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{{ArticleIcons|ssb4=y|unofficial=y|featured=y}} | {{ArticleIcons|ssb4=y|unofficial=y|featured=y|protected=preemptive}} | ||
{{Cquote| | {{Cquote|SETTLE IT IN SMASH!|cite=North American commercial}} | ||
{{Title|''Super Smash Bros. 4''}} | {{Title|''Super Smash Bros. 4''}} | ||
{{Infobox Game | {{Infobox Game | ||
|title = Super Smash Bros. 4<br | |title = '''Super Smash Bros. 4''<br><small>(unofficial title)</small>''' | ||
|image = [[File:SSB4 Logo.png|250px]] | |image = [[File:SSB4 Logo.png|250px]] | ||
|caption = Collective logo for the game. | |caption = Collective logo for the game. | ||
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|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>}} | |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 | '''''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.]] In an interview with Kotaku, [[Masahiro Sakurai]] has stated 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. | 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. | ||
Both versions have received positive reviews; critics applauded the fine-tuning of existing gameplay elements but criticized some issues with online play. The 3DS version sold over 9.64 million copies worldwide as of September 30, 2022, and the Wii U version sold over 5.38 million copies as of September 30, 2020. | |||
==Opening movie== | ==Opening movie== | ||
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]]. | 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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==Fighters== | ==Fighters== | ||
[[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: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.jpeg|thumb|right|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).]] | [[File:SSB3DS Character Select 2.jpeg|thumb|right|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]]'', | 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]]'', three 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''. | 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''. | ||
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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. | 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. | ||
New characters slots are given to | New characters slots are given to {{uv|Punch-Out}}'s very own [[Little Mac]] who first appeared as an [[Assist Trophy]] from ''Brawl'', the Wii Fit Trainer from the {{uv|Wii Fit}} series, the Villager's inclusion marks {{uv|Animal Crossing}}'s first playable character, [[Shulk]], who introduced the {{uv|Xenoblade Chronicles}} series and finally [[Duck Hunt]] consisting of a dog and duck from their [[Duck Hunt (universe)|series]] of the same name. | ||
[[Sonic the Hedgehog]] returns as a third-party character, now joined by [[Mega Man]] and [[Pac-Man]], as well as [[Ryu]], [[Cloud Strife]], and [[Bayonetta]] through DLC. | [[Sonic the Hedgehog]] returns as a third-party character, now joined by [[Mega Man]] and [[Pac-Man]], as well as [[Ryu]], [[Cloud Strife]], and [[Bayonetta]] through DLC. | ||
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==Stages== | ==Stages== | ||
[[File:Stage Select SSB4-3DS Normal.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The normal stage selection screen in {{for3ds}}.]] | [[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-Wii U Normal.jpg|thumb|right|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 SSB4-3DS 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}}.]] | [[File:Stage Select SSB4-Wii U Extra.jpg|thumb|right|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 | 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 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 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, six 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. | 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. | ||
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*[[8-Player Smash]] (''for Wii U'' exclusive): In this mode, up to eight players can play in Smash battles, compared to the standard limit of four. Due to technical limitations, some stages have their behavior modified while in this mode, while other stages are not available at all. | *[[8-Player Smash]] (''for Wii U'' exclusive): In this mode, up to eight players can play in Smash battles, compared to the standard limit of four. Due to technical limitations, some stages have their behavior modified while in this mode, while other stages are not available at all. | ||
*[[Special Smash]] (''for Wii U'' exclusive): The successor to [[Special Brawl]], players in this mode can create custom battles by changing a variety of options, such as making all the fighters [[metal]]. Up to four players can play in this mode. This mode does not affect records and stats. | *[[Special Smash]] (''for Wii U'' exclusive): The successor to [[Special Brawl]], players in this mode can create custom battles by changing a variety of options, such as making all the fighters [[metal]]. Up to four players can play in this mode. This mode does not affect records and stats. | ||
*[[Smash Run]] (''for Nintendo 3DS'' exclusive): In this mode, up to four players have five minutes to traverse a large dungeon-like environment, collecting various power-ups and facing enemies from multiple games. After the time limit, the players fight in a battle utilizing their boosted powers, and can then do subsequent matches with those power-ups. Sakurai mentioned in the April 2014 Nintendo Direct video that it took inspiration from ''{{s|wikirby|Kirby Air Ride}}'' | *[[Smash Run]] (''for Nintendo 3DS'' exclusive): In this mode, up to four players have five minutes to traverse a large dungeon-like environment, collecting various power-ups and facing enemies from multiple games. After the time limit, the players fight in a battle utilizing their boosted powers, and can then do subsequent matches with those power-ups. Sakurai mentioned in the April 2014 Nintendo Direct video that it took inspiration from ''{{s|wikirby|Kirby Air Ride}}'''s {{s|wikirby|City Trial}} mode, which has a similar premise. | ||
**Players are also able to have items set to their characters via [[character customization]]. | **Players are also able to have items set to their characters via [[character customization]]. | ||
*[[Smash Tour]] (''for Wii U'' exclusive): Players take control of Miis moving along a game board, collecting characters and power-ups to win the final match, with each fighter obtained acting as one stock. | *[[Smash Tour]] (''for Wii U'' exclusive): Players take control of Miis moving along a game board, collecting characters and power-ups to win the final match, with each fighter obtained acting as one stock. | ||
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==Development== | ==Development== | ||
During the official unveiling of the Wii U at [[E3 | 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, though no further information was given. The vagueness of these comments are due to the game not having entered production at that time. The game's development was not slated to begin 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 | Development of the game began in early 2012<ref>[http://www.cubed3.com/news/16506 Cubed<sup>3</sup>: "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 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" /> | ||
[[File:SSB4 whiteboard.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The whiteboard drawing posted by Sakurai.]] | [[File:SSB4 whiteboard.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The whiteboard drawing posted by Sakurai.]] | ||
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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>[ | 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>[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 systems 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. | |||
After over a year of silence, The first official gameplay was revealed at E3 2013. To the surprise of many, a trailer on June 11, 2013 would reveal that the game would release as two unique versions: one for [[Nintendo 3DS]] and one for Wii U, with both having a projected release window of 2014. The trailer confirmed {{SSB4|Villager}} as the first new fighter for the game, with Capcom's {{SSB4|Mega Man}} also confirmed as playable towards the end of the trailer as Sakurai teased years earlier. Later in the day, a special trailer for {{SSB4|Wii Fit Trainer}} was revealed on the E3 show floor. Shortly after the initial [[E3 2013]] trailers, Sakurai said there would be a single-player story mode included in the new ''Smash Bros.''<ref>[http://mynintendonews.com/2013/06/17/smash-bros-wii-u-and-3ds-story-mode-wont-be-like-brawl/ My Nintendo News: "Smash Bros Wii U And 3DS Story Mode Won’t Be Like Brawl"]</ref>, but that it would be different from ''Brawl'''s [[Subspace Emissary]] in that there would be no cutscenes, since he did not want them to be uploaded to the Internet. However, he would later recant this and announce that he decided to cut any story mode altogether <ref>http://kotaku.com/the-next-super-smash-bros-wont-have-a-story-mode-or-c-906856304</ref>. | |||
Sakurai had stated that there were no plans to implement downloadable content or touch screen controls of any variety. However, he also said that once the game was released DLC was something they would take into consideration. <ref>[http://www.gamnesia.com/news/no-plans-for-dlc-or-touch-controls-in-the-new-smash-bros.-tripping-is-remov Gamnesia: "No Plans for DLC or Touch Controls in the New Smash Bros., Tripping is Removed"]</ref> | |||
After the first reveal, new information was regularly released throughout the rest of 2013 and into 2014. | After the first reveal, new information was regularly released in [[Nintendo Direct]]s and standalone presentations throughout the rest of 2013 and into 2014. Notable example include high budget animated trailers for {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}}, {{SSB4|Little Mac}}, {{SSB4|Charizard}} and {{SSB4|Greninja}}, {{SSB4|Palutena}} with a stealth reveal of {{SSB4|Dark Pit}}, {{SSB4|Pac-Man}}, {{SSB4|Lucina}} and {{SSB4|Robin}}, {{SSB4|Shulk}}, {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}}, and {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}}. Another major trailer is for {{SSB4|Mii Fighters}} featuring Satoru Iwata and Reggie Fils-Aimé. Mii fighters were intially planned for ''Brawl'' as a way for players to play as any character they want, but were cut due to Sakurai not feeling Miis were appropriate for a fighting game. Sakurai himself opened the [[Director's Room]] in Miiverse, where he posted screenshots of the game on a regular basis. | ||
A dedicated Nintendo Direct for the game was released on April 8, 2014. Major highlights were the announcement that both version will contain different stages, with 3DS focusing on handheld games and Wii U focusing on console games. Both versions were also getting entirely different single-player content, with 3DS receiving [[Smash Run]]. [[Online]] for both versions have also been entirely reworked from ''Brawl''. The mode is now split into two modes: [[For Fun]], which is an unranked mode that is just meant for players to have fun, and [[For Glory]], which has a restricted ruleset of [[Final Destination]] or Ω forms of all stages, with no items naturally spawning, and with character customization disabled for competitive players that want to be ranked. [[Global Smash Power]] was also introduced as the game's ranking system where all players are numerically ranked, with 1 being the floor and higher numbers increasing in skill level. The game would attempt to match players with as close a number as possible. | |||
The initial planned release dates were Summer 2014 for 3DS and Holiday 2014 for Wii U. The reason given for this gap was that quality assurance could have dedicated time for both versions to make each as polished as possible. The release date for 3DS was later delayed to September 13, 2014 in Japan and October for the rest of the world. | |||
In August 2014, a collection of screenshots and videos | In August, 2014, a collection of screenshots and videos of what appeared to be the entire base roster were leaked onto 4chan. Dubbed the [[ESRB leak]], it was eventually confirmed to be 100% accurate despite initial skepticism from the community. This deflated some of the hype and speculation of more character trailers going forward. | ||
After {{for3ds}} officially released world wide, marketing pivoted to focus on {{forwiiu}}. This included a special presentation on October 23, 2014 titled | After {{for3ds}} officially released world wide, marketing pivoted to focus on {{forwiiu}}. This included a special presentation on October 23, 2014 titled [[50-fact extravaganza]]. Major highlights include all exclusive stages, the final new characters, and Wii U exclusive modes like [[Classic Mode]], [[Master Orders]], and [[Smash Tour]]. {{SSB4|Mewtwo}} was also revealed as the first piece of [[downloadable content]] for the entire series, meaning Sakurai was convinced to implement the practice after previously having no plans. {{s|nintendowiki|Club Nintendo}} offered a limited-time deal where Mewtwo can be downloaded for free as long as both versions of the game were registered on the same account. registering both games to Club Nintendo also allowed account owners to receive [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U: A Smashing Soundtrack]] for free for a limited time. | ||
For the first time in the series, '' | For the first time in the series, ''Smash 4'' received regular update patches due to the process now being possible. These updates introduced a variety of new content post-launch. The most common is free patches for both the [[List of updates (SSB4-3DS)|3DS]] and [[List of updates (SSB4-Wii U)|Wii U]] that introduced or adjusted content in both major and minor ways. Examples include the introduction of features available on New Nintendo 3DS like [[amiibo]] support and proper C-stick functionality, and [[Tourney mode]] and [[YouTube]] integration for the Wii U verison, and the [[Share]] function for both versions. | ||
On April 1, 2015, Nintendo announced the [[Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot]], where players can vote for what character will officially be in the roster as DLC. The ballot ran until October 3, with the winner being announced at a later date. | |||
[[Downloadable content (SSB4)|Downloadable content]] was eventually implemented through several additional fighters, stages, and costumes for Mii Fighters. Large amounts of content were released at specific dates. April 15, 2015 introduced Mewtwo for Club Nintendo members, a wave of Mii costumes and trophies, a standard amount of content going forward. Mewtwo was officially made for purchase later on April 28. Mewtwo received an official trailer, though no unique animation was made, a trend for DLC fighters. June 14 introduced {{SSB4|Lucas}}, {{SSB4|Roy}}, {{SSB4|Ryu}}, [[Miiverse]], [[Dream Land (64)]], [[Suzaku Castle]] with several {{uv|Street Fighter}} music tracks, a wave of Mii costumes and several trophies. This remains the biggest collection of DLC released on the same day. A Mii Costume based on [[K.K. Slider]] was released between June 19 and July 11 in Japan as part of a promotion with 7-Eleven. The costume was released worldwide on July 31 alongside [[Peach's Castle (64)]], [[Hyrule Castle (64)]], and a wave of Mii costumes. September 30 introduced [[Super Mario Maker]], [[Pirate Ship]] exclusive to Wii U, and [[Duck Hunt (stage)|Duck Hunt]] becoming cross-platform, alongside a wave of Mii costumes. | |||
Corrin and Bayonetta | A final video presentation was released for the game on December 15, 2015. Major highlights include {{SSB4|Cloud}} releasing that day alongside [[Midgar]] with two {{uv|Final Fantasy}} music tracks, a [[Chocobo]] hat, a [[Geno]] costume, and several trophies. the announcement of {{SSB4|Corrin}}, who was the first of the DLC fighters to receive a proper animated trailer, and {{SSB4|Bayonetta}} as the final fighter for the game and winner of the fighter ballot among realizable and negotiable characters. Sakurai revealed years later that Bayonetta was not the actual winner of the ballot, hence the disclaimer. The actual winner was [[Sora]]. | ||
Corrin and Bayonetta released on February 3, 2016 alongside the music track ''Lost in Thoughts all Alone'' in both original and remixed form, [[Umbra Clock Tower]] with several {{uv|Bayonetta}} music tracks, a wave of Mii costumes, and several trophies. Aside from a few balance patches, with one dedicated exclusively to Bayonetta nerfs, and a final indirect update that disabled Miiverse support, development for ''Smash 4'' has officially ceased. | |||
==Version history== | ==Version history== | ||
{{main|List of updates (SSB4-3DS)}} | {{main|List of updates (SSB4-3DS)}} | ||
{{main|List of updates (SSB4-Wii U)}} | {{main|List of updates (SSB4-Wii U)}} | ||
''Smash 4'' is the first game in the series to | ''Smash 4'' is the first game in the series to recieve regular update patches post-launch. {{for3ds}} recieved several updates before {{forwiiu}} released, a few introduced while the game was still exclusive to Japan with the rest of the world never officially experiencing. After both games released, they recieved the same updates on the same day, despite occasionally having different changes within those updates. This means that there were no more major gameplay differences between regions; everyone gets the same experience barring languages and minor presentation differences. A unique issue caused by updates is [[replays]] being rendered unusable due to gameplay altering changes affecting the real-time recreation of a match. Nintendo's solution was to make replays created in older updates inaccessible, though uploading replays through [[Share]] mode or uploading them to [[YouTube]] would circumvent this issue. Nintendo often announced an update well before the official rollout and gave a warning about replays, giving players ample time to prepare if they wish to keep what they have. | ||
''Super Smash Bros. 4'' adopted a simple incremental versioning system (i.e. version 1.0.0), with every update increasing the third number by one, rolling over the second number every tenth update. This caused some inconsistencies, such as {{forwiiu}} jumping from version 1.0.2 to 1.0.6 to match the version of {{for3ds}}. In this versioning scheme, all updates were treated equally regardless of if they introduced new characters or stages, or simply fixed minor bugs. The last update released for ''Smash 4'' was version 1.1.7, which added amiibo functionality for Cloud, Corrin and Bayonetta. | ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' adopted a simple incremental versioning system (i.e. version 1.0.0), with every update increasing the third number by one, rolling over the second number every tenth update. This caused some inconsistencies, such as {{forwiiu}} jumping from version 1.0.2 to 1.0.6 to match the version of {{for3ds}}. In this versioning scheme, all updates were treated equally regardless of if they introduced new characters or stages, or simply fixed minor bugs. The last update released for ''Smash 4'' was version 1.1.7, which added amiibo functionality for Cloud, Corrin and Bayonetta. | ||
==Changes from '' | ==Changes from ''Brawl''== | ||
===Gameplay=== | ===Gameplay=== | ||
{{ImageCaption|Image:Greater Size diversity.png|Image:TheDanceClubSSB4.jpg|width1=x150px|width2=x150px|align=right|caption=The character size comparison in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4''.}} | {{ImageCaption|Image:Greater Size diversity.png|Image:TheDanceClubSSB4.jpg|width1=x150px|width2=x150px|align=right|caption=The character size comparison in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4''.}} | ||
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*When a character is KO'd over the top [[blast line]], a [[Star KO|Star]] or [[Screen KO|Screen]] KO is no longer guaranteed, as a normal blast KO is now possible at random. | *When a character is KO'd over the top [[blast line]], a [[Star KO|Star]] or [[Screen KO|Screen]] KO is no longer guaranteed, as a normal blast KO is now possible at random. | ||
**They no longer occur near the end of a [[time]]d match (unless characters are launched to the upper blast line when [[End of Day]] is active, the only known exception to this) or [[Sudden Death]]; being instead replaced by regular blast KOs. In addition, they also will not occur when a character is launched at a fast enough speed. | **They no longer occur near the end of a [[time]]d match (unless characters are launched to the upper blast line when [[End of Day]] is active, the only known exception to this) or [[Sudden Death]]; being instead replaced by regular blast KOs. In addition, they also will not occur when a character is launched at a fast enough speed. | ||
===Game modes=== | ===Game modes=== | ||
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{{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.}} | {{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. | *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. | *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. | *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. | *[[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. | ||
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**Additionally, certain items come with white triangular markers above them to make them more noticeable, like in ''SSB64''. | **Additionally, certain items come with white triangular markers above them to make them more noticeable, like in ''SSB64''. | ||
*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}}. | *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 | *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 {{B|Drill|item}}. | ||
*Most flash/tint effects (such as flashing white while invincible) do not display while the game is paused. | *Most flash/tint effects (such as flashing white while invincible) do not display while the game is paused. | ||
*On the Wii U version, most stages have constant subtle ambient noise in the background, such as wind (Onett and Mushroom Kingdom U) or animal sounds (Kongo Jungle 64). This is a new addition to most returning stages. | *On the Wii U version, most stages have constant subtle ambient noise in the background, such as wind (Onett and Mushroom Kingdom U) or animal sounds (Kongo Jungle 64). This is a new addition to most returning stages. | ||
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==Console differences== | ==Console differences== | ||
{{main|Cross-platform comparison of Super Smash Bros. 4}} | {{main|Cross-platform comparison of Super Smash Bros. 4}} | ||
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 | 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. | ||
As in previous entries in the series, both versions allow for up to four fighters to battle simultaneously on any stage; however, in a series first, the Wii U version also allows for up to eight players at once on a limited selection of stages. | As in previous entries in the series, both versions allow for up to four fighters to battle simultaneously on any stage; however, in a series first, the Wii U version also allows for up to eight players at once on a limited selection of stages. | ||
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==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
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 | 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 3.22 million copies worldwide as of October 2014. 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% | 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. | ||
''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. | ''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. | ||
==Trailers== | ==Trailers== | ||
{| class="videoTable" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" | |||
| valign="top" width="50%" style="padding-right:15px"| | |||
===E3 2013=== | ===E3 2013=== | ||
{{#widget:YouTube|id=xvudMu-5kIU}} | {{#widget:YouTube|id=xvudMu-5kIU}} | ||
| valign="top" width="50%"| | |||
===E3 2014=== | ===E3 2014=== | ||
{{#widget:YouTube|id=oRq5bz6ZNYU}} | {{#widget:YouTube|id=oRq5bz6ZNYU}} | ||
|} | |||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
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Fox and Toon Link "Strong Blow" Effect.jpeg|An image showing the new visual indication of an especially powerful blow. | Fox and Toon Link "Strong Blow" Effect.jpeg|An image showing the new visual indication of an especially powerful blow. | ||
Smash 4 - Fox's finishing jab.jpeg|The "finishing move" of Fox's consecutive jab. | Smash 4 - Fox's finishing jab.jpeg|The "finishing move" of Fox's consecutive jab. | ||
Smash4 - First Three New Characters.jpg|The first three confirmed newcomers | 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. | SSB4 3DS outline comparison.jpg|The difference between outlines being set off and on in the 3DS version. | ||
SSB4 - Team Outlines.jpg|The new Team Battle outlines. | SSB4 - Team Outlines.jpg|The new Team Battle outlines. | ||
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*''Super Smash Bros. 4'' marks the first time in the series where long-running veterans [[Luigi]] and [[Marth]] are starter characters. [[Jigglypuff]] and [[Ganondorf]] also have this distinction, though only in the Wii U version. | *''Super Smash Bros. 4'' marks the first time in the series where long-running veterans [[Luigi]] and [[Marth]] are starter characters. [[Jigglypuff]] and [[Ganondorf]] also have this distinction, though only in the Wii U version. | ||
*''Super Smash Bros. 4'' marks the first ever playable appearance for [[Wii Fit Trainer]], [[Palutena]], and the [[Duck Hunt]] dog. | *''Super Smash Bros. 4'' marks the first ever playable appearance for [[Wii Fit Trainer]], [[Palutena]], and the [[Duck Hunt]] dog. | ||
*''Super Smash Bros. 4'' is the second collaboration between [[Bandai Namco]], [[Capcom]], and [[Sega]], the first being ''{{s|wikipedia|Project X Zone}}'' and the third being its sequel ''{{s|wikipedia|Project X Zone 2}}''. One of ''Project X Zone'' | *''Super Smash Bros. 4'' is the second collaboration between [[Bandai Namco]], [[Capcom]], and [[Sega]], the first being ''{{s|wikipedia|Project X Zone}}'' and the third being its sequel ''{{s|wikipedia|Project X Zone 2}}''. One of ''Project X Zone'''s co-developers, [[Monolith Soft]], was involved in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4''. | ||
**{{SSB4|Ryu}} from the ''Street Fighter'' series, [[X (Mega Man)|X]] and [[Zero (Mega Man)|Zero]] from the ''Mega Man'' series, [[Akira Yuki]] from the ''Virtua Fighter'' series, and [[Heihachi Mishima]] from the ''Tekken'' series, all appear in both ''Project X Zone'' and ''Project X Zone 2''. | **{{SSB4|Ryu}} from the ''Street Fighter'' series, [[X (Mega Man)|X]] and [[Zero (Mega Man)|Zero]] from the ''Mega Man'' series, [[Akira Yuki]] from the ''Virtua Fighter'' series, and [[Heihachi Mishima]] from the ''Tekken'' series, all appear in both ''Project X Zone'' and ''{{s|wikipedia|Project X Zone 2}}''. | ||
**[[Lucina]], [[Chrom]] and [[Tiki]] from ''Fire Emblem '' series and [[Fiora]] and [[Metal Face]] from ''Xenoblade Chronicles'', appeared in ''Project X Zone 2''. | **[[Lucina]], [[Chrom]] and [[Tiki]] from ''Fire Emblem '' series and [[Fiora]] and [[Metal Face]] from ''Xenoblade Chronicles'', appeared in ''Project X Zone 2''. | ||
*''Super Smash Bros. 4'' is the first game in the series to receive "E10+" ESRB rating and a "Mild Suggestive Themes" content descriptor. | *''Super Smash Bros. 4'' is the first game in the series to receive "E10+" ESRB rating and a "Mild Suggestive Themes" content descriptor. |