Tomodachi (universe)

Tomodachi (universe)
Developer(s)	Nintendo
Publisher(s)	Nintendo
Genre(s)	Life Simulation
Console/platform of origin	Nintendo DS
First installment	Tomodachi Collection (2009)
Latest installment	Miitomo (2016)

The Tomodachi universe (トモダチコレクション, Tomodachi Collection) refers to the Super Smash Bros. series' collection of properties that carry the Tomodachi branding.

Franchise description

The franchise was initially made as a response to the lack of Mii representation on the Nintendo DS, as it was released two years before their official debut. A relatively young team led by Yoshio Sakamoto was brought together in 2006 to brainstorm how to implement Miis into a game. They eventually settled on a life simulation game, taking particular inspiration from the 2000 Game Boy Color game Tottoko Hamtaro: Tomodachi Daisakusen Dechu. Sakamoto has said that he wanted his game to be "A version of that game that adult woman can play." The working title for the game was even 大人のオンナの占い手帳. They came up with the idea of a character creation tool based on Fukuwarai, which inspired to Wii developers to create Mii Maker. These efforts culminated in 2009 with the release of Tomodachi Collection. In this game, players needed to feed, clothe, and watch over the more-than-often ridiculous lives of their Mii characters, as they go about and perform daily activities, make friendships, and start romantic relationships (to the point of marriage and starting a family). While the game was a success, it never officially released outside of Japan.

A sequel was released in 2013 for Nintendo 3DS, titled Tomodachi Life (titled Tomodachi Collection: New Life in Japan). This game would receive an international release in 2014. The game is similar to its predecessor in terms of gameplay and presentation, just with more options and possible events. The game was a great success and helped propell the Mii brand out of a decline in popularity at the time.

Next came a spiritual successor for iOS and Android titled Miitomo. While not carrying the official Tomodachi branding, it has all the basic gameplay mechanics of the series while retooling them into an online focused social network setting. It was the first ever first-party Nintendo game to officially release on mobile devices. While initially very popular at launch, engagement quickly fell due to lack of interest and the service was discontinued in 2018.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

The series is represented by a single stage, its music track, and two trophies in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

Stage

• 
  Tomodachi Life (Starter): A stage set in the Mii Apartments. The front walls of the apartments disappear so the area within is visible when a fighter overlaps with the room. The rooms are randomly placed and selected from among several types. Occasionally, the player will encounter a Mii character in the apartment pulled straight from their 3DS's Mii Plaza.

Music

Original track

• Tomodachi Life: An arrangement of the daytime theme from Tomodachi Life and the daytime theme from Tomodachi Collection, which plays on the Tomodachi Life stage.

Trophies

Mii Apartments's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Mii Apartments

This apartment complex is located in the middle of the island—so convenient! But wait. Why even leave when there's so much fun stuff to do inside? More importantly, what's up with the girl in 301 and the guy in 105? I'm sure someone around here wants to gossip...

With this apartment complex being based in the middle of the island, it's easy to get anywhere quickly. But why leave when there is so much fun stuff to do inside? And just what is going on between the girl in 301 and the guy in 105?! Maybe we'll find out the next time someone throws a roof party.

Golden's trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Golden

One of the luxury interiors available in Tomodachi Life, yours to own for the low, low cost of $20,000! What could make you feel more like a celebrity than a room coated in gold? All the gold coins on display absolutely scream "I'm rich and famous!" Your friends will be so jealous.

From Tomodachi Life, this is a room for the elite of the elite, where everything is plated with purest gold. Displayed on the monitor is more money than you could possibly hold, further accentuating the feeling of wealth and luxury. Better hope you don't attract any burglars, though! Definitely a room to try out if you have money to burn.

In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Music

Original track

• Tomodachi Life: An arrangement of the daytime theme from Tomodachi Life and the daytime theme from Tomodachi Collection, which plays on the Miiverse stage.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Stage

• 
  Tomodachi Life (Starter): returns as a retro stage.

Music

Original track

• Afternoon on the Island: An arrangement of daytime themes from Tomodachi Collection and Tomodachi Life.

Returning tracks

• Afternoon on the Island (for 3DS / Wii U): A slower paced arrangement of daytime themes from Tomodachi Collection and Tomodachi Life. Returns from Smash 4, renamed from Tomodachi Life.

Games with elements appearing in the Super Smash Bros. series

Tomodachi Collection

• Stages:
  • Tomodachi Life appears as a stage.
• Trophies:
  • Mii Apartments and Golden appear as trophies.
• Music:
  • Tomodachi Life: This remix contains the daytime theme of this game.
  • Afternoon on the Island: This remix contains the daytime theme of this game.

Tomodachi Life

• Stages:
  • Tomodachi Life is based on its appearance from this game.
• Trophies:
  • The Mii Apartments and Golden trophies are based on their appearances from this game.
• Music:
  • Tomodachi Life: This remix contains the daytime theme of this game.
  • Afternoon on the Island: This remix contains the daytime theme of this game.

Trivia

• The series symbol for the Tomodachi universe seems to be loosely based on the house a couple owns after marriage, albeit with a slightly altered window.
• The R.O.B. treasure's description in Tomodachi Life references his playability in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.