Introduction
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” is a fighting game that has achieved legendary status in the world of gaming. This unique title brings together an expansive roster of characters from various video game franchises, all clashing in epic battles that define the term “crossover.” In this article, we’ll explore the rich history and evolution of “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” and dive deep into its extensive roster of characters, each with their own unique abilities, moves, and personalities.
1. The Smash Legacy Begins: The Original Cast
The “Super Smash Bros.” series made its debut on the Nintendo 64 in 1999. The original game featured a modest roster of twelve characters, including the likes of Mario, Link, Donkey Kong, and Pikachu. These iconic characters represented Nintendo’s rich history, and the game was a dream come true for fans eager to see their favorite characters face off.
This inaugural title introduced the gameplay mechanics and core concept of the series. Players engaged in frantic, multiplayer battles where the goal was to knock opponents off the stage, using a variety of attacks and special moves unique to each character. The game’s success laid the foundation for future installments and cemented the “Super Smash Bros.” series as a staple of the Nintendo franchise.
2. Evolution and Expansion: Melee and the Expanding Roster
The sequel, “Super Smash Bros. Melee,” released for the Nintendo GameCube in 2001, expanded on the original concept. With 26 characters, including returning favorites and newcomers like Princess Peach and Bowser, it significantly increased the roster size. This larger cast allowed for greater diversity in gameplay styles and tactics, making it an instant hit.
“Melee” refined the core gameplay, emphasizing skill and technique. It introduced advanced techniques like wavedashing and L-cancelling, which added depth to the combat system and appealed to a competitive player base.
3. Expanding Horizons: Brawl and the Third-Party Invasion
“Super Smash Bros. Brawl,” released for the Wii in 2008, continued the trend of expanding the roster. The game featured 35 playable characters, with the addition of third-party characters like Solid Snake from “Metal Gear” and Sonic the Hedgehog from Sega. This was a groundbreaking move, introducing non-Nintendo characters to the mix.
The inclusion of third-party characters was a significant moment in gaming history, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the industry. It opened the door for future third-party inclusions, a hallmark of the “Super Smash Bros.” series.
4. Introducing New Fighters: The Wii U and 3DS Entries
“Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS” marked the first time the series appeared on multiple platforms simultaneously. These entries brought the roster to 58 characters, with new additions like Rosalina and Luma, Little Mac, and Shulk. Each character brought unique gameplay mechanics and move sets, adding more depth to the roster.
One of the standout features of these games was “Mii Fighters,” which allowed players to create and customize their own fighters. It was a nod to the growing trend of character customization in gaming and added a personal touch to the “Super Smash Bros.” experience.
5. Ultimate Assembles: The Pinnacle of Crossover Roster
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate,” released for the Nintendo Switch in 2018, lives up to its name by delivering the ultimate crossover experience. The game boasts a roster of over 70 characters, including every fighter from previous entries, returning fan favorites, and new additions like Inkling from “Splatoon” and Ridley from “Metroid.” The number of stages, items, and assist trophies is equally staggering, creating a vibrant and diverse playground for players.
One of the most exciting features of “Ultimate” is the inclusion of downloadable content (DLC) characters, such as Banjo and Kazooie, Terry Bogard, and Sephiroth. These DLC characters have kept the game fresh and maintained player engagement over time.
6. Character Diversity: A World of Fighters
The diverse cast of characters in “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” spans various video game franchises and genres. Here are some notable fighters and what they bring to the game:
Mario: The iconic plumber from the Mushroom Kingdom is an all-rounder, with a versatile move set.
Link: This Hylian hero, often seen in his “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” design, wields a sword and shield, making him a formidable close-range fighter.
Pikachu: The electrifying Pokémon brings lightning-fast moves and agility to the battlefield.
Kirby: With his ability to copy opponents’ abilities, Kirby is a versatile and unpredictable fighter.
Donkey Kong: The powerful ape relies on brute strength and is known for his powerful throws.
Samus: The intergalactic bounty hunter uses a combination of ranged attacks and melee combat.
7. Inclusion of Third-Party Characters: Gaming Icons Unite
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” takes the concept of crossover to the next level by incorporating third-party characters from various video game companies. Some of these third-party characters include:
Sonic the Hedgehog: The speedy blue blur from Sega brings his lightning-quick moves to the roster.
Solid Snake: The stealthy operative from Konami’s “Metal Gear” series adds a different style of gameplay.
Mega Man: This iconic Capcom character uses a variety of weapons from his games, making him a versatile fighter.
Ryu and Ken: These “Street Fighter” legends represent Capcom’s famous fighting game series, complete with combo moves and iconic attacks.
Cloud Strife: The brooding hero of “Final Fantasy VII” unleashes powerful magic and swordplay in battles.
8. DLC Characters: Expanding the Roster
One of the most exciting aspects of “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” is the introduction of downloadable content (DLC) characters. These characters, released as part of Fighters Passes, have expanded the roster and introduced new gameplay mechanics. Some of the standout DLC characters include:
Banjo and Kazooie: The bear and bird duo from Rare’s classic platformers bring a mix of close-range and ranged attacks.
Terry Bogard: Hailing from SNK’s “Fatal Fury” and “King of Fighters” series, Terry is a hard-hitting fighter with a unique power meter.
Sephiroth: The legendary antagonist from “Final Fantasy VII” wields a long-reaching sword and devastating attacks, making him a formidable foe.
9. Competitive Scene and Tournaments: A Global Phenomenon
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” has grown beyond casual play and has become a major contender in the esports scene. Competitive players and fans alike have embraced the game’s deep mechanics and diverse roster. The “Super Smash Bros.” competitive community hosts numerous tournaments, with players from around the world competing at the highest level.
Tournaments like EVO (Evolution Championship Series) have featured “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” as a main event, showcasing the game’s prominence in the esports world. The game’s balance patches, introduced over time, have aimed to keep the competitive scene fair and exciting.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Gaming’s Finest
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” is more than just a fighting game; it’s a celebration of the entire gaming industry. It brings together characters from a wide array of franchises, bridging generations of gamers and uniting them in epic battles. With its expansive roster, diverse gameplay mechanics, and dedicated competitive scene, the game has solidified its place in gaming history.
Whether you’re a fan of Nintendo, third-party classics, or gaming as a whole, “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate” offers an experience that captures the heart and soul of the gaming world. It’s a testament to the idea that in gaming, anything is possible, and that iconic characters can come together to create an ultimate gaming experience.
