Super Smash Bros: Switching Things Up
It’s time to keep your friends close and your Nintendo Switch closer. Since the release of Super Smash Bros on the Nintendo 64 in January of 1999, fans of fighting games have had the pleasure of pitting classic characters against each other in epic showdowns of button mashing and split-second timing. The numerous sequels have improved upon the existing formula with added characters, stages and fighting mechanics, but some changes have been debated by fans as possible missteps. With the official announcement of Super Smash Bros for Switch at Nintendo Direct earlier this year, fans are hopeful that Nintendo will continue on their hot streak of high-quality first-party titles by embracing the growing e-sports trend, and listening to what the somewhat fractured fanbase wants in a Smash Bros game.
With the release of the Gamecube came Super Smash Bros Melee, the second game in the series and perhaps the most iconic. For years, many fans eschewed the newer releases in favor of playing emulated versions of the Gamecube classic in competitive online play. In particular, Super Smash Bros Brawl for the Wii was a point of contention; some characters from melee were removed, and not everyone was pleased with the Wii-mote controls. The next installment in the series was co-developed by Namco and released with versions on the Wii U as well as 3DS. The game was critically well-received, and was filled with features that appealed to casual and hardcore fans alike. The 8-player mode allowed for some truly chaotic gameplay, and the ability to both play online and acquire additional characters brought the series closer to what one expects from modern online gaming.
With the release of the Nintendo Switch, Smash fans everywhere began counting the minutes waiting for a chance to send their friends rocketing off-screen once again. The trailer for Smash Bros Switch shown at this year’s Nintendo Direct started off by revealing that Inklings, the squid-like characters of Splatoon, will be joining the roster of fighters. While the chance to play as the stars of Nintendo’s popular non-violent shooter is certainly exciting, the reveal has ignited endless speculation as to what other characters might find themselves in the Switch version. (Rick and Morty, perhaps?) Fans are clamoring for new details, and according to Nintendo they won’t have to wait long. The company has outlined its plans for this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), and new games will be the focus. They have said that Super Smash Bros Switch will be in the spotlight. In addition to showcasing the game, there will be an invitational tournament at the Belasco Theater on June 12th where competitive players from around the world will duke it out in the new Switch version of the game.
Since their E3 festivities are kicking off with tournaments in both Splatoon 2 and the new Smash Bros, it seems like Nintendo is focusing more on the competitive e-sports community. Those who have participated in Super Smash Bros tournaments, even among friends, will see this as an obvious choice. Friendships can reach new heights (and depths) when playing a serious game of Smash Bros, and when players of similar skill duke it out, any spectators will quickly end up on the edge of their seats. In a world dominated by battle-royale-style shooters, Super Smash Bros could be a breath of fresh air.
There are many questions that will only be answered once Nintendo has revealed more. What changes (if any) have been made to the gameplay mechanics? Is this a brand new game or an update to the Wii U version? Will Nintendo take an active role in balancing the game post-release with patches and updates? The party ball is in Nintendo’s court, and it looks like it’ll be cracking open at this year’s E3.
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