Once again, Nintendo has taken the internet by storm in the last few months with the release date of its fifth entry into the Super Smash Bros. series Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
On Dec. 7, the title will be released to the public. Staggering numbers are shown for pre-orders, and hype for the game has been seen around the globe.
In previous years, the Super Smash Bros. series has seen large sales numbers, with the original Super Smash Bros. reaching 5.5 million copies sold. The second release in the series, Super Smash Bros. Melee, reached 7 million copies in its lifetime. The third title in the series, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, reached the largest number of copies sold of all titles in the series, including the fourth installment, with 13.29 million copies sold in the Wii’s lifetime.
In regard to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s estimated sales numbers, Nintendo Versus tweeted a video and small statement on Nov. 23 telling readers just how well the game was projected to do.
“Super #SmashBrosUltimate is punching its way into the record books!” according to the NintendoVS Twitter feed. “Thank you to all the amazing fans for your support in making this a fight for the ages!”
The video posted, along with the tweet, had something special to say about the new game. It boasted on the statistics the game had supposedly reached in regard to pre-sales.
“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the best pre-selling Super Smash Bros. game,” according to a Nintendo hype trailer. “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the best pre-selling Switch game.”
With the popularity and sales figures of the Nintendo Switch reaching 22.8 million as of September 2018, it’s no surprise that the newest family-friendly party brawler is reaching staggering numbers on an otherwise popular platform. Stores are jumping on the hype train along with fans offering special deals and even switches with decals and logos for the series put on them.
Aside from sales numbers, Super Smash Bros. as a series offers a vast variety of gameplay styles, catering to gamers across the board from beginners to pros. The game dominates today’s current esport culture, making it as much a family friendly game as it is a competitive fighter, according to Collegiate StarLeague.
The way that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is set up is in big part due to fan feedback. The lead designer, Masahiro Sakurai, has gone on record with The Guardian about developing for pros versus beginners.
“If we were to lean towards one kind of player or the other…game development would be easier, but foregoing the pros, or foregoing the beginners, wouldn’t result in Smash as it is now, and that’s something I hold dear and important,” Sakurai said.
The newest Super Smash Bros. title was made with the intent to be the perfect blend of both of these concepts. With over 74 characters plus DLC, 100 plus stages and more items and assist trophies than any other Super Smash Bros. in the series, Sakurai hopes to give every gamer a slice of the action.
In terms of pro-play, many early play testers have made comments regarding the new title’s feel. So far, the game is looking to continually compound on previous styles alongside listening to player feedback. The game was noted by play testers to have an overall faster pace and immersive experience, letting those who choose to play more competitively enjoy the same feel as Super Smash Bros. Brawl alongside the aesthetics and mechanics as Super Smash Bros. 4.
Most of the information on mechanics and play feel that’s currently available is based off content seen at E3 and demo versions given to other video game-based news outlets. A full list of the many mechanics and changes in the game can be found [here](https//cstarleague.com/smash/news_articles/895=”_blank).
The game is expected to release to sold out stores and record breaking sales. Sakurai is known for his attention to detail and outstanding record in game development, having directed the Kirby series, along with a handful of other works, and now Super Smash Bros.. He is known for treating each game like his own child and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate seems to be no different.
_Edited by Alexandra Sharp | asharp@themaneater.com_