Editing Super Smash Bros. 4

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{{Cquote|''SETTLE IT IN SMASH!''|cite=North American commercial}}

{{Title|''Super Smash Bros. 4''}}

|title = Super Smash Bros. 4<br></i><small>(unofficial title)</small>

|image = [[File:SSB4 Logo.png|250px]]

|caption = Collective logo for the game.

|developer = [[Bandai Namco]]<br>[[Sora Ltd.]]

|publisher = [[Nintendo]]

|platform = [[Wii U]], [[Nintendo 3DS]]

|designer = [[Masahiro Sakurai]]

|engine = [[Havok]]

|released = '''Nintendo 3DS'''<br>September 13, 2014 {{flag|Japan}}<br>October 2, 2014 {{flag|Germany}} <br>October 3, 2014 {{flag|North America}} {{flag|Europe}}<br>October 4, 2014 {{flag|Australia}}<br>July 24, 2015 {{flag|Hong Kong}} {{flag|Taiwan}}<br>September 10, 2015 {{flag|South Korea}}

'''Wii U'''<br>November 21, 2014 {{flag|North America}}<br>November 28, 2014 {{flag|Europe}}<br>November 28, 2014 {{flag|South Africa}}<br>November 29, 2014 {{flag|Australia}}<br>December 6, 2014 {{flag|Japan}}

|genre = [[wikipedia:Fighting game|Fighting]]<br>[[wikipedia:Platform game|Platforming]]

|modes = Single player, Multiplayer, Online multiplayer

|platforms = [[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Wii U]]

|ratings = {{vgratings|CERO=A|PEGI=12+|ESRB=E10+<ref>[http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/zC34HnrON-_wV0ZUkSfQFC6ub3Ea8DQ6 Nintendo.com's page for the 3DS version]</ref>|OFLCA=PG<ref>http://www.classification.gov.au/Pages/View.aspx?sid=baAYDzOrSLTJS31kqfUnSQ%253d%253d&ncdctx=kY4ZcmxpzFiR75%252faQboRyhefdrcxUukb9ZDwrHw7sGSByd%252fNX2SA4QwXLhHqWtIb</ref>}}

'''''Super Smash Bros. 4''''' (also referred to by shorthands such as '''''Smash 4''''', '''''SSB4''''', '''''for''''' ({{ja|スマブラfor|Sumabura for}}), or more informally '''''Sm4sh''''', and officially as '''''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U''''') is a term used to collectively refer to '''{{For3ds}}''' and '''{{Forwiiu}}''', two games in the ''{{b|Super Smash Bros.|series}}'' series created by [[Bandai Namco]]<ref name="ign-namco">[http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/06/22/namco-bandai-developing-next-smash-bros IGN: "Namco Bandai Developing Next Smash Bros."]</ref> and [[Sora Ltd.]] [[Masahiro Sakurai]] stated in an interview with Kotaku that he considers the [[3DS]] version the fourth installment and the [[Wii U]] version the fifth installment. The games feature mostly identical gameplay, but with several differences in other areas. The 3DS version is the first game of the series to be released on a handheld console.

The 3DS version launched in Japan on September 13th, 2014, and in most other parts of the world on October 3rd, 2014. It was released in stores one day earlier in Germany on October 2nd, 2014 to avoid coinciding with {{S|wikipedia|German Unity Day}}, and was released one day later in Australia on October 4th, 2014 because of time zone differences. Hong Kong and Taiwan received a release of the game over ten months later, on July 24th, 2015, while South Korea got its release on September 10th, 2015, nearly a full year after the game's initial launch in Japan. The Wii U version was released in North America on November 21st, 2014, and was released on November 28th, 2014 in Europe, November 29th, 2014 in Australia, and on December 6th, 2014 in Japan.

Online support for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] and [[Wii U]] has ended as of April 8th, 2024, making it impossible to officially play ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' online.

The [[opening movie]] exclusive to ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' is composed of footage from both gameplay and the various [[List of Super Smash Bros. 4 character trailers|character introduction trailers]] shown since the game's reveal, barring the trailer for [[Duck Hunt]].

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[[File:SSBWiiU Character Select.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The [[character selection screen]] of ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' (with all of the characters unlocked and all DLC characters purchased).]]

[[File:SSB3DS Character Select.jpeg|thumb|250px|The first page of the [[character selection screen]] of ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' (with all non-DLC characters unlocked after purchasing all DLC characters).]]

[[File:SSB3DS Character Select 2.jpeg|thumb|250px|The second page of the [[character selection screen]] of ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' (with all DLC characters purchased).]]

Both games feature identical [[fighter|playable character]] rosters. In total, 51 characters are playable in the base game and 58 characters are playable overall, 34 of which return from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', 3 of which return after being cut in the transition from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' to ''Brawl'' ([[Dr. Mario]], [[Mewtwo]], and [[Roy]]), and 21 of which are new to the series. Of these 58, 39 are [[starter character]]s in both versions and eight are [[unlockable character]]s in both versions, while four characters are unlockable in the 3DS version but starters in the Wii U version. Additionally, seven characters appear as {{SSB4|downloadable content}}. A further twelve "characters" exist as alternate costumes for other preexisting characters: [[Alph]] as a palette swap of [[Olimar]]; each of the seven [[Koopalings]] as palette swaps of [[Bowser Jr.]], and alternate genders for [[Villager]], [[Wii Fit Trainer]], [[Robin]], and [[Corrin]].

Five characters do not return from ''Brawl'': {{uv|Star Fox}}'s [[Wolf]], {{uv|Pokémon}}'s [[Squirtle]] and [[Ivysaur]] (alongside the [[Pokémon Trainer]] himself), two-time veteran {{uv|Ice Climber}}'s [[Ice Climbers]], and {{uv|Metal Gear}}'s [[Snake]]. [[Lucas]] initially did not return in the base roster, but he would later return through DLC. Additionally, {{uv|The Legend of Zelda}}'s [[Young Link]] and {{uv|Pokémon}}'s [[Pichu]] do not return from ''Melee''.

As for the new characters for already represented franchises, two newcomers come from the {{uv|Mario}} universe being Bowser Jr. and [[Rosalina]] & [[Luma]], [[Greninja]] for the {{uv|Pokémon}} universe, {{uv|Kid Icarus}} introduces [[Palutena]] and [[Dark Pit]] and finally {{uv|Fire Emblem}} introduces [[Lucina]], Robin and, as [[Downloadable content|DLC]], Corrin.

 

==Stages==

[[File:Stage Select SSB4-3DS Normal.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The normal stage selection screen in {{for3ds}}.]]

[[File:Stage Select SSB4-Wii U Normal.jpg|thumb|250px|The normal stage selection screen in {{forwiiu}}.]]

[[File:Stage Select SSB4-3DS Extra-Update.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The extra stage selection screen in {{for3ds}}.]]

[[File:Stage Select SSB4-Wii U Extra.jpg|thumb|250px|The extra selection screen in {{forwiiu}}.]]

The two games feature considerably different stage selections, which is one of the primary differences between the two games. The 3DS version features a total of 42 stages (34 excluding DLC) with seven unlockable stages and eight DLC stages, 30 of which are new and 12 of which are familiar. The Wii U version features a total of 55 stages (46 excluding DLC) with six unlockable stages and nine DLC stages, consisting of 34 new stages and 21 familiar ones. Only 13 stages are shared between the two versions, seven of which are DLC.

 

In general, the 3DS version's new stages are based more on handheld console games, while the Wii U version's new stages are based more on home console games, though there are several exceptions to this in both games.

 

[[Past Stages]] in both games are now known as "Familiar Stages." Only three Familiar Stages are shared between the two games, all of which are DLC.

===3DS version===

 

{{SSB4-U stage table}}

 

 

===Single Player===

During the official unveiling of the Wii U at [[E3 2011]], then Nintendo president Satoru Iwata remarked that a new game in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series would be made for the system. No further information was provided at this time since the game would not enter production until sometime after October 2011, after the completion of Sakurai's other project, ''Kid Icarus: Uprising''.<ref>[http://andriasang.com/comw79/ Andriasang.com: "Smash Bros. U & 3DS development appears to be very early"]</ref> He had stated, in response to a fan asking him about whether a "child Link" would be in the game, that he had not at the time decided on which characters would appear. However, he had also said that he "can't say that it's entirely out of the realm of possibility that some [[Capcom]] character could appear in the next ''Smash Bros.''"<ref>[http://nintendoeverything.com/67219/sakurai-capcom-character-could-appear-in-next-smash-bros/ Nintendo Everything: "Sakurai: Capcom character could appear in next Smash Bros."]</ref>  

Development of the game began in early 2012.<ref>[http://www.cubed3.com/news/16506 Cubed³: "Sakurai Begins Work on New Smash Bros for Wii U and 3DS"]</ref> Sakurai and his company [[Sora Ltd.]] returned as director, with [[Bandai Namco]] being contracted as lead developer.<ref>[http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/30817/sakurai-and-kobayashi-release-messages-regarding-smash-bros Bandai Namco revealed as lead developer]</ref> The reason for announcing this information so early was to prevent the inevitable shock and scandal of Masahiro Sakurai being spotted at the Bandai Namco offices.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeLrIXCOUw0&t=138s Super Smash Bros. for 3DS / Wii U [Game Concepts]]</ref> The game went unmentioned during E3 2012, something which many fans were disappointed about despite the known extremely early state of the game; the "first step of the process" was taken shortly after in mid-June. Sakurai expressed disappointment that fans would be waiting for longer than expected for the game to be released due to the earliness of the initial announcement.<ref>[http://nintendoeverything.com/91807/next-smash-bros-in-first-step-of-the-process-sakurai-worried-about-long-wait/ Nintendo Everything: "Next Smash Bros. in “first step of the process”, Sakurai worried about long wait"]</ref> Shortly afterward, it was revealed during a Nintendo Direct that Namco Bandai (as Bandai Namco was previously named) was the primary developer alongside [[Sora Ltd.]], and had already completed a working prototype.<ref name="ign-namco" /> This is notably the first game Masahiro Sakurai has directed where the parameters were programmed by anyone other than himself. He has admitted that this development model should have never happened, but he wanted to do everything himself for previous titles in order to create his vision perfectly. He finally relaxed this position with ''Smash 4'', which gave other members more freedom in how the game is built and created a more efficient work culture.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeLrIXCOUw0&t=400s Super Smash Bros. for 3DS / Wii U [Game Concepts]]</ref>

[[File:SSB4 whiteboard.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The whiteboard drawing posted by Sakurai.]]

On July 2nd, 2012, Sakurai posted a whiteboard drawing on Twitter which was drawn by the game's staff. It depicts [[Donkey Kong]], [[Fox]], a [[Heart Container]], [[Kirby]], [[Link]], [[Luigi]], [[Mario]], [[Marth]], [[Meta Knight]], [[Mr. Game & Watch]], a [[Mr. Saturn]], [[Pikachu]], a {{b|Pikmin|species}}, [[Pit]], [[Sandbag]], [[Wario]], and [[Zero Suit Samus]]; some argue that the curved lines in the background form the shape of [[Master Hand]]. The sketch also has what appears to be large block letters hidden below the visible area. While the post came with no explicit confirmation of any of these characters or elements as reappearing, it did show that they were in some sense acknowledged by the staff; everything depicted would, in fact, appear in the final game. The image itself was later removed from the original Twitter post.<ref>[http://twitter.com/Sora_Sakurai/status/219759606463864832/photo/1 Jul 2, 2012 Tweet by Sora_Sakurai] ([[Masahiro Sakurai]])</ref>

Sakurai remarked the 3DS title was intended to offer a new experience for veteran ''Smash Bros.'' fans, and that neither the 3DS game nor the Wii U game would simply be sequels like ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'' were, and that they would do more than just add characters and stages. It had also been revealed that they were looking towards co-operative play for the Wii U title. Official Nintendo Magazine said, "there is merit in having skilled and unskilled players play together, so one emphasis will be on elements of players helping one-another." They also stated that the graphics would be significantly stepped up, as the Wii U can handle high-quality graphics, dynamic effects and smooth character movements in HD at 60 frames per second.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110617082040/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/27806/smash-bros-wii-u/3ds-how-theyll-work-together/ Official Nintendo Magazine: "Smash Bros Wii U/3DS: How they'll work together"]</ref> Sakurai was also quoted as claiming that the new game was unlikely to emphasize new playable characters, focusing instead on gameplay balance and distinctiveness of its characters.<ref>[http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/39783/smash-bros-wii-u-may-not-feature-more-characters/ Official Nintendo Magazine: "Smash Bros Wii U may not feature more characters"]</ref> Indeed, ''SSB4'' initially introduced fewer newcomers than ''Brawl'' did.

 

While both versions could not play cross-platform due to unique content causing logistical issues, Sakurai had remarked that one feature of the 3DS ''Smash Bros.'' title would be that players can improve their character through battles and rewards, then transfer them to the Wii U ''Smash'' title to play against friends; such a function was ultimately made possible through [[character customization]]. The Nintendo 3DS hardware proved difficult to work with for the team, which led to several compromises to both versions. The system's inability to load multiple fighters to the same player meant transformations and multi-character fighters were not possible. Since both versions were required to have the exact same roster, characters had to be greatly altered, like {{SSB4|Sheik}} and {{SSB4|Zelda}} being split into unique characters that could not swap with each other, or cut entirely, like [[Ice Climbers]]. The team also had issues implementing the Circle Pad Pro, which meant all mechanics involving the [[C-stick]] were inaccessible, though still in the game code. The small screen of the Nintendo 3DS also caused issues with readability, so elements like knockback were made even slower than in ''Brawl'', which carried over to the Wii U version.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeLrIXCOUw0&t=125s Super Smash Bros. for 3DS / Wii U [Game Concepts]]</ref>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

===Aesthetic and sound changes===

{{ImageCaption|File:Sudden Death (SSBB).PNG|File:Sudden Death (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U).jpg|width1=x150px|width2=x150px|align=right|caption=The aesthetic changes between ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4'' when [[Sudden Death]] is about to begin.}}

*In general, the game is much more stylized and visually intense than previous entries, with the colors being bolder and brighter, sound effects being more cartoonish (though generally quieter) and many elements having been redone to stand out more.

*The characters' design styles are more distinct from each other and more in-line with their home series, in contrast to ''Brawl'' which gave the characters a more unified realistic look. For example, characters from cartoony franchises such as the {{uv|Mario}} and {{uv|Kirby}} series are much closer to their native styles, while those from more realistic-looking franchises such as {{uv|The Legend of Zelda}} (with the exception of Toon Link) and {{uv|Metroid}} series maintain more realistic appearances.

*Some characters will always stand to face the screen regardless of which direction they turn, with the intent of having them face the screen more often.

*[[Damage]] percentage numbers now rise through yellow shades before turning red. In the Wii U version, the numbers are also displayed with a metallic gradient.

*Several visual effects are significantly bolder and brighter:

**Smoke trails of struck characters are now thick trails of light, which become more prominent with higher amounts of knockback and are colored according to which player would be credited with a potential [[KO]]. Should the KO occur, the attacker will flash with an aura of their own color.

***In the Wii U version, the attacker's damage meter will also show a brief burst of flame when a KO occurs.

*The echo effect used for [[Final Smash]]es, [[Star KO]]s and the [[announcer]], {{SSB4|Master Hand}} and {{SSB4|Crazy Hand}}'s voice clips are smoother (with the exception of male {{SSB4|Wii Fit Trainer}} when using {{b|Wii Fit|Final Smash}}), in contrast to ''Brawl'' where they had a heavy reverberating effect.  

*A new visual effect is introduced, referred to as '''Deadly Blow''' by the game; hits that deal enough knockback to KO the character before they can act produce a red-and-black lightning effect during hitlag if they are close enough to the blast line. However, the effect is not always consistent, as it does not factor in DI or other obstructions, and does not always appear at an attack's minimum KO threshold. Attacks that cause [[frozen|freezing]] never produce the visual effect, instead, the screen briefly flashes white. Meteor smashes do not produce it until high percentages.

*Certain items such as the [[Bumper]] and [[Home-Run Bat]] have been given new, more striking designs. For example, the Home-Run Bat is more ornate and is now colored to match the new high-knockback lightning effect.

*A successful meteor smash that deals high [[knockback]] will play a distinct sound effect.

*[[Revival platform]]s now have a section that changes color based on the time remaining before the platform disappears. This section starts out yellow before fading between orange and then turning red before disappearing.

*Characters with over 100% of damage now flash red and emit steam, as part of the new [[rage]] game mechanic. The effect intensifies as their damage raises.

*In the 3DS version, players can tap on a character's icon on the bottom screen to place a marker on that character on the top screen, in order to more easily follow their movements.

*[[Magic]] and [[PK]] attacks no longer have [[electric]]al properties and produce sparkle sounds if they hit.

*Victory scenes seem to be a cross between all of the previous three games. Like in ''Smash 64'', the screen has different animations that transition to the scene, instead of just cutting to it, while only the winner is shown in the main area like in ''Melee'', with the others applauding in small windows on the screen on the Wii U version. However, instead of a featureless black screen, the winner's area is an environment similar to that in ''Brawl''’s [[victory screen]]. Additionally, after the winner has been announced and the [[victory theme]] has finished playing, a remix of the character select music from ''Smash 64'' will play (with the exception of {{SSB4|Cloud}}, as his victory theme loops rather than finishing).

*Assist trophies and Poké Ball Pokémon now come with a marker above them, in order to indicate which player summoned them.

*Some of the more realistic sound effects from ''Brawl'' have been eschewed in favor of sound effects which are inspired by the characters' home franchises, such as the one that plays when Kirby uses {{b|Inhale|Kirby}}.

*Like in the previous games, each character has a voice clip for whenever they take a fair amount of knockback. Though now, it plays right as they receive the blow, like in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' and ''Melee'', and not during the knockback itself, like in ''Brawl''. In ''SSB4'', damage noises are no longer based purely on the amount of knockback taken, unlike in ''SSB64'' and ''Melee'', where characters had damage noises for medium damage and hard damage specifically. This means that certain attacks and items that repeatedly launch the character can make them repeat the voice clips constantly, such as the [[Drill]].

**Each character's expressions are different between versions, mainly due to processor limitations on the 3DS version. An example can be seen during victory scenes: for example, if Marth were to win a match, he would keep a serious face on ''for Nintendo 3DS'', while he would slightly smile and look at the screen on ''for Wii U''.

===Item changes===

*Fighters under the effects of a Timer will be shown with a swirling graphical effect.

*Pressing the attack button on a shooting item with no ammunition now has the fighter throw it instead of firing an empty shot.

==Console differences==

The Wii U and 3DS versions of the game were shown to have distinct art styles from one another in that the 3DS version uses flatter shading and optional black outlines to make characters easier to see at a distance, a graphical style reminiscent of other 3DS games such as ''Fire Emblem Awakening'' and ''Pokémon X & Y''. These outlines are customizable as Sakurai stated players can change the size of the outlines or get rid of them completely. As stated before, many of the stages are version specific, with the 3DS version having more stages based on handheld console games, and the Wii U having more stages based on home console games.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQD1yJinzeQ Nintendo's YouTube channel: "Wii U & Nintendo 3DS Developer Direct - Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U @E3 2013"]</ref> There is no cross-platform gameplay between the Wii U and 3DS versions due to the exclusive stages to each version;<ref>[http://www.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/wii-u-and-3ds-smash-bros-will-not-have-cross-platform-play-wil/ Joystiq: "No cross-platform play for Smash Bros on 3DS and Wii U"]</ref> however, one can create customized fighters in the 3DS version using the character customization feature and send them to the Wii U version. In addition to this, by connecting the two games (or using [[Smash Controller|a special downloadable application]]), the 3DS can be used as a controller on the Wii U version. However, this doesn't apply vice-versa, as none of the Wii U's peripherals can act as a controller on 3DS hardware.

 

[[Trophies]] are different between the two versions, with the trophies in the 3DS version being mainly from handheld games, while the trophies in the Wii U being primarily from console games.<ref>http://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAADRUqFpGGYsgQ</ref>

Each stage on the 3DS version has only two music tracks available, as was the case in ''Melee''. On the other hand, the Wii U version sees the return of ''Brawl''’s [[My Music]] option, with a large selection of tracks available for each stage.

The 3DS version received positive reviews, with a current rating of 85/100 on Metacritic<ref>http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds</ref> and 86.1% on GameRankings.<ref>http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/632937-super-smash-bros-for-nintendo-3ds/index.html</ref> The game has been praised for its large and diverse character roster, its improvements to game mechanics, and its variety of multiplayer options. Some criticisms include a lack of single player modes and issues concerning the 3DS hardware, such as the size of characters on the smaller screen when zoomed out and latency issues during both local and online multiplayer. There were also reports of players damaging their 3DS Circle Pads while playing the game excessively, and to an extent, the circle pad can easily fall off. The 3DS version sold over a million copies in its first weekend on sale in Japan and had sold more than 9.65 million copies worldwide as of March 31, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|title=IR Information:Top Selling Nintendo 3DS Title Sales Unit|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=2023-07-05}}</ref> The 3DS version was nominated for both Best Fighting Game and Best Handheld/Mobile Game at {{s|wikipedia|The Game Awards 2014}}, but lost to the Wii U version and {{s|wikipedia|Blizzard Entertainment}}'s ''[[wikipedia:Hearthstone|Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft]]'', respectively.

The Wii U version received critical acclaim, with a Metacritic score of 92/100<ref>http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/super-smash-bros-for-wii-u</ref> and a GameRankings score of 92.39%,<ref>http://www.gamerankings.com/wii-u/633202-super-smash-bros-for-wii-u/index.html</ref> being among the highest rated games of 2014, is also awarded the Metacritic's Game of the Year and the second-highest rated game of the series after ''[[Brawl]]''. The 2014 Video Game Awards even awarded the Wii U version with the "Best Fighting Game" award. The game was lauded for improving everything the 3DS version offered and significantly improving the online experience. The game has sold more than 5.38 million units as of September 30th, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wiiu.html|title=IR Information:Top Selling Wii U Title Sales Unit|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=2023-07-05}}</ref>

 

''Super Smash Bros. 4'' won "favorite video game" at the 2016 People's Choice Awards. As of February 2016, the Wii U version is the 5th best selling Wii U game, whereas the 3DS version is the 7th best selling Nintendo 3DS game.

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Boxart-3ds.png|3DS version Boxart.

Boxart-wiiu.png|Wii U version Boxart.

SmashWiiUTitle1.1.7.jpg|Wii U version title screen.

Smash4 - First Three New Characters.jpg|The first three confirmed newcomers.

SSB4 3DS outline comparison.jpg|The difference between outlines being set off and on in the 3DS version.

*[http://www.smashbros.com/wiiu-3ds/ Official site]