Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” is a crossover fighting game developed by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It features the largest roster in the franchise’s history, with characters from various gaming universes. The game includes multiple modes, dynamic gameplay mechanics, and an extensive single-player campaign, “World of Light.” With fast-paced combat, strategic depth, and a vibrant community, it stands as one of the best-selling and most beloved fighting games of all time
Introduction
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” is the fifth installment in the Super Smash Bros. series, released on December 7, 2018, for the Nintendo Switch. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. under the direction of Masahiro Sakurai, the game brings together an unprecedented roster of fighters from various gaming franchises, making it the most ambitious crossover in video game history.
The game has been praised for its refined mechanics, deep gameplay, and extensive content, making it a favorite among both casual and competitive players.
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a platform-fighting game where players control characters from different gaming franchises and battle to knock their opponents off the stage. Unlike traditional fighting games, Smash Bros. focuses on percentage-based damage, where the goal is to increase an opponent’s damage meter and launch them off the screen.
Key Mechanics:
- Percentage System: Instead of depleting a health bar, players build up their opponent’s damage percentage. The higher the percentage, the farther a character will fly when hit.
- Smash Attacks & Special Moves: Each character has standard and special attacks, including powerful “Smash Attacks” that can launch opponents.
- Recovery & Shielding: Characters can perform recovery moves to return to the stage, while shields, dodges, and counters add defensive depth.
- Items & Stage Hazards: Matches can feature items like Poké Balls, Assist Trophies, and weapons, as well as interactive stage hazards.
The game supports multiple control schemes, including the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, Joy-Cons, and even GameCube controllers for a classic experience.
Character Roster
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate boasts the largest roster in franchise history, featuring over 80 playable fighters. The base game includes every character from past installments, along with new additions such as:
Newcomers in Ultimate:
- Inkling (Splatoon)
- Ridley (Metroid)
- Simon Belmont (Castlevania)
- King K. Rool (Donkey Kong)
- Isabelle (Animal Crossing)
- Incineroar (Pokémon)
The game also features a DLC Fighters Pass, which introduced characters like:
- Joker (Persona 5)
- Banjo & Kazooie (Banjo-Kazooie)
- Steve (Minecraft)
- Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII)
- Sora (Kingdom Hearts)
Each character has a unique moveset, making battles diverse and engaging.
Game Modes
Classic Mode
Each character has a unique, themed path in Classic Mode, battling through various opponents before facing a final boss.
World of Light (Adventure Mode)
This single-player campaign follows Kirby as he sets out to rescue the spirits of other fighters after an apocalyptic event caused by the villain Galeem. The mode features a massive overworld, unique battles, and RPG-like mechanics where players collect and use Spirits to enhance their abilities.
Spirit Battles
Spirits replace the trophies from past games and can be equipped to provide buffs and abilities. These battles feature creative rule sets, representing the original character’s abilities through existing fighters.
Multiplayer & Online Modes
- Local Multiplayer: Up to 8 players can battle on the same console.
- Online Play: Players can battle in ranked or casual matches, including Elite Smash, a high-level competitive mode.
- Squad Strike & Smashdown: Special modes add variety by forcing players to use multiple characters.
Competitive Scene & eSports
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has a thriving competitive scene with major tournaments like:
- EVO (Evolution Championship Series)
- Super Smash Con
- Genesis Series
Nintendo has been involved in the competitive community, though it has also faced criticism for its handling of eSports initiatives. The game’s balance patches frequently adjust characters, ensuring a dynamic metagame.
DLC & Post-Launch Support
Nintendo provided extensive post-launch support, releasing multiple DLC Fighters Passes, adding new characters, stages, and music. The final character, Sora from Kingdom Hearts, was released in October 2021, marking the end of content updates.
Legacy & Impact
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch, surpassing 30 million copies sold. It has cemented its place as one of the greatest fighting games of all time, blending nostalgia, deep mechanics, and accessibility.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a casual player looking for fun party battles or a competitive fighter aiming for eSports glory, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate delivers an unparalleled experience. With its massive roster, engaging gameplay, and endless replayability, it truly lives up to its name as the ultimate crossover fighting game.