ack!!!! that's not good, that's awful!! both Ultros and Sigma would lose to dark clones. that's no good at all.

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Nominate DUFF MCWHALEN for Spring2K5!!
Trivia XIV: MEATWADD SUCKS!!

01 - UltimateralizerX
02 - Team Rocket Elite
03 - MasterMage119
04 - HaRRicH
05 - Haste2
06 - RPGuy96
07 - H4L187
08 - cyko
09 - Robazoid
10 - Janus5000
11 - DomaDragoon
12 - Mithrandir1331
13 - Nightmare 45
14 - Starion
15 - King Morgoth
16 - Fiop
17 - yoblazer33
18 - Phediuk
19 - FastFalcon05
20 - imdapartystar
21 - smitelf
22 - jonthomson
23 - Mister Mario
24 - nh82
25 - Shake
26 - stepintothearena
27 - Rufus Shinra 18
28 - charmander6000
29 - Sephirot1
30 - Tediz247
31 - ExThaNemesis
32 - Kuge
33 - SwanMocker
34 - JonthePenguin
35 - ChocoCid
36 - Ngamer
37 - CaptainFlufflez
38 - ExquisiteSamurai
39 - Young Boy
40 - Kaxon
41 - Shdwdde
42 - Garsha
43 - FFDragon
44 - Steinershocker
45 - Sir Bormun
46 - swirldude
47 - Heroic Mario
48 - Weird Kirby Dude11
49 - arkenaga
50 - Taslion
51 - perdevious
52 - Meche313
53 - Mumei
54 - MegatokyoED
55 - Z1mZum
56 - RamzaB
57 - nifboy
58 - Paratroopa1
59 - A Hogasm IN POG FORM
60 - greatone10
61 - VicPez
62 - Samurai7
63 - Master Moltar
64 - Yesmar
65 - RPGGamer0
66 - Zylo the wolf
67 - Fantusta
68 - Mac Arrowny
69 - ChichiriMuyo
70 - Redtooth
71 - Blade X
72 - TheCalmness
73 - Qwaar
74 - Tai
75 - Lieutenant Kettch
76 - Neoatomtaco
77 - ScorpionX3
78 - Fett0001
79 - neonreaper
80 - zMega64
81 - Smurf

Why am I being taken off? Didn't two people already say "intelligence" is not a qualification? (That doesn't mean I'm not intelligent, either..)

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PETITION: Ability to preview contests to moderators before posting it. http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=7&topic=19643565 (124 Signs!)

Why is Tai copying the list saying he's taken off when he's on the list?
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The Xbox has two modes: Off and Halo. Sony has everything else. ~UltimateralizerX

I'm BACK! Did you miss me? What do you mean no? Oh fine.

I haven't had time to read through all of the discussion yet, so I apologize if any of my thoughts have been beaten to death. Althuogh Dark Link and Dark Samus are legitimate villians, I don't think they should be let into the contest because they wouldn't be voted for as villions, they would be voted for as if they were Link and Samus, and that's just not fair to the other villians.

*** Mega Man Zero Spilers ***

On another note, would Mega Man X be allowed into the contest? He is, after all, the villan of MMZ, due to the effects of the Sigma virus. I just started MMZ2 and have yet to play MMZ3 so I don't know the whole story.

Anyways, add me to the guru contest:

01 - UltimateralizerX
02 - Team Rocket Elite
03 - MasterMage119
04 - HaRRicH
05 - Haste2
06 - RPGuy96
07 - H4L187
08 - cyko
09 - Robazoid
10 - Janus5000
11 - DomaDragoon
12 - Mithrandir1331
13 - Nightmare 45
14 - Starion
15 - King Morgoth
16 - Fiop
17 - yoblazer33
18 - Phediuk
19 - FastFalcon05
20 - imdapartystar
21 - smitelf
22 - jonthomson
23 - Mister Mario
24 - nh82
25 - Shake
26 - stepintothearena
27 - Rufus Shinra 18
28 - charmander6000
29 - Sephirot1
30 - Tediz247
31 - ExThaNemesis
32 - Kuge
33 - SwanMocker
34 - JonthePenguin
35 - ChocoCid
36 - Ngamer
37 - CaptainFlufflez
38 - ExquisiteSamurai
39 - Young Boy
40 - Kaxon
41 - Shdwdde
42 - Garsha
43 - FFDragon
44 - Steinershocker
45 - Sir Bormun
46 - swirldude
47 - Heroic Mario
48 - Weird Kirby Dude11
49 - arkenaga
50 - Taslion
51 - perdevious
52 - Meche313
53 - Mumei
54 - MegatokyoED
55 - Z1mZum
56 - RamzaB
57 - nifboy
58 - Paratroopa1
59 - A Hogasm IN POG FORM
60 - greatone10
61 - VicPez
62 - Samurai7
63 - Master Moltar
64 - Yesmar
65 - RPGGamer0
66 - Zylo the wolf
67 - Fantusta
68 - Mac Arrowny
69 - ChichiriMuyo
70 - Redtooth
71 - Blade X
72 - TheCalmness
73 - Qwaar
74 - Tai
75 - Lieutenant Kettch
76 - Neoatomtaco
77 - ScorpionX3
78 - Fett0001
79 - neonreaper
80 - zMega64
81 - Smurf
82 - Aprosenf
---
For the sake of simplicity, I'm going to refer to Gordon Freeman versus Tanner as Schrodinger's Match. -Phoenix Flattener

Just to clarify, does Shadow turn good at the end of Sonic Heroes? Please use spoilers.

SONIC ADVENTURE 2 SPOILERS
He turns good at the end of this, the first game he's in. And is playable in it, to boot.

Reasonably, Dracula is too much like the "real" Dracula to be eligible.

It doesn't help that, officially, the novel Dracula is included in series continuity.

---
Nominate Walter from Castlevania: Lament of Innocence for Spring Contest 2005!
http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=7&topic=19412943

If MMX was a villian for the entire game, he's eligible. But I would assume most would vote for him because of his hero roles too.
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http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/contest_nominate.php
Nominate Giovanni(Pokemon) and Lance for GameFAQ's Spring 2005 Contest!!

Why is Tai copying the list saying he's taken off when he's on the list?

Look at post 34 of this topic. See if I'm on it.

Dark Link going out before even getting a shot at Sephiroth seems kind of a waste. If Dark Link does get a chance to fight Sephiroth, we'll probably get some interesting topics before he goes down in flames.

That also presumes the clones actually get in, which I'm not 100% confident in, especially Dark Link. But I'll predict they both make it. Yeah, so anyways, what's the significance of Dark Link facing Sephiroth?

So, that gives us Dark Link and Dark Samus in the same half-division as someone who could beat them. Good enough?

If a clone wins, this board will implode.

Good enough.





---
PETITION: Ability to preview contests to moderators before posting it. http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=7&topic=19643565 (124 Signs!)

No, forget the championship. If a clone gets to the Final Four, this board will implode.

Hell, if they got nominated, maybe you'll have the inital *****ing from n00bs and Link/Samus haters alike.

---
PETITION: Ability to preview contests to moderators before posting it. http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=7&topic=19643565 (124 Signs!)

That also presumes the clones actually get in, which I'm not 100% confident in, especially Dark Link. But I'll predict they both make it. Yeah, so anyways, what's the significance of Dark Link facing Sephiroth?

Summer Contest-wise only Cloud and Link are powerful enough to beat Sephiroth. Link is not eligable for this contest, Cloud is borderline and probably won't make it due to lacking even Spring 2005 Contest board support. Also most character close to Sephiroth are not eligable. So we're looking at Sephiroth winning every match with over 60% of the vote. That's where Dark Link comes in. On the near impossible chance that he's close to Link in power, he can challenge and maybe even beat Sephiroth.
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http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/contest_nominate.php
Nominate Giovanni(Pokemon) and Lance for GameFAQ's Spring 2005 Contest!!

Look at post 34 of this topic. See if I'm on it.

I'm looking at post 202 of this topic, where you copy/paste the entire list, with you at #74, and then say that you keep getting taken off. Confusion = Yes.
---
The Xbox has two modes: Off and Halo. Sony has everything else. ~UltimateralizerX

Tai that happened to be too, just sign up again.
---
Zelos: Don't hate me just because I'm beautiful.
Nominate Ghaleon here: http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/contest_nominate.php

...
**Megaman Zero spoilers**


How much of MMZ2 have you played? Even with the crappy translation, it should say that the X that was a the villain in MMZ was a copy- known as Copy-X, and he didn't even have the memories of the original X, I believe.
In fact, the original X helps you in all three games.
---
"What do you want?"
"A donut." --Avellone and the Vault Dweller

I really hope the clones aren't allowed in. It will drastically decrease how interesting this contest gets if they are because we'll have much fewer unpredictable matches and, frankly, they suck. I can handle seeing Albedo beat by Ganondorf, but seeing him beat by Dark Link will cause my intestines to implode.
---
Official Queen ***** of the Universe!
Nominate Kerrigan, Albedo, and SHODAN!

I really hope the clones aren't allowed in. It will drastically decrease how interesting this contest gets if they are because we'll have much fewer unpredictable matches and, frankly, they suck. I can handle seeing Albedo beat by Ganondorf, but seeing him beat by Dark Link will cause my intestines to implode.

I know. Clones will only contaminate this contest.
---
PETITION: Ability to preview contests to moderators before posting it. http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=7&topic=19643565 (124 Signs!)

Dark Link shouldn't get in, but there's not a reason in the world to exclude Dark Samus. She is anything but a "clone."

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Nominate Dark Samus for the Spring 2005 Contest!

Dark Link shouldn't get in, but there's not a reason in the world to exclude Dark Samus. She is anything but a "clone."

To you and me, perhaps. But not to the majority of the voters who will vote for her.
---
"My name is Guybrush Threepwood. Prepare to die!"

To anyone who has played Metroid Prime 2, it is obvious to see she is no such thing. Now, how the voters vote is different, as each has their own little ways of determining who they vote for. She should not be excluded based on that, however. It is, quite frankly, idiotic.

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Nominate Dark Samus for the Spring 2005 Contest!

To you and me, perhaps. But not to the majority of the voters who will vote for her.

Exactly.

We're not dealing with only the board 8 users, anymore. We're dealing with mindless drones who will vote for Dark Samus and Dark Link just because they have "Samus" and "Link" in their names.

It will be a tragedy. :-(
---
PETITION: Ability to preview contests to moderators before posting it. http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=7&topic=19643565 (124 Signs!)

Is Sephiroth gonna be allowed in this? because he will win hands down if he is
---
FFXI: Asura: Hume, Rank 9, Rpglord lvl 66Drk/33Thf LS: Illumanati
Currently Playing: FFXI, FF2:DoS, KH:CoM

That is no reason to exclude them from the contest, or Dark Samus in particular. She is the main villain of Echoes and by such should not be excluded for simply looking like Samus.

---
Nominate Dark Samus for the Spring 2005 Contest!

To you and me, perhaps. But not to the majority of the voters who will vote for her.

How and why the voters vote the way they do is their own business. Considering the characters we are likely to have, many voters will know nothing more then what the characters look like for many of the matches and vote accordingly. That reason for voting isn't a whole lot better or different than voting for the character that has an similar name and/or picture to another character I they like.

Is Sephiroth gonna be allowed in this? because he will win hands down if he is

As far as we know, he will be.
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http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/contest_nominate.php
Nominate Giovanni(Pokemon) and Lance for GameFAQ's Spring 2005 Contest!!

Eh, okay, so a good case has been made for Dark Samus. I wouldn't know about it because I haven't played Echoes. Still don't like the idea of Dark Link, though...
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Official Queen ***** of the Universe!
Nominate Kerrigan, Albedo, and SHODAN!

If Dark Link gets in the contest, Board 8 will be pounded.
---
PETITION: Ability to preview contests to moderators before posting it. http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=7&topic=19643565 (124 Signs!)

I think Shadow Link is enough of a villain in Four Swords Adventures to qualify for the contest. He's more than just a boss fight in that game, as I recall he shows up in about half the levels. On the other hand I don't really want to see him in the contest, so I won't be upset if he's disqualified.
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SC2k4 Oracle ranking: 4th
Nominate CATS, for great justice!

I'm BACK! Did you miss me?

Yes. ^_^

---
Vexilla regis prodeunt Inferni. ~ Dante Alighieri

I still like the idea of Dark Samus and Dark Link being 8 and 9 seeds in the division with Sephiroth as a 1 seed. That way everyone's happy, since they get into the contest and they don't **** anything up.

Metroid Prime 2, Sonic Adventure 2, and Eternal Darkness SPOILERS































Who cares that Dark Samus is really Metroid Prime? Dark Link is really the mixture of Link's blood and Ganon's ashes, or at least as is my understanding. What does that have to do with anything?

Shadow may be playable in SA2, but Pious Augustus is playable at the beginning of Eternal Darkness and I haven't heard anyone saying he won't be eligible.

And Shadow turning good at the end of SA2 doesn't matter as long as he was a villain in at least one other game. What about Donkey Kong or Bowser?

















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"Heh Heh... The wind... It is blowing..."--Ganondorf Dragmire

And Shadow turning good at the end of SA2 doesn't matter as long as he was a villain in at least one other game.

Newsflash: he wasn't. Bye Shadow, and don't let the toilet spit you out on the way in.
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SpC2K5 nominations: Kefka, Ganondorf, Bowser, Ridley, Eggman, Dark Samus, Mario, DK, CATS, Kerrigan

What's the other game where Shadow is a villain for the whole game?
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http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/contest_nominate.php
Nominate Giovanni(Pokemon) and Lance for GameFAQ's Spring 2005 Contest!!

maybe have "Metroid Prime" rather than dark samus. i could see that working.
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RPG Elite (777) Dragoon Choco-Mage
http://rpgelite.org/join.htm

Yeah, but as HM and I mentioned, I'd be less inclined to vote for Metroid Prime than Dark Samus, and it has nothing to do with DS looking like Samus. DS is just pulled off perfectly, from the spine-tingling cutscenes to the bone-chilling boss battles. Metroid Prime is... a boss introduced by two or three Space Pirate scans, but other than that it just pops up its ugly head at the end. Think Yu Yevon.
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SpC2K5 nominations: Kefka, Ganondorf, Bowser, Ridley, Eggman, Dark Samus, Mario, DK, CATS, Kerrigan

I understand two things about Shadow in this: one, he turns good in Sonic Heroes, and two, he's in two games. I think he's in Sonic Adventure Battle (or something like that), where I'm pretty sure he's playable and I'm assuming he's evil.

Of course, we know what assuming does if you don't have a clue.....
---
Kirby'll suck you up, spit you out, then use your own power against you!
Kirby's ****list: Jill Valentine, Alucard, Squall, and Dante

In Sonic Battle? No, Shadow's not evil.
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SpC2K5 nominations: Kefka, Ganondorf, Bowser, Ridley, Eggman, Dark Samus, Mario, DK, CATS, Kerrigan

So I guess it makes sense to have Dark Link and Dark Samus in the contest, then. As long as they're *real* main bosses in their games then I won't complain. Actually, Dark Samus sounds kind of cool. I should steal my brother's GameCube this summer and play Echoes.
---
Official Queen ***** of the Universe!
Nominate Kerrigan, Albedo, and SHODAN!

It's still a bad idea. Any clone that will ride their original's namesake deep into the contest doesn't deserve to be in.
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"He was hotter and more doable in Kingdom Hearts." - Ulti on Squall

It's still a bad idea. Any clone that will ride their original's namesake deep into the contest doesn't deserve to be in.

Yeah, but legitimate villains shouldn't be disqualified, either.
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Official Queen ***** of the Universe!
Nominate Kerrigan, Albedo, and SHODAN!

It's still a bad idea. Any clone that will ride their original's namesake deep into the contest doesn't deserve to be in.

Other characters have been allowed into the summer contest that display the same traits. Ganondorf clearly leeches a large part of his popularity from Link. Shadow looks like a Dark version of Sonic. Liquid Snake has a similar name to Solid Snake.
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http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/contest_nominate.php
Nominate Giovanni(Pokemon) and Lance for GameFAQ's Spring 2005 Contest!!

Yeah, but legitimate villains shouldn't be disqualified, either.

I don't give a **** if she's a legit villian or not. Dark Samus will be treated like a clone, and when that time comes, she'll go far, and Board 8 will be chewed up by n00bs and sour anti-Samus fans. :-(
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PETITION: Ability to preview contests to moderators before posting it. http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=7&topic=19643565 (124 Signs!)

I stand corrected on Shadow's lack of evilness then.

As for Dark Link/Samus, a good enough case has been made for me to understand completely why they'd make it in...but it doesn't mean I have to like it. They have every reason to be in this and be legit, so I shouldn't complain...I just don't like how they will get added strength that shouldn't necessarily be theirs.
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Serious Reminder: Nominate Dr. Wily in 2k5
http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/contest_nominate.php

Yes, but each character should be tested on their own merits. Dark Link may perfomr as well as Ganon but would certainly score less than Ganon directly agaisnt Link. Besides, of the matches we've seen Ganon in we can hardly even make decent conclusions. If a clone character makes it past round one, however, that'd be a travesty. None of them deserve to make it that far based on their own recognition. I may hate Shadow and consider him as bad a leech as any other clone, but at least he is recognizable as his own character and has his own name (and soon to be his own game). If each villain in the contest were judged as their existance should be (as a villain, and not a reflection of a popular character whose name they carry) then Shadow Link, Metal Sonic, and Dark Samus wouldn't be able to make it past round 3 if they made it in at all.
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"He was hotter and more doable in Kingdom Hearts." - Ulti on Squall

I don't give a **** if she's a legit villian or not. Dark Samus will be treated like a clone, and when that time comes, she'll go far, and Board 8 will be chewed up by n00bs and sour anti-Samus fans. :-(

You act as if the voters up front are actually logically thinking of how they will vote each match. Every one of them has their own reasons for voting for a character, and if there are some who wish to vote based on her looking like Samus then there's little you can do to stop that. It doesn't mean you say she shouldn't take part in a villain contest if she's a villain. That's just stupid. Liquid Snake clearly gets votes for sounding similar to Solid Snake, so what should we do with him? Honestly, if that's the sole reason for not wanting Dark Samus, then there's no reason not to include her. I don't care whether or not Board 8 throws an illogical hissy fit.

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Nominate Dark Samus for the Spring 2005 Contest!

True enough, Harrich. Many of them have made a very legitimate case for being in this contest and not being excluded, as they are villains all their own. If people don't like that they look like their hero counterparts then they are free to do so. Just as there are those who will vote for them based on their looking like the hero; there are those who will vote based on them being kick ass in their games. There's certainly nothing anyone has said for reason to exclude them from a contest, especially when they qualify as well as some of them do. Ganondorf or Bowser aren't any more villainy than Dark Samus.

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Nominate Dark Samus for the Spring 2005 Contest!

I don't give a **** if she's a legit villian or not.

Well, she is, so suck it up.

Dark Samus will be treated like a clone, and when that time comes, she'll go far, and Board 8 will be chewed up by n00bs and sour anti-Samus fans. :-(

And the sane people can hide in here.
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Official Queen ***** of the Universe!
Nominate Kerrigan, Albedo, and SHODAN!

You act as if the voters up front are actually logically thinking of how they will vote each match. Every one of them has their own reasons for voting for a character, and if there are some who wish to vote based on her looking like Samus then there's little you can do to stop that. It doesn't mean you say she shouldn't take part in a villain contest if she's a villain. That's just stupid. Liquid Snake clearly gets votes for sounding similar to Solid Snake, so what should we do with him? Honestly, if that's the sole reason for not wanting Dark Samus, then there's no reason not to include her. I don't care whether or not Board 8 throws an illogical hissy fit.

Well, I just don't think she should be in the contest. :-\

It's almost like Link and Samus are getting into the contest using black disguises, and under their costumes, they're tearing everyone apart and invoking many "WTF" flags on the way, and basically screwing over the contest.
I don't like the idea of them somehow taking over a contest that was supposd to be for real villians. Now, if you say Dark Samus is a real villian, then fine, I accept that...but I just think she'll be voted for her hero counterpart...and I don't like the idea of that happening.
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PETITION: Ability to preview contests to moderators before posting it. http://boards.gamefaqs.com/gfaqs/genmessage.php?board=7&topic=19643565 (124 Signs!)

Well, I just don't think she should be in the contest. :-\

And what reason do you have that says she shouldn't be in the contest? Especially, when she is clearly a villain, just as Bowser or Ganondorf or Sephiroth.

It's almost like Link and Samus are getting into the contest using black disguises, and under their costumes, they're tearing everyone apart and invoking many "WTF" flags on the way,

Then you have the fact that they would not be anywhere near as strong as Link or Samus. People would be vastly overestimating their strength as it is, thinking that they are going to be the equivalent of their "hero counterparts."

You know, I could understand what you're saying perfectly if this was a case of being a direct clone of the hero character. An example? The Mega Man Clone in MM1 is nothing more than an exact replica of Mega Man. He shouldn't be in such a contest. But for those who are villains, especially the main one's from the game, should be allowed in regardless of what they look like.

and basically screwing over the contest.
I don't like the idea of them somehow taking over a contest that was supposd to be for real villians. Now, if you say Dark Samus is a real villian, then fine, I accept that...but I just think she'll be voted for her hero counterpart...and I don't like the idea of that happening.

How are they "screwing over the contest"? They aren't unbeatable monsters that will kill any and everything in the contest. A match between them and the likes of Ganondorf or Bowser is not guaranteed either way. How Dark Samus is voted upon has does not matter. Again, should something be done about Shadow looking identical to Sonic except done in black? They are completely separate characters and only resemble the main heroes of the game. Dark Samus is the main villain of Metroid Prime 2 and she should not be excluded on the basis that she has a resemblance to Samus. That is just stupid and idiotic.

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Nominate Dark Samus for the Spring 2005 Contest!

Thinkin' on it, I'm surprised there's so much opposition against Dark Link joining in this contest; for all the complaints about Sephiroth being guaranteed to win it all, I figured this would be taken less hatefully. I still don't like it, but come on; if it happens, it's not like it doesn't have a big pro to it. Dark Samus though, I only see her losing to Seph or DL, so even though she's much more a villain than DL, I'm more against her being in just because of her predictibility (so I feel; I think most of us agree on who'd beat her...and that's only one or two people).
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Serious Reminder: Nominate Dr. Wily in 2k5
http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/contest_nominate.php

"They aren't unbeatable monsters that will kill any and everything in the contest."

We yet lack evidence for or against this. Shadow Link could very well = Link. I have a feeling that Shadow Link would give Sephiroth a serious run for his money and maybe, just maybe, even win. The worst part of the clones we've talked about is that all of them have villains of greater importance in the same game/series that should do better but may not. I'd put Metal Sonic over Robotnik, but which one is more important? Ganon is far more important than Shadow Link, but the Link name alone makes the pig-man shudder in fright. Ridley means much more to the metroid series than Dark Samus, but can even he defeat the visage of the woman who continually beats him?
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"He was hotter and more doable in Kingdom Hearts." - Ulti on Squall

" for all the complaints about Sephiroth being guaranteed to win it all"

Well clearly I WANT Sephiroth to win it all. The only benefit of a Link clone joining the fray would be if he fails to win and takes half the brackets with him.
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"He was hotter and more doable in Kingdom Hearts." - Ulti on Squall

We yet lack evidence for or against this.

We don't have contest evidence to say one way or the other, yes. But I think it's asinine to believe that Dark Samus or Dark Link could even come close to being as strong as their counterparts. Because just as there are those who would vote for them no matter what, there are those who would not vote for them over the likes of Ganondorf, Bowser, or Sephiroth simply because they weren't up to the level -- in the voters eyes -- of the three aforementioned characters.

Shadow Link could very well = Link. I have a feeling that Shadow Link would give Sephiroth a serious run for his money and maybe, just maybe, even win.

At best, I think he could give Sephiroth a run for his money, but beating him? I would pretty much consider that out of the question. Hell, I would even be willing to pick Dark Samus over the likes of Dark Link. I doubt he'd honestly be as strong as some people like to make him out to be.

The worst part of the clones we've talked about is that all of them have villains of greater importance in the same game/series that should do better but may not. I'd put Metal Sonic over Robotnik, but which one is more
important?

What does it matter on the importance? That's just silly. If people think Metal Sonic is cooler than Dr. Robotnik, then they should vote based on that. Hell, I would vote for Metal Sonic in such a situation, if only because he is far cooler than Robotnik. How "important" they are matters very little in comparison to how good of boss fights they provide and/or their "character."

Ridley means much more to the metroid series than Dark Samus, but can even he defeat the visage of the woman who continually beats him?

Ridley has been there longer and has had more impact on the storyline of Metroid, but that doesn't mean he should be voted for over Dark Samus based on that. In a match between the two, I'd be somewhat torn on who to vote for with a leaning toward Dark Samus. Their importance is the last thing I'm thinking of when going to vote for them. It's how good of boss fights they provided -- since, you know, their character isn't exactly one to be compared -- and in that case Dark Samus certainly has an advantage, if only slight.

Basically, I feel them losing to the others based on "importance" is just silly. That shouldn't even be a reason to argue, quite honestly. And hell, I don't think Dark Samus or Dark Link are guaranteed wins against the likes of Bowser, Ganondorf, and Ridley. I think some people are vastly overestimating their strength based on how well the "hero" did.

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Nominate Dark Samus for the Spring 2005 Contest!

I like Sephy and have no problems with him winning it all (though I'd rather see Bowser, Ganon, Wily, or Robotnik win it), but I'm saying in terms of competitiveness and in the general feeling of the board, it upsets many people.
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Serious Reminder: Nominate Dr. Wily in 2k5
http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/contest_nominate.php