Super Smash Bros. 4: Zero Suit Samus Bares Her Midriff

Compared to previous Smash installments, alternate costumes this time around are going well beyond simple color scheme alterations. We've already seen Link don his Skyward Sword clothing and Mario get ready for some NES Open Tournament Golf action, among other notable examples. Now its Zero Suit Samus' turn with a couple of outfits based on the endings to Metroid Fusion and Metroid: Zero Mission on Game Boy Advance.

Allow director Masahiro Sakurai to say his bit:

Before armorless Samus became associatied with skin-tight blue spandex, she cycled through various one- and two-piece undergarments from game to game. For her GBA outings, those garments were presented more like sporty casual wear for a night on the town. Of course, this was before the perceived sexualization of the Zero Suit, which has resulted in this latest Smash reveal being met with some concern by various fans. It's telling that Sakurai felt the need to mention that these alternate costumes was designed by a female, almost as an attempt to deflect any accusations of sexualization. For me, personally, I believe this is fun, harmless fanservice that celebrates Samus' earlier adventures.

Sakurai also shared a screen of the new costumes from the 3DS version:

This screen doubles as a subtle confirmation that the Brinstar level from Melee is returning, at least for the portable outing!

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS arrives on October 3. The Wii U version will land later in winter.