Stage
A stage (also known as a map or board) is a location where characters fight.
Overview
Stages are usually locations from certain Nintendo series. For example, a stage in Super Smash Bros. called Dream Land is taken from the Kirby series. Some stages have not appeared in games and only make an appearance in the game they are in, like Final Destination in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Most stages are a single platform floating in the air with smaller platforms above the main platform. Characters can run across the platforms and jump on top of them or fall beneath them to land on other platforms. When a character falls off the main platform, they will fall and die. This also happens if the go too far off the left or right side of the screen. However, some stages are not floating, meaning characters can only die by going too far to the right or left or being shot into the air. Some stages have a moving camera, like Icicle Mountain where you are forced to jump up or down from platform to platform.
Some stages have obstacles on them. For example, Mushroom Kingdom 2 in Melee will occasionally have Birdo appear and fire eggs at characters.
Non-battling stages
Introduced in Melee were stages where you do not have to fight. For example, in Adventure Mode in Melee, certain stages are designed as a side-scrolling theme rather than a normal fighting stage. These stages have various enemies from various Nintendo franchises. You do not have to fight the enemies but instead run through the stages as fast as possible.
Bonus stages
Some stages do not require fighting other characters. These stages are known as "bonus stages". Instead of fighting, the require a certain objective to be completed. These stages include Target Test, where you have to smash 10 targets, and Board the Platforms, where you must land on 10 different platforms
