Nintendo Direct drops huge Smash Bros info

 A Nintendo direct update has dropped a tonne of new information about the upcoming Super Smash Bros game for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.

Considering how hyped many hard core players and fans are about this game, I shall go through the entire content of the Nintendo Direct update. Be warned, this will likely be a long read.

Geez, where do I start? Well they plan to release the 3DS version this Summer, whereas you’ll have to wait for Winter for the Wii U version. Masahiro Sakurai also confirmed that the 3DS version will be running at 60fps, even with 3D on for ‘most’ elements of the game. He made the distinction that some Pokémon and assist trophies will move at 30fps to compensate, but it’s good to know that the characters and main game will be in 60fps.

Next, they noted differences between the 3DS and Wii U version; an important note. The character roster will be the same on both versions, which is awesome. However, the stages between the versions will be completely different, however, some staples like battlefield and Final Destination will appear in both versions, but with minor design and graphical differences. The 3DS version will also apparently have two songs to go with each stage instead of one. They also noted that you can go to ‘my music’ and there will be many songs available for playback from previous versions of Smash Bros, pretty nice! They also mentioned some sort of crossplay or other connectivity between the two versions, but didn’t elaborate further.

Next, they showed off some footage of stages from the 3DS version. It seems that the stages on the 3DS are based on handheld games, while the Wii U stages are from familiar console games. There’s too many new ones to list, but there seems to be a good mix of old and new and I think fans won’t be disappointed by stage selection.

On the Wii U version, the  Dr. Wily Castle stage from Megaman 2 was shown off with its ‘Yellow Devil’ boss. It will attack the players, but you can also attack it by hitting its eye. The person who lands the killing blow on the creature will be spared from the Smart Bomb-esque explosion that happens, while all the other players will take huge damage from it. They also mentioned that boss characters will appear in other stages as well, and teased a silhouette of a boss chasing Pikachu, which is almost certainly Ridley.

Then they revealed more details about online play. You can play online in the Wii U version, not only with friends, but with everyone. The 3DS version also has online play, but they recommend both a fast access point for the 3DS and a wired connection with the Wii LAN adaptor for the Wii U. Two distinct modes for online were announced, ‘For Fun’ and ‘For Glory’. The fun mode will randomly pick your stage, but no Final Destination, all items will be on, three or more people only, and only your wins are recorded.

For glory stipulates Final Destination only, no items, one on one battles are possible, and both wins and losses are recorded. For Glory mode also has flat versions of almost every stage available so hard core players may get a change of scenery and sound. It’s really, really nice that hard core smashers have been considered! They also mention that matches between your friends can be set to whatever rules you like.

Next, they detailed characters. Zero Suit Samus and Sheik are now their own characters, and not just transformations of Samus and Zelda respectively. They have been given extra moves, recovery, and rebalancing to cement them as primary characters. They have also strengthened the move sets of the entire roster. Perhaps Sonic will only be slightly useless in this version. Yoshi is back too, with an odd change. He now stands completely upright, which I guess is, better? They’ve apparently given him a buff to go with his bipedal form.

New characters include Rosalina and accompanying Luma. Luma works as a boomerang projectile, but can also attack on it’s own, separate to Rosalina. The player can control its attacks from a distance, allowing for two characters with different move sets. Her down special is ‘gravitational pull’ which allows her to pull in items, and suck in enemy projectiles. An interesting character that I’m sure will be an absolute pain to deal with. Other characters joining are Charizard as his own character, and Greninja, the final evolution of Froakie from Pokemon X and Y is a playable character. 

Something interesting is the added info on Little Mac. He is apparently stupid powerful on the ground, but useless in the air. Furthermore, his recovery is one of the worst. But considering his power meter for one hit KO’s and his ability to shrug attacks off is really a force to be reckoned with. The Villager and Megaman’s move sets are also displayed. Megaman’s charge shot makes a very familiar sound, and his classic theme is badass. The Wii Fit trainer also has a male counterpart, so yay for diversity right? They also very briefly mention custom move sets outside of online play, but don’t really elaborate on it.

A new game mode exclusive to the 3DS called ‘Smash Run’ has four players with five minutes to fight enemies in a dungeon-like layout to obtain power ups. After the five minutes is up, the players will fight against each other using the power ups they found. Unfortunately, download play is not available, and everyone playing will need to own the game. Sounds really fun and interesting, and I can’t wait to try it out.

So that’s about it. There was a lot revealed here, and I recommend you watch the Nintendo Direct for yourselves. Has this got you hyped? Are you a casual or hard core player?  Or could you not care less? Let us know!

Last Updated: April 9, 2014