Gameplay modification: Difference between revisions

'''Gameplay modification''', often shorthanded as '''mod''', is a blanket term for unofficial hacks and code alterations that change one or more aspects of the original, or "vanilla" version of a game. The term "vanilla" comes from [[wikipedia:vanilla software|a common terminology featured in the computing world]]. Mods range from simple cosmetic changes to total engine and gameplay overhauls that result in the game functioning completely differently.

''Brawl-'' enjoyed considerable popularity and attention when first released in 2010, and it became the most popular ''Brawl'' mod among the fanbase in this time, due to its more obvious changes compared to ''Balanced Brawl'' and its less controversial changes compared to ''Brawl+''; the game was even featured as a side-event at some ''Brawl'' tournaments, such as at [[Apex 2010]]. As ''Project M'' got farther into development and started releasing more complete builds, however, ''Brawl-'' would become eclipsed in popularity, though it still has a large, devoted cult following. Despite the diminishing popularity and lack of representation at tournaments, development for ''Brawl-'' has received updates as late as February 2023.

====''Smash 2''====

[[File:Smash2Logo.png|500px|center]]

''[https://twitter.com/Smash2Official Smash 2]'' is a modification of ''[[Brawl]]'' that was designed to be like ''[[Melee]]'' as if Nintendo had more time to develop it (leading to more characters), making it much more of a direct homage to ''Melee'' than ''[[Project M]]''. In addition to the engine changes from ''Project M'', stage camera and lighting are edited, and the movesets of all Melee veterans have been reverted to function as in ''Melee'', with some rebalancing to adjust for these changes. For the newcomers in ''Brawl'', [[Wolf]] and [[Lucas]] were designed to be more similar to the characters they were partially cloned from, and for other characters, abilities they gained that originated from games released after ''Melee'' got replaced (for example, [[King Dedede]]'s [[Jet Hammer]]).

====''Smash 2 Plus''====

''Smash 2 Plus'' is seen as the direct successor of ''Smash 2'', making adjustments and changes to the roster by re-adding characters such as [[Wolf]] and [[Lucas]] alongside other roster additions.

====''Smash 2 Omega''====

[[File:Smash 2 Omega.png|500px|center]]

''Smash 2 Omega'' is considered the third installment of ''Smash 2'', making further adjustments and also adding characters such as [[Ridley]], [[mariowiki:Toad|Toad]], and [[Daisy]] to the roster. The current build is Version 1.5, which released on February 2nd, 2023.

====''REX''====

[[File:ProjectMEXRemix.png|500px|center]]

''REX''{{'}}s roster covers a wide range of franchises and characters, including characters that were added to later Smash titles (some with redesigned movesets like [[Ridley]] and [[Lucina]], others more faithful backports like [[Wii Fit Trainer]] and [[Sora]]), popular characters that never quite made it to Smash like [[Waluigi]], [[Geno]], and {{iw|wikirby|Bandana Waddle Dee}}, and more obscure picks like {{iw|fzerowiki|Deathborn}}, from ''F-Zero GX'', Vectorman from his namesake game series, and [[Sukapon]] from ''Joy Mech Fight''. The mod has also added hundreds of new stages, both new and backported, as well as various features. ''REX'' enjoys continued development from both the internal dev team and external collaborators, including polishing character movesets and animations, redesigning textures to better fit ''Brawl''{{'}}s art style, and even providing new voice work for some characters.

Originally, the project began in 2018 as a separate mod pack known as ''Project M EX Remix'' (''REMIX'' for short), but after reaching version 0.95DX, ''REMIX'' ceased development in February 2024 due to the departure of three of the project leaders.<ref>https://twitter.com/Smash_REX/status/1761019671862464579</ref> The remaining project leader and other members of its development team subsequently shifted over to ''REX'', which will feature all of the existing content from ''REMIX'' along with its previous planned content and other new additions.

On May 26th, 2024, ''REX''{{'}}s first two newcomers after the transition from ''Project M EX Remix'', [[Incineroar]] and [[bulbapedia:Pikachu Libre (Pokkén)|Pikachu Libre]], were announced, despite the latter being Pikachu's eighth costume in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.<ref>https://x.com/Smash_REX/status/1794748125879665071</ref> The initial teaser trailer also features silhouettes of characters like [[wikirby:Galacta Knight|Galacta Knight]], but all of them beyond Incineroar and Pikachu Libre have yet to be revealed. Currently, the mod has been delayed to early 2025 due to the director's real-life issues.<ref>https://x.com/Smash_REX/status/1866089293262864462</ref>

The initial teaser trailer for REX is considered something of a tribute to the first trailer for ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', due to Vectorman's eye reflecting the mod's logo in a similar fashion to [[Inkling]]'s eye reflecting the burning ''Super Smash Bros.'' emblem.

 

Initially released on April 13th, 2021, the mod [https://github.com/chrispo-git/ult-s/releases/latest Ultimate S] is a fresh take on Ultimate with a large overhaul including lots of new features, character reworks and balancing. It also re-adds popular mechanics such as edge canceling, DACUS, and wavedashing, as well as decloning echo fighters. Most notably, the majority of the cast has received a variety of brand new moves and even command inputs. As of update 4.0's release on June 29th, 2024, Toad, Rayman, Bomberman, Masked Man, and Sandbag have been added as brand-new fighters.

The mod notably includes inputted variations on certain moves, where for one eaxmple, holding the A button on Wario's Up-Air will turn it into a slow variation that will instantly kill the opponent upon a successful hit. TR4SH Rebuffed also does have other features such as adding brand new Spirits, Classic Mode Routes, Various Cosmetic Changes, and even better AI for CPU players.

[https://gamebanana.com/mods/380870 CHAO5: The UN-Balance Mod Returns!] is a mod for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate which makes fighters overpowered. It is also the successor and sequel to CH4OS: The UN-Balance Mod which was a mod for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Unlike most gameplay overhaul mods, CHAO5 is more of a "joke mod" which isn't meant to be taken too seriously, having less resemblance for balance and isn't strictly made for competitive play, similar to Silly Melee. The mod is well-noted for having characters with mostly turbo moves, multiple jumps, boosted mobility and strikingly good recoveries, and containing a number moves that can either deal extremely high amounts of damage or even [[OHKO]] fighters, with Mr. Game and Watch most notably having plenty. CHAO5 has overhauled and included several global mechanics such as much stronger shields, wavedashing and dash-dancing from Melee, chain-grabbing, hitstun canceling from Brawl, unlimited air dodging, DACUS, DACDS, spawning items through taunting, and more. CHAO5 is also well-noted for completely and accurately restoring Brawl's [[Glide|gliding mechanic]], in which Meta Knight, Pit and Charizard regain, and they all reuse their gliding animations from Brawl while also making the glide stronger. In Meta Knight's case, Shuttle Loop puts him into a gliding state exactly like in Brawl, while also having his regular glide. In addition, non-Brawl characters such as Dark Pit, Ridley, Palutena, Banjo & Kazooie, and Sora can also glide, having their own proper animations and unique traits to their movements. CHAO5 also replaces a number of moves of fighters, for example Ryu now has a laser on non-inputted Neutral Special similar to [[Zero Laser]], and more.

Despite the non-serious nature of the mod, CHAO5 does aim to be creative in overhauling the entire cast. The mod attempts to differentiate echo fighters, with some even gaining new animations and moves (with Daisy being a notable example). This mod also adds extra costumes to fighters, without replacing any existing ones. In the v1.0.0 update released on November 26th, 2022, CHAO5 has introduced two new fighters; Claus from Mother 3 (being Lucas's echo fighter) and Giga Bowser. Claus is mostly similar to Lucas but has some different moves/animations (taking some from P+ Lucas), voice acting, different coloured PSI effects, and even his own Classic Mode Route. Both Giga Bowser and Claus do not replace any existing fighter and have their own slots on the Character Select Screen.