[HTML1]

As one of the most popular fighting games on the market, the Super Smash Bros. franchise has managed to gather an immense following thanks to its expansive roster of crossover characters and Nintendo all-stars. For the first time ever, players can pit some of the most iconic mascots in gaming today against one another, and therein has always been the main appeal of the franchise.

Still, there are several characters that aren't currently found on the roster, but Nintendo has plans to rectify that with downloadable fighters. In fact, the company is even taking suggestions for characters through the official Super Smash Bros. fighter ballot located on the game's official site. While the combatants released thus far haven't been ones voted for by the community, however, it seems that the first of the people's choice smashers will be none other than Shovel Knight.

Reports have surfaced from Liam Roberston via NintendoLife, that claim inside sources close to the matter have confirmed that the titular blue knight will be making an appearance as future Super Smash Bros. DLC. While Roberston is keeping his sources under wraps, however, his reports have proven to be incredibly accurate thus far – with the individual correctly ousting the existence of a Zombi U port to current-gen consoles prior to its announcement.

Many will recall the heroic protagonist from Yacht Club Games' title of the same name, Shovel Knight, when it debuted first on PC and Nintendo platforms last year. The retro platformer harkened back to older games like Mega Man to provide players with challenging platforming sections and an old school aesthetic. It was heralded by many critics, which eventually lead to the character gaining a rather strong following for inclusion in the latest installments of Nintendo's beloved fighting game series.

It's important to take this news with a grain of salt, as nothing is official until Nintendo confirms this news itself, but Roberston's track record has been incredibly solid so far. Even then, more will likely question Nintendo's decision to add such a recent indie mascot to the fray when there are several other potential combatants that fans would like to see even more. Characters like King K. Rool from the Donkey Kong Country series or Isaac from Golden Sun have been two frontrunners for inclusion for quite some time, and they appear to have been put on the back burner so far.

Apparently an official announcement is set to arrive at some point in the near future. This could be within the next week or in a couple of months, but the rumors also confirm that Shovel Knight will be receiving his very own amiibo to coincide with his appearance in Smash. It's hard to say what other games the character's statue will be compatible with, but it's not preposterous to assume it would likely interact with the existing Shovel Knight game on Wii U and 3DS.

What do you think of Shovel Knight possibly joining the Super Smash Bros. roster? What other characters would you like to see join the fray? Get at us in the comments.

Source: Liam Roberston (via NintendoLife)

Image: Artsy Omni