Super Smash Bros Ultimate review

As Masahiro Sakurai aptly put, it’s nothing short of a miracle that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate exists. Imagine Mario and Zelda squaring off against Street Fighter's Ryu and Final Fantasy 7's Cloud in the vibrant world of Metal Gear Solid. This fascinating crossover presents a unique gaming experience that Smash Bros. fans have come to love and expect. Ultimate takes this concept to new heights, offering vast content and gameplay improvements that make it much more than just a polished re-release of previous iterations.

A Gaming Celebration

With an impressive roster of 74 fighters, 108 stages, and nearly 1300 Spirits to collect, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is packed to the brim. Its single-player Adventure mode alone took me a solid 24 hours to complete, showcasing an incredible depth in content. This game is a celebration of gaming itself, a testament to the beloved franchises and characters that have captured imaginations for decades.

What sets Ultimate apart is its ability to cater to vastly different player preferences. Whether you enjoy chaotic, eight-player brawls filled with random item drops and explosive finishes, or you prefer intense, skill-based duels on flat stages with no items, Ultimate accommodates both styles exceptionally.

Gameplay: Inclusive Yet Deep

Smash Bros. Ultimate makes it remarkably simple to jump in and have fun, thanks to its intuitive controls. Most moves can be executed using the control stick and two buttons, making it accessible even to newcomers who might be overwhelmed by the complex combos required in other fighting games like Street Fighter or Tekken.

However, Ultimate still offers layers of depth for those eager to master its mechanics. Dodges, grabs, shield timings, and mid-air strategies add a satisfying level of technical nuance. Learning to play a fast, small character like Pichu versus a heavy hitter like Bowser presents fascinating dynamics, and Nintendo has wisely integrated support for this competitive edge.

A Rich and Varied Roster

One of Ultimate’s crowning achievements is its unparalleled roster. With every character from previous Smash Bros. games making a return, the variety is staggering. The introduction of "Echo" fighters clarifies distinctions and ensures that characters who might otherwise be mere reskins feel like valuable additions.

Newcomers like Simon Belmont and King K. Rool stand out for their distinctive playstyles. Simon's moves faithfully represent the Castlevania series, while King K. Rool brings his chaotic energy from the Donkey Kong games, offering a diverse and engaging range of abilities.

Beautiful Battlegrounds

With 108 stages, the options for where and how you fight are nearly endless. While only a handful of new stages have been introduced, the inclusion of many levels from previous games, especially those updated from the 3DS version, lends a fresh feel. Visually, these stages are spectacular, with many classic maps like Fourside and Corneria receiving fantastic touch-ups.

However, the stage selection interface is a bit cluttered, presenting a giant grid of icons that can be cumbersome to navigate. An option to sort stages alphabetically or by game series would have been a welcome addition to streamline the selection process.

New Rules and Features

The new custom ruleset feature is a much-appreciated enhancement, allowing players to save and quickly switch between different match settings. Want to play a match with only Poké Balls or try out the new Final Smash Meter? Custom rulesets make setting up your ideal game a breeze.

However, fine-tuning these rulesets on the fly can be a bit clunky. For instance, adding an extra life or tweaking item frequency between matches often requires navigating the menu more than it should.

Stage Morph and More

One of the most innovative additions to Ultimate is the Stage Morph feature. This tool allows environments to shift mid-match, blending the game’s immense array of stages in new and exciting ways. Starting the fight on a large map that transforms into a smaller battleground partway through offers unique strategic possibilities.

Yet, some stages, like Pac-Land and The Great Cave Offensive, are less enjoyable and could have been omitted in favor of stronger options. The focus on sheer quantity sometimes detracts from a consistently high-quality experience.

Graphical Marvel

On the visual front, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate shines brightly. Character models are meticulously designed, showcasing an array of textures and details that bring each fighter to life. The stages themselves pop with vibrancy and richness, making each battle a visual treat. Improved visual cues for powerful attacks, such as the zoom-in effect during critical hits, add to the game's dynamic presentation.

The overall aesthetic is both nostalgic and modern, faithfully recreating legacy characters while updating their look for today's standards. This harmony of old and new ensures that fans of all generations will find something familiar and exciting.

Accessible for All

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate doesn’t intimidate newcomers despite its deep mechanics. Abandoning traditional health bars in favor of a percentage-based damage system makes gameplay accessible and engaging. Even when your damage percentage soars, the belief that you can still turn the tide of battle keeps the excitement high.

Incorporating a radar that shows off-screen player positions helps keep everyone engaged and enhances strategic play. This feature can be toggled off for those who prefer a purist experience, showing Nintendo's commitment to providing customizable gameplay experiences.

Outstanding Audio Experience

The audio elements of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate are noteworthy. The soundtrack spans multiple franchises, bringing together iconic music that evokes powerful nostalgia. From the heroic themes of Zelda to the adrenaline-pumping beats of Street Fighter, the musical variety is stellar.

Sound effects are equally impressive, making hits feel impactful and dynamic. The announcer’s voice adds an extra layer of excitement, pronouncing match outcomes and character names with exhilarating enthusiasm.

Epic Final Smashes

Many Final Smash attacks have been refined for consistency and balance. Moves that felt underwhelming or unreliable in previous games have been adjusted to deliver more satisfying results. The optional Final Smash Meter introduces a new dynamic, allowing for more frequent, strategic use of these powerful moves.

However, catching Smash Balls has become somewhat more challenging, which may frustrate some players. If the hunt for this critical item becomes tedious, the Final Smash Meter offers a welcome alternative that integrates seamlessly into battles.

Adventure Mode

Ultimate's single-player Adventure mode is an experience in itself, offering an engaging journey through various themed battles. This mode is designed to test players' skills and introduce them to the game's extensive content. Completing it is a feat, adding significant value to the overall package.

The challenges within this mode are diverse, reflecting the eclectic mix of characters and worlds present in Ultimate. It keeps the experience fresh with different match conditions and enemy behaviors.

Conclusion: The Quintessential Smash Experience

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate stands as a monumental achievement in the fighting game genre. With its extensive roster, diverse gameplay options, and aesthetic charm, it caters to both casual players and competitive enthusiasts. While it has a few minor flaws, the overall experience is nothing short of spectacular. Nintendo has ingeniously managed to refine and expand the essence of what makes Smash Bros. a beloved series while making it accessible to all types of gamers. Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate is not just another entry in the franchise; it's the ultimate celebration of gaming history, filled with endless hours of entertainment and challenges. If you own a Switch, this game is a must-have. It delivers on its promise of offering something for everyone, making it the quintessential party game while still catering to those who seek a more competitive edge. The combination of its gameplay depth, graphical polish, and rich content ensures that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will remain a cornerstone of multiplayer gaming for years to come.