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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Difference between revisions
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(Undid edit by 110.138.84.39: Not particularly noteworthy as every Smash game (minus Smash 64) has a set order for its unlockable fighters when only doing VS. Matches, albeit based on the number of them played (e.g. Jigglypuff requires only 50 in Melee, while G&W requires 1,000)) Tag: Undo |
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'''''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''''' ({{ja|大乱闘スマッシュブラザーズ SPECIAL|Dairantō Sumasshu Burazāzu Supesharu}}, ''Great Fray Smash Brothers Special''), often shortened to "'''''SSBU'''''" or "'''''Ultimate'''''" ({{ja|スマブラSP|Sumabura esupī}}), is a crossover action fighting game released for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. The game was first teased at the end of a [[Nintendo Direct]] on March 8th, 2018, and fully revealed on June 12th at E3 2018. It is the fifth installment in the ''{{b|Super Smash Bros.|series}}'' series (sixth if the two versions of ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' are counted as separate titles). The game was released worldwide on December 7th, 2018. | '''''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''''' ({{ja|大乱闘スマッシュブラザーズ SPECIAL|Dairantō Sumasshu Burazāzu Supesharu}}, ''Great Fray Smash Brothers Special''), often shortened to "'''''SSBU'''''" or "'''''Ultimate'''''" ({{ja|スマブラSP|Sumabura esupī}}), is a crossover action fighting game released for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. The game was first teased at the end of a [[Nintendo Direct]] on March 8th, 2018, and fully revealed on June 12th at E3 2018. It is the fifth installment in the ''{{b|Super Smash Bros.|series}}'' series (sixth if the two versions of ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' are counted as separate titles). The game was released worldwide on December 7th, 2018. | ||
''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' received universal acclaim from both critics and players, with some critics calling it the best installment in the series. It received praise for its large amount of content and fine-tuning of existing ''Smash'' gameplay elements, although its online mode was widely criticized. | ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' received universal acclaim from both critics and players, with some critics calling it the best installment in the series. It received praise for its large amount of content and fine-tuning of existing ''Smash'' gameplay elements, although its online mode was widely criticized. ''Ultimate'' is currently the best-selling ''Super Smash Bros.'' game and also the best-selling fighting game of all time, beating ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and ''{{s|wikipedia|Street Fighter II}}'', which previously held each title respectively. It is also the third best selling game on the Nintendo Switch. Its massive success has caused it to be nominated for, and win, multiple awards, including winning "Best Fighting Game" at The Game Awards 2019.<ref>[https://imdb.com/title/tt5370130/awards]</ref> | ||
==Opening movie== | ==Opening movie== | ||
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[[File:SSBU Character Select DLC.png|300px|thumb|The [[character selection screen]] in ''Ultimate'' with all characters unlocked and all downloadable characters available.]] | [[File:SSBU Character Select DLC.png|300px|thumb|The [[character selection screen]] in ''Ultimate'' with all characters unlocked and all downloadable characters available.]] | ||
An [[Inkling]] from the {{uv|Splatoon}} series, with various | An [[Inkling]] from the {{uv|Splatoon}} series, with various male and female designs from the original ''{{s|inkipedia|Splatoon}}'', was the first character confirmed to appear in the game as a new playable fighter in the base roster. [[Ridley]] (with [[Meta Ridley]] as an alternate costume) from the {{uv|Metroid}} series and [[Daisy]] from the {{uv|Mario}} series were confirmed to be playable during [[E3]] 2018. [[Simon Belmont]] and his descendent [[Richter Belmont|Richter]] from the {{uv|Castlevania}} series were announced as the game's first third-party newcomers in the August 8th, 2018 [[Nintendo Direct]]. [[King K. Rool]] from the {{uv|Donkey Kong}} series, [[Dark Samus]] from the {{uv|Metroid}} series, and [[Chrom]] from the {{uv|Fire Emblem}} series were all confirmed to be a playable newcomers as well during the same Nintendo Direct. [[Isabelle]] from the {{uv|Animal Crossing}} series, who previously appeared in ''Smash 4'' as an [[Assist Trophy]], makes her playable debut as the second ''Animal Crossing'' fighter. Finally, an [[Incineroar]] from ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokémon Sun & Moon}}'' and [[Ken]] from the {{uv|Street Fighter}} series joins as the title's last base roster newcomers. | ||
In addition, most full [[clones]] and one semi-clone are now labeled as "Echo Fighters" and are marked with an epsilon (ε) next to their fighter numbers, which they share with the characters they are based on. Returning characters [[Lucina]] and [[Dark Pit]] are given this title (as they are Echo Fighters of [[Marth]] and [[Pit]], respectively), while new characters [[Princess Daisy]], Richter, [[Chrom]], [[Dark Samus]] | In addition, most full [[clones]] and one semi-clone are now labeled as "Echo Fighters" and are marked with an epsilon (ε) next to their fighter numbers, which they share with the characters they are based on. Returning characters [[Lucina]] and [[Dark Pit]] are given this title (as they are Echo Fighters of [[Marth]] and [[Pit]], respectively), while new characters [[Princess Daisy]], Richter, [[Chrom]], [[Dark Samus]] and [[Ken Masters]] are Echo Fighters of [[Princess Peach|Peach]], Simon, [[Roy]], [[Samus]] and [[Ryu]], respectively. Aside from an option allowing these characters to be displayed on the same slot as their counterpart on the [[character selection screen]] exclusively during [[Vs. Mode]], [[Tourney]], [[Custom Smash]], [[Super Sudden Death]] and [[Quickplay]], there is no special distinction between most of them in-game and the name is used mostly for marketing purposes. | ||
Twelve (or thirteen) characters were added to the game from January 2019 to October 2021 via downloadable content. The first of these, a [[Piranha Plant]] from the {{uv|Mario}} series, was released as an early purchase bonus DLC character. An additional five newcomers were added in Fighters Pass Vol. 1: [[Joker]] from the {{uv|Persona}} series, an amalgamation of several [[Hero]]es from the {{uv|Dragon Quest}} series, [[Banjo]] and [[Kazooie]] from [[Banjo-Kazooie (universe)|their namesake series]] (counting as one character), [[Terry Bogard]] from the {{uv|Fatal Fury}} series, and [[Byleth]] from {{uv|Fire Emblem|Fire Emblem: Three Houses}}. Following this, an additional six (or seven) characters were added in Fighters Pass Vol. 2: [[Min Min]] from {{uv|ARMS}}, [[Steve]] from the {{uv|Minecraft}} series, [[Sephiroth]], arch-nemesis of [[Cloud Strife]], [[Pyra]] and [[Mythra]] from {{uv|Xenoblade Chronicles|Xenoblade Chronicles 2}} (counting as one or two characters), [[Kazuya Mishima]] from the {{uv|Tekken}} series and [[Sora]] from the {{uv|Kingdom Hearts}} series. | |||
As in ''Smash 4'', further "characters" exist as alternate costumes for preexisting characters. In this game, fourteen characters have such costumes: [[Alph]] is accessible as a playable character via [[Captain Olimar|Olimar]]'s [[alternate costume]]s; the seven [[Koopalings]] are available as playable characters via [[Bowser Jr.]]'s alternate costumes; one of [[Pichu]]'s costumes depicts the specific "Spiky-eared" variant; [[Alex]], a [[Zombie]] and an [[Enderman]] appear as Steve's alternate costumes; Pokémon Trainer, [[Wii Fit Trainer]], [[Robin]], [[Corrin]] and Byleth each have opposite-gendered variants as alternate costumes; [[Pikachu]] possesses both an opposite-gendered variant and a costume depicting the specific "Cosplay" Pikachu variant; each of [[Villager]]'s and Inkling's costumes represent different customization options for the character, including gender; the Hero has three other protagonists from across the ''Dragon Quest'' series as palette swaps; and the [[Ice Climbers]] swap the playable Ice Climber from Popo to Nana in half of their alternate costumes. Additionally, the [[Mii Fighter]]s have alternate gender options depending on the created Mii used for them. However, none of these characters are treated separately in-game. | |||
Only the [[Fighter#"Perfect-attendance crew"|Original 8]] characters from ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' and any DLC fighters that have been purchased are available from the start. Like in ''Smash 4'', the Mii Fighters are also available via customization without needing to be unlocked traditionally but are still technically locked upon initial startup of the game. The rest of the cast must be unlocked; however, the unlocking process and conditions are much simpler than in past games. Fighters will challenge the player in ten-minute intervals after completing a basic activity, such as a battle or by clearing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with a prerequisite character, and can also be unlocked by being rescued in [[World of Light]], rather than having unique unlock criteria for each character. | |||
{{clr}} | {{clr}} | ||
{{SSBU character table}} | {{SSBU character table}} | ||
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==Stages== | ==Stages== | ||
[[File:Stage Select Ultimate Normal.png|thumb|300px|The stage selection screen in ''Ultimate'' with all downloadable stages available.]] | [[File:Stage Select Ultimate Normal.png|thumb|300px|The stage selection screen in ''Ultimate'' with all downloadable stages available.]] | ||
With the exception of the ''Super Smash Bros.''-original stages, all stages are ordered chronologically like the fighters are, based on their first appearances in the series (excluding the stages that were introduced in both versions of ''SSB4'', which are listed among the stages introduced in the Wii U version). For the first time in the series, all stages are available immediately from the start, with none that need to be unlocked first. Additionally, due to [[8-Player Smash]] no longer being a separate mode from regular [[Versus Mode|Smash]], all stages can be played with up to eight players, rather than just a select few as in '' | With the exception of the ''Super Smash Bros.''-original stages, all stages are ordered chronologically like the fighters are, based on their first appearances in the series (excluding the stages that were introduced in both versions of ''SSB4'', which are listed among the stages introduced in the Wii U version). For the first time in the series, all stages are available immediately from the start, with none that need to be unlocked first. Additionally, due to [[8-Player Smash]] no longer being a separate mode from regular [[Versus Mode|Smash]], all stages can be played with up to eight players, rather than just a select few as in ''for Wii U''. All stages have both a [[Battlefield form]] and [[Ω form]]. In its base game, ''Ultimate'' features 103 stages (305 if counting Battlefield forms and Ω forms separately). There is an [[Training (stage)|additional stage exclusive to Training Mode]], which replaces the Random Stage option on the stage selection screen for said mode. | ||
Ninety-six stages from previous games have returned overall: seven from ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', 19 from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', 26 from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', and 44 from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' (18 from the 3DS version, 18 from the Wii U version, and eight from both versions), with an additional seven new stages (in the base game). All returning stages from ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', and ''for 3DS'' were visually updated to HD, as well as ''for Wii U'' stages receiving minor touch-ups to match the game's overall visual style, though ''Smash 64'' stages retain their primitive polygonal aesthetic for nostalgia. In update 8.1.0, another new stage was added as a free download: [[Small Battlefield]]. This update also made it possible for any ''Super Smash Bros.''-original stages to play music from any series, instead of just music from the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series. | Ninety-six stages from previous games have returned overall: seven from ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', 19 from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', 26 from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', and 44 from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' (18 from the 3DS version, 18 from the Wii U version, and eight from both versions), with an additional seven new stages (in the base game). All returning stages from ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', and ''for 3DS'' were visually updated to HD, as well as ''for Wii U'' stages receiving minor touch-ups to match the game's overall visual style, though ''Smash 64'' stages retain their primitive polygonal aesthetic for nostalgia. In update 8.1.0, another new stage was added as a free download: [[Small Battlefield]]. This update also made it possible for any ''Super Smash Bros.''-original stages to play music from any series, instead of just music from the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series. | ||
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Towards the end of ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''{{'}}s post-launch development, [[Masahiro Sakurai]] announced that his next project had been finalized and that he would be taking a small vacation following the completion of ''Smash 4''{{'}}s DLC content.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sourcegaming.info/2016/01/06/famitsu-news-sakurai-catching-a-breather/|title="Famitsu News — “Sakurai Catching a Breather”" - Source Gaming}}</ref> Unbeknownst to the public at the time, this next project would be the newest entry in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series. Sakurai had been inspired to work on the next ''Smash Bros.'' game by a request from [[Satoru Iwata]] before he passed away.<ref>https://twitter.com/PushDustIn/status/1121075766169522176</ref> | Towards the end of ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''{{'}}s post-launch development, [[Masahiro Sakurai]] announced that his next project had been finalized and that he would be taking a small vacation following the completion of ''Smash 4''{{'}}s DLC content.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sourcegaming.info/2016/01/06/famitsu-news-sakurai-catching-a-breather/|title="Famitsu News — “Sakurai Catching a Breather”" - Source Gaming}}</ref> Unbeknownst to the public at the time, this next project would be the newest entry in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series. Sakurai had been inspired to work on the next ''Smash Bros.'' game by a request from [[Satoru Iwata]] before he passed away.<ref>https://twitter.com/PushDustIn/status/1121075766169522176</ref> | ||
Unlike previous ''Smash'' titles, which had their development studios built from the ground up, [[Bandai Namco]] returned | Unlike previous ''Smash'' titles, which had their development studios built from the ground up, [[Bandai Namco]] returned as primary game developer. Before starting development, the team had a choice between completely overhauling the game's system and feel or working off what was established in the last game. The team ultimately went with the latter. Had the team gone with the former, the game would have likely only had a third of its characters.<ref name="special">{{cite web|url=https://sourcegaming.info/2018/07/02/smash_special_complete/|title="“Smash is Special” COMPLETE Translation" - Source Gaming}}</ref> Despite deciding to base the game on the previous installment, Sakurai still increased the overall speed of the game, but only by an amount that wouldn't be too alienating to people unfamiliar with the series.<ref name="special" /> Sakurai notes that he had wanted to make this change in previous titles, but was unable to because it was easy for one to lose track of their character's position on the screen, especially on the [[Nintendo 3DS]].<ref name="special" /> When Sakurai had revealed to his development team that he intended to bring back every previously playable character, he was met with silence.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/12/17453214/super-smash-bros-ultimate-nintendo-switch-masahiro-sakurai-e3|title="Why Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was such a daunting game for its creators to build" - The Verge}}</ref> The project plan was later finished by December 16, 2015,<ref>https://twitter.com/AllSourceGaming/status/1062725619270762496</ref><ref>https://twitter.com/PushDustIn/status/1121079749550297088</ref> and development officially began in February 2016, immediately after DLC was finished for ''SSB4''.<ref>https://www.sourcegaming.info/2018/12/12/sakurai-tells-more-details-about-smash-ultimates-development/</ref> As Sakurai revealed in volume 542 of his Famitsu article, his work schedule had been cut down significantly, citing strict regulations regarding work hours.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sourcegaming.info/2018/05/02/compliance-and-labor-vol-542/|title="“Compliance and Labor” – Sakurai’s Famitsu Column, Vol. 542" - Source Gaming}}</ref> | ||
Various characters had been considered to be added to the roster. [[Alucard]] was originally considered to be a playable character as a representative from {{uv|Castlevania}} due to his recognizability, but Sakurai decided to choose {{SSBU|Simon}} and {{SSBU|Richter}} instead as he felt they would please fans more.<ref>https://twitter.com/AllSourceGaming/status/1074578854134439936/</ref> {{pkmn|Decidueye}} was also considered to be a playable character from Generation VII of {{uv|Pokémon}}, but Sakurai picked {{SSBU|Incineroar}} instead because it would be the first wrestler character in the game.<ref>https://twitter.com/PushDustIn/status/1087124581867958273/</ref> Due to the timing of the finalized plans for ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', fighters from {{uv|ARMS}} and ''Xenoblade Chronicles 2'' failed to appear in the base game; in compensation, [[Rex]], [[Nia]], [[Spring Man]], and [[Ribbon Girl]] had [[Alternate costume (SSBU)/Mii Fighter|Mii Fighter costumes]] made based on them, with Rex's Mii costume being bundled as part of the first Fighters Pass, while Spring Man also appears as an [[Assist Trophy]] and various ''ARMS'' and ''Xenoblade Chronicles 2'' characters appear as spirits.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20190124011353/http://www.japanesenintendo.com/post/182181277319/</ref> ''ARMS'' would eventually get a playable character with {{SSBU|Min Min}} as DLC in the second volume of the Fighters Pass, who was a request from ''ARMS'' director Kosuke Yabuki, after Sakurai had narrowed down potential ''ARMS'' fighters to Min Min and [[Ninjara]] (though the latter ended up being the basis for a DLC Mii Fighter costume). ''Xenoblade Chronicles 2'' would also end up getting its own playable DLC character - [[Pyra]]/[[Mythra]] - as part of the second volume of the Fighters Pass. | Various characters had been considered to be added to the roster. [[Alucard]] was originally considered to be a playable character as a representative from {{uv|Castlevania}} due to his recognizability, but Sakurai decided to choose {{SSBU|Simon}} and {{SSBU|Richter}} instead as he felt they would please fans more.<ref>https://twitter.com/AllSourceGaming/status/1074578854134439936/</ref> {{pkmn|Decidueye}} was also considered to be a playable character from Generation VII of {{uv|Pokémon}}, but Sakurai picked {{SSBU|Incineroar}} instead because it would be the first wrestler character in the game.<ref>https://twitter.com/PushDustIn/status/1087124581867958273/</ref> Due to the timing of the finalized plans for ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', fighters from {{uv|ARMS}} and ''Xenoblade Chronicles 2'' failed to appear in the base game; in compensation, [[Rex]], [[Nia]], [[Spring Man]], and [[Ribbon Girl]] had [[Alternate costume (SSBU)/Mii Fighter|Mii Fighter costumes]] made based on them, with Rex's Mii costume being bundled as part of the first Fighters Pass, while Spring Man also appears as an [[Assist Trophy]] and various ''ARMS'' and ''Xenoblade Chronicles 2'' characters appear as spirits.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20190124011353/http://www.japanesenintendo.com/post/182181277319/</ref> ''ARMS'' would eventually get a playable character with {{SSBU|Min Min}} as DLC in the second volume of the Fighters Pass, who was a request from ''ARMS'' director Kosuke Yabuki, after Sakurai had narrowed down potential ''ARMS'' fighters to Min Min and [[Ninjara]] (though the latter ended up being the basis for a DLC Mii Fighter costume). ''Xenoblade Chronicles 2'' would also end up getting its own playable DLC character - [[Pyra]]/[[Mythra]] - as part of the second volume of the Fighters Pass. | ||
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*Lend Me Your Power!!: In battle [[spirits]] can provide a huge power-up! These can massively boost a fighter's stats or confer skills. | *Lend Me Your Power!!: In battle [[spirits]] can provide a huge power-up! These can massively boost a fighter's stats or confer skills. | ||
A year after the video, on October 30, 2023, Sakurai [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDrNWAHaKfI uploaded a video] discussing about the game's development, such as how they managed the development of DLCs in privacy during [[COVID-19|the COVID-19 pandemic]], and when the proposal document was completed. Additional information that were not shown in the last video includes a VR mode in the document, years before the {{uvm|Nintendo Labo}} existed. In the end, he says he is unsure of the series' future, though there could be a next installment of the series with less content in general than ''Ultimate''. After being inactive for two years, new info were published on the internet in its fifth anniversary announcing the resume of maintenance for the game, with new events starting January 2024. Slightly earlier, Bandai Namco has also created [[Studio 2 & Studio S]]; a subsidiary company working with Nintendo, with the latter seemingly composed of the team who worked on the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series since ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. While active development on ''Ultimate'' has seemingly restarted since the introduction of these new events, the scale of development and how long this period will last is currently unclear. After the release of the Sora amiibo and a small patch update, [[List of updates (SSBU)#13.0.2|version 13.0.2]], that adds support of the latter, Sakurai said his work for ''Ultimate'' is finally complete.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/masahiro-sakurai-says-his-work-on-super-smash-bros-ultimate-is-now-done |title=Masahiro Sakurai Says His Work on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Is Now Done |publisher=IGN |author=Ryan Dinsdale |date=February 16, 2024 |accessdate=February 16, 2024 }}</ref> | A year after the video, on October 30, 2023, Sakurai [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDrNWAHaKfI uploaded a video] discussing about the game's development, such as how they managed the development of DLCs in privacy during [[COVID-19|the COVID-19 pandemic]], and when the proposal document was completed. Additional information that were not shown in the last video includes a VR mode in the document, years before the {{uvm|Nintendo Labo}} existed. In the end, he says he is unsure of the series' future, though there could be a next installment of the series with less content in general than ''Ultimate''. After being inactive for two years, new info were published on the internet in its fifth anniversary announcing the resume of maintenance for the game, with new events starting January 2024. Slightly earlier, Bandai Namco has also created [[Studio 2 & Studio S]]; a subsidiary company working with Nintendo, with the latter seemingly composed of the team who worked on the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series since ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. While active development on ''Ultimate'' has seemingly restarted since the introduction of these new events and patch updates being released for version 13.0, the scale of development and how long this period will last is currently unclear. After the release of the Sora amiibo and a small patch update, [[List of updates (SSBU)#13.0.2|version 13.0.2]], that adds support of the latter, Sakurai said his work for ''Ultimate'' is finally complete.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/masahiro-sakurai-says-his-work-on-super-smash-bros-ultimate-is-now-done |title=Masahiro Sakurai Says His Work on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Is Now Done |publisher=IGN |author=Ryan Dinsdale |date=February 16, 2024 |accessdate=February 16, 2024 }}</ref> | ||
==Version history== | ==Version history== | ||
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Like ''Smash 4'' before it, ''Ultimate'' received regular update patches post-launch. The issue of unusable [[replays]] caused by gameplay altering updates persisted at launch. In version 3.0.0, players can upload replays to [[Shared Content]], as well convert replays to a video file. Also, the feature of the game retaining old patch data to mitigate the issue was discovered with version 6.1.0. | Like ''Smash 4'' before it, ''Ultimate'' received regular update patches post-launch. The issue of unusable [[replays]] caused by gameplay altering updates persisted at launch. In version 3.0.0, players can upload replays to [[Shared Content]], as well convert replays to a video file. Also, the feature of the game retaining old patch data to mitigate the issue was discovered with version 6.1.0. | ||
''Ultimate'' adopts a {{iw|wikipedia|semantic versioning}} system (''major.minor.patch''), meaning each update is categorized based on its significance. Updates that introduce new fighters and their challenger pack change the first number (i.e. version 2.0.0). Otherwise significant updates such as new content or major game mode alterations that do not have any [[downloadable content]] attached change the second number (i.e. version 2.1.0). Smaller updates that exist solely to change the game in minor ways like character balance, bug fixes or [[amiibo]] support change the third number (i.e. version 2.1.1), though the latter two haven't always been applied consistently. When a number is changed, all numbers after it are reverted back to 0 (i.e. version 3.0.0). Compared to the simple incremental system used by ''Smash 4'', the semantic versioning used by ''Ultimate'' allows players to more easily infer the significance of any given update at a glance. The latest | ''Ultimate'' adopts a {{iw|wikipedia|semantic versioning}} system (''major.minor.patch''), meaning each update is categorized based on its significance. Updates that introduce new fighters and their challenger pack change the first number (i.e. version 2.0.0). Otherwise significant updates such as new content or major game mode alterations that do not have any [[downloadable content]] attached change the second number (i.e. version 2.1.0). Smaller updates that exist solely to change the game in minor ways like character balance, bug fixes or [[amiibo]] support change the third number (i.e. version 2.1.1), though the latter two haven't always been applied consistently. When a number is changed, all numbers after it are reverted back to 0 (i.e. version 3.0.0). Compared to the simple incremental system used by ''Smash 4'', the semantic versioning used by ''Ultimate'' allows players to more easily infer the significance of any given update at a glance. The latest update for ''Ultimate'' is version [[List of updates (SSBU)#13.0.3|13.0.3]]. | ||
==Changes from ''SSB4''== | ==Changes from ''SSB4''== | ||
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*Echo Fighters can either be displayed in their own character slots or share their slot with the character they are based on, depending on user preference. | *Echo Fighters can either be displayed in their own character slots or share their slot with the character they are based on, depending on user preference. | ||
**Mii Fighters share a similar display, with a difference of either being displayed in their own character slots, or merged together as three fighters in one slot like in ''Smash 4''. | **Mii Fighters share a similar display, with a difference of either being displayed in their own character slots, or merged together as three fighters in one slot like in ''Smash 4''. | ||
*The main menu, [[character selection screen]], [[Notice|Milestones]], [[Sound Test]] and many other UIs now use | *The main menu, [[character selection screen]], [[Notice|Milestones]], [[Sound Test]] and many other UIs now use a new font. This replaces the main text font from ''Melee'', ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'', A-OTF Folk Pro B. The new font is FOT-RodinNTLG UB regular in the English version and FOT-RodinNTLG B regular in the Japanese version, both of which are identical to those used for ''{{s|mariowiki|Super Mario Odyssey}}''{{'}}s UIs. | ||
*The user can set | *The user can set default control settings for players who don't enter a name. | ||
===Game mode changes=== | ===Game mode changes=== | ||
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**[[Smashdown]] renders the fighters selected in a given battle unavailable for use in following battles, forcing players to select a different fighter with every match they play. | **[[Smashdown]] renders the fighters selected in a given battle unavailable for use in following battles, forcing players to select a different fighter with every match they play. | ||
*[[Coin Battle]] is no longer featured as a playable mode, after being in the three previous games. | *[[Coin Battle]] is no longer featured as a playable mode, after being in the three previous games. | ||
*{{SSBU|Classic Mode}} is loosely a combination of the versions seen in ''Brawl'' and ''for 3DS'', but now each fighter has a set series of opponents to face; many routes feature bosses other than [[Master Hand]] and [[Crazy Hand]], and some feature a fight against a boss outside of the boss fight, or even the boss fight does not feature a designated boss, instead fighting characters who are otherwise playable. | *{{SSBU|Classic Mode}} is loosely a combination of the versions seen in ''Brawl'' and ''for 3DS'', but now each fighter has a set series of opponents to face; many routes feature bosses other than [[Master Hand]] and [[Crazy Hand]], and some feature a fight against a boss outside of the boss fight, or even the boss fight does not feature a designated boss, instead fighting characters who are otherwise playable. | ||
**Additionally, all fighter-specific ending cutscenes were omitted, only having a single [[congratulations screen]] for every fighter. | |||
*[[Multi-Man Smash]] and its [[100-Man Smash]] mode is now referred to as "Mob Smash" and "Century", respectively; [[All-Star Mode]] has been merged with Endless mode as "All-Star Smash". It also lacks [[10-Man Smash]] and [[3-Minute Smash]], making Mob Smash themselves harder. | *[[Multi-Man Smash]] and its [[100-Man Smash]] mode is now referred to as "Mob Smash" and "Century", respectively; [[All-Star Mode]] has been merged with Endless mode as "All-Star Smash". It also lacks [[10-Man Smash]] and [[3-Minute Smash]], making Mob Smash themselves harder. | ||
*There is no longer a [[Stadium]] menu; Mob Smash and [[Home-Run Contest]] (as of version 5.0.0) are now placed directly in the "Games & More" menu. | *There is no longer a [[Stadium]] menu; Mob Smash and [[Home-Run Contest]] (as of version 5.0.0) are now placed directly in the "Games & More" menu. | ||
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''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' received universal critical acclaim from both critics and the audience, with several critics calling it the best installment in the series. They praised its large amount of content and fine-tuning of existing ''Smash'' gameplay elements, although its online mode received criticism. It was estimated that the game sold over 5 million copies worldwide within three days of release, making it the fastest selling Switch game (at the time). | ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' received universal critical acclaim from both critics and the audience, with several critics calling it the best installment in the series. They praised its large amount of content and fine-tuning of existing ''Smash'' gameplay elements, although its online mode received criticism. It was estimated that the game sold over 5 million copies worldwide within three days of release, making it the fastest selling Switch game (at the time). | ||
The game has sold 12.08 million units as of December 31st, 2018, marking it as the fastest-selling Nintendo game in history (at the time).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2019/01/31/super-smash-bros-ultimate-is-the-fastest-selling-nintendo-game-ever/|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the fastest-selling Nintendo game ever}}</ref> In March 2019, that number reached 13.81 million, surpassing the total number of sales for the Wii U console in just 4 months. Since then, that number has reached | The game has sold 12.08 million units as of December 31st, 2018, marking it as the fastest-selling Nintendo game in history (at the time).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vg247.com/2019/01/31/super-smash-bros-ultimate-is-the-fastest-selling-nintendo-game-ever/|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the fastest-selling Nintendo game ever}}</ref> In March 2019, that number reached 13.81 million, surpassing the total number of sales for the Wii U console in just 4 months. Since then, that number has reached 35.14 million units as of September 30, 2024<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|title=IR Information:Top Selling Title Sales Unit|publisher=Nintendo|accessdate=2021-05-30}}</ref>, making it the best selling game in the series and the third best-selling game on the Nintendo Switch, and also making it the best selling fighting game of all time (previously held by ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' with 13.32 million copies). If all versions of a game are to be counted as a single entry, it would still be the best selling fighting game of all time (previously held by the combined sales of all versions of ''[[Street Fighter]] II'' with 15.5 million copies.)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/11/04/super-smash-bros-ultimate-is-the-best-selling-fighting-game-ever/|title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Is The Best Selling Fighting Game Ever|publisher=IGN|accessdate=2020-11-14}}</ref> This success led to the game being displayed as one of the "Key Titles" in the Nintendo Switch section of the Nintendo Museum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtT75FM8zHM&t=1557|title=【◯◯◯万円!?】店のもの全部下さいって言ったら超大変なことになった…【ニンテンドーミュージアム】|publisher=YouTube|author=HikakinTV|date=October 2, 2024|accessdate=October 8, 2024|language=ja}}</ref> | ||
''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' currently holds an aggregate review score of 93 out of 100 on Metacritic,<ref name=metacritic></ref> tying it with ''[[Brawl]]'' as the highest-rated game in the series on the website, and held a score of 92.17% on GameRankings prior to its shutdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/234547-super-smash-bros-ultimate/index.html|title=GameRankings}}</ref> | ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' currently holds an aggregate review score of 93 out of 100 on Metacritic,<ref name=metacritic></ref> tying it with ''[[Brawl]]'' as the highest-rated game in the series on the website, and held a score of 92.17% on GameRankings prior to its shutdown.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/234547-super-smash-bros-ultimate/index.html|title=GameRankings}}</ref> | ||
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''Ultimate'' effectively replaced {{Forwiiu}} in terms of the competitive scene, with nearly all of the top players migrating over. ''Ultimate'' also being the only ''Smash'' game currently available for purchase makes it the definitive version of ''Smash'' to play in the current day. The divide between ''Melee'' and former ''Brawl'' players has also subsided considerably, with ''Ultimate'' generally being considered a satisfactory middle ground between the two styles and both isolated scenes intermingling more than ever. | ''Ultimate'' effectively replaced {{Forwiiu}} in terms of the competitive scene, with nearly all of the top players migrating over. ''Ultimate'' also being the only ''Smash'' game currently available for purchase makes it the definitive version of ''Smash'' to play in the current day. The divide between ''Melee'' and former ''Brawl'' players has also subsided considerably, with ''Ultimate'' generally being considered a satisfactory middle ground between the two styles and both isolated scenes intermingling more than ever. | ||
''Ultimate'' continued the momentum of mainstream success started in ''Brawl'' and continued with the Wii U version, such as a mainstage presence at [[EVO]] and major tournaments dedicated to ''Ultimate'' often being the most watched events online, with ''Ultimate'' also | ''Ultimate'' continued the momentum of mainstream success started in ''Brawl'' and continued with the Wii U version, such as a mainstage presence at [[EVO]] and major tournaments dedicated to ''Ultimate'' often being the most watched events online, with ''Ultimate'' also frequently being the most entered tournament in a series with other games. The scene also weathered the [[COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on competitive Smash|2020 COVID-19 pandemic]] and led the charge in normalizing online play as a legitimate form of competition. | ||
The community has constructed a set of [[tournament legal (SSBU)|standard tournament rules]] to regulate tournament play. While rulesets may vary between different tournaments, generally universal gameplay rules include all matches being played via [[time]]d [[stock]] (three stocks and 6-8 minutes), and restrictions on legal [[stage]]s. These regulations are enacted to ensure that gameplay at the highest level remains fair. | The community has constructed a set of [[tournament legal (SSBU)|standard tournament rules]] to regulate tournament play. While rulesets may vary between different tournaments, generally universal gameplay rules include all matches being played via [[time]]d [[stock]] (three stocks and 6-8 minutes), and restrictions on legal [[stage]]s. These regulations are enacted to ensure that gameplay at the highest level remains fair. | ||
While the community uses [[tier list]]s to show which characters are the strongest and weakest, ''Ultimate'' remains one of the most well balanced games of the series. In one of Sakurai's video, "Average and Mediocre Are the Same Thing", he shows that the collected win rate battles from online play averages 50%. As of May 21, 2024, the highest win rate for a character is 51.43%, while the lowest for another is 47.18%. It is unspecified which characters bear these values, where are the remaining characters in the range, and how it is calculated precisely as its methods remain private.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KW4x-_Y8BmM|title=Average and Mediocre Are the Same Thing [Design Specifics]|date=May 21, 2024|accessdate=May 21, 2024|publisher=YouTube}}</ref> | |||
==Staff== | ==Staff== | ||
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*Because of the size of the USK's age rating icon, [[:File:Super Smash Bros Ultimate German boxart.png|the German version of the game]] has a slightly different variation of the box art: several fighters have their positions changed (such as [[Pikachu]], who is moved upwards), [[Yoshi]] is completely missing, and the logo is pushed to the right side. | *Because of the size of the USK's age rating icon, [[:File:Super Smash Bros Ultimate German boxart.png|the German version of the game]] has a slightly different variation of the box art: several fighters have their positions changed (such as [[Pikachu]], who is moved upwards), [[Yoshi]] is completely missing, and the logo is pushed to the right side. | ||
*This game marks the 100th performance credit of {{s|mariowiki|Charles Martinet}} as the voice of [[Mario]], a landmark for which he received a Guinness World Record for the most video game voice-over performances of a single character. | *This game marks the 100th performance credit of {{s|mariowiki|Charles Martinet}} as the voice of [[Mario]], a landmark for which he received a Guinness World Record for the most video game voice-over performances of a single character. | ||
*Although the game | *Although the game has been digitally available in Brazil since December 2018, the country did not officially get physical copies of the game until December 2022.<ref>[https://twitter.com/nintendobrasil/status/1578461555057778688 Versões físicas de títulos selecionados do console Nintendo Switch estarão disponíveis no Brasil até o fim do ano!]</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||