Ganondorf is a longtime member of the Super Smash Bros. roster, but he is one of the characters most in need of a rework. As he stands now, his fighting style barely resembles his canonical characterization. As one of Nintendo's most famous villains, Ganondorf deserves a much better showing than what he currently has in the game.
Ganondorf is the main antagonist of the Legend of Zelda series, and arguably one of the most iconic video game villains of all time. Much like series protagonist Link, he has appeared as a new incarnation in almost every game in the series. He is a skilled swordsman and magic user and can turn into a monster known as Ganon. Once Super Smash Bros. Melee added Bowser to the roster, it seemed natural that Ganondorf was unlockable in the same game. Although with speculation on what fighters could join the next Smash Bros., it's also fair to consider that Ganondorf's moveset needs to be reworked.
Ganondorf's introduction to the Smash series was a bit strange. In his debut, he was an outright clone of Captain Falcon, a character that he has absolutely nothing to do with. Despite some minor differences, such as Ganondorf and his moves being slower and stronger, his moveset was almost exactly the same as Falcon. This prevented him from being able to establish a unique identity, especially among players who had never played a Zelda game before and were therefore unfamiliar with the villain. Although Ganondorf has received more unique moves in recent entries, his special moves are still the Captain Falcon specials. If the next Smash sequel has a smaller roster, then Ganondorf may need more individuality to make the cut.
Ganondorf Needs To Stop Using Captain Falcon's Moves In Smash
Looking back at his home series, there are plenty of sources they could delve into for Ganondorf's moveset. While using his sword in his smash attacks is an improvement, the fact that his magical powers are completely absent from his Smash moveset feels like an oversight. Multiple games have shown Ganondorf employing magic while fighting Link, so it would not be an unfair addition to his kit. The fact that Ganondorf's Smash incarnation is still largely a modified Captain Falcon feels like a disservice to his character, and he deserves something more befitting his character and role. Smash Bros. needs more variety and reinventing Ganondorf as a magic-slinging brute would do wonders in that regard.
The developers would not have to functionally change Ganondorf's role in Smash. His being a big, slow bruiser is fine, because it fits the aura of foreboding power that he exudes. However, his current moveset does little to explain who Ganondorf truly is. Every other character's moveset pulls significantly from their origins and gives the players an idea of who they are and how they fight. However, Ganondorf in his current state is pretty much just a big guy with Captain Falcon's special moves. He needs a more faithful moveset to further establish his own identity in the Smash series. A lore-accurate Ganondorf may even be able to establish himself as one of Super Smash Bros. best sword fighters. However, establishing his own identity is the most important reason for his rework.
Adding Ganondorf to Smash was the right decision, but starting him off as a Captain Falcon clone is one of the series' most questionable moves. As one of the most memorable villains in video game history, Ganondorf deserves more than that. The next Super Smash Bros. has yet to be confirmed, but hopefully, it will give Ganondorf a more faithful, fitting moveset.