Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Review

Genre: Crossover Fighting | Developer: Bandai Namco Studios, Sora Ltd. | Release Date: 2018

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the fifth entry in the Super Smash Bros. series and is a crossover between different Nintendo franchises.

Campaign

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's campaign mode, World of Light, offers an expansive and engaging single-player experience that sets it apart from previous entries. The story begins with an apocalyptic event where Galeem, a godlike entity, wipes out nearly all fighters, leaving Kirby as the lone survivor. Players embark on a journey to free the captured characters, battling through an expansive map filled with challenges, puzzles, and boss battles. The RPG-inspired Spirits system adds depth to gameplay, allowing players to equip various Spirits to enhance abilities and counter specific foes.

Subplots within the campaign focus on character-specific encounters, drawing from the rich history of Nintendo and gaming icons. Classic Mode, another staple, tailors unique battles to each fighter, providing a nostalgic and structured challenge. Additionally, Adventure Mode expands the experience, offering unique battles inspired by classic game franchises.

Customization is a significant highlight, with players able to create custom Mii Fighters, modify rule sets, and even design their own stages. The addition of DLC fighters, while divisive due to paid content, brings beloved characters such as Sephiroth, Joker, and Sora into the mix, keeping the roster fresh. Overall, the campaign mode is an ambitious and rewarding experience that caters to both casual players and hardcore fans alike.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Gameplay

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate perfects the franchise’s formula, delivering the most refined and balanced gameplay yet. The controls are responsive and fluid, allowing for precise movement and attacks. The game caters to all skill levels, with easy-to-learn mechanics for newcomers and deep, strategic gameplay for competitive players.

The massive roster of over 80 characters, each with distinct playstyles, ensures that no two matches feel the same. Mechanics such as Perfect Shielding, Directional Air Dodging, and Smash Meter Final Smashes add layers of strategy without overwhelming casual players. Each character has been meticulously balanced, with frequent patches ensuring fairness in competitive play.

Multiplayer options include local battles, online matchmaking, and tournament modes, making it a social and competitive powerhouse. While online play suffers from occasional connectivity issues, it remains an enjoyable way to test skills against global opponents. Spirits Mode introduces an RPG-like progression system, where players battle AI-controlled characters with unique modifiers, offering a fresh approach to traditional combat.

With countless modes, including Squad Strike, Special Smash, and Home-Run Contest, as well as an extensive list of unlockables, the game offers exceptional replayability. Whether playing casually with friends or grinding through the competitive ranks, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate delivers an experience that is both nostalgic and innovative.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Production

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a visual and auditory masterpiece. The art direction seamlessly blends styles from multiple franchises, ensuring that characters retain their original aesthetic while feeling cohesive in a unified world. Character models are detailed, animations are fluid, and particle effects bring special moves to life. Each stage is meticulously designed, filled with interactive elements and nods to gaming history.

Cutscenes, particularly in World of Light, are beautifully crafted, elevating the storytelling beyond simple fights. The cinematic flair of Final Smashes, stage transitions, and victory animations enhances the overall experience. The attention to detail extends to stage backgrounds, where dynamic elements create an immersive environment without distracting from the gameplay.

The soundtrack is a true highlight, boasting over 1,000 tracks from a vast range of franchises, including remixes of classic themes and new compositions. Each stage’s music dynamically shifts, adding an extra layer of excitement. Sound effects are crisp, from the satisfying hit confirms to the iconic announcer’s voice. Voice performances, while limited due to Nintendo’s approach, stay true to each character’s origins, reinforcing their unique personalities.

With its impressive blend of visuals, music, and overall polish, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a technical marvel that stands as one of the best-produced fighting games of all time. 

Rating: 5 out of 5

The Verdict

In the end, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the definitive entry in the beloved franchise, boasting a massive roster, deep gameplay, and top-tier production values. Whether you’re a casual fan looking for chaotic fun or a competitive player seeking a challenge, this game delivers an unparalleled fighting experience that pays homage to gaming history while pushing the series forward. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gets 5 out of 5.

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