make the 3D model.
This is Haru Akenaga, a man who defeated his own shadow and created his own ninjutsu. Pictured alongside him is his future blade, the Empath Blade. It is an weapon from unknown origin, designed to be a switchblade beam-katana. It goes from being an beam katana to a beam rifle which utilize the trigger. With his unique abilities, Haru Akenaga is able to travel back in time to save his own life and change the past. He fights the future and relies on his angel's powers to protect him when all else fails.
Here is the 3D model's current head. It took a very long time to get just right.
It's still getting updated and receiving its texture soon.
The unique thing about Haru is that you start off as a younger Haru, and must level up to level 4 to become your older shinobi self. This is based off of the canon (of Haru's origin), where Haru can travel backwards in time (with a special ability) to when he was a child, and change into his adult body with all of his skills from the future. Once Haru has his adult body, he will have access to the 'hold' version of aerials and special attacks (press and hold the attack command for aerials and specials), and he gains a sword. Haru can now use smash attacks past level 4, and has other enhanced moves, such as 5 new aerials. Haru's future sword, 'Empath Blade' allows him to throw a blade which floats in place temporarily. Enemies can be tossed into this blade for damaging combos. While the blade is positioned away from Haru, attacks involving the sword (The smashes, Hold-Forward Air, Hold-Up Air, and Jab 3 Hold) are unusable and give inputs for their non-hold form, and tilts for the smashes. This is reminiscent of 'The First Samurai' for NES.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0McnxG12i8
Haru's concept is to perform a majority of strings and combos, and cancel them into moves that allow you to level up. Haru uses a tap-or-hold system for most of his moves. Tapping the button will do one move, and holding it will perform another move (as long as Haru is in his adult form, which means level 4 and up).
Haru has several moves to deal with shield since he has a few moves that bounce off of opponents and their shields. Haru finishes opponents with moves that drain his level. If his level is too low, he loses a majority of his special powers and reverts to his younger body. Leveling up to 4 again will allow you to use all abilities. All of Haru's abilities are meant to feel unique, and cool.
Haru Akenaga is a work in progress, and subject to change. Haru will have unique special attacks which will have enough knock-back to kill at high percents, unlike most of his other moves. They will drain his level if he isn't K.O'd before he levels up high.
Haru's specials currently include:
- A projectile (still deciding, currently a knife)
- A thrown sword, which floats before coming back
- A lightning strike, which strikes at a delay
- A beam rifle, usable only if the weapon is not thrown.
- A shadow-dash move, which functions as Haru's run, and cancels into...
- A kick move, which has a combo version, and heavy hitting version.
- A skyward blade strike with a large range.
Haru will have - 8 different recolors
A unique voice
A Unique weapon model
A unique stage track
Almost all unique animations and coding
A unique model
A Smash Wii U release
Full Move-set Below
This has been in development for quite some time.
Please respond in this thread to let me know if you can help out with anything. CSPs, stock icons, aren't made yet, and if you can help out, let me know. Also, somebody who can make GFX.
Credits:
Haru Akenaga - Creative Director
3D Models made by Gamidame_K (on this forum and on facebook).
Edward D. Al - 2D artist for character sheet and weapons
Coding - Kienamaru (Brawl and Wii U version), Vishera (Wii U version)
Animation: Kagemaru
Everything is subject to change. Some people may join and leave, and more content is being made each day. I update the facebook page for the character under Akenaga X and will update this thread as well.