A reader explains his love for Nintendos latest Switch exclusive and how the new options have transformed a great game into a classic.
Ive been playing the new Smash Bros. now for just under a week. And when I say Ive been playing it I mean I have done almost nothing else. This Readers Feature may be the only constructive thing Ive done all week (although I suppose I should leave you, the reader, to be the judge of that) and Im not sure its even going to be that coherent, considering how Ive not exactly been able to get much distance from the game to judge it more dispassionately.
In what Ive learnt is a fairly familiar sentiment Ive never been a huge fan of the series before. Ive bought all of them, but more out of a sense of obligation than any real love for the games. I bought Ultimate in the same frame of mind and although its the same basic gameplay underneath I dont think Ive ever been so surprised by a game sequel before.
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The thing is when you try to describe whats so different about it (as Im trying to do right now) it doesnt sound like much of a change. The fighting is better, I think – faster, more precise, and with a better sense of damage – but not in any major way. The thing that makes it is the structure, both the single-player mode and the use of spirits.
Ive seen a few people complaining about the lack of trophies in the game and to me this just boggles my mind. The spirits are so much better than the trophies its impossible to overstate. They still have the same gotta collect em all aspect (and because theyre 2D art they can afford to spotlight even more obscure characters and games) but they have an actual purpose and usefulness in the game. Levelling them up and creating the perfect team for a fight doesnt just add depth before a battle it makes you think it through and plan it before youve even started.
I beat World of Light a few days ago and I thought that would be it for me but I keep going back to the Spirit Board to get ones Ive missed and to try and get doubles so I can summon the ultra rare ones. And its all just so satisfying! Looking at a character on the board and trying to guess how theyll be represented never fails to make me laugh when I realise that Nintendo has gone to even more effort than I can imagine.
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And the Spirit Board is just a little side option to, its World of Light which is this massive, sprawling single-player that I loved every second of. Its the perfect way to make a single-player mode for a beat em-up and despite its mammoth length I was invested for every fight and genuinely upset when it ended. Although I immediately went back to find every spirit I missed.
The new modes and the structure they create has turned the game from a multiplayer favourite to a classic game thats as good as anything Nintendos ever done. Its certainly my favourite game of the year and it honestly feels like of all time. I mean, theres a whole Zelda sub-quest in World of Light thats almost a story mode in its own right, not to mention the riff on Street Fighter and others.
Its a fantastic achievement and deserves every ounce of its success. The only flaws I could possibly say is that the online seems predictably laggy. Not something Id personally use anyway but its a bit rich considering you now have to pay for online play. Maybe theyll fix it but I wouldnt hold my breath.
And then theres the bizarre lack of character descriptions which I think everyone is confused by. Why they couldnt just add a couple of lines about each spirit I dont know, but ideally Id like them to have gone further with playable demos of games, or at least videos or Web links to find out more.
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I used to get Smash Bros. because its a museum of Nintendo but on that level it doesnt work any more. Instead its evolved into a game a play for the pleasure of it and not just the novelty, which has got to be seen as an improvement. Its a fantastic piece of entertainment and I cant wait to play it with friends and family this Christmas.
By reader Onibee
The readers feature does not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.
You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. As always, email [email protected] and follow us on Twitter.
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