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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

StericaSterica YesRegistered User, Moderator mod
edited April 2022 in Games and Technology
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Ultimate received its final DLC character and balance patch in Q4 2021, bringing post-launch development to an end after three years of support.

The next generation of Super Smash Bros. is here! For the uninitiated, Smash Bros. is a fighting game, only it's got some platforming elements and the goal is to knock your opponent off the stage instead of depleting their HP. Oh, and it stars some of Nintendo's most famous characters alongside a handful of third-party legends. The game can get quite deep, offering a ton of options for play so you can tailor things the way you like it. You can have a chaotic eight-player battle with just pokeballs spawning, or a super-serious 1v1 affair. After twenty years since its humble debut on the Nintendo 64, Super Smash Bros. has become one of the most beloved franchises out there, being both a sweet fighting game and awesome homage to all things video games. And now we're getting the ULTIMATE Smash experience, with literally every character in the franchise making a return.

The Golden Smash Rule: Do not bring up competitive vs. casual bullshit. I do not understand why people think a game can only be played one way, and that the one way just coincidentally happens to be their way. Regardless, it will not be tolerated here. Complaining about arrogant tournament players or filthy casual scrubs will net you an infraction. This was something that plagued the old Brawl threads, and the modern Smash threads have been refreshingly clean of all that garbage.

Got all that? If so, then read on and...

Get Ready to Smash
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Smash Ultimate brings back Omega versions of stages, in addition to a Battlefield type layout for them all. You can also turn off stage hazards on stages now, which has given way to a healthier map pool for the tournament scene than previous games. For further shenanigans, the game has a new feature called Stage Morph, which has you swapping between two stages in the middle of a match. You can either pick the two stages OR have the second stage to swap to be random. In addition, you can adjust the time between morphs OR have it swap at random periods.

There are way the hell too many stages returning, with an absurd 100+ stages in total. So I'm just going to list new ones. Stages that require a DLC purchase will have the required DLC (in parentheses).

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Dracula's Castle

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Great Plateau Tower

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Moray Towers

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New Donk City

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Mementos (Joker DLC)

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Yggdrasil's Altar (The Hero DLC)

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Spiral Mountain (Banjo-Kazooie DLC)

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Fatal Fury Stage (Terry DLC)

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Garreg Mach Monastery (Byleth DLC)

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Spring Stadium (Min Min DLC)

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Small Battlefield (Requires Patch 8.1.0)

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Minecraft World (Steve DLC)

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Northern Cave (Sephiroth DLC)

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Cloud Sea of Alrest (Pyra & Mythra DLC)

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Mishima Dojo (Kayuza DLC)

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Hollow Bastion (Sora DLC)

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Everyone is back?
Yes.

Everyone?
Yes. Even weird edge cases like Toon Link and Young Link will be two distinct characters.

Any major changes?
Directional air dodges are back, making it valuable for mobility and even recovery. However, they have significantly increased endlag compared to stationary air dodges, and we're going back to one aerial dodge until they land or are hit. Also, dodging in general has been nerfed, as it now how properties similar to stale moves, where dodging or rolling too much in a short period reduces the intangibility frames. Also, perfect shielding has been rehauled, as you have to release your shield right as the incoming attack lands. Renamed "parrying", this gives the move significantly more risk and ups the skill cap a bit. They have also done a bit of tweaking to make it so there are few "easy grab combos" so a lot of grab combos have harder follow-ups. Things like repeatedly grabbing the ledge also have hard limits so stalling and obnoxious, overly defensive tactics are less viable.

Final Smashes are being changed to be shorter lived. So Final Smashes where you control the character have been changed to cinematic attacks. Also, a bunch of UI tweaks, like showing Robin's charges remaining or ROB's fuel gauge. Damage also show percents now, which have always existed but were just clipped off. In a more interesting change, there is an option for a Final Smash meter, where you can build it up in gameplay and unleash a Final Smash when it's full. Final Smashes done this way are weaker, so it's generally not quite as good as the Smash Ball.

What the heck is an Echo Fighter?
It's basically their official name for characters like Dark Pit and Lucina: fighters that are basically model-swaps of pre-existing fighters. Some of them DO have differences from the original character their moveset is based on, but it's so small that in some cases they may still count as the same character for the purposes of tier listings. How different Echo Fighters are from their template character is...not consistent. Daisy and Peach are very similar whereas Chrom is not a straight rip of Roy since he has Ike's Up Special and lacks the sweet and sour spots on his sword. So they're basically a step below "clone" characters that are still quite distinct from their template, such as Dr. Mario or Falco.

How are unlocks done?
Every ten minutes of Vs. battles result in a new challenger. There are several ways to cheat the timer so you can play a bunch of one stock matches over and over, but you can find those everywhere. Adventure and Classic modes are alternate ways to unlock characters, albeit slower. But also less tedious so take your pick.

All stages are unlocked from the start, so have at it.

Are custom moves back?
With the exception of Miis, custom moves are gone. Even Palutena has had her moveset condensed.

Are Gamecube controllers available?
They were released with the game (and an adapter), but they sold out fast. I have seen them floating in the wild still, so you may be able to grab one. There are LOADS of third-party versions, but your mileage may vary on how they compare. Pro controllers have been viewed favorably in the community, with some pros even jumping ship after a decade on the same controller.

Are trophies gone?
Yes, as it was eating into development time too much. Spirits, which are a weird combination of stickers from Brawl and custom equipment from 4. Basically official artwork of characters that you can equip to your character for buffs. You can use them in multiplayer if you so desire, and there's a whole mode dedicated to unlocking more. New ones are being added here and there as part of character DLC or standalone releases for new or obscure characters. They also play a role in the game's adventure mode, World of Light.

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Click the Spoiler for all of the game's trailers!
Ultimate Announce Trailer/Inkling Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3Gt42kVgCw

Veteran Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YmIl3jA758

Ridley Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x0NdTsmWv8

Simon & Richter Belmont Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VrbkoWUyIg

King K. Rool Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-gfC1upmoA

Isabelle Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijp5FeOE_Yw

Ken & Incineroar Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpuBNp27jVw

Joker Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4PG9qx9x2s

The Hero Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pupll3ON-WA

Banjo & Kazooie Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyJ4djjQOr0

Terry Bogard Reveal Trailer
https://youtu.be/SNskDC8yHb4

Byleth Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fwAk1P8TLU

Min Min Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKR_w6C5A5k

Steve Reveal Trailer
https://youtu.be/90Jve_qWnpc

Sephiroth Reveal Trailer
https://youtu.be/JPxcE1dMqL8

Pyra and Mythra Reveal Trailer
https://youtu.be/sdgdxaIkU5g

Kayuza Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KctzAagM0H8
Sora Reveal Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82Q2XTJ8jWk

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Sterica on
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Posts

  • StericaSterica Yes Registered User, Moderator mod
    edited September 2019
    PA Smash Discord

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    The goal is to have tournaments every Saturday evening at 7pm Eastern. The exact timing is prone to change to facilitate more people. Click the banner above for our Challonge page with more details!

    Also, we have players across all skill levels! The only way to get better is to play and learn, so please do not despair over being subpar. I went 0-2 in our first tournament for Smash 4, and then I managed to go undefeated in our first Ultimate tourney. And if you drop out early, then just create a lobby and player against other players!

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    Casual tournaments have never taken off, so instead I'd like to have a night such as Friday where people can log on, make a lobby, and play. Wanna practice? Find like-minded people here. Wanna just chill with items and weird stages? Relax here. Wanna crank assist trophies to high and play 25 stock matches? This is your time.

    If I can get more feedback on good times for tournaments and casual freeplay nights, then it'd be most appreciated. Just @ me with your two cents or hit me up in the Discord.

    Sterica on
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  • homogenizedhomogenized Registered User regular
    Played some River City Girls, and now I'm wanting Smash character that's an amalgamation of characters from classic Technos beat-em-ups. Something like Kunio, since he's the poster child for the legacy in Japan, and for his other colours you'd have his rival/bestie Riki, their Americanized counterparts Alex and Ryan from River City Ransom, Billy and Jimmy from Double Dragon, and Ryoko and Misako from River City Girls.

  • StericaSterica Yes Registered User, Moderator mod
    Tournament tonight! Help us get a full bracket and sign up!

    https://pasmash.challonge.com/tournaments/signup/IoVJe7ILGq

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  • EnlongEnlong Registered User regular
    I would sign up, and I want to, but I've been dealing with some suddenly-apparent wrist issues this week, and am trying to heal up. I can still do stuff, but I think a really fast-paced game like Smash wouldn't be the best for making sure I don't aggravate stuff. I should be good for the next one, though.

  • StericaSterica Yes Registered User, Moderator mod
    @Wyvern You need to check in!

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  • Kai_SanKai_San Commonly known as Klineshrike! Registered User regular
    I know some people are hating on the new online tourney format, but it seems to be doing favors for me. I dunno if its just 1 stock benefitting my playstyle, or all the good players don't bother now, but I went from barely ever making it to the second round, to winning a 64 person tournament.

  • cloudeaglecloudeagle Registered User regular
    Daemon x Machina is coming to Smash!
    ...as a Spirit Board event. Four of 'em.

    Switch: 3947-4890-9293
  • OmnibusOmnibus Registered User regular
    Oh man, the Assist Trophy in the Radiant Gleam fight.
    The backstory of Daemon X Machina is "Part of the Moon crashed into the Earth".

  • MMMigMMMig Registered User regular
    Wow this place got quiet. :)

    Here for the Undertale fans

    https://youtu.be/wyykUJGHVsE

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    Witty signature comment goes here...

    wra
  • DrezDrez Registered User regular
    MMMig wrote: »
    Wow this place got quiet. :)

    Here for the Undertale fans

    https://youtu.be/wyykUJGHVsE

    Awesome.

    Switch: SW-7690-2320-9238Steam/PSN/Xbox: Drezdar
  • skeldareskeldare Gresham, ORRegistered User regular
    Nintendo Console Codes
    Switch (JeffConser): SW-3353-5433-5137 Wii U: Skeldare - 3DS: 1848-1663-9345
    PM Me if you add me!
    HAIL HYDRA
  • BahamutZEROBahamutZERO Registered User regular
    the way that usually goes is the fighter is released in the day after the presentation, right?

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  • earthwormadamearthwormadam ancient crust Registered User regular
    I'm hoping the next DLC reveal knocks socks because I didnt expect to not care about any of these roster additions 3 characters in. I'm sour! How many are left?

  • cloudeaglecloudeagle Registered User regular
    45 minutes is a LOT of time for a single character. Hmmmm....

    Switch: 3947-4890-9293
  • EnlongEnlong Registered User regular
    edited November 2019
  • WinkyWinky rRegistered User regular
    Enlong wrote: »

    Probably a good idea to let us down easy before the stream

  • cloudeaglecloudeagle Registered User regular
    Well, I'm baffled as to how they can fill 45 minutes with just Terry.

    Oh, Smash Ultimate is now the best-selling fighting game ever at 15.7 million copies sold, just passing Street Fighter II at 15.5 million. It's also the best-selling fighting game franchise ever, even beating out all those Mortal Kombats.

    Switch: 3947-4890-9293
  • KoopahTroopahKoopahTroopah The koopas, the troopas. Philadelphia, PARegistered User regular
    Yeah 45 minutes of Terry seems so weird.

  • homogenizedhomogenized Registered User regular
    Perhaps there will be a few details about how they're going to handle the releases of the characters they're planning on releasing after the Fighters Pass.

  • skeldareskeldare Gresham, ORRegistered User regular
    My dream is that 30 minutes of the video will be talking about an updated online Smash Run.

    Nintendo Console Codes
    Switch (JeffConser): SW-3353-5433-5137 Wii U: Skeldare - 3DS: 1848-1663-9345
    PM Me if you add me!
    HAIL HYDRA
  • CruorCruor Registered User regular
    edited November 2019
    Sakurai tweeted that most of the time is just him talking about how much he loves KoF/Fatal Fury/Terry Bogard and the history of the franchise/character. I still wouldn't be surprised if there's something new to be revealed, but I have no idea what that might be.

    Cruor on
  • cloudeaglecloudeagle Registered User regular
    skeldare wrote: »
    My dream is that 30 minutes of the video will be talking about an updated online Smash Run.

    Aside from a few stages, that's pretty much the only thing missing from Ultimate at this point.

    Switch: 3947-4890-9293
  • King RiptorKing Riptor Registered User regular
    Cruor wrote: »
    Sakurai tweeted that most of the time is just him talking about how much he loves KoF/Fatal Fury/Terry Bogard and the history of the franchise/character. I still wouldn't be surprised if there's something new to be revealed, but I have no idea what that might be.

    Terri echo with slightly different moves confirmed

    I have a podcast now. It's about video games and anime!Find it here.
  • Jealous DevaJealous Deva Registered User regular
    Cruor wrote: »
    Sakurai tweeted that most of the time is just him talking about how much he loves KoF/Fatal Fury/Terry Bogard and the history of the franchise/character. I still wouldn't be surprised if there's something new to be revealed, but I have no idea what that might be.

    Terri echo with slightly different moves confirmed

    I would be down for Rock Howard.

  • BahamutZEROBahamutZERO Registered User regular
    Why is everyone so surprised by the 45 minutes thing, wasn't the Banjo-Kazooie video about that long?

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  • The WolfmanThe Wolfman Registered User regular
    Why is everyone so surprised by the 45 minutes thing, wasn't the Banjo-Kazooie video about that long?

    Hero and B-K were 20-25 minutes long.

    An extra 20 minutes is right in that sweet spot of not being overly long, but also long enough as to wonder... what the heck is he going to talk about?

    "The sausage of Green Earth explodes with flavor like the cannon of culinary delight."
  • Crippl3Crippl3 oh noRegistered User regular
    Mii Fighter costumes

  • DrascinDrascin Registered User regular
    Why is everyone so surprised by the 45 minutes thing, wasn't the Banjo-Kazooie video about that long?

    Hero and B-K were 20-25 minutes long.

    An extra 20 minutes is right in that sweet spot of not being overly long, but also long enough as to wonder... what the heck is he going to talk about?

    Maybe he'll dedicate some time to discussing the reasoning for balance tweaks for next patch and stuff. Discussing a patch in some depth could easily give him the extra 20 minutes.

    Steam ID: Right here.
  • StericaSterica Yes Registered User, Moderator mod
    Yeah he’ll discuss 6.0 features alongside Terry. I believe Home Run Contest was stated to be the last new game mode they were adding, so it could be changes to replays or community features or (god willing) revamps to online.

    DLC Character #5 is probably a VGA announcement like Joker.

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  • AbsalonAbsalon Lands of Always WinterRegistered User regular
    edited November 2019
    Sakurai is REALLY putting in the details on Terry. I love him nerding out like this over fite game-mechanics.
    HAHAHAHAHAHAH "No Mai Shiranui cameo because Smash Brothers is for good boys and girls".

    Absalon on
  • TalithTalith 変態という名の紳士 Miami, FLRegistered User regular
    Mai is just too NSFW to be among the likes of Princess Peach and Bayonetta.

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  • King RiptorKing Riptor Registered User regular
    Talith wrote: »
    Mai is just too NSFW to be among the likes of Princess Peach and Bayonetta.

    That jiggle is to powerful in 3D

    I have a podcast now. It's about video games and anime!Find it here.
  • cloudeaglecloudeagle Registered User regular
    50 music tracks? Geez.

    Switch: 3947-4890-9293
  • redfield85redfield85 Registered User regular
    I knew I shouldn't have gotten hyped for a new character, especially when they said no new character this time. But I mean, really, who wasn't secretly waiting for a reveal? Ha.

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    Tumblr | Twitter | Twitch | Pinny Arcade Lanyard
    [3DS] 3394-3901-4002 | [Xbox/Steam] Redfield85
  • EnlongEnlong Registered User regular
    That’s a good classic mode. Lots of neat stuff.

  • KoopahTroopahKoopahTroopah The koopas, the troopas. Philadelphia, PARegistered User regular
    I missed the live stream so I'm watching the YouTube vod, but I'm loving this history lesson from Sakurai and I hope he does it every time moving forward.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnRTtA6S1Pk

  • King RiptorKing Riptor Registered User regular
    I think that was just because he's a SNK fan. That was 100 percent his Neo Geo pocket

    I have a podcast now. It's about video games and anime!Find it here.
  • KoopahTroopahKoopahTroopah The koopas, the troopas. Philadelphia, PARegistered User regular
    edited November 2019
    Damn, he looks so sick. The cancels and additional side b are in particular awesome looking.

    KoopahTroopah on
  • BronzeKoopaBronzeKoopa Registered User regular
    The most important thing they didn't show in the stream, Kirby gets little gloves along with the hat.

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