Who’s missing from Avatar Legends? Non-Benders

The existence of non-benders, in my opinion, is one of the most important aspects of Avatar’s world-building. Having to contend with and, on occasion, fight people who spawn into this plane of existence with the innate ability to cast fireball truly breeds innovation. In Avatar Legends, they are represented by Sokka, who does a good job but cannot cover every aspect of them on his own. To help him out with it, here are three or four characters who showcase different ways of surviving this world.

Suki, proud Kyoshi-warrior and Sokka’s girlfriend, is already in the game as a support for Sokka, as well as aiding him in his now infamous “girlfriend install” super. As mentioned previously, I don’t know if that disqualifies her from becoming a full-fledged fighter in the future, but I hope it doesn’t so we can see her interact with the rest of the Gaang and her culture’s idol Avatar Kyoshi. Also, her more disciplined fighting style would make for a great contrast to Sokka’s more humorous moves.

If not superior combat ability, how about outright denying the opponent access to their most powerful tools? Ty-Lee would already be an interesting character to add due to her connection with Azula in particular, but her chi blocking-technique elevates her to a potential game-breaker on its own. Maybe it would temporarily disable special moves or take away elemental effects on all attacks. It could be a super or just a regular special move. However it’s implemented, it would likely be critical to Ty Lee’s gameplan and a potent threat to anyone seeking to just spam fireballs that, regardless of the frustration it would likely cause, I would love to see implemented.

What happens when you can’t compete in that arena though? Asami is certainly not defenseless in melee combat, but where she shines are her gadgets and inventions. I envision a character who can either call a mech for a super or outright fights in one, that, when destroyed, leaves a more than capable fighter shocking her opponents into next week with a charged glove. Yet another unrealistic, but quite fun potential pick. Alternatively, the devs can give Korra a “girlfriend install” too.

Lastly, Jett happens when you can’t compete at all. The fire nation ruined his life and the Dai Lee captured and hypnotised him, but him and his friends persevered. He grew and redeemed himself to the point that he, too, has been among the most requested characters for the game. In terms of gameplay, his hook swords would be unique among the cast and the developers could definitely craft a fun moveset out of them.

Non-benders matter, and I’d like to see more of them added to compete with the setting’s elite. Show me Avatar Kyoshi getting chi-blocked and subsequently walked down by a circus kid in handstand-stance, and I’ll be happy.

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