In case we ever have a GameFAQs contest again...

I don't think Smash has addressed them as the same since separating the characters in SSB4 though, plus fighting game lore so often gets pushed into the background even if they did. I haven't played Hyrule Warriors and am comfortable taking your word on that, but if you have evidence of that then that'd be cool to see.

I could better accept Zelda representing Sheik if Sheik ever represented Zelda much in their match photos, but that's not the case.

Out of at least 38 character contest-pictures:
Zelda appearances: 47+ (36+ for main focus)
Sheik appearances: 3 (1 for main focus)
Tetra appearances: 1 (0 for main focus)

I don't expect 50/50 but this isn't equivalent either, thus the rally and the votes that have been split over the years here.

Kenri posted...

I don't think we've had Soma Cruz and Dracula in the same contest but they've separately been in different contests, so there's your precedent for separate nominations for literally the same character if they look and act different enough.

Quick Google search sounds like this is at least like the different Links and a closer situation to Zelda/Sheik than what I used to think with Siegfried/Nightmare. Anybody want to speak more to this who knows more than me?

I wasn't sure if this was a serious topic or not, but I guess it is. I'm not a contest guy, so I don't have anything to say on that front, but if the hang-up is differentiating between Zelda and Shiek, I think this post sums it up.

MoogleKupo141 posted...

but theyre not different. Youre compartmentalizing elements of one character. Sheik is Zelda, whatever you like about Sheik its also Zelda. Zelda is doing the stuff Sheik is doing. she made all those decisions, has all those abilities.

The fact that Sheik has represented Zelda at all means Allen considers them the same character

HaRRicH posted...

I don't think Smash has addressed them as the same since separating the characters in SSB4 though

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/6/0/7/AAeYFbAAEp__.jpg

HaRRicH posted...

I haven't played Hyrule Warriors and am comfortable taking your word on that, but if you have evidence of that then that'd be cool to see.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI7t88FpGnc

Wizzro (after Sheik disperses Wizzro's Zelda disguise): "How did you see through my disguise?"
Sheik: "You can't be Zelda. Because... I am Zelda!"

Leonhart4 posted...

The fact that Sheik has represented Zelda at all means Allen considers them the same character

Sometimes match pictures use completely the wrong character so I wouldn't lean on this logic too much.

Kenri posted...

Sometimes match pictures use completely the wrong character so I wouldn't lean on this logic too much.

Yeah I think I remember Ventus being used in a Roxas match once. Maybe Naked Snake in place of Solid Snake happened too?

Kenri posted...

Sometimes match pictures use completely the wrong character so I wouldn't lean on this logic too much.

Yeah but it's not like Zelda and Sheik look the same so this wouldn't be a case of mistaken identity

This isn't a CJ situation

it's a good thing licensed characters are banned or else we could nom Goku and Goku Blue because Fighter Z gave them separate slots that don't transform into each other

Mario and Paper Mario are canonically different characters!

LordoftheMorons posted...

Mario and Paper Mario are canonically different characters!

You make an intriguing point

Grimlyn posted...

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/6/0/7/AAeYFbAAEp__.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI7t88FpGnc

Wizzro (after Sheik disperses Wizzro's Zelda disguise): "How did you see through my disguise?"
Sheik: "You can't be Zelda. Because... I am Zelda!"

I'll concede on recent trophy lore then. Still, mechanically for the overall experience, Sheik has been intentionally drifting away from playing like Zelda or needing Zelda to play.

And that Hyrule Warriors video is so blatant lol.

so what's the consensus on Princess Hilda from ALBW?