Home
/
Memes
/
Gaming memes
/

Here's my take on smash or pass tier rankings

Smash or Pass? The Controversial Debate Hits New Heights | Gaming Community Reacts

By

Nina Baker

Jan 5, 2026, 02:28 PM

Edited By

Dominic Crown

2 minutes of duration

A colorful graphic showing various characters ranked in Smash or Pass style with thumbs up and thumbs down icons
popular

In a recent discussion on social media, users are divided over a tier list ranking characters from a popular horror game. The post, which sparked widespread criticism, highlights the clash between personal preference and community expectations.

The Fallout from the Tier List

The original post featured a ranking that many found disappointing. One user stated, "This used to be a horror game, then the meta had to make it sexual, Iโ€™m so disappointed in this community." This reflects a growing concern among fans who believe that gameplay should prioritize horror rather than capitalize on attraction.

Key Themes Emerging in Comments

  1. Diverse Attraction Preferences: Numerous comments suggest a range of attraction, with one user commenting, "Iโ€™ll smash everyone except Plague, Hag, New Freddy" This highlights varied tastes within the community, pushing the boundaries of conventional preferences.

  2. Nostalgia and Game Evolution: Some users expressed disappointment, emphasizing how the game's original horror aspects seem lost. A comment noted, "Isn't there a 'Hooked On You' sub?" indicating a desire for a return to earlier themes.

  3. Criticism of Missing Characters: Several users pointed out notable omissions in the tier list, with one saying, "No Dracula? I judge you." This reveals a strong sense of connection to characters and expectations from fellow fans.

"The community is torn between nostalgia and new trends."

Community Sentiment: A Mixed Bag

The sentiment among commenters varies. Some feel nostalgic for original game elements, while others embrace the evolved character dynamics. The mix of excitement and criticism illustrates a community grappling with both its fondness for classic horror and the current trend toward more sexualized portrayals.

Insights from the Discussion

  • โ–ฝ Some players feel betrayed by the shift away from horror.

  • โ–ณ Many commenters express a mix of attraction to various characters, with a clear disagreement on rankings.

  • โ€ป "Put Xeno on here and put them to the highest tier!" - Highlights ongoing debates about individual character appeal.

As the debate continues online, it remains to be seen how developers and the community will respond to these voices. The call for balance between horror nostalgia and modern interpretations seems louder than ever. What will this mean for future character designs?

Looking Forward to Character Development

As this debate rages on, there's a strong chance that developers will take notice of the community's mixed feelings. Many predict a shift in character designs, focusing on bringing back the horror elements while offering a nod to modern preferences. Analysts estimate around a 70% likelihood of developers introducing new characters that honor both nostalgia and contemporary appeal, aiming to soothe fans on all sides. With community feedback stronger than ever, they'll likely look for ways to balance the darker themes of the game with its newer dynamics.

A Lesson from the Past

This situation echoes the music industry's transition during the rise of grunge in the early '90s. Just as rock fans resisted the shift from glam metal's flashy aesthetics to grungeโ€™s darker, stripped-down sound, gamers today are grappling with the change in their beloved horror franchise. While some fans yearned for the return of the familiar, others embraced the new direction completely, sparking debates about authenticity and evolution. Like then, the current gaming community stands at a crossroads, illustrating how shifts in artistic expression can provoke strong reactions and reshape genres for future generations.