So we’re back to every Smash Bros. game. and pulled out one mode or feature that we think deserves a place in an inevitable future entry. This is what we believe would result in the ‘ultimate’ expression of what Super Smash Bros. it truly is beyond its absurd list of characters and stages.
Of course, you’re more than free to disagree with us, and if that’s the case, then be sure to leave a comment with which mod or feature you think should be included in a future Smash Bros. game.
Super Smash Bros. (1999) – 1P game
Okay, considering how barebones the first game is, this was an easy choice. The ‘1P Game’ is essentially the forefather of the franchise’s ‘Classic Mode’: a series of simple battles that you progress through in a linear fashion, broken up by short bonus games such as ‘Break the Targets’ and ‘Board the Platforms’.
It’s a simple, accessible mode that has proven vital to the foundation of Super Smash Bros.; a great way for beginners to get to grips with gaming, while also being the perfect outlet for veterans looking to push the weight to the max and practice their skills.
If you were around during the GameCube era and happened to pick up a copy of Super Smash Bros. Melee, then you’ll know that the ‘Event Match’ game mode was absolute striker. It featured a total of 51 unique ‘events’ that players could tackle in whatever order they saw fit (although all 51 are occasionally unlocked as you complete a certain number of events) and quickly became a fan favorite.
The objectives in each event were often hilarious, with one involving large amounts of bombs, another requiring you to collect a bunch of coins, all building up to the grand finale where you battle Ganondorf, Mewtwo and an oversized Giga Bowser. A true test of skill, indeed. Later games would certainly draw inspiration from Event Match (especially the Wii U), but this was the purest and arguably the most engaging use of the concept.
Much like Melee’s Event Match, The Subspace Emissary has gained a dedicated cult following in the years since Brawl’s release, despite its issues. It was the franchise’s first and only real attempt to convert Smash Bros. into a full-on adventure game, throwing you into sprawling levels almost inspired by classic Metroidvania. Add to that some unique bosses and fantastic cutscenes, and you’ve got a mode that absolutely deserves another chance in the spotlight.
Given that Smash Bros. always put its focus on multiplayer first and foremost, The Subspace Emissary still stands today as the franchise’s boldest attempt to attract solo players. We’d love to see a new incarnation of him that includes all of the Ultimate characters; can you imagine how completely insane that would be? Do it, Nintendo.
