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[[Image:Subspace Emissary Logo.jpg|right|thumb]]
{{ArticleIcons|brawl=yes|fa=yes}}
'''Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary''' is a mode in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', similar to [[Super Smash Bros. Melee|Melee's]] [[Adventure Mode]]. It was hinted at with the [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea01.html This world...] update on July 20th, and fully unveiled on August 3rd.
{{disambig2|the Adventure Mode in ''Brawl''|other uses|Adventure Mode (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox Game
|title=The Subspace Emissary
|image=[[File:Subspace Emissary Logo.jpg|250px]]
|caption=The official SSE logo.}}
'''Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary''' ({{ja|亜空の使者|Akū no Shisha}}, ''Emissary of Subspace''), sometimes abbreviated as '''SSE''' or shortened to '''Subspace Emissary''', is a mode in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and the successor to ''[[Melee]]''{{'}}s [[Adventure Mode]]. It was hinted at with the [http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea01.html This world...] [[DOJO|Dojo]] update on July 20th, 2007, and fully unveiled on August 3rd of the same year. This mode was succeeded by ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''{{'}}s. [[World of Light]].


==Overview==
==Overview==
On July 20th, [[Smash Bros. Dojo!!]] was updated with a collection of enigmatic images that depicted [[Mario]] and [[Kirby]] transforming from [[Trophy|trophies]] into fighters (akin to the introduction of ''Melee''). After Kirby’s apparent defeat at the hands of Mario, he is changed back into a trophy, but Mario reverses the transformation and Mario and Kirby shake hands. However, the sky darkens soon after, and Meta Knight’s ship, the [[Battleship Halberd|Halberd]], flies over the stadium, soon followed by the appearance of a mysterious character. The screenshots were accompanied with this description:
On July 20th, [[Smash Bros. DOJO!!]] was updated with a collection of enigmatic images that depicted {{SSBB|Mario}} and {{SSBB|Kirby}} transforming from [[Trophy|trophies]] into fighters (akin to the introduction of ''Melee''). After Kirby's apparent defeat at the hands of Mario, he is changed back into a trophy, but Mario reverses the transformation and Mario and Kirby shake hands. However, the sky darkens soon after, and [[Meta Knight]]’s ship, the [[Halberd]], flies over the stadium, soon followed by the appearance of [[Primid|a mysterious character]]. The screenshots were accompanied by this description:


''In this world, trophies fight.  They know nothing but fighting.  Fighting is the sole reason for their existence.  Being turned back into a trophy, being unable to fight, is much like death.  Those are the rules of this world.  But...When someone...or something...breaks those rules, the world will pay a terrible price...''
''In this world, trophies fight.  They know nothing but fighting.  Fighting is the sole reason for their existence.  Being turned back into a trophy, being unable to fight, is much like death.  Those are the rules of this world.  But...When someone...or something...breaks those rules, the world will pay a terrible price...''


The post was placed under a mode referred to as ???until August 3rd, when it was changed to "Adventure Mode." On August 3rd, Smash Bros. Dojo!! was updated again. This time, more information was given. The mode was dubbed “[[The Subspace Emissary]],and a multitude of screenshots were shown, as well as a cutscene related to the “This World…” update. In the cutscene, Mario and Kirby were seen shaking hands, as depicted in the screenshots, and after waving to the crowd, the Halberd appeared as it did in “This World…” The mysterious character from before was shown to be one of apparently many odd, robot-like creatures formed from some sort of shadowy matter. [[Princess Peach]] and [[Princess Zelda]] were seen watching from the sidelines, but rushed down to the middle of the stadium to assist Mario and Kirby in fighting the mysterious army. After Peach and Zelda reach the stage and help destroy the Primids, an entity from the sky called [[The Ancient Minister]] appears on the stage. The Ancient Minister drops a [[Subspace Bomb]] on the arena, then flies off. As Mario approaches the bomb, he is hit by a cannonball and is sent flying from the arena. [[Petey Piranha]] appears and captures Peach and Zelda in cages. Some fans believe that Mario "broke the rules" of the World by reviving Kirby, and this is what triggered the Halberd to arrive and deploy its drones.
The post was placed under a mode referred to as "???" until August 3rd when it was changed to "Adventure Mode". On August 3rd, Smash Bros. DOJO!! was updated again. This time, more information was given. The mode was dubbed "The Subspace Emissary", and a multitude of screenshots were shown, as well as a cutscene related to the "This World…" update. In the cutscene, Mario and Kirby were seen shaking hands, as depicted in the screenshots, and after waving to the crowd, the Halberd appeared as it did in "This World…". The mysterious character from before was shown to be one of apparently many odd, robot-like creatures formed from some sort of shadowy matter. {{SSBB|Peach}} and {{SSBB|Zelda}} were seen watching from the sidelines but rushed down to the middle of the stadium to assist Mario and Kirby in fighting the mysterious army. After Peach and Zelda reach the stage and help destroy the [[Primid]]s, an entity from the sky called the [[Ancient Minister]] appears on the stage. The Ancient Minister drops a [[Subspace Bomb]] on the arena, then flies off. As Mario approaches the bomb, he is hit by a cannonball and is sent flying from the arena. [[Petey Piranha]] appears and captures Peach and Zelda in cages.  


The various screenshots in the update depicted a multitude of new enemies, as well as a few familiar ones, such as a [[Hammer Bro]], who was previously confirmed as an [[Assist Trophy]], and [[Bullet Bill]]s. There were also a new series of enemies that were introduced that are part of the Subspace army. Some enemies of the Subspace army appear to be helpful while other ones are dangerous.
The various screenshots in the update depicted a multitude of new enemies, as well as a few familiar ones, such as a [[Hammer Bro]], who was previously confirmed as an [[Assist Trophy]], and {{b|Bullet Bill|enemy}}s. There were also a new series of enemies that were introduced that are part of the Subspace army. Some enemies of the Subspace army appear to be helpful while other ones are dangerous.


The updates “This World…” and “What is the Subspace Emissary?” have definitely had an impact on the ''Super Smash Bros.'' community. Many have wondered whether a fully-fledged story would fit into the ''Super Smash Bros.'' universe or not. Others believe that it will change ''Super Smash Bros.'' for the better.
Masahiro Sakurai has stated that substantial single-player content was a core priority during the development of ''Brawl''. An adventure on the scale of a stand alone video game was decided early in development. Shigeru Miyamoto has stated that Sakurai always wanted to make a mode like this for the series, but was advised to focus on the multiplayer aspects of previous games due to the relatively short development times of previous games and there already being no shortage of single-player games. The much longer development time allotted to ''Brawl'' allowed the mode to be made.<ref>[https://www.eurogamer.net/i-miyamotosakurai?page=2 Miyamoto and Sakurai on Nintendo Wii
E3: Smash Bros., Mario, more.]</ref> The initial plan was to outsource development of this mode to another studio, but no suitable contractor was available. In the end, the entire mode was developed internally by the main ''Brawl'' team. Only the cutscenes were created by a different studio.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXpFTHtlmCo&t Super Smash Bros. Brawl [Game Concepts]]</ref>


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
The Subspace Emissary mode is a side-scrolling adventure in the style of a platformer, inspired by the ''[[Mario (universe)|Mario]]'' and ''[[Kirby (universe)|Kirby]]'' games. However, it retains all basic mechanics of ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', such as a damage meter, [[Stock|stocks]] and Smash-style attacks. The mode features a world map where stages are selected; once a stage is selected, the difficulty can be chosen, and the character(s) will enter the stage. The selectable characters will change depending on the plot; a character selection screen has been shown, but it is not clear whether the characters are chosen before selecting a stage or after. According to various movies shown at E for All, if you follow the plot without exiting the adventure mode, the screen will sometimes freeze and you'll be able to select a character depending on who's on the screen. For example, when Mario, Peach, Zelda and Kirby prepare to battle the subspace invaders back in the stadium, the cinematic will freeze and you'll get to choose between any of these 4 characters with a simple cursor.
[[File:AdventureMap.jpg|thumb|400px|The [[Adventure Map]], after completion of The Subspace Emissary.]]
[[File:The plain Mario.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Mario in The Plain]]
The Subspace Emissary mode is a side-scrolling adventure in the style of a platformer, inspired by the {{uv|Mario}} and {{uv|Kirby}} games. However, it retains all basic mechanics of the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], such as a [[damage meter]], [[stock]]s, and Smash-style attacks. It can also be classified as a beat 'em up; often stages will [[ambush|pause at specific points]] and force the player to defeat a set of enemies, which prevents one from simply running through everything.


===Plot===
The mode features a [[Adventure Map|world map]] where stages are selected; once a stage is selected, the difficulty can be chosen, and the character(s) will enter the stage. The selectable characters will change depending on the plot. Stages that have been completed already can be played again, with the one exception being a stage being consumed by a Subspace Bomb; if this happens, the player must complete the Subspace Emissary to be able to access the stage again.
The plot of the Subspace Emissary revolves around the [[Subspace Army]], a group of beings with an unknown origin. According to the site, their objective is to cut up the Smash world and absorb it into [[Subspace]], a mysterious and destructive force that apparently hails from their home dimension. They use weapons called [[Subspace Bombs]] to absorb sections of the world, one bit at a time. The Army includes [[:Category:Subspace Army|a number of original soldiers]] as well as some from other games, and their leader is known as the [[Ancient Minister]].<br>
Few details are known about the plot so far. The plot will emphasize character development, and will be moved along by cutscenes shown at certain points. Though the mode will not feature character-specific storylines, certain decisions will affect the plot in some places (for example, in the boss fight with [[Petey Piranha]], you can only save either [[Peach]] or [[Zelda]], and it is assumed that the choice will alter the plot in some way). The characters form "teams" based on these developments.


The wording for the Sticker Power-ups update says "Your battle against the Subspace Emissary will be one of epic fury." hinting that the titular Subspace Emissary is an antagonist.
The mode also has a two-player option, using one stock to join in. When using two players, the first player will have priority over the screen, making it possible for the second player to get run off the screen if the two players are not coordinated. However, the second player has the option to [[Space Jump|warp]] to the first player at any time (except in boss battles) by pressing the [[Start-Pause button|button that would normally pause the game]]. The first player must be present with stock left at all times; if the first player is defeated with no spare stock remaining, the game will end and offer a continue. If the second player is defeated, the first player can continue alone. In addition, only the first player can navigate through [[door]]s (though the second player can still utilize [[key]]s) and temporary switches. If the second player goes into a barrel cannon or minecart they will be teleported back to the player seconds later unless the first player goes in right after. The second player can also decide when barrel cannons shoot.


[[Image:Modea07 071005b-l.jpg|right|thumb|Mario and Pit, teaming up.]]
When playing a level for the first time, many cutscenes will pause just before gameplay begins, showing a view of all available characters. A message will display how many stock the level allows, and a cursor will appear that allows choosing which characters to play. The order characters are chosen in is the order they will appear: they will cycle through in that order until all stock is depleted. Playing through a level again, there will be a screen before the level allowing choosing between any available characters instead of cutscenes during the level. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage: there is a wider character variety to choose from, but one cannot pick less characters than the number of stocks the stage has (meaning if a stage has four stocks, the player must choose four characters). Additionally, no mid-level cutscenes will play, including ones that would normally allow a re-pick of characters that replenishes stocks. While on many levels this makes little difference, it is very problematic on long stages like the second Subspace Bomb Factory, where a replay provides only a fraction of the stock originally given.


===Features===
The physics of many (if not all) characters are also tweaked slightly. In general, characters run slower, fall faster, and jump better than in brawls. However, the [[midair jump]]s of a character that possesses more than one will be worse than normal. Move mechanics are not altered, although the differing jump heights, jump timing, and gravity will change how effective aerial attacks are. The most significant change is the removal of stamina from Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon, which allows one to use one Pokémon exclusively. Characters are also able to [[swimming|swim]] for significantly longer. Characters retain their standard physics in boss battles. Because Smash relies on KOs by being knocked off stage, in order for the platforming nature to be retained, the camera's reaction time in following a character decreases in proportion to the player's damage.  
As previously stated, the mode features an original storyline with several all-new enemies designed specifically for Brawl. It is also assumed that several new stages, such as [[Terra Firma]], will appear. <br>
The [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea07.html Team] update revealed several new details about the gameplay. The mode features co-op; a second player can play at the same time as the first, though the camera still focuses on Player 1. If player 2 gets too far behind, then they will get boosted up to where player 1 is. Also if player 1 loses all of their stocks, player 2 loses as well. In addition, players will be able to "power up" their characters with [[Stickers]] that you obtain in the differents game modes.


===Confirmed Playable Characters===
[[Grab]]bing mechanics are also altered. Normal enemies cannot be held onto for any length of time; they will be thrown immediately after being grabbed, making it impossible to [[pummel]] them. This means that choosing which throw to use must be done with the Control Stick during the grab animation; inputting no direction will result in a forward throw (with the exception of {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, who cannot carry enemies, and instead will utilize his up-throw). Special moves that involve grabbing will fail to grab, like Yoshi and Kirby's standard special moves; such moves have extra Subspace Emissary-only hitboxes (for example, [[Egg Lay]] will deal 13% damage, while Pikmin will deal damage when [[Pikmin Throw|thrown]]). Bosses and large enemies cannot be grabbed; however, Big Primids can be grabbed effectively. None of these changes apply when facing an opposing Smasher due to playing like an actual Brawl, though Kirby will be unable to copy their abilities.
* [[Mario (SSBB)|Mario]]
* [[Kirby (SSBB)|Kirby]]
* [[Peach (SSBB)|Peach]]
* [[Zelda (SSBB)|Zelda]]
* [[Pit (SSBB)|Pit]]
* [[Donkey Kong (SSBB)|Donkey Kong]]
* [[Diddy Kong (SSBB)|Diddy Kong]]
* [[Fox (SSBB)|Fox]]
* [[Meta Knight (SSBB)|Meta Knight]]*
* [[Yoshi (SSBB)|Yoshi]]
* [[Link (SSBB)|Link]]
* [[Ike (SSBB)|Ike]]*
* [[Pikachu (SSBB)|Pikachu]]*
* [[Samus (SSBB)|Samus]]/[[Zero Suit Samus (SSBB)|Zero Suit Samus]]*
* [[Lucas (SSBB)|Lucas]]*
* [[King Dedede (SSBB)|King Dedede]]***
* [[Ice Climbers (SSBB)|Ice Climbers]]*
* [[Pokemon Trainer (SSBB)|Pokemon Trainer]]***
* [[Sonic (SSBB)|Sonic the Hedgehog]]**
* [[Ness (SSBB)|Ness]]****
* [[Jigglypuff (SSBB)|Jigglypuff]]****
* [[Lucario (SSBB)|Lucario]]****


<nowiki>*</nowiki>Confirmed at the Adventure Mode:Subspace Emissary preview trailer.
===Clear %===
<br><nowiki>**</nowiki>Confirmed at "Sonic the Hedgehog Joins the Brawl!" trailer
{{see also|Clear %}}
<br><nowiki>***</nowiki> through a SSE Trailer
<br><nowiki>****</nowiki> through a sticker on a video shown on the Japanese Nintendo site


==Teams==
===Difficulty Levels===
Mario*---Kirby*
Like most other single-player modes, one can select different difficulty levels to play The Subspace Emissary. At the creation of a new game file, the player may select a "default" [[difficulty]] from Easy, Normal, Hard, Very Hard, and Intense. Stages normally use this default difficulty (which cannot be changed), although the difficulty of a stage can be altered before it is begun. The game keeps track of the hardest difficulty level at which each stage has been cleared, and when a stage is selected, it suggests a difficulty higher than the highest completion level.
  | \ / |
Peach* Zelda*


*Mario ''or'' Kirby get one princess while Wario takes one away depending on how game is played.
As one selects higher difficulties, the game makes these adjustments:


    Pit*
*Enemy health goes up, sometimes considerably with bulky enemies like Greaps.
    /  \
*Enemies move and attack faster; especially noticeable with the vulnerability period of large enemies and bosses.
Mario* Kirby*
*Enemies and obstacles do more damage and have more KO power.
*Enemies' AI generally get smarter (such as attacking more often, or [[Bytan]]s duplicating nonstop).
*More (and sometimes deadlier) enemies appear during locked battles.
*Less favorable items appear, although an increased number of stronger healing items appear when enemies are defeated.
*[[Stock Ball]]s may get rarer (or, in the case of Very Hard and Intense, not exist, being replaced by recovery items instead).
*Certain features travel faster, giving the player less reaction time.
**Auto-scrolling areas scroll faster.
**Moving walls, floors, and ceilings move faster, making characters more easily [[KO|crushed]].
**Platforms move or fall faster.
**Bomb block explosion chains move faster.
**The effects of temporary switches are shorter.
*Wind speeds increase (including the wind from a [[Borboras]]), sometimes to nonsensical levels.
*More, higher quality, and rarer stickers appear.
*More collectibles (CDs, trophies, stickers) appear.
*More trophy stands appear.
*More coins are given at the end of each level.


*Pit either gets Mario ''or'' Kirby depending on how the game is played
==Plot==
{{main|Plot summary of The Subspace Emissary}}


Donkey Kong*---Diddy Kong
==Stages==
  |             |
[[File:Map-labeled.png|thumb|Every level numerically ordered:<br>1: Midair Stadium<br>2: Skyworld<br>3: Sea of Clouds<br>4: The Jungle<br>5: The Plain<br>6: The Lake<br>7: The Ruined Zoo<br>8: The Battlefield Fortress<br>9: The Forest<br>10: The Research Facility I<br>11: The Lake Shore<br>12: The Path to the Ruins<br>13: The Cave<br>14: The Ruins<br>15: The Wilds I<br>16: The Ruined Hall<br>17: The Wilds II<br>18: The Swamp<br>19: The Research Facility II<br>20: Outside the Ancient Ruins<br>21: The Glacial Peak<br>22: The Canyon<br>23: Battleship Halberd Interior<br>24: Battleship Halberd Exterior<br>25: Battleship Halberd Bridge<br>26: The Subspace Bomb Factory I<br>27: The Subspace Bomb Factory II<br>28: Entrance to Subspace<br>29: Subspace I<br>30: Subspace II<br>31: The Great Maze]]
  ???            Fox
The Subspace Emissary consists of thirty-one different stages. As some stages share the same name, the earlier stage is denoted with an I while the later-appearing stage is followed by a II.


*DK turns into a trophy by Bowser [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWaqIBRvzkA].
{|class=wikitable
!width="5%"|Icon
!width="5%"|Stage
!width="20%"|Fighters available
!width="10%"|Unlocked fighters
!width="20%"|Lost fighters
!width="20%"|Recovered fighters
!width="5%"|Total fighters
!Width="5%"|Teams
|-
|[[File:SSE-Midair Stadium.png]]
|[[Midair Stadium]]
|{{SSBB|Mario}} (the battle with Kirby if he was chosen and the battle with the Subspace Army), {{SSBB|Kirby}} (all phases, except the battle with Mario if he was not chosen), {{SSBB|Peach}} and {{SSBB|Zelda}} (both only in the battle with the Subspace Army)
|{{SSBB|Kirby}} and {{SSBB|Peach}} or {{SSBB|Zelda}} (Mario is sent flying and Wario kidnaps either Zelda or Peach when the other princess is freed from Petey Pirahna)
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|2
|1, new team: {{SSBB|Kirby}} and {{SSBB|Peach}} or {{SSBB|Zelda}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-Skyworld.png]]
|{{b|Skyworld|SSE}}
|{{SSBB|Pit}} (all phases) and {{SSBB|Mario}} (the last side-scrolling section after Pit rescues him)
|{{SSBB|Mario}} and {{SSBB|Pit}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|4
|2, new team: {{SSBB|Mario}} and {{SSBB|Pit}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-Sea of Clouds.png]]
|[[Sea of Clouds]]
|{{SSBB|Kirby}} and {{SSBB|Peach}} or {{SSBB|Zelda}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|4
|2
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Jungle.png]]
|[[The Jungle]]
|{{SSBB|Donkey Kong}} and {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}
|{{SSBB|Diddy Kong}} (Bowser captures Donkey Kong)
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|5
|3, new team: {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Plain.png]]
|[[The Plain]]
|{{SSBB|Mario}} and {{SSBB|Pit}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|5
|3
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Lake.png]]
|[[The Lake]]
|{{SSBB|Diddy Kong}} and {{SSBB|Fox}}
|{{SSBB|Fox}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|6
|3, {{SSBB|Fox}} joins {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Ruined Zoo.png]]
|[[The Ruined Zoo]]
|{{SSBB|Lucas}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Ness}} (only the battle with Porky) and {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}} only) (only after defeating Porky)
|{{SSBB|Lucas}} and {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}}) (Wario kidnaps Ness; Ness will not be unlocked in any mode)
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|8
|4, new team: {{SSBB|Lucas}} and {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}})
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Battlefield Fortress.png]]
|[[The Battlefield Fortress]]
|{{SSBB|Marth}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} (second and third phases) and {{SSBB|Ike}} (third phase only)
|{{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} and {{SSBB|Ike}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|11
|5, new team: {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Ike}}, and {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Forest.png]]
|[[The Forest]]
|{{SSBB|Link}} and {{SSBB|Yoshi}}
|{{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}} and {{SSBB|Toon Link}} <ref name="pre1">Toon Link, Wolf and Jigglypuff appear after completing story mode and revisiting the stage to find a hidden door. Entering the door intiates a one stock match against the character. Win and the character joins the team.</ref>
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|13
|6, new team: {{SSBB|Link}} and {{SSBB|Yoshi}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Research Facility pt1.png]]
|[[The Research Facility (Part I)|The Research Facility I]]
|{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} (all phases) and {{SSBB|Pikachu}} (all phases starting with the second)
|{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} and {{SSBB|Pikachu}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|15
|7, new team: {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} and {{SSBB|Pikachu}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Lake Shore.png]]
|[[The Lake Shore]]
|{{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Pit}} (entire level if Zelda was rescued, only the last section if Peach was rescued), {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}} (entire level if Peach was rescued, only the last section if Zelda was rescued) and {{SSBB|Kirby}} (only the last section)
|&mdash;
|{{SSBB|Peach}} or {{SSBB|Zelda}} (Bowser captures them)
|&mdash;
|14
|5, {{SSBB|Kirby}} joins {{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Link}} and {{SSBB|Yoshi}}.
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Path to the Ruins.png]]
|[[The Path to the Ruins]]
|{{SSBB|Lucas}} and {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}} only)
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|14
|5
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Cave.png]]
|[[The Cave]]
|{{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}} and {{SSBB|Kirby}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|14
|5
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Ruins.png]]
|[[The Ruins]]
|{{SSBB|Lucas}} and {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} (with {{SSBB|Squirtle}} for all phases and {{SSBB|Ivysaur}} after Pokémon Trainer finds it)
|{{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, {{SSBB|Charizard}} and {{SSBB|Wolf}}<ref name="pre1"/>
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|14
|5, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}} and {{SSBB|Charizard}} become part of {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}'s party
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Wilds pt1.png]]
|[[The Wilds (Part I)|The Wilds I]]
|{{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Ike}}, and {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|14
|5
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Ruined Hall.png]]
|[[The Ruined Hall]]
|{{SSBB|Lucas}} and {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|14
|4, {{SSBB|Lucas}} and {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} join {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Marth}}, and {{SSBB|Ike}}.
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Wilds pt2.png]]
|[[The Wilds (Part II)|The Wilds II]]
|{{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}} and {{SSBB|Kirby}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|14
|4
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Swamp.png]]
|[[The Swamp]]
|{{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Fox}} (all phases) and {{SSBB|Falco}} (all phases sans the first)
|{{SSBB|Falco}} and {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}<ref name="pre1"/>
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|15
|4, {{SSBB|Falco}} joins {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}} and {{SSBB|Fox}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Research Facility pt2.png]]
|[[The Research Facility (Part II)|The Research Facility II]]
|{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} (all phases, transforming from Samus by taunting whenever possible), {{SSBB|Pikachu}} (all phases) and {{SSBB|Samus}} (after defeating the False Samuses)
|{{SSBB|Samus}}
|{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} (Samus replaces her; playing as Zero Suit Samus is still possible by taunting or pressing C on the nunchuck)
|&mdash;
|15
|4, {{SSBB|Samus}} replaces {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-Outside the Ancient Ruins.png]]
|[[Outside the Ancient Ruins]]
|{{SSBB|Olimar}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} (both all phases), {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, and {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}} (both only in the battle with the Subspace Army)
|{{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}}
|{{SSBB|Fox}} and {{SSBB|Falco}} (they did not become trophies, but Diddy Kong leaves their group and they all go their separate ways)
|&mdash;
|16
|4, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}} leaves Fox and Falco and joins {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Glacial Peak.png]]
|[[The Glacial Peak]]
|{{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} (only the sidescrolling section), {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} (the side-scrolling section and the battle with Lucario if the player chose him) and {{SSBB|Lucario}} (only if the player chose it in the battle with Meta Knight)
|{{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBB|Lucario}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|18
|5, new team: {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} and {{SSBB|Lucario}}. {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} take Meta Knight's place in this level's featured group
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Canyon.png]]
|[[The Canyon]]
|{{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, {{SSBB|Kirby}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|18
|4, {{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, {{SSBB|Kirby}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Ike}}, {{SSBB|Lucas}} and {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, {{SSBB|Charizard}}) intertwine
|-
|[[File:SSE-Battleship Halberd Interior.png]]
|[[Battleship Halberd Interior]]
|{{SSBB|Snake}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} and {{SSBB|Lucario}} (after the latter two meet Snake)
|{{SSBB|Snake}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|19
|4, {{SSBB|Snake}} joins {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} and {{SSBB|Lucario}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-Battleship Halberd Exterior.png]]
|[[Battleship Halberd Exterior]]
|{{SSBB|Peach}} and {{SSBB|Zelda}}/{{SSBB|Sheik}}
|{{SSBB|Zelda}} or {{SSBB|Peach}}
|&mdash;
|{{SSBB|Fox}} and {{SSBB|Peach}} or {{SSBB|Zelda}}
|22
|5, new team: {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Peach}} and {{SSBB|Zelda}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-Battleship Halberd Bridge.png]]
|[[Battleship Halberd Bridge]]
|{{SSBB|Snake}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Peach}} and {{SSBB|Zelda}}/{{SSBB|Sheik}}
|{{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}
|&mdash;
|{{SSBB|Falco}}
|24
|4,  {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Zelda}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}} and {{SSBB|Snake}} intertwine, along with {{SSBB|Falco}} and {{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Subspace Bomb Factory pt2.png]]
|[[The Subspace Bomb Factory (Part I)|The Subspace Bomb Factory I]]
|{{SSBB|Samus}} and {{SSBB|Pikachu}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|24
|4
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Subspace Bomb Factory pt1.png]]
|[[The Subspace Bomb Factory (Part II)|The Subspace Bomb Factory II]]
|{{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}} (all phases); {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} (by taunting as Samus), {{SSBB|Pikachu}} and {{SSBB|R.O.B.}} (second section onwards)
|{{SSBB|R.O.B.}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|25
|1, all three teams intertwine
|-
|[[File:SSE-Entrance to Subspace.png]]
|[[Entrance to Subspace]]
|{{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Ike}}, {{SSBB|Kirby}}, {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}}, {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSBB|Olimar}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Pikachu}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}, {{SSBB|R.O.B.}}, {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Snake}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}} and {{SSBB|Zelda}} (only four chosen characters can be played as)
|&mdash;
|All current fighters (Tabuu reduces them to their trophy forms)
|&mdash;
|0
|0, all current fighters are reduced to their trophy forms


According to videos the following also team up:
|-
|[[File:SSE-Subspace pt1.png]]
|[[Subspace (Part I)|Subspace I]]
|{{SSBB|King Dedede}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Ness}} and {{SSBB|Luigi}} (only in the side-scrolling sections)
|{{SSBB|Luigi}}, {{SSBB|Ness}}, {{SSBB|Bowser}} and {{SSBB|King Dedede}}
|&mdash;
|{{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}} {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Pikachu}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}, {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Ike}}, {{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Olimar}}, {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}} and {{SSBB|Charizard}}) (only if rescued by the starting fighters; fighters not rescued can still be found when replaying the level)
|From 4 to 19
|1, new team: {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, {{SSBB|Ness}}, {{SSBB|Luigi}}, {{SSBB|Bowser}} and any of the fighters rescued in this level
|-
|[[File:SSE-Subspace pt2.png]]
|[[Subspace (Part II)|Subspace II]]
|{{SSBB|Kirby}}
|{{SSBB|Ganondorf}} (if Kirby found Link and Zelda, who rescue him) and {{SSBB|Wario}} (If found)
|&mdash;
|{{SSBB|Kirby}} (guaranteed), {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Zelda}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}}, {{SSBB|R.O.B.}} and {{SSBB|Snake}} (only if rescued by Kirby; fighters not found can be rescued upon replaying the level)
|From 5 to 31
|1, {{SSBB|Kirby}} and any of the fighters rescued in this level, including Ganondorf, if Link and Zelda are found, and Wario, if he is found.
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Great Maze pt1.png]]<br>[[File:SSE-The Great Maze pt2.png]]<br>[[File:SSE-The Great Maze pt3.png]]<br>[[File:SSE-The Great Maze pt4.png]]
|[[The Great Maze]]
|{{SSBB|Bowser}}, {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, {{SSBB|Kirby}}, {{SSBB|Luigi}}, {{SSBB|Ness}} (guaranteed), {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Ganondorf}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Ike}}, {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}}, {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSBB|Olimar}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Pikachu}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, {{SSBB|Charizard}}), {{SSBB|R.O.B.}}, {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Snake}}, {{SSBB|Wario}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, {{SSBB|Zelda}} (only if they were rescued in the previous two levels) and {{SSBB|Sonic}} (only in the battle with Tabuu)
|{{SSBB|Sonic}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|From 6 to 32
|1, {{SSBB|Sonic}} joins
|}
====Notes====
<references/>
When only one character is available in Co-op mode, P2 will control an alternate costume of that character. This happens in nine stages: Kirby (in the Midair Stadium vs Petey Piranha and the entirely of Subspace II),  Pit (in The Skyworld, before having Mario join), Lucas (in The Ruined Zoo when he runs from the statue), Marth (in The Battlefield Fortress, before joining Meta Knight and Ike), Zero Suit Samus (in The Research Facility before she joined Pikachu), Meta Knight/Lucario (in The Glacial Peak, only in the battle against the character P1 didn't choose), Snake (in the Battleship Halberd Interior, before he joined Meta Knight and Lucario) and King Dedede (in the Subspace I, only in the battle against Bowser). A ninth battle is at the beginning of the game, where Mario and Kirby duel. This also applies to Diddy Kong when replaying any stage after completing the Jungle before completing the Lake.
<gallery>
Subspace Emissary Plotmap.svg|A map of the stages and which characters are available in each one, not counting Wolf, Toon Link, and Jigglypuff.
</gallery>


* Samus/Zero suit Samus & Pikachu
==Bosses==
* Meta Knight & Ice Climbers
These battles are fought with the bosses having a specific amount of health; once their health runs out, they are defeated.
* Link & Yoshi
{|class="wikitable"
!width="10%"|Boss
!width="20%"|Stage
!width="70%"|Fighters
|-
|align="center"|[[File:PeteyRage.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Petey Piranha]]
|Midair Stadium
|Kirby
|-
|align="center"|[[File:RayquazaRoar.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Rayquaza]]
|The Lake
|Fox and Diddy Kong
|-
|align="center"|[[File:PorkyBot.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Porky Minch]]
|The Ruined Zoo
|Ness and Lucas
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Galleomdesert.jpg|100px]]<br>[[File:Galleom tank.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Galleom]]
|The Wilds I and The Ruined Hall
|Marth, Ike and Meta Knight (The Wilds I)<br>Lucas and Pokémon Trainer (The Ruined Hall)
|-
|align="center"|[[File:RidleyWings.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Ridley]]
|The Research Facility II
|Samus and Pikachu
|-
|align="center"|[[File:HalberdBridge.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Duon]]
|Battleship Halberd Bridge
|Fox, Falco, Lucario, Snake, Peach and Zelda/Sheik in a party of four
|-
|align="center"|[[File:MetaRidleyFalconFlyerSwoop.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Meta Ridley]]
|The Subspace Bomb Factory II
|Samus, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Captain Falcon, Olimar and R.O.B. in a party of four
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Tabuu Fight.jpg|100px]]<br>[[Tabuu]]
|The Great Maze
|King Dedede, Luigi, Ness, Bowser, Kirby, Sonic and any fighters rescued in the previous two levels (besides Toon Link, Wolf and Jigglypuff) in a party of six
|}


Also at one point it seems Mario teams up with Sonic and at another point Mario, Link, Yoshi, Kirby & Pit all team up. (Probably near the end)
All the bosses return in [[The Great Maze]].


===Bosses===
===Mini-Bosses===
* [[Petey Piranha]]
Due to these battles being against smashers or slightly modified versions of them, they are fought like regular brawls. Note that the player characters listed are only mandatory for the first playthrough and that other characters may be used if the level is replayed.
* [[Rayquaza]]
{|class="wikitable"
!width="10%"|Opponent
!width="20%"|Stage
!width="70%"|Fighters
|-
|align="center"|[[File:MarioVsKirby.png|100px]]<br>{{SSBB|Kirby}} or {{SSBB|Mario}}
|Midair Stadium
|Mario or Kirby, player fights the one they did not choose
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Lakeshore Subspace Emissary.png|100px]]<br>[[False character#False Bowser|False Bowser]]
|The Lake
|Diddy Kong and Fox
|-
|align="center"|[[File:False Peach Brawl.png|100px]]<br>[[File:False Zelda Brawl.png|100px]]<br>[[False character#False princesses|False]] Peach or Zelda
|The Lake Shore
|Link and Yoshi (if Peach was rescued) or Mario and Pit (if Zelda was rescued)
|-
|align="center"|{{SSBB|Mario}} and {{SSBB|Pit}} or {{SSBB|Link}} and {{SSBB|Yoshi}}
|The Lake Shore
|Link and Yoshi (if Peach was rescued; after false Peach's battle) or Mario and Pit (if Zelda was rescued; after false Zelda's battle). Ally is CPU controlled unless playing in Co-op Mode.
|-
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Subspace wario.PNG|100px]]<br>{{SSBB|Wario}}
|The Path to the Ruins
|Lucas and Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle only)
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Charizard Subspace Emissary.png|100px]] {{SSBB|Charizard}}
|The Ruins
|Lucas and Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle and Ivysaur only, Charizard is obtained after the battle)
|-
|align="center"|[[File:FalseDiddy.png|100px]]<br>[[False character#False Diddy Kong|False Diddy Kong]]
|The Swamp
|Diddy Kong, Fox, and Falco
|-
|align="center"|[[File:FalseSamus.png|100px]]<br>Pair of [[False character#False Samus|False Samus]]es
|The Research Facility II
|Zero Suit Samus and Pikachu
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Lucario Meta Knight Standoff Subspace Emissary.png|100px]] {{SSBB|Lucario}} or {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}
|The Glacial Peak
|Meta Knight or Lucario, player fights the one they did not choose
|-
|align="center"|False Peach and Zelda
|Battleship Halberd Interior
|Meta Knight, Lucario and Snake
|-
|align="center"|[[File:SubspaceIntro-Bowser.png|100px]]<br>{{SSBB|Bowser}}
|Subspace I
|King Dedede
|-
|align="center"|[[File:FalseDKfight.jpg|100px]]<br>[[False character#Beings made of Subspace|Newly-replicated versions]] of every fighter except Sonic, Jigglypuff, Toon Link and Wolf
|The Great Maze
|King Dedede, Luigi, Ness, Bowser, Kirby and any characters rescued in the previous two levels in a party of four
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Toon Link Subspace Brawl.png|100px]]<br>{{SSBB|Toon Link}}
|Secret door in The Forest that teleports to the [[Pirate Ship]]
|rowspan="3"|Any character; optional post-game battle
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Wolf Subspace.png|100px]]<br>{{SSBB|Wolf}}
|Secret door in The Ruins that teleports to the [[Lylat Cruise]]
|-
|align="center"|[[File:Jigglypuff Subspace Emissary Brawl.png|100px]]<br>{{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}
|Secret door in The Swamp that teleports to the [[Pokémon Stadium 2]]
|}
'''Note:''' When only one character is available to fight a boss or mini-boss in Co-op mode, the second player plays as a [[color change]] of that character. This is the only way to play as a character’s alternate costume outside of replaying a stage where a character is battled, selecting this character as any stock aside from the first and not losing enough stocks to spawn as the character before the player activates the battle, in which afterwards the player should lose enough stocks so that they spawn as this character. This only happens in four battles: Mario/Kirby vs the character not chosen by P1, Kirby against Petey Piranha, Meta Knight/Lucario against the character not chosen by P1, and King Dedede against Bowser.


Mario---Kirby
===Other special enemy battle===
      VS
*[[Porky Statue]] (The Ruined Zoo): it chases Lucas but it does not fight with him.
  Petey Piranha


Fox---Diddy Kong
===Battles with Subspace Armies===
    VS
Some segments in levels, or all a level, has a battle with some enemies from Subspace. Unlike ambushes during sidescrolling segments, red dots on screen are used to indicate how many enemies are left to defeat.
  Rayquaza
{|class="wikitable"
!width="10%"|Order
!width="10%"|Enemies to defeat
!width="20%"|Stage
!width="60%"|Fighters
|-
|align="center"|First
|30
|Midair Stadium
|Mario, Peach, Zelda and Kirby (after the battle between Mario and Kirby and before Petey Piranha appears)
|-
|align="center"|Second
|30
|The Battlefield Fortress
|Marth and Meta Knight (Ike joins later)
|-
|align="center"|Third
|40
|Outside the Ancient Ruins
|Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Captain Falcon and Olimar
|-
|align="center"|Fourth
|50
|The Canyon
|Mario, Pit, Kirby, Link and Yoshi in a party of four
|-
|align="center"|Fifth
|50
|The Subspace Bomb Factory II
|Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Captain Falcon, Olimar, Samus, Pikachu and R.O.B. in a party of four
|}


==Updates==
==Similarities to the ''Kirby'' series==
This details the various updates in regards to Subspace Emissary.
''The Subspace Emissary'' contains gameplay elements similar to the sub-games of ''[[Kirby Super Star]]'' and other elements from ''Kirby'' games. This is likely intentional, given [[Masahiro Sakurai]]'s work on both games.
* [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea01.html This world...] Though vague, it hints at the Subspace Emissary mode. It describes a world where trophies fight (the Smash world), and where being returned to trophy form is akin to death. It also states that breaking "the rules" will have dire consequences, and ends the update with a mysterious shadowy creature (now known to be a [[Primid]]). The update features a black background, opposed to the white background normally used for updates.
*The Halberd plays a very strong role in both games, and in both, it's destroyed and crashes in the ocean.
* [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea02.html What is the Subspace Emissary?] The first "official" update on the mode. Over a dozen screenshots are shown, as well as a video clip that shows an animated version of the screenshots in This World. The update lays out the basics of SE, with the plot focusing on character development and moved along by quick cutscenes.
*The beginning of [[The Ruined Zoo]] (more specifically the boss battle against the [[Pig King Statue]] and [[Porky Minch]]) is similar to the Heavy Lobster battle in ''Revenge of Meta Knight'': The player is chased by the boss, who remains invincible for this duration and plows through anything in its path. Following the chase, the boss becomes vulnerable and attacks the player head-on.
* [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea03.html The Subspace Army]. Properly introduces the [[Subspace Army]], including the Primids, the grunts of the Army, and the Ancient Minister, its leader. A video clip included with the update shows a Subspace Bomb, Mario being knocked away by a cannonball, and Petey Piranha trapping the two princesses in cages, leaving Kirby to fight by himself.
*Both feature {{b|minecart|vehicle}}s and [[Slide Launcher|special devices]] that propel characters forwards. The latter's design and function comes directly from ''Kirby Super Star''. Additionally, the slide launchers puts characters in a shield position, just like in ''Kirby Super Star''. There are also bomb blocks which function identically to those from the ''Kirby'' series.
* [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea04.html Petey Piranha] A character description of Petey Piranha, who appears to be a [[boss]] character. Petey cannot be directly defeated; instead, Kirby must damage the cages trapping the princesses. Only one of the princess can be rescued, as the Subspace Bomb's timer apparently forces Kirby and the rescued princess to escape.
*The [[Space Jump]] is just like how P2 from ''Kirby Super Star'' comes back to P1.
* [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea05.html Pit's Descent] A video clip showcasing [[Pit]]'s entry into SE. From a temple in [[Skyworld]], he is called by [[Palutena]], the Goddess of Light, to help combat the Subspace Army; to help him, he is given a magical bow that can split into two swords. He meets up with a trophy Mario in the clouds (Mario was blasted there by Petery Piranha). Pit revives Mario and goes on to fight alongside him.
*The final boss ([[Tabuu]]) teleports around the stage repeatedly (a common feature in most final bosses in ''Kirby'' games, such as [[Marx]] and [[Nightmare]]).
* [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea06.html The Enemies from Subspace] Shows several of the stronger members of the Subspace Army.
*Bosses from the ''Kirby'' games, such as {{iw|wikirby|Dyna Blade}} and Marx, have similar moves to bosses in ''Brawl'', such as Ridley and Tabuu.
* [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea07.html Team] unveils several new elements in SE, including a world map, co-op play, teams of characters that join together and a vague comment about "powering up" characters to combat the Army.
*Bosses do not flinch.
* [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea08.html Donkey Kong makes his stand] [[Donkey Kong (SSBB)|Donkey Kong's]] bananas have been stolen by a hoard of Bowser's minions. Now it's up to the ape and his sharp-shooter nephew, [[Diddy Kong (SSBB)|Diddy]], to reclaim the thieved fruits.
*Enemies cannot survive underwater; they will be KO'd immediately upon touching it.
* [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea09.html Fox's Misfortune] Diddy Kong comes upon an crashed Arwing near the jungle's lake. However, [[Rayquaza]] emerges from the lake and snares Diddy. Rayquaza is then thwarted by [[Fox McCloud (SSBB)|Fox]] as he rescues Diddy and reflects Rayquaza's attack back at it.
*[[Roader]]s are similar to ''Kirby'''s {{iw|wikirby|Wheelie}}s.
* [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea10.html Subspace Emissary Movie] A Short trailer for the Subspace Emissary. While containing most of the footage already seen, some new things are shown, like Bowser attacking Fox and Diddy with the [[Trophy Gun]], and an interesting team up of Meta-Knight and the Ice Climbers.
*The [[Bucculus]] attacks in a similar way to {{iw|wikirby|Leap}}.
* [http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/modea12.html Sticker Power-Ups] Showing that some [[Stickers]] can be used as power-ups.
*The planet Floria in Milky Way Wishes has a similar concept to the [[Door#Day-changing doors|day-changing doors]], except that it has four rooms and they are based on seasons instead of day and night.


==External Links==
==Differences from other game modes==
*[http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/gamemode/modea/index.html Adventure Mode index]
===Gameplay===
Despite characters using the same moves and using much of the same engine as in the other modes of ''Brawl'', the gameplay of the Subspace Emissary differs from that of ordinary [[Versus mode|brawls]]:
*The walking speed, running speed, and [[air speed]] of most characters has been normalized; slower characters move faster, while faster characters move slower. This is quite noticeable with Captain Falcon and Sonic's dashing.
*Player 2 will receive a significant walking speed, running speed and jump height increase as their distance from player 1 increases. This is presumably to prevent them from falling behind too much, but happens regardless of whether they run ahead or fall behind.
*All characters jump 2 frames faster, jump 18% higher, have slightly higher gravity, and have a 19% faster falling speed. As a result, vertical movement is in general faster, while some characters' recoveries (such as Jigglypuff and Pit) are indirectly [[nerf]]ed by the heavier physics.
**Peach's double jump has 40% more force; no other character has a change of more than 10%.
**Snake's double jump has 12% less force.
**Some special moves that grant temporary hovering, such as Diddy's [[Rocketbarrel Boost]], can't keep up with the increased gravity and so are also indirectly nerfed.
*During side-scrolling stages, the player cannot get [[Star KO]]'d - the player crashes into the top of the screen, leaving behind the colorful explosion. Players are only Star KO'd or Screen KO'd in ambushes, boss battles, and fights against Subspace clones.
*All characters can [[swim]] considerably longer.
*The [[Pokémon Change#Stamina|Stamina]] mechanic of the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}'s Pokémon is removed.
*Grab-only special moves such as [[Inhale]] and [[Egg Lay]] deal damage to enemies instead of grabbing.
*In addition to blocking most attacks, [[Mirror Shield]] can also now do damage.


[[Category:Single Player Modes]]
===Dialogue===
[[Category:Multiplayer Modes]]
While various characters in the ''Smash'' series have one-liners through [[taunts]], battle cries, and the like, the cutscenes of ''The Subspace Emissary'' have very little spoken dialogue. The vast majority of character interaction takes place through actions, gestures, and expressions, augmented by short grunts or exclamations. Some cutscenes feature moves that have battle cries where the character says the move's name, such as Ness and Lucas using their [[PK Thunder]] or Captain Falcon using his [[Falcon Punch]]. The only character who speaks in more than one scene is Pikachu, who only "speaks" via yelling its own name. In Jigglypuff's only scene, the crowd chants its name, making them the only non-playable character to say a line.
[[Category:Co-op Modes]]
 
Only one character in all of The Subspace Emissary ever speaks in a full sentence; in [[Battleship Halberd Interior]], {{SSBB|Snake}} directly says to the player, "Kept you waiting, huh?" after revealing himself. This is a classic line from the ''Metal Gear'' series. In ''Brawl'', it references the extensive voicework in the ''Metal Gear Solid'' games, the frequent [[wikipedia:Fourth wall|breaking of the fourth wall]] in the series, and the fact that the player had seen a brief glimpse before already in a much earlier cutscene.
 
==Names in other languages==
{{langtable
|ja={{ja|亜空の使者|Akū no Shisha|?}}
|jaM=Emissary of Subspace
|en=The Subspace Emissary
|fr=L'émissaire Subspatial
|frM=The Subspatial Emissary
|es=El Emisario Sub Espacial
|esM=Subspace Emissary
|de=Der Subraum-Emissär
|deM=The Emissary Subspace
|it=L'emissario del Subspazio
|itM=The Emissary from Subspace
|ko={{ja|아공의 사자|Agong-ui Aaja|?}}
|koM=Emissary of Darkness
}}
 
==Trivia==
[[File:MarioTrophyTransform.jpg|thumb|Mario's trophy coming to life in ''Melee''{{'}}s opening, compared to in the [[Midair Stadium]] of the Subspace Emissary.]]
*The Subspace Emissary's camera is programmed to only be able to move through certain area, and will lock if the player goes outside these areas. However, if the player goes a sufficiently large distance above or below the stage's vertical origin, this restriction will inexplicably be bypassed. It's possible that this was programmed in as a failsafe, but this is never possible in normal gameplay, due to the game using a local blast zone system based on the camera's location, and the different behaviour of the upper blast zone. Thus, this phenomenon can only occur if the local blast zones are modified to extend much further out.
*While the mode effectively encourages players to use almost every character in the game, it is possible to complete The Subspace Emissary using as few as twelve characters, or barely one-third of the roster: {{SSBB|Kirby}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} (transforming from Samus by taunting whenever Samus must be chosen), {{SSBB|Snake}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, either {{SSBB|Link}} or {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, either {{SSBB|Olimar}} or {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}, and one of either {{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Zelda}} or {{SSBB|Sheik}}.
**Co-op mode adds {{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Ness}}, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, Pokémon Trainer's {{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBB|Pikachu}} alongside both pairs (instead of just one) of Link and Yoshi, Olimar and Captain Falcon, Peach and either Zelda or Sheik to the required list.
*Assuming the player rescues no other characters in either [[Subspace (Part I)|Subspace I]] or [[Subspace (Part II)|Subspace II]], it is possible to finish The Subspace Emissary with only 6 characters available in the player's roster: {{SSBB|Luigi}}, {{SSBB|Ness}}, {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, and {{SSBB|Bowser}} from Subspace I, {{SSBB|Kirby}} from Subspace II, and {{SSBB|Sonic}}, who appears at the end of the [[Great Maze]].
*[[Palutena]] is the only character in The Subspace Emissary who is neither a villain/enemy nor playable.
*As far as playable characters go, {{uv|Wario}}, {{uv|R.O.B.}}, and {{uv|Sonic}} are the only universes that do not have a song played at any time.
**In addition, {{uv|Star Fox}} (excluding the hidden room in The Ruins) and the universes mentioned above are the only universes that do not have a song played in normal gameplay.
*Outside of the boss characters, the ''Super Mario'' universe is the only represented franchise that uses some of its characters as regular enemies, those being Goomba, Koopa Troopa/Paratroopa, Bullet Bill, Hammer Bro, and Giant Goomba. All of the other enemies are original characters.
*{{SSBB|Mario}} and Kirby are playable in more levels than any other character, with a total of nine.
**Pit is playable in eight levels; Link, Yoshi, and Diddy Kong are playable in seven; Peach or Zelda, Lucas, Pokémon Trainer, Meta Knight, and Samus and Pikachu are playable in six (if one count all Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon ({{SSBB|Squirtle}} appears in all six levels, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}} appears in four levels, and {{SSBB|Charizard}} appears in three levels) and both of Samus' versions ({{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} appears in the first two levels, and Samus in the last five levels)), Zelda or Peach, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, and {{SSBB|Fox}} are playable in five; {{SSBB|Lucario}} can be playable in four or five; Marth, {{SSBB|Ike}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, Captain Falcon, Olimar, and Snake are playable in four; {{SSBB|Ness}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, and {{SSBB|R.O.B.}} are playable in three; {{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSBB|Luigi}} and {{SSBB|King Dedede}} are playable in two; {{SSBB|Bowser}}, {{SSBB|Ganondorf}}, {{SSBB|Wario}}, and {{SSBB|Sonic}} are playable in one; and {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}, {{SSBB|Toon Link}}, and {{SSBB|Wolf}} are absent until after completing The Subspace Emissary.
*The opening battle between Mario and Kirby in The Subspace Emissary may be a reference to the [[opening movie]] of ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', where the two face each other near the end of the movie.
**In addition, Mario's [[trophy]] coming to life in the first cutscene could be a reference to the beginning of ''[[Melee]]'''s opening movie.
*The Subspace Emissary is the only mode in the ''Smash Bros.'' series thus far that allows players to unlock characters without fighting and defeating them. ''Ultimate''{{'}}s [[World of Light]] bypasses the usual "Challenger Approaching" battle, but it still requires the player to fight the character that will be unlocked.
*The Subspace Emissary is mentioned several times in {{forwiiu}} in [[Palutena's Guidance]] during the conversation of Mario and [[Mr. Game & Watch]] and the North American English boxing alias for [[R.O.B.]] Also, some enemies from The Subspace Emissary return in {{for3ds}}'s [[Smash Run]] mode. The Subspace Emissary is also referenced in one of the riddles regarding Tabuu, located in the [[Mysterious Dimension]] sub-world of World of Light.
*The health bars for [[enemies]] (not including [[boss]]es) are compressed at the left hand side, so a length of health bar represents more health at the left of the bar than the right. This makes attacks appear to deal less damage the closer an enemy is to dying.
*While all characters use their in-game models during cutscenes, certain parts of characters such as loose clothing and hair have increased polygon counts in order for them to perform smoother. Examples of this are Marth's cape, Link's hair, and Lucas's shirt.
{{clr}}
 
==See also==
*[[List of cutscenes in The Subspace Emissary]]
*[[Adventure Mode (SSBM)]]
*[[Adventure Mode: World of Light]]
 
==External links==
*[http://www.smashbros.com/wii/en_us/gamemode/modea/index.html Adventure Mode index]
 
{{Universe}}
{{SSBBMenus}}
[[Category:Modes (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Single-player modes]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. universe]]
[[Category:Subspace Emissary]]
[[Category:Co-op modes]]

Latest revision as of 11:11, November 13, 2024

This article is about the Adventure Mode in Brawl. For other uses, see Adventure Mode (disambiguation).
The Subspace Emissary
Subspace Emissary Logo.jpg
The official SSE logo.

Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary (亜空の使者, Emissary of Subspace), sometimes abbreviated as SSE or shortened to Subspace Emissary, is a mode in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and the successor to Melee's Adventure Mode. It was hinted at with the This world... Dojo update on July 20th, 2007, and fully unveiled on August 3rd of the same year. This mode was succeeded by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's. World of Light.

Overview[edit]

On July 20th, Smash Bros. DOJO!! was updated with a collection of enigmatic images that depicted Mario and Kirby transforming from trophies into fighters (akin to the introduction of Melee). After Kirby's apparent defeat at the hands of Mario, he is changed back into a trophy, but Mario reverses the transformation and Mario and Kirby shake hands. However, the sky darkens soon after, and Meta Knight’s ship, the Halberd, flies over the stadium, soon followed by the appearance of a mysterious character. The screenshots were accompanied by this description:

In this world, trophies fight. They know nothing but fighting. Fighting is the sole reason for their existence. Being turned back into a trophy, being unable to fight, is much like death. Those are the rules of this world. But...When someone...or something...breaks those rules, the world will pay a terrible price...

The post was placed under a mode referred to as "???" until August 3rd when it was changed to "Adventure Mode". On August 3rd, Smash Bros. DOJO!! was updated again. This time, more information was given. The mode was dubbed "The Subspace Emissary", and a multitude of screenshots were shown, as well as a cutscene related to the "This World…" update. In the cutscene, Mario and Kirby were seen shaking hands, as depicted in the screenshots, and after waving to the crowd, the Halberd appeared as it did in "This World…". The mysterious character from before was shown to be one of apparently many odd, robot-like creatures formed from some sort of shadowy matter. Peach and Zelda were seen watching from the sidelines but rushed down to the middle of the stadium to assist Mario and Kirby in fighting the mysterious army. After Peach and Zelda reach the stage and help destroy the Primids, an entity from the sky called the Ancient Minister appears on the stage. The Ancient Minister drops a Subspace Bomb on the arena, then flies off. As Mario approaches the bomb, he is hit by a cannonball and is sent flying from the arena. Petey Piranha appears and captures Peach and Zelda in cages.

The various screenshots in the update depicted a multitude of new enemies, as well as a few familiar ones, such as a Hammer Bro, who was previously confirmed as an Assist Trophy, and Bullet Bills. There were also a new series of enemies that were introduced that are part of the Subspace army. Some enemies of the Subspace army appear to be helpful while other ones are dangerous.

Masahiro Sakurai has stated that substantial single-player content was a core priority during the development of Brawl. An adventure on the scale of a stand alone video game was decided early in development. Shigeru Miyamoto has stated that Sakurai always wanted to make a mode like this for the series, but was advised to focus on the multiplayer aspects of previous games due to the relatively short development times of previous games and there already being no shortage of single-player games. The much longer development time allotted to Brawl allowed the mode to be made.[1] The initial plan was to outsource development of this mode to another studio, but no suitable contractor was available. In the end, the entire mode was developed internally by the main Brawl team. Only the cutscenes were created by a different studio.[2]

Gameplay[edit]

The Adventure Map, after completion of The Subspace Emissary.
Mario in The Plain

The Subspace Emissary mode is a side-scrolling adventure in the style of a platformer, inspired by the Mario and Kirby games. However, it retains all basic mechanics of the Super Smash Bros. series, such as a damage meter, stocks, and Smash-style attacks. It can also be classified as a beat 'em up; often stages will pause at specific points and force the player to defeat a set of enemies, which prevents one from simply running through everything.

The mode features a world map where stages are selected; once a stage is selected, the difficulty can be chosen, and the character(s) will enter the stage. The selectable characters will change depending on the plot. Stages that have been completed already can be played again, with the one exception being a stage being consumed by a Subspace Bomb; if this happens, the player must complete the Subspace Emissary to be able to access the stage again.

The mode also has a two-player option, using one stock to join in. When using two players, the first player will have priority over the screen, making it possible for the second player to get run off the screen if the two players are not coordinated. However, the second player has the option to warp to the first player at any time (except in boss battles) by pressing the button that would normally pause the game. The first player must be present with stock left at all times; if the first player is defeated with no spare stock remaining, the game will end and offer a continue. If the second player is defeated, the first player can continue alone. In addition, only the first player can navigate through doors (though the second player can still utilize keys) and temporary switches. If the second player goes into a barrel cannon or minecart they will be teleported back to the player seconds later unless the first player goes in right after. The second player can also decide when barrel cannons shoot.

When playing a level for the first time, many cutscenes will pause just before gameplay begins, showing a view of all available characters. A message will display how many stock the level allows, and a cursor will appear that allows choosing which characters to play. The order characters are chosen in is the order they will appear: they will cycle through in that order until all stock is depleted. Playing through a level again, there will be a screen before the level allowing choosing between any available characters instead of cutscenes during the level. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage: there is a wider character variety to choose from, but one cannot pick less characters than the number of stocks the stage has (meaning if a stage has four stocks, the player must choose four characters). Additionally, no mid-level cutscenes will play, including ones that would normally allow a re-pick of characters that replenishes stocks. While on many levels this makes little difference, it is very problematic on long stages like the second Subspace Bomb Factory, where a replay provides only a fraction of the stock originally given.

The physics of many (if not all) characters are also tweaked slightly. In general, characters run slower, fall faster, and jump better than in brawls. However, the midair jumps of a character that possesses more than one will be worse than normal. Move mechanics are not altered, although the differing jump heights, jump timing, and gravity will change how effective aerial attacks are. The most significant change is the removal of stamina from Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon, which allows one to use one Pokémon exclusively. Characters are also able to swim for significantly longer. Characters retain their standard physics in boss battles. Because Smash relies on KOs by being knocked off stage, in order for the platforming nature to be retained, the camera's reaction time in following a character decreases in proportion to the player's damage.

Grabbing mechanics are also altered. Normal enemies cannot be held onto for any length of time; they will be thrown immediately after being grabbed, making it impossible to pummel them. This means that choosing which throw to use must be done with the Control Stick during the grab animation; inputting no direction will result in a forward throw (with the exception of Donkey Kong, who cannot carry enemies, and instead will utilize his up-throw). Special moves that involve grabbing will fail to grab, like Yoshi and Kirby's standard special moves; such moves have extra Subspace Emissary-only hitboxes (for example, Egg Lay will deal 13% damage, while Pikmin will deal damage when thrown). Bosses and large enemies cannot be grabbed; however, Big Primids can be grabbed effectively. None of these changes apply when facing an opposing Smasher due to playing like an actual Brawl, though Kirby will be unable to copy their abilities.

Clear %[edit]

See also: Clear %

Difficulty Levels[edit]

Like most other single-player modes, one can select different difficulty levels to play The Subspace Emissary. At the creation of a new game file, the player may select a "default" difficulty from Easy, Normal, Hard, Very Hard, and Intense. Stages normally use this default difficulty (which cannot be changed), although the difficulty of a stage can be altered before it is begun. The game keeps track of the hardest difficulty level at which each stage has been cleared, and when a stage is selected, it suggests a difficulty higher than the highest completion level.

As one selects higher difficulties, the game makes these adjustments:

  • Enemy health goes up, sometimes considerably with bulky enemies like Greaps.
  • Enemies move and attack faster; especially noticeable with the vulnerability period of large enemies and bosses.
  • Enemies and obstacles do more damage and have more KO power.
  • Enemies' AI generally get smarter (such as attacking more often, or Bytans duplicating nonstop).
  • More (and sometimes deadlier) enemies appear during locked battles.
  • Less favorable items appear, although an increased number of stronger healing items appear when enemies are defeated.
  • Stock Balls may get rarer (or, in the case of Very Hard and Intense, not exist, being replaced by recovery items instead).
  • Certain features travel faster, giving the player less reaction time.
    • Auto-scrolling areas scroll faster.
    • Moving walls, floors, and ceilings move faster, making characters more easily crushed.
    • Platforms move or fall faster.
    • Bomb block explosion chains move faster.
    • The effects of temporary switches are shorter.
  • Wind speeds increase (including the wind from a Borboras), sometimes to nonsensical levels.
  • More, higher quality, and rarer stickers appear.
  • More collectibles (CDs, trophies, stickers) appear.
  • More trophy stands appear.
  • More coins are given at the end of each level.

Plot[edit]

Stages[edit]

Every level numerically ordered:
1: Midair Stadium
2: Skyworld
3: Sea of Clouds
4: The Jungle
5: The Plain
6: The Lake
7: The Ruined Zoo
8: The Battlefield Fortress
9: The Forest
10: The Research Facility I
11: The Lake Shore
12: The Path to the Ruins
13: The Cave
14: The Ruins
15: The Wilds I
16: The Ruined Hall
17: The Wilds II
18: The Swamp
19: The Research Facility II
20: Outside the Ancient Ruins
21: The Glacial Peak
22: The Canyon
23: Battleship Halberd Interior
24: Battleship Halberd Exterior
25: Battleship Halberd Bridge
26: The Subspace Bomb Factory I
27: The Subspace Bomb Factory II
28: Entrance to Subspace
29: Subspace I
30: Subspace II
31: The Great Maze

The Subspace Emissary consists of thirty-one different stages. As some stages share the same name, the earlier stage is denoted with an I while the later-appearing stage is followed by a II.

Icon Stage Fighters available Unlocked fighters Lost fighters Recovered fighters Total fighters Teams
SSE-Midair Stadium.png Midair Stadium Mario (the battle with Kirby if he was chosen and the battle with the Subspace Army), Kirby (all phases, except the battle with Mario if he was not chosen), Peach and Zelda (both only in the battle with the Subspace Army) Kirby and Peach or Zelda (Mario is sent flying and Wario kidnaps either Zelda or Peach when the other princess is freed from Petey Pirahna) 2 1, new team: Kirby and Peach or Zelda
SSE-Skyworld.png Skyworld Pit (all phases) and Mario (the last side-scrolling section after Pit rescues him) Mario and Pit 4 2, new team: Mario and Pit
SSE-Sea of Clouds.png Sea of Clouds Kirby and Peach or Zelda 4 2
SSE-The Jungle.png The Jungle Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong Diddy Kong (Bowser captures Donkey Kong) 5 3, new team: Diddy Kong
SSE-The Plain.png The Plain Mario and Pit 5 3
SSE-The Lake.png The Lake Diddy Kong and Fox Fox 6 3, Fox joins Diddy Kong
SSE-The Ruined Zoo.png The Ruined Zoo Lucas (all phases), Ness (only the battle with Porky) and Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle only) (only after defeating Porky) Lucas and Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle) (Wario kidnaps Ness; Ness will not be unlocked in any mode) 8 4, new team: Lucas and Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle)
SSE-The Battlefield Fortress.png The Battlefield Fortress Marth (all phases), Meta Knight (second and third phases) and Ike (third phase only) Marth, Meta Knight and Ike 11 5, new team: Marth, Ike, and Meta Knight
SSE-The Forest.png The Forest Link and Yoshi Link, Yoshi and Toon Link [3] 13 6, new team: Link and Yoshi
SSE-The Research Facility pt1.png The Research Facility I Zero Suit Samus (all phases) and Pikachu (all phases starting with the second) Zero Suit Samus and Pikachu 15 7, new team: Zero Suit Samus and Pikachu
SSE-The Lake Shore.png The Lake Shore Mario, Pit (entire level if Zelda was rescued, only the last section if Peach was rescued), Link, Yoshi (entire level if Peach was rescued, only the last section if Zelda was rescued) and Kirby (only the last section) Peach or Zelda (Bowser captures them) 14 5, Kirby joins Mario, Pit, Link and Yoshi.
SSE-The Path to the Ruins.png The Path to the Ruins Lucas and Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle only) 14 5
SSE-The Cave.png The Cave Mario, Pit, Link, Yoshi and Kirby 14 5
SSE-The Ruins.png The Ruins Lucas and Pokémon Trainer (with Squirtle for all phases and Ivysaur after Pokémon Trainer finds it) Ivysaur, Charizard and Wolf[3] 14 5, Ivysaur and Charizard become part of Pokémon Trainer's party
SSE-The Wilds pt1.png The Wilds I Marth, Ike, and Meta Knight 14 5
SSE-The Ruined Hall.png The Ruined Hall Lucas and Pokémon Trainer 14 4, Lucas and Pokémon Trainer join Meta Knight, Marth, and Ike.
SSE-The Wilds pt2.png The Wilds II Mario, Pit, Link, Yoshi and Kirby 14 4
SSE-The Swamp.png The Swamp Diddy Kong, Fox (all phases) and Falco (all phases sans the first) Falco and Jigglypuff[3] 15 4, Falco joins Diddy Kong and Fox
SSE-The Research Facility pt2.png The Research Facility II Zero Suit Samus (all phases, transforming from Samus by taunting whenever possible), Pikachu (all phases) and Samus (after defeating the False Samuses) Samus Zero Suit Samus (Samus replaces her; playing as Zero Suit Samus is still possible by taunting or pressing C on the nunchuck) 15 4, Samus replaces Zero Suit Samus
SSE-Outside the Ancient Ruins.png Outside the Ancient Ruins Olimar, Captain Falcon (both all phases), Donkey Kong, and Diddy Kong (both only in the battle with the Subspace Army) Donkey Kong, Captain Falcon and Olimar Fox and Falco (they did not become trophies, but Diddy Kong leaves their group and they all go their separate ways) 16 4, Diddy Kong leaves Fox and Falco and joins Donkey Kong, Captain Falcon and Olimar
SSE-The Glacial Peak.png The Glacial Peak Ice Climbers (only the sidescrolling section), Meta Knight (the side-scrolling section and the battle with Lucario if the player chose him) and Lucario (only if the player chose it in the battle with Meta Knight) Ice Climbers and Lucario 18 5, new team: Meta Knight and Lucario. Ice Climbers take Meta Knight's place in this level's featured group
SSE-The Canyon.png The Canyon Mario, Pit, Link, Yoshi, Kirby 18 4, Mario, Pit, Link, Yoshi, Kirby, Ice Climbers, Marth, Ike, Lucas and Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard) intertwine
SSE-Battleship Halberd Interior.png Battleship Halberd Interior Snake (all phases), Meta Knight and Lucario (after the latter two meet Snake) Snake 19 4, Snake joins Meta Knight and Lucario
SSE-Battleship Halberd Exterior.png Battleship Halberd Exterior Peach and Zelda/Sheik Zelda or Peach Fox and Peach or Zelda 22 5, new team: Fox, Peach and Zelda
SSE-Battleship Halberd Bridge.png Battleship Halberd Bridge Snake, Lucario, Fox, Falco, Peach and Zelda/Sheik Mr. Game & Watch Falco 24 4, Fox, Peach, Zelda, Meta Knight, Lucario and Snake intertwine, along with Falco and Mr. Game & Watch
SSE-The Subspace Bomb Factory pt2.png The Subspace Bomb Factory I Samus and Pikachu 24 4
SSE-The Subspace Bomb Factory pt1.png The Subspace Bomb Factory II Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Captain Falcon and Olimar (all phases); Samus, Zero Suit Samus (by taunting as Samus), Pikachu and R.O.B. (second section onwards) R.O.B. 25 1, all three teams intertwine
SSE-Entrance to Subspace.png Entrance to Subspace Captain Falcon, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Fox, Falco, Ice Climbers, Marth, Ike, Kirby, Link, Lucario, Lucas, Mario, Meta Knight, Mr. Game & Watch, Olimar, Peach, Pikachu, Pit, Pokémon Trainer, R.O.B., Samus, Snake, Yoshi and Zelda (only four chosen characters can be played as) All current fighters (Tabuu reduces them to their trophy forms) 0 0, all current fighters are reduced to their trophy forms
SSE-Subspace pt1.png Subspace I King Dedede (all phases), Ness and Luigi (only in the side-scrolling sections) Luigi, Ness, Bowser and King Dedede Mario, Donkey Kong Diddy Kong, Samus, Fox, Falco, Pikachu, Captain Falcon, Marth, Ike, Mr. Game & Watch, Pit, Olimar, Lucas, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur and Charizard) (only if rescued by the starting fighters; fighters not rescued can still be found when replaying the level) From 4 to 19 1, new team: King Dedede, Ness, Luigi, Bowser and any of the fighters rescued in this level
SSE-Subspace pt2.png Subspace II Kirby Ganondorf (if Kirby found Link and Zelda, who rescue him) and Wario (If found) Kirby (guaranteed), Link, Yoshi, Peach, Zelda, Ice Climbers, Meta Knight, Lucario, R.O.B. and Snake (only if rescued by Kirby; fighters not found can be rescued upon replaying the level) From 5 to 31 1, Kirby and any of the fighters rescued in this level, including Ganondorf, if Link and Zelda are found, and Wario, if he is found.
SSE-The Great Maze pt1.png
SSE-The Great Maze pt2.png
SSE-The Great Maze pt3.png
SSE-The Great Maze pt4.png
The Great Maze Bowser, King Dedede, Kirby, Luigi, Ness (guaranteed), Captain Falcon, Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong, Falco, Fox, Ganondorf, Ice Climbers, Ike, Link, Lucario, Lucas, Mario, Marth, Meta Knight, Mr. Game & Watch, Olimar, Peach, Pikachu, Pit, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard), R.O.B., Samus, Snake, Wario, Yoshi, Zelda (only if they were rescued in the previous two levels) and Sonic (only in the battle with Tabuu) Sonic From 6 to 32 1, Sonic joins

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ [https://www.eurogamer.net/i-miyamotosakurai?page=2 Miyamoto and Sakurai on Nintendo Wii E3: Smash Bros., Mario, more.]
  2. ^ Super Smash Bros. Brawl [Game Concepts]
  3. ^ a b c Toon Link, Wolf and Jigglypuff appear after completing story mode and revisiting the stage to find a hidden door. Entering the door intiates a one stock match against the character. Win and the character joins the team.

When only one character is available in Co-op mode, P2 will control an alternate costume of that character. This happens in nine stages: Kirby (in the Midair Stadium vs Petey Piranha and the entirely of Subspace II), Pit (in The Skyworld, before having Mario join), Lucas (in The Ruined Zoo when he runs from the statue), Marth (in The Battlefield Fortress, before joining Meta Knight and Ike), Zero Suit Samus (in The Research Facility before she joined Pikachu), Meta Knight/Lucario (in The Glacial Peak, only in the battle against the character P1 didn't choose), Snake (in the Battleship Halberd Interior, before he joined Meta Knight and Lucario) and King Dedede (in the Subspace I, only in the battle against Bowser). A ninth battle is at the beginning of the game, where Mario and Kirby duel. This also applies to Diddy Kong when replaying any stage after completing the Jungle before completing the Lake.

Bosses[edit]

These battles are fought with the bosses having a specific amount of health; once their health runs out, they are defeated.

Boss Stage Fighters
PeteyRage.jpg
Petey Piranha
Midair Stadium Kirby
RayquazaRoar.jpg
Rayquaza
The Lake Fox and Diddy Kong
PorkyBot.jpg
Porky Minch
The Ruined Zoo Ness and Lucas
Galleomdesert.jpg
Galleom tank.jpg
Galleom
The Wilds I and The Ruined Hall Marth, Ike and Meta Knight (The Wilds I)
Lucas and Pokémon Trainer (The Ruined Hall)
RidleyWings.jpg
Ridley
The Research Facility II Samus and Pikachu
HalberdBridge.jpg
Duon
Battleship Halberd Bridge Fox, Falco, Lucario, Snake, Peach and Zelda/Sheik in a party of four
MetaRidleyFalconFlyerSwoop.jpg
Meta Ridley
The Subspace Bomb Factory II Samus, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Captain Falcon, Olimar and R.O.B. in a party of four
Tabuu Fight.jpg
Tabuu
The Great Maze King Dedede, Luigi, Ness, Bowser, Kirby, Sonic and any fighters rescued in the previous two levels (besides Toon Link, Wolf and Jigglypuff) in a party of six

All the bosses return in The Great Maze.

Mini-Bosses[edit]

Due to these battles being against smashers or slightly modified versions of them, they are fought like regular brawls. Note that the player characters listed are only mandatory for the first playthrough and that other characters may be used if the level is replayed.

Opponent Stage Fighters
MarioVsKirby.png
Kirby or Mario
Midair Stadium Mario or Kirby, player fights the one they did not choose
Lakeshore Subspace Emissary.png
False Bowser
The Lake Diddy Kong and Fox
False Peach Brawl.png
False Zelda Brawl.png
False Peach or Zelda
The Lake Shore Link and Yoshi (if Peach was rescued) or Mario and Pit (if Zelda was rescued)
Mario and Pit or Link and Yoshi The Lake Shore Link and Yoshi (if Peach was rescued; after false Peach's battle) or Mario and Pit (if Zelda was rescued; after false Zelda's battle). Ally is CPU controlled unless playing in Co-op Mode.
Subspace wario.PNG
Wario
The Path to the Ruins Lucas and Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle only)
Charizard Subspace Emissary.png Charizard The Ruins Lucas and Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle and Ivysaur only, Charizard is obtained after the battle)
FalseDiddy.png
False Diddy Kong
The Swamp Diddy Kong, Fox, and Falco
FalseSamus.png
Pair of False Samuses
The Research Facility II Zero Suit Samus and Pikachu
Lucario Meta Knight Standoff Subspace Emissary.png Lucario or Meta Knight The Glacial Peak Meta Knight or Lucario, player fights the one they did not choose
False Peach and Zelda Battleship Halberd Interior Meta Knight, Lucario and Snake
SubspaceIntro-Bowser.png
Bowser
Subspace I King Dedede
FalseDKfight.jpg
Newly-replicated versions of every fighter except Sonic, Jigglypuff, Toon Link and Wolf
The Great Maze King Dedede, Luigi, Ness, Bowser, Kirby and any characters rescued in the previous two levels in a party of four
Toon Link Subspace Brawl.png
Toon Link
Secret door in The Forest that teleports to the Pirate Ship Any character; optional post-game battle
Wolf Subspace.png
Wolf
Secret door in The Ruins that teleports to the Lylat Cruise
Jigglypuff Subspace Emissary Brawl.png
Jigglypuff
Secret door in The Swamp that teleports to the Pokémon Stadium 2

Note: When only one character is available to fight a boss or mini-boss in Co-op mode, the second player plays as a color change of that character. This is the only way to play as a character’s alternate costume outside of replaying a stage where a character is battled, selecting this character as any stock aside from the first and not losing enough stocks to spawn as the character before the player activates the battle, in which afterwards the player should lose enough stocks so that they spawn as this character. This only happens in four battles: Mario/Kirby vs the character not chosen by P1, Kirby against Petey Piranha, Meta Knight/Lucario against the character not chosen by P1, and King Dedede against Bowser.

Other special enemy battle[edit]

  • Porky Statue (The Ruined Zoo): it chases Lucas but it does not fight with him.

Battles with Subspace Armies[edit]

Some segments in levels, or all a level, has a battle with some enemies from Subspace. Unlike ambushes during sidescrolling segments, red dots on screen are used to indicate how many enemies are left to defeat.

Order Enemies to defeat Stage Fighters
First 30 Midair Stadium Mario, Peach, Zelda and Kirby (after the battle between Mario and Kirby and before Petey Piranha appears)
Second 30 The Battlefield Fortress Marth and Meta Knight (Ike joins later)
Third 40 Outside the Ancient Ruins Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Captain Falcon and Olimar
Fourth 50 The Canyon Mario, Pit, Kirby, Link and Yoshi in a party of four
Fifth 50 The Subspace Bomb Factory II Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Captain Falcon, Olimar, Samus, Pikachu and R.O.B. in a party of four

Similarities to the Kirby series[edit]

The Subspace Emissary contains gameplay elements similar to the sub-games of Kirby Super Star and other elements from Kirby games. This is likely intentional, given Masahiro Sakurai's work on both games.

  • The Halberd plays a very strong role in both games, and in both, it's destroyed and crashes in the ocean.
  • The beginning of The Ruined Zoo (more specifically the boss battle against the Pig King Statue and Porky Minch) is similar to the Heavy Lobster battle in Revenge of Meta Knight: The player is chased by the boss, who remains invincible for this duration and plows through anything in its path. Following the chase, the boss becomes vulnerable and attacks the player head-on.
  • Both feature minecarts and special devices that propel characters forwards. The latter's design and function comes directly from Kirby Super Star. Additionally, the slide launchers puts characters in a shield position, just like in Kirby Super Star. There are also bomb blocks which function identically to those from the Kirby series.
  • The Space Jump is just like how P2 from Kirby Super Star comes back to P1.
  • The final boss (Tabuu) teleports around the stage repeatedly (a common feature in most final bosses in Kirby games, such as Marx and Nightmare).
  • Bosses from the Kirby games, such as Dyna Blade and Marx, have similar moves to bosses in Brawl, such as Ridley and Tabuu.
  • Bosses do not flinch.
  • Enemies cannot survive underwater; they will be KO'd immediately upon touching it.
  • Roaders are similar to Kirby's Wheelies.
  • The Bucculus attacks in a similar way to Leap.
  • The planet Floria in Milky Way Wishes has a similar concept to the day-changing doors, except that it has four rooms and they are based on seasons instead of day and night.

Differences from other game modes[edit]

Gameplay[edit]

Despite characters using the same moves and using much of the same engine as in the other modes of Brawl, the gameplay of the Subspace Emissary differs from that of ordinary brawls:

  • The walking speed, running speed, and air speed of most characters has been normalized; slower characters move faster, while faster characters move slower. This is quite noticeable with Captain Falcon and Sonic's dashing.
  • Player 2 will receive a significant walking speed, running speed and jump height increase as their distance from player 1 increases. This is presumably to prevent them from falling behind too much, but happens regardless of whether they run ahead or fall behind.
  • All characters jump 2 frames faster, jump 18% higher, have slightly higher gravity, and have a 19% faster falling speed. As a result, vertical movement is in general faster, while some characters' recoveries (such as Jigglypuff and Pit) are indirectly nerfed by the heavier physics.
    • Peach's double jump has 40% more force; no other character has a change of more than 10%.
    • Snake's double jump has 12% less force.
    • Some special moves that grant temporary hovering, such as Diddy's Rocketbarrel Boost, can't keep up with the increased gravity and so are also indirectly nerfed.
  • During side-scrolling stages, the player cannot get Star KO'd - the player crashes into the top of the screen, leaving behind the colorful explosion. Players are only Star KO'd or Screen KO'd in ambushes, boss battles, and fights against Subspace clones.
  • All characters can swim considerably longer.
  • The Stamina mechanic of the Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon is removed.
  • Grab-only special moves such as Inhale and Egg Lay deal damage to enemies instead of grabbing.
  • In addition to blocking most attacks, Mirror Shield can also now do damage.

Dialogue[edit]

While various characters in the Smash series have one-liners through taunts, battle cries, and the like, the cutscenes of The Subspace Emissary have very little spoken dialogue. The vast majority of character interaction takes place through actions, gestures, and expressions, augmented by short grunts or exclamations. Some cutscenes feature moves that have battle cries where the character says the move's name, such as Ness and Lucas using their PK Thunder or Captain Falcon using his Falcon Punch. The only character who speaks in more than one scene is Pikachu, who only "speaks" via yelling its own name. In Jigglypuff's only scene, the crowd chants its name, making them the only non-playable character to say a line.

Only one character in all of The Subspace Emissary ever speaks in a full sentence; in Battleship Halberd Interior, Snake directly says to the player, "Kept you waiting, huh?" after revealing himself. This is a classic line from the Metal Gear series. In Brawl, it references the extensive voicework in the Metal Gear Solid games, the frequent breaking of the fourth wall in the series, and the fact that the player had seen a brief glimpse before already in a much earlier cutscene.

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japan Japanese 亜空の使者 Emissary of Subspace
UK English The Subspace Emissary
France French L'émissaire Subspatial The Subspatial Emissary
Germany German Der Subraum-Emissär The Emissary Subspace
Spain Spanish El Emisario Sub Espacial Subspace Emissary
Italy Italian L'emissario del Subspazio The Emissary from Subspace
South Korea Korean 아공의 사자 Emissary of Darkness

Trivia[edit]

Mario's trophy coming to life in Melee's opening, compared to in the Midair Stadium of the Subspace Emissary.
  • The Subspace Emissary's camera is programmed to only be able to move through certain area, and will lock if the player goes outside these areas. However, if the player goes a sufficiently large distance above or below the stage's vertical origin, this restriction will inexplicably be bypassed. It's possible that this was programmed in as a failsafe, but this is never possible in normal gameplay, due to the game using a local blast zone system based on the camera's location, and the different behaviour of the upper blast zone. Thus, this phenomenon can only occur if the local blast zones are modified to extend much further out.
  • While the mode effectively encourages players to use almost every character in the game, it is possible to complete The Subspace Emissary using as few as twelve characters, or barely one-third of the roster: Kirby, Pit, Lucas, Marth, Zero Suit Samus (transforming from Samus by taunting whenever Samus must be chosen), Snake, Meta Knight, King Dedede, Diddy Kong, either Link or Yoshi, either Olimar or Captain Falcon, and one of either Peach, Zelda or Sheik.
  • Assuming the player rescues no other characters in either Subspace I or Subspace II, it is possible to finish The Subspace Emissary with only 6 characters available in the player's roster: Luigi, Ness, King Dedede, and Bowser from Subspace I, Kirby from Subspace II, and Sonic, who appears at the end of the Great Maze.
  • Palutena is the only character in The Subspace Emissary who is neither a villain/enemy nor playable.
  • As far as playable characters go, Wario, R.O.B., and Sonic are the only universes that do not have a song played at any time.
    • In addition, Star Fox (excluding the hidden room in The Ruins) and the universes mentioned above are the only universes that do not have a song played in normal gameplay.
  • Outside of the boss characters, the Super Mario universe is the only represented franchise that uses some of its characters as regular enemies, those being Goomba, Koopa Troopa/Paratroopa, Bullet Bill, Hammer Bro, and Giant Goomba. All of the other enemies are original characters.
  • Mario and Kirby are playable in more levels than any other character, with a total of nine.
    • Pit is playable in eight levels; Link, Yoshi, and Diddy Kong are playable in seven; Peach or Zelda, Lucas, Pokémon Trainer, Meta Knight, and Samus and Pikachu are playable in six (if one count all Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon (Squirtle appears in all six levels, Ivysaur appears in four levels, and Charizard appears in three levels) and both of Samus' versions (Zero Suit Samus appears in the first two levels, and Samus in the last five levels)), Zelda or Peach, Donkey Kong, and Fox are playable in five; Lucario can be playable in four or five; Marth, Ike, Falco, Captain Falcon, Olimar, and Snake are playable in four; Ness, Ice Climbers, and R.O.B. are playable in three; Mr. Game & Watch, Luigi and King Dedede are playable in two; Bowser, Ganondorf, Wario, and Sonic are playable in one; and Jigglypuff, Toon Link, and Wolf are absent until after completing The Subspace Emissary.
  • The opening battle between Mario and Kirby in The Subspace Emissary may be a reference to the opening movie of Super Smash Bros., where the two face each other near the end of the movie.
    • In addition, Mario's trophy coming to life in the first cutscene could be a reference to the beginning of Melee's opening movie.
  • The Subspace Emissary is the only mode in the Smash Bros. series thus far that allows players to unlock characters without fighting and defeating them. Ultimate's World of Light bypasses the usual "Challenger Approaching" battle, but it still requires the player to fight the character that will be unlocked.
  • The Subspace Emissary is mentioned several times in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U in Palutena's Guidance during the conversation of Mario and Mr. Game & Watch and the North American English boxing alias for R.O.B. Also, some enemies from The Subspace Emissary return in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS's Smash Run mode. The Subspace Emissary is also referenced in one of the riddles regarding Tabuu, located in the Mysterious Dimension sub-world of World of Light.
  • The health bars for enemies (not including bosses) are compressed at the left hand side, so a length of health bar represents more health at the left of the bar than the right. This makes attacks appear to deal less damage the closer an enemy is to dying.
  • While all characters use their in-game models during cutscenes, certain parts of characters such as loose clothing and hair have increased polygon counts in order for them to perform smoother. Examples of this are Marth's cape, Link's hair, and Lucas's shirt.

See also[edit]

External links[edit]