Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Review

Since the launch of the Switch, Nintendo has managed to claim dominance time and time again. From titles such as Super Mario Odyssey, Breath of the Wild, Bayonetta 2, Super Mario Party and Pokémon Let’s Go, there’s no stopping the uphill climb this holiday for the handheld console. In fact, the fight has begun.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate is the newest wave of the classic melee reintroducing every character to ever launch on previous versions of Smash. That’s 74 characters to choose from, not including DLC participants included in the fighters pass (season pass) like the surprise announcement of Persona 5’s CHARCTER NAME. But in order to play as all the characters, there’s a task ahead that will surely test your skills.

For newcomers playing Smash will not be an easy task, especially when utilizing the joy-cons. While the veterans are likely using GameCube controllers, I’ve found the Switch Pro Controller to give me an edge when engaging with other characters in Smash. Whichever route you choose, be sure to make your way to the training ground, allow the A.I. to attack as well and work on becoming the best fighter around.

There’s quite the offer in Smash Bros Ultimate not only ranging from online and offline battles, but a new Spirit Mode where you can travel across a map, defeat foes and potentially unlock the spirits of each Smash character. And while this is an epic quest, be forewarned, unlocking spirits in this mode only allows playability in this game mode.

So how do you fight in SSBU? Honestly, it depends on the player. Most of the action is based on two buttons, giving newcomers a fighting chance if choosing to button-mash their ways to a victory. The goal to winning, based on stock level, is to knock your opponents off the platform (screen) and be declared the victor! While most fighting games indicate throughout the match a player’s health will decrease, it’s the opposite in Smash. The battle begins with characters at zero percent. And the more you win the battle or take damage that percentile continues to increase, making you more vulnerable to being KO’d as you go flying into the air (This is likely why your friends choose Kirby quite often).

As mentioned, a battle only requires two buttons, A and B, including a one button press to perform an ultimate. Each button and move can be altered based on the directional pad and timing, giving you the ability to create new combinations. For a novice this can be appreciated as you don’t have to learn multiple buttons like in Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter in order to have the advantage.

The fight alone isn’t your only leverage as there are 108 interactive stages to choose from.  While attacking head on may not be your strong suit, timing can be your friend as opponents can be knocked off the stage, falling to their death. Each stage is extremely detailed and vibrant, something I didn’t expect from the Switch. It’s complimented with stages like Super Mario Odyssey as the band plays the theme song in the background, or a Mario Stage (including Mario Maker) where there’s plenty of objects to avoid while trying to take out others. There’s even an option to morph the stages, changing the environment in-between each fight.

World of Light

Now for those looking for a unique story, World of light may be your route. It’s the same fighting aspect, only with an opportunity for you to unlock spirits currently trapped and scattered throughout. With Kirby as the sole survivor from the attack, it’s now up to him to release the spirits of our fallen heroes from the hands of Galeem, the lord of light. As you travel and face primary spirits you can unlock them to add characters to your roster (only in the World of Light).

So how many spirits are there? 1300! Your player has their own unique spirit as well used to design your attack and defense stats. As you defeat spirits, they will side with you, giving you a greater advantage as you also earn spirit points and spirit cores.

I honestly had more fun winning spirits and unlocking characters most in Spirit Board. It’s a timed mode where you can unlock spirits by completing challenges at random difficulties. It felt like a true test of skills and a must win in every battle. Even taking a lost didn’t feel like one, just an upcoming opportunity to seek revenge later in rotation.