Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Fighting, Platform
- Platforms: Nintendo 64, Wii
- Developers: HAL Laboratory
- Publishers: Gradiente, iQue, Nintendo
Super Smash Bros. (1999): The Revolutionary Crossover Fighting Game
Released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64, Super Smash Bros. was a groundbreaking crossover fighting game that brought together iconic characters from across the Nintendo universe, including Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, and Pikachu. Developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo, Super Smash Bros. quickly became a critical and commercial success, selling over 5 million copies worldwide.
Gameplay
Super Smash Bros. departed from the traditional fighting game formula by introducing a unique objective: knocking opponents off the stage rather than depleting their health bars. Players controlled one of 12 characters, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. The game featured a variety of stages, each with its own hazards and environmental elements that could affect the gameplay.
Unlike traditional fighting games that relied on complex button combinations and special moves, Super Smash Bros. featured a simplified control scheme that made it accessible to players of all skill levels. Players could perform basic attacks, such as punches and kicks, as well as special moves that were unique to each character. The game also introduced a new mechanic called “smash attacks,” which were powerful attacks that could deal significant damage.
Characters
The original Super Smash Bros. roster featured 12 playable characters, each representing a different Nintendo franchise:
- Mario (Mario series)
- Donkey Kong (Donkey Kong series)
- Link (The Legend of Zelda series)
- Samus Aran (Metroid series)
- Yoshi (Yoshi series)
- Kirby (Kirby series)
- Fox McCloud (Star Fox series)
- Pikachu (Pokémon series)
- Jigglypuff (Pokémon series)
- Captain Falcon (F-Zero series)
- Ness (EarthBound series)
- Luigi (Mario series) (unlockable)
Each character had their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and players were encouraged to experiment with different characters to find their favorites.
Items and Power-Ups
In addition to the standard fighting mechanics, Super Smash Bros. introduced a variety of items and power-ups that could be collected during battle. These items could provide players with various advantages, such as increased attack power, defensive buffs, or the ability to heal. Some of the most iconic items in Super Smash Bros. include:
- Super Mushroom: Increases the user’s size and strength.
- Fire Flower: Allows the user to shoot fireballs.
- Starman: Makes the user invincible for a short period of time.
- Smash Ball: Allows the user to perform a powerful Final Smash attack.
Multiplayer
Super Smash Bros. was designed as a multiplayer game at its core. Up to four players could compete in free-for-alls or team battles. The game’s chaotic and unpredictable gameplay made it a perfect party game, and it quickly became a staple at social gatherings and gaming tournaments.
Legacy
Super Smash Bros. (1999) was a revolutionary game that redefined the fighting game genre. Its unique gameplay mechanics, charming characters, and addictive multiplayer made it an instant classic. The game spawned a successful franchise that has continued to release new installments on Nintendo consoles over the years.
Super Smash Bros. has also had a significant impact on the gaming industry as a whole. Its crossover concept has inspired other games to bring together characters from different franchises, and its simple yet engaging gameplay has made it a popular choice for competitive tournaments. Super Smash Bros. is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, and it continues to be enjoyed by players of all ages.
Conclusion
Super Smash Bros. (1999) is a landmark video game that revolutionized the fighting game genre and left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. Its unique gameplay, iconic characters, and addictive multiplayer have made it a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by players around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the series, Super Smash Bros. is a game that deserves a place in every gamer’s collection.
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
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