For several decades, Super Smash Bros. has distinguished itself within the video game realm by blending elements from platforming games and fighting titles into an innovative genre often referred to as platform fighters. This blend is what makes many gamers appreciate it as a pioneer in its class. The series’ longevity can be attributed, in part, to its knack for gathering and showcasing Nintendo’s most iconic characters. Nevertheless, since its debut, there has been an issue that has persisted, and I find myself growing weary of it. Unfortunately, Nintendo hasn’t fully embraced the fighting game aspect, which is something that needs to change as the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 approaches. It’s high time for Nintendo to acknowledge Super Smash Bros. as a fighting game series and provide the necessary support accordingly.
Super Smash Bros. kicked off as a combat game featured in the remarkable debut trailer for Super Smash Bros., back in 1999. Ever since then, I’ve delved into and appreciated each new installment that Nintendo has brought to the franchise, with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate being a standout for me, captivating the Fighting Game Community (FGC). Although Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear Strive, and other iconic fighting games might be preferred by some, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is my go-to game. Regrettably, Nintendo makes it quite challenging to stick with this choice.
Numerous businesses endorse and cater to the Fighting Game Community (FGC), arranging tournaments, distributing rewards, and fine-tuning games. However, Nintendo stands out for overlooking all these aspects, which harms the competitive scene of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate within the FGC. Despite clear indications, Nintendo continues to view the series as a casual party game instead of recognizing its role as a platform fighter and providing it with the attention it requires.
As a devoted fan, I’ve always marveled at the intricate layers and concealed techniques that have been part of the Super Smash Bros. series since Melee. Pro players have leveraged these aspects to hone their skills and entertain fans with electrifying performances. The mastery and comprehension demanded, particularly in light of Ultimate’s extensive roster, is mind-boggling. However, it often feels like Nintendo not only disregards but even seems to challenge the competitive Smash scene.
In contrast to other game developers who incorporate elements like rollback netcode, ranked matchmaking, and advanced training modes in their fighting games, Nintendo has omitted these features in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The online play is disappointing, both in terms of connection quality and functionality, and the training mode lacks crucial information such as frame data and hitbox visualization.
Furthermore, unlike fostering the Smash community through tournaments, promotions, and prize money, Nintendo instead imposes restrictions and creates challenges when organizing events. The disorganization of events like the Panda Cup and the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate World Tours underscores their perception of the scene as small-scale. Moreover, Nintendo’s policies make it difficult for elite players to secure sponsorships and sustain a living in this field.
Just recently, a prominent team in the Fighting Game Community (FGC), Team Liquid – particularly recognized in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – released two high-ranking and well-known players, Dabuz and Riddles. Without Team Liquid’s support, these players may face challenges when it comes to attending tournaments and sustaining a living. If Nintendo were more proactive in showcasing top players and fostering the community, Team Liquid might have kept these players on their team.
It’s evident that something requires an update, and the Nintendo Switch 2 provides an ideal platform for this transformation. The upcoming Super Smash Bros. game, either a remastered version of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or a new installment, should bring about genuine modifications and acknowledge its role as a fighting game. Significantly, Nintendo can carry on the series’ tradition as a fun party game for all while incorporating the necessary adjustments to cater to the competitive gaming community. The boundary between simplicity and complexity is delicate, but Nintendo has the capacity to master and embody this dual nature.
The initial adjustment required is enhancing the online features. It’s crucial that Rollback netcode was implemented in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, as it would significantly improve gameplay experience. Additionally, Nintendo should switch to a reliable online ranked matchmaking system and abandon GSP. Introducing dedicated playlists with an official tournament-style ruleset and a casual preferred ruleset option will cater to both casual and competitive players, allowing them to enjoy Super Smash Bros. according to their preference. Lastly, Nintendo needs to expand the training mode options, particularly in addressing the inconsistent and peculiar hitboxes observed in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Beyond the actual gaming experience, it’s crucial for Nintendo to boost its involvement in the competitive gaming community, either by stepping aside or actively offering assistance. Companies such as Capcom, Bandai Namco, and others are already doing a commendable job by supporting the scene and hosting events like EVO, where players can win cash prizes. It would be beneficial for Nintendo to follow suit by increasing the size of tournament prize pools, streaming official competitions, and promoting them more effectively. Additionally, showcasing top players, much like The Pokemon Company does with VGC competitive Pokemon, could help attract sponsors and encourage more people to join the game.
To ensure a fair and enjoyable experience in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. game, Nintendo should prioritize balancing the game effectively. It’s evident that certain characters like Steve in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate have caused imbalances in the past, similar to how Meta Knight affected Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Bayonetta impacted Super Smash Bros. Wii U. To prevent such occurrences, it’s crucial that balance patches are implemented and characters are thoroughly tested throughout the game’s entire lifespan, rather than releasing a character and leaving it to the community to figure out. This will help maintain a harmonious gaming environment as different character and stage interactions can significantly affect gameplay.
With the arrival of the next phase in Nintendo’s hardware, we can anticipate the emergence of new games as well. The iconic series, Super Smash Bros., is one that I fervently hope will receive the attention it deserves from Nintendo. This critical juncture has the potential to significantly impact the competitive Smash community, which is currently grappling with challenges due to Nintendo’s decisions and insufficient updates. Super Smash Bros. should not endure another misstep, particularly in terms of online functionality and its competitive edge.
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2025-04-24 22:41