Nintendo can use the nextSuper Smash Bros.title to definitively establish the series as one of the industry’s premier party games. TheSuper Smash Bros.games are already some of the most popular games in Nintendo’s entire history, so it’s a given that each new one will inevitably be highly anticipated. However, considering the company’s own view of the series, there are a few extra moves that can be taken with the next game.Super Smash Bros.is already an excellent party game. At the same time, its hold on that title can become even stronger with a few ideas.
After thebest-sellingSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, Nintendo’s signature fighting series is still riding as high as ever. The decision to include some of Nintendo’s most famous characters in a planned fighting game would lead to arguably one of the company’s most important games.Super Smash Bros.has grown from a single quirky title to one of the most star-studded franchises in gaming. Most of Nintendo’s heavy hitters, as well as a few third-party icons, have made their way into the series, withSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatebringing every previous competitor back for another round.Super Smash Bros.has earned its lofty status, and can enhance that with a broader emphasis on multiplayer.
Super Smash Bros. Has the Tools to Become Even More of a Party Game
Super Smash Bros. Is Its Own Kind of Fighting Game
Compared to most of thepopular current fighting games,Super Smash Bros.is far from traditional. While it has as much strategy as any good fighting game, many elements set it apart. For one,Super Smash Bros.pioneered the platform fighter genre, with most stages taking place across multiple platforms. In addition, the presence of items and stage hazards adds a lot of unpredictability to fights. The result is a frequently fast-paced and chaotic game that is a lot of fun to play with friends precisely due to those qualities. Each subsequentSuper Smash Bros.has only grown in that regard.
Nintendo Treats Super Smash Bros. As a Party Game
In fact, Nintendo itself seems to viewSuper Smash Bros.similarly toMario Partyrather than as a fighting game. This thought process does make sense, asSuper Smash Bros.is an excellent party game. The cast of beloved characters and streamlined fighting mechanics, combined with the fact thatSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatecould support up to 8 simultaneous players, makes it perfect for groups of friends to play together. The next game in the series can fully embrace this, and emphasize the elements that push its party game vibe.
Super Smash Bros. Could Thrive WIth More Multiplayer Minigames
One potential move forSuper Smash Bros.would be addingminigames similar toPokemon Stadium. This could involve elements from past minigames like Break the Targets or Board the Platforms, or even a few entirely new ideas. A multiplayer variation of Smash Run from the fourth game would be an excellent example, tasking players with boosting their stats before a big battle or other challenge at the end. There could even be new battle modes, like matches where players can only attack with Pokeballs or Assist Trophies. The sky’s the limit for how many minigames and special eventsSuper Smash Bros.could add.
If Nintendo seesSuper Smash Bros.as a party game, then the developers should go all out with the next installment.
EmbracingSuper Smash Bros.nature as a party game could have tremendous upside. ThenextSuper Smash Bros.gamealready has a high bar to clear afterUltimatewas essentially a celebration of the whole series. Providing more modes and minigames to experience could be the way to go for the next entry.Super Smash Bros.‘fights are its bread and butter, but the developers should also embrace its whimsical side. MakingSuper Smash Bros.even more of a party game could be a winning formula.
