Students react: The new ‘Super Smash Bros.’

Nintendo released a trailer for their newest edition of the video game, “Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS.” In addition to this, Masahiro Sakurai, the director of “Super Smash Bros.,” released a half-hour long video explaining all the changes for the upcoming game. “My hype is through the roof. I love me some Smash and this next one looks like it’ll be better than the last,” said Nathaniel Hearns, first-year animation student. He is especially eager to try-out the custom movesets and Smash Run mode features.

All over campus, gamers are hyped for the game to release. Students often spend hours of their free time battling each other with their favorite Nintendo characters on “Project M,” a modified version of “Smash Bros Brawl” (2008). “I play because it’s fun and I get to enjoy the company of my friends and total strangers who are better than me. I think it’s the only fighting game more than two people can play at the same time that we have access to,” said Kevin Behan, first-year writing student. With the upcoming release of  “Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS,” fans have been discussing their opinions on the latest changes. Hearns said, “One thing I appreciate is enhancing the stages by adding in boss characters. It could definitely change the type of gameplay.”

In addition to the changes, the new game will feature completely new concepts, game modes and characters. Evan Claridy, third-year game design student said, “They brought in some new interesting features and mechanics which got me hyped for the game even more. I like how they introduced the For Fun/Glory online play. It brings back the competitiveness that was lost in ‘Brawl’ and enhances the whole party game feel.” Some changes to expect from the newest iteration of the game include removing the ability to transform certain characters, the introduction of Pokemon’s Masterballs and new assist trophies. Joining the character roster are the Wii Fit trainer, Rosalina from “Super Mario Galaxy,” Little Mac from “Punch Out,” Greninja from “Pokemon” and more. “I’m actually interested in Little Mac. He’s a ground powerhouse. Wii Fit trainer looks hilarious. My mom plays Wii Fit so she might have a giggle at that, ” said Behan.

“A lot of people have been talking about it since the trailer and I kind of see it being a big success if they deliver,” said Claridy. “I’m very tempted to go out and buy a Wii U for this.” Due to “Smash Bros.” having a handheld option, it’s possible that many gamers will bring their battles outside the Spring House Fireplace Lounge. “No one would leave their Wii U in there anyways. Who would leave their recent gen system out in public?” said Claridy. According to Sakurai, the Nintendo 3DS version of the game releases in summer and the Wii U version in the winter.

Even though it’s been six years since the last game released, students will likely continue to play this specific franchise. Hearns said, “I’d have to say ‘Project M’ has been popular because it’s a party game and it’s hardcore, which feeds into the competition mentality that many of us have. It’s a great way to meet people through similar interests as well as learn new strategies with characters. The new game will probably take over the campus like ‘Pokemon XY’ and ‘Monster Hunter’ did. Many people will get it and they won’t have to be restricted to one room. It’ll be a start, go and have fun sort of thing.”  By the time school starts again in fall, anywhere on campus could be a battlefield for “Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS” If it ends up being as popular as the old versions, it might stick around for years to come.