Continuing from my previous blog, I am just as excited to see all the new stages that we'll be playing on for the next Smash Bros. games. For a while, I thought that there wasn't going to be any retro stages, but the last direct debunked those doubts! Like the characters blog, I will list my favorite confirmed stages from what I've seen, and I will also include stages that I want to see from past Smash Bros. entries, along with some inspiration on what could potentially be stages from other games. 
Confirmed Stages
5. Final Destination
This is, by far, the most impressive-looking iteration of the solely standing platform. While there can also be similar FD versions of other stages now, I think I'm going to stick with the original just because how fantastic it looks. At this point, my only hope is that its battle theme will be close to Brawl's in greatness and that the background animations are equally inspiring.
4. Dr. Wily's Castle
It may seem pretty uninteresting at first, but the frantic excitement truly kicks off once the Yellow Devil makes its appearance. While this stage won't be the only place with a boss, I feel having the yellow behemoth at your side could make for some interesting fights with its unusual attack patterns. Having a remixed version of the stage's theme would also a huge plus for me if they decide to implement the same one from Mega Man's reveal!
3. Pilot Wings
Seeing Wuhu Island in HD is absolutely gorgeous, and having the stage take place on flying planes and during a flight course is incredibly ingenious of the developers. Also, I think it's pretty comical how the take-off starts in the 16-Bit field of the SNES game.
2. Palutena's Temple
It's a pretty large stage, and one that I hope won't be as devoid of activity as playing in Brawl's New Pork City. I'm curious to see if we'll also be able to see a destroyed version of the Skyworld a la Kid Icarus: Uprising, or if it degrades from its pristine stage as the battle progresses.
1. Mario Galaxy
I've always wanted to see what a Super Mario Galaxy-inspired stage would look like, and it looks incredible! Not as interactive as I'd like, but wonderful nonetheless; of course, the unique gravity affects from the games still apply for the fighters. On a last note, Gusty Garden and Fluffy Bluff Galaxy themes better make it onto here!
Retro Stages
It's always nice to go back to the classics, and there's plenty of stages that I want to visit again for the upcoming games. For this section, I went with stages we haven't seen since the games they've debuted in or the ones that appeared in Brawl.
5. Hyrule Castle (64)
As the first stage to take the large, spacious archetype, I feel it's one of the more underrated of the group. It isn't overly immense, and it was satisfying to toss my opponents into the cyclone hazards. Playing this stage in Project M makes me want to see this stage have a comeback!
4. Venom (Melee)
Preferences between the Melee SF stages aside, I really liked seeing the environments changing and moving/phasing out into the background. Fighting on the wings of the Great Fox was a lot more enjoyable for me than fighting on the top instead.
3. Port Town Aero Dive (Brawl)
Of all the F-Zero related stages, this one takes the cake as my favorite. Even with the cars being as damaging as ever, it didn't stop me from enjoying the various locales on and off the track.
2. Pirate Ship (Brawl)
I love sailing the Great Sea, and being able to see the vast ocean while brawling makes it one of my most requested stage. There's a possibility that they could adopt another locale from the up-res'd version, but I really like the idea of having to go through some obstacles, such as the cyclones or assaults from the watch towers.
1. Norfair (Brawl)
The capricious nature of this fiery stage always kept me on my toes; the lava hazards are what makes this stage ridiculously fun! In Brawl, it had my favorite track selection for any stage ever, and I've had many fond, hilarious moments occur in this stage particularly, namely involving a certain Final Smash blocking the safe capsule from access. 
Wishful Additions
Stages are the bread and butter of the Smash Bros. series, and it's always fun seeing the various new stages for every upcoming release, whether I end up liking them or not. There's a couple of stages that I'd like to see happen too!
5. N's Castle
Appearance: Pokémon Black & White
Of course, the battle will take place in the throne room, but it would be grand nonetheless. Personally, I could imagine one of the legendary Unovan dragons bursting through from the back and terrorizing the Smashers. Not only that, but it wouldn't be as much of a nuisance as the deities from Spear Pillar with their temporal/spatial powers. 
And it's not Pokémon Stadium 3!!! Please... not again... >_>
4. Tower of Guidance
Appearance: Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Honorable mention goes to Riven Bridge; although there's potential of it being a vertical stage a la Icicle Mountain and Rumble Falls, I could also see it take place at the top where Ashera, Goddess of Order, resides, and she'd basically serve as the boss hazard. Plus, I really don't want to see another generic stage for the series!
3. Grima
Appearance: Fire Emblem: Awakening
There's a possible chance for the Fell Dragon to have its back as its own stage considering that the theme that plays in the chapter was present during the Direct, but I'm not taking chances! I think it'd be an interesting idea to have a boss character also function as the main stage.
2. Fallen Arm
Appearance: Xenoblade Chronicles
Any place that have the two clashing titans in the background is fine for me, and the Fallen Arm fits that criteria perfectly. It's also a really gorgeous area! Still clinging onto hope for some Xenoblade representation!
1. Sunset Shore
Appearance: Donkey Kong Country Returns (1-4)
The potential for an interesting visual aesthetic makes this my number one pick. I think having the foreground and the Smashers' silhouettes contrast against the setting sun would look beautiful. Make this happen Sakurai!
And that's all for today's blog. What are you favorite stages for the upcoming games? Any new or retro Stages you want to see? Sound away! Until next time! 