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Super Smash Bros.

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Super Smash Bros. is a famous series of platform fighting video games published by Nintendo.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gameplay
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gameplay

Unlike traditional fighting games, this series uses a unique method of combat. Players do not simply try to deplete a single life bar. Instead, they use various attacks to build up accumulated damage on their opponents. Once a player has enough damage, they can be knocked off the stage entirely. This system forces players to react differently to every single hit. It encourages improvisation and constant strategy during every match.

The core mechanics rely on specific movements and special items.

Smash Ball
Smash Ball

Masahiro Sakurai, the series creator, designed "smash attacks" that players trigger with an aggressive flick of the joystick. Later games added even more layers to the gameplay experience. For example, players can find a Smash Ball to activate a powerful "Final Smash" attack. The series also introduced "Assist Trophies," which allow players to summon other characters to fight alongside them. These mechanics ensure that every battle feels dynamic and unpredictable.

Masahiro Sakurai 2021
Masahiro Sakurai 2021

The history of the series began at HAL Laboratory in 1998. Sakurai wanted to experiment with 3D graphics and animation on the Nintendo 64. He originally proposed a prototype titled "Dragon King: The Fighting Game." This project was developed by only three people. Sakurai handled the planning, design, graphics, and animation. His coworker, Satoru Iwata, managed the programming on his weekends. Iwata wanted to utilize the three-dimensional joystick of the Nintendo 64 controller. Sakurai wanted an alternative to the complex, combo-heavy fighting games of that era.

A major turning point was the decision to use a crossover cast. Sakurai worried that original characters would be hard for players to connect with. He asked Nintendo for permission to use characters from their other games. Initially, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto rejected this idea. Sakurai and Iwata responded by creating a balanced demo featuring Mario, Fox McCloud, Samus Aran, and Donkey Kong. After seeing this demo, Miyamoto granted permission. The game was titled "Super Smash Bros." because Iwata suggested "brothers" to show the characters were friends settling a disagreement.

N64-Console-Set
N64-Console-Set

The series grew rapidly with the release of Super Smash Bros. Melee in 2001. This sequel was developed for the Nintendo GameCube in only 13 months. The development was intense, and Sakurai described his lifestyle during this time as "destructive." Over 50 people worked on the game actively, with over 100 involved at various points. Melee was more powerful than the first game and included 14 new characters. It also introduced collectible 3D trophies to showcase more characters. Melee became the best-selling game released for the GameCube.

Wii-console
Wii-console

In 2008, the series moved to the Wii with Super Smash Bros. Brawl. This game was much larger, involving over 700 people in its development. Satoru Iwata, who had become Nintendo's president, asked Sakurai to direct it. Brawl focused on online multiplayer and a long single-player story mode. It also featured characters from third-party developers, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Solid Snake. Because the Wii was aimed at casual players, Sakurai adjusted the gameplay to be slower than Melee. This version was also the first in the series to undergo formal playtesting.

The most recent entry, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, arrived on the Nintendo Switch in 2018. Sakurai returned as director, working with his company Sora Ltd. and Bandai Namco Studios. The series has achieved massive commercial success, selling over 77 million units combined. Many of these games are considered among the best of all time. This success has built a dedicated community of competitive players. These players compete in professional esports tournaments to show their skills.

Satoru Iwata - Game Developers Conference 2011 - Day 2 (1)
Satoru Iwata - Game Developers Conference 2011 - Day 2 (1)

Beyond just entertainment, the series has a broad impact on the gaming industry. It has helped bring popularity to many different game franchises. By bringing diverse characters together, it creates a shared world for fans. The series has also inspired many other platform fighting games. It remains a significant example of how crossover elements can create a lasting cultural phenomenon.

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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Masahiro_Sakurai_2021.jpg
Masahiro_Sakurai_2021.jpg
File:N64-Console-Set.png
N64-Console-Set.png
File:GameCube-Set.jpg
GameCube-Set.jpg
File:Satoru_Iwata_-_Game_Developers_Conference_2011_-_Day_2_(1).jpg
Satoru_Iwata_-_Game_Developers_Conference_...
File:Wii-console.jpg
Wii-console.jpg
File:Nintendo-Switch-wJoyCons-BlRd-Standing-FL.jpg
Nintendo-Switch-wJoyCons-BlRd-Standing-FL.jpg
File:Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gameplay.jpg
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gameplay.jpg
File:Smash_Ball.svg
Smash_Ball.svg
File:Nintendo_Switch_Pro_Controller_Smash_Bros.jpg
Nintendo_Switch_Pro_Controller_Smash_Bros.jpg
File:Mango_(cropped).jpg
Mango_(cropped).jpg
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