Well just last Thursday was a direct for the ages where we were shown 50 things about the Wii U version of Smash. And the best thing about it being a numbered list of facts. Even easier to make individual thoughts on each one! So in the same order as it was shown in the Direct. I give you my thoughts on every single factoid we got from the exciting news that we got. Please click to read more as we get hyped for the 2nd time for the much bigger version of Smash 4!
Though before I get to the facts. I must say it’s so amusing to see the Announcer of Smash do all the revealing. I really love Smash 4’s announcer, he’s like so in tune with the community. Heck, he’s even sung a part of the Pokemon theme on request! His calm voice during explaining stuff also kind of reminds some people of the voice you hear in the classic Disney Goofy Shorts (Just add the Goofy Yell when someone is Star KOed and you could have the perfect base for a Smash parody of those shorts!). I have to give some props to Xander Mobus for really giving us a show as the role of the Announcer. But without further adieu, let’s get into the actual facts!
1. Starting Lineup
So there will be even more characters available at the start in the Wii U version then even in the 3DS Version. What’s even stranger, is you actually see Bowser Jr. on the roster when his official reveal trailer is near the end. Kinda odd. Also, for the first time ever in a Smash Bros. game Jigglypuff is a starter. How about that? All of the Original 12 are starters in Smash 4 on the Wii U! Another character who is usually unlockable but is a starter is Ganondorf. But dang 40 characters from the start (43 counting the 3 Mii Fighters) means there’s really only 8 Unlockable characters. Unlocking characters doesn’t seem really as big of a deal this time around.
2. Resolution
While graphics really is a minor thing at least for me, it is really cool that we can say just how beautiful the graphics are for the Wii U version is. With details everywhere. I know a lot of people give Nintendo crap for being a generation late to a lot of things. But you can’t say they do what they do late all that wrong all the time. Everyone looks amazing and it will be great to see everybody on the big screen in full HD.
3. 5-8 Player Smash
Now this is really cool. Smash Bros. can now truly be a party game! And not just have 4 people and some people are left out unless you have quite a bit more friends then 8. But even if you do, they’ll have just as fun seeing the chaos of an 8-Player battle! This also really opens up many possibilities for my Smashing is Magic blog. The Mane 6 could possibly all play each other all at once! I unfortunately don’t know enough friends offline to have a full 8-Player Smash myself. But it’s an amazing feature nonetheless!
4. Bigger Stages
Though you need some much bigger space with so many characters at once and that’s what they did for some stages. Even expanding some like Battlefield. And it was kinda weird to see just how huge Palutena’s Temple was.
5. Danger Zone
(SOOOOO tempted to sing the song from Top Gun lol) But anyway yeah, Danger Zone. In someways there was a Danger Zone in the 3DS version with those Spikeballs or floors in the challenge rooms. Though they KOed you no matter what your percentage. But anyway, those things are probably just going to get a collective “Blegh” from the Competitive community. I doubt they look very highly on hazards like that.
6. Dual-Plane Battling
Now this is a neat gimmick for a stage. Battling in the background and the foreground! Great idea to represent Donkey Kong Country Returns. It looks like a real fun stage to go around and everything.
7. Number of Stages
Figured there’d be quite a few more Stages in this version. But let’s just get to some of the Stages that we didn’t know about before. We have a new Mario Stage based on Mario Circuit from Mario Kart 8. Looks like it’s just another of those traveling stages though. So nothing too spectacular. Yoshi’s Island returns from Melee, I’m ok with that though not really one of my favorite stages. The middle blocks always annoyed me when I accidentally attacked them directly and fell. Lylat Cruise is also back which was a pretty enjoyable stage from Brawl. Mario Circuit is Back too, And there’s Wuhu Island which makes for the perfect Mii home stage though it’s strange there’s both this AND the Pilotwings stage where Wuhu Island is also present. But no matter. Another Retro stage in the form of Wrecking Crew which might be interesting, but will have to see more if it’s enjoyable or not. Skyworld, Norfair, Port Town, Luigi’s Mansion, Delfino Plaza, and Bridge of Eldin also make some returns which is pretty nice as well.
8. Miiverse Stage
I lolled when I saw this being a thing. In case you’re not exactly in the know of what goes on in Miiverse. Plenty of the most silliest comments and such have shown up on Miiverse that makes me think of some really strange posts coming up randomly when playing on this stage. It might be a bit too hard to fight on the stage because people might be laughing at what posts come up more then focused on actually fighting. It’s just so hilarious and I can’t believe they actually went with this. That’s gonna be comedy gold for sure.
9. Palutena’s Guidance
Now I really welcome this. I know it won’t be the same as Snake’s codec calls. But at least we have some sort of successor to it. Having seen a Let’s Play of Uprising, the characters are very fun in their dialogue. So to see something with that for each fighter will be amusing. Certainly something I can’t wait to do.
10. Metal Face
On another note I have been seeing another Let’s Play of Xenoblade Chronicles (Though the person behind it has been very sick) that has shown me this character. Metal Face being a pretty important villain from Xenoblade Chronicles. He just comes in and wrecks shit throughout the battle! But who are we kidding, the big stuff regarding Stage bosses came right after with…
11. Ridley
Yeah, unfortunately for fans of Ridley. They finally got the the final nail in the coffin for Ridley being Playable. But while it probably won’t make up for it at all. He still fights in the battlefield in some way. As whoever, damages Ridley a good amount first. Ridley will apparently be so impressed by your skill and now help you defeat your enemies! He’s similar to the Flying Man in the Magicant Stage in the 3DS version afterward. Though apparently you can also betray Ridley yourself and KO him yourself and earn a point. Which is kinda sad admittedly. I imagine those who wanted Ridley playable will not be content with this much. But it is a certainly interesting and unique way to include him that no one thought possible.
12. Coin Battles
Never really cared much for the Coin battle mode, so I don’t think I really have much to say about it really.
13. Stamina Battles
However I did like sometimes going into Stamina. I didn’t do it as much as I did regular Smash stuff like Stock. But Stamina is a look into if Smash Bros. was more like a traditional fighter, which is interesting enough. Should be fun to play it occasionally once again.
14. Special Mode
Nothing too much to say here though as it’s practically no different from Brawl. Albeit it does have a few more options then normal. With the Tanooki Tail, Rocket Belt, Screw, and the Back Shield as items. But nice to know you can still make stuff even more chaotic if you wanted to.
15. Item Frequency
I’m one that puts items either on Low or None. I’m not a stickler that says that items are no Fun. As I think they can be fun, but there is a part of me that. Especially in 1-on-1’s. The battle shouldn’t come down to a lucky item usage. So keeping Items on the low or none at all still gives room for pure Skill to run the majority of the match. But it’s good to have the option instead of just being one way or the other on the 3DS version. (And at the very least Pinkie in Smashing is Magic is happy to have the High option still)
16. My Music
Ah, the music in Smash Bros. has always been really one of the best parts. Having such a huge collection of Nintendo music to fight to from many of the different franchises. I am looking forward to seeing just what the full collection of Songs are. Brawl had one of the best soundtracks in any Video game ever. Maybe it’s technically cheating since the majority of it’s soundtrack is taking from or remixing music from games older then it but that doesn’t mean you can’t appreciate what it brought together in just one game. I suspect Smash 4’s soundtrack to deliver as well as bringing quite a bit of excellent tracks both old and new to the table. I for one am interesting in just what Sonic songs they decided to place in this version.
17. Menu Music
Also cool to have the option to choose any of the Menu music from the previous games. (Though while it’s not really as exciting as any of the other themes, I wonder if Smash 64’s more quiet menu theme shows up?)
18. Tons of Music
Well this is kinda of a “No duh!” thing. But wow, at least three times as much music in the stages then in the 3DS one. That’s going to be a great selection for sure. And also cool to see most of the 3DS songs will also be on the Wii U version. There was part of me that was afraid that wouldn’t be the case. But who was I kidding, really cool to see that the 3DS doesn’t take away from the Wii U version in terms of Music selection.
19. Composers
And yeah, a soundtrack with every song from the game if officially released in every song by right would probably be more pricer then a $60 game. Nice to see so many good composers went to create music just for this game though!
20. CDs
And with tons of music comes Music you have to find and/or Unlock! I personally just did that trick in Brawl where I just punched the sandbag with Bowser in a stage that’s nearly impossible to launch Sandbag out until I got most of the CDs by turning off every item except for the Sandbag. As I don’t think many want to actually taking their time getting all the music. The more choices the better!
21. Challenges
Just like with the 3DS version there is the challenges. Instead of being a few pages. There’s online. But you have to imagine 140 is a decent amount to do. And you only have 5 Golden Hammers. So choose wisely. Or some of those 135 may take forever.
22. Classic
I was wondering if Classic was going to be the same or not as with the 3DS version. And indeed it’s very different. It’s more different then any of the Classic Modes from before in fact. It’s possible to encounter 7 Foes at once and everything. It’s a bit weird I admit, but I’m looking forward to giving it a shot.
23. Clear Movies
These have been in since Melee. But cool to see those here when the 3DS Version only has the clear images really. They’re not too big of a deal. But they’re neat touches.
24. All-Star Mode
Ooh, going back in time sure is a pretty neat difference. I think this means Game and Watch is the last character you fight in All-Star Mode once again like in Melee (Though you don’t have to fight multiple ones)
25. Event Mode
Interesting to see Events have paths. Does this mean they have something in particular with each other or are they as random as ever?
26. Smash Tour
AKA Smash Party. Yeah basically what I thought it’d be when I heard a Board Game Mode was coming to Smash Bros. You collect upgrades that are the same as in Smash Run and go around a board and you have a final battle at the end of either turns or the very end of the game. There are some things I didn’t quite expect like the Miis being the playable characters while you collect fighters. But nonetheless for those who like Mario Party and Smash Bros. This is a really neat treat (Hey considering it has no MP9 car, might even steal all the thunder of Mario Party 10 all things considered xP)
27. Target Blast
Practically the same as in the 3DS version. Angry-Birds esque and such. There’s some minor differences like the 2nd Bomb being bigger. But otherwise not really all that interesting. Was kinda hoping we’d have Break the Targets in this one. Maybe even one that’s different for each Fighter like in Melee. But at this rate. I’d like the Brawl one back xP
28. Group Stadium
Though on another note, it’s cool to see that pretty much all of the Stadium modes are now usable for Multiplayer. Very neat ^^
29. Special Orders
This was something we got from the audio leaks that were ripped from the 3DS version of Smash. Though it was thought for something called Smash World (Which was suspiciously missing… just what is Smash World then? Though it’s quite possible it might just be Smash Tour just under a different localization. Perhaps it will be called Smash World in the Japanese version and/or the PAL one). But it turns out Special Orders is the mode. Basically Master Orders is special events you can get awards for for doing. And Crazy Orders is those who feel like gambling a bit. (You could say Crazy Orders is the Smash Bros. equivalent of Deal or No Deal!)
30. Master Fortress
Geez, just when we though we knew all there is to Master Core after the 3DS Version. In the Wii U version he has an exclusive form where he transforms into an entire place full of dangerous pits. I’m a bit frightened at what could be in Master Fortress. Especially on Intensity 9.0. Cause beating Master Core on his multiple forms is hard enough on 9.0. But having to go basically in what’s the belly in the beast where there’s a chance they up the difficult even higher by leaving some deadly traps inside makes me dread fighting Master Core once more. But I suppose that’s what a big final boss is supposed to do. Oldtime gamers love a difficult boss, and this may be no exception. On another note, the forms got official names. So that’s neat.
31. Controllers
It is really awesome to have soooo many options to control Smash 4 on the Wii U. While I will always be partial to the Gamecube Controller. It’s better that there’s so many options so people can choose what they’re most comfortable with. And having the 3DS as a controller for those is good for those who truly enjoy how the game controls on the 3DS and can do he same on the Wii U. I might even use the 3DS for if there was ever a case where we had a 7 or 8 Player Smash (Cause I plan on having the adapter and I do have two of the 3rd party ones that read Gamecube controllers as Classic controllers) where there’s Two players stuck without a Gamecube controller option. Not even sure if that will even happen anytime soon. But more choices is always good.
32. Nintendo Gamecube Controller
As I said, I’m very partial to the Gamecube Controller. I know there are some of those, even friends of mine that say the controller is overrated. But it just feels the best for Smash to me and I don’t want to give that up. So I’m happy this exists. There’s just nothing like having an ol’ reliable controller that I’ve had since Melee still usable to the present day. There’s just something really cool about that.
33. Using the Nintendo 3DS as a Controller
Like I said in Controllers. This is just a neat option. I doubt I’ll ever use it unless I really have to. But using the 3DS to play on the Wii U is really cool. And also good for friends who have a Wii U but don’t have any other controls who has friends that can only afford the 3DS version of the game.
34. Connecting to Nintendo 3DS
Very cool to have all the equipment, Custom Moves, and equipment available as I have them on the 3DS version. It’s like I really unlocked them for both so I don’t have to go through the tedious act of getting everything again on the Wii U version.
35. Tons of Trophies
Considering the 3DS version alone managed to have more then Brawl. This is probably expected this has even more. With this and the 3DS version there’s likely quite a bit more then 1000 trophies. So much they can show of Nintendo with that many trophies to see! Considering what we learned about Nintendo just from Melee’s number of Trophies. We may have quite a bit of Nintendo nerds like us in the near future as well as the sheer number of trophies show them quite a bit of Nintendo knowledge.
36. Final Smash Trophies
I figured they’d have the Final Smash trophies which were the All-Star mode trophies in Brawl be on the Wii U version considering the 3DS ones were the Melee-Styled. Different post in a different Alt instead. Nothing too much to really say, but still super neat trophies nonetheless.
37. Trophy Box
Kinda cool they’ll have it set up like Trophies for different games and everything. I do feel like being more of a completionist this time for Smash 4 (Heck I’ve done nearly every challenge in the 3DS version already and probably gotten a good majority of the Trophies too) so this will be cool to keep track.
38. Photo Studio
This looks to be more fun then the posing you could do in brawl. And with so many trophies, could have quite a bit of potential for some hilarious stuff. Probably something to do when you’re really bored though. Not really one of the biggest features really. Nonetheless it’s like posing your toys and everything and imaging scenarios. Basically like how many people view what Smash Bros. is about! Playing with your toys with childish glee!
39. Trophy Rush
Same as in the 3DS version. So not much to say. Though Co-Op definitely could make it more fun if you have a willing partner (With so much choices to do in Multiplayer though, I don’t know who would choose to do Trophy Rush of all things together with a friend)
40. Masterpieces
In Brawl these were just timed demos of a few games. Nice to see they have a bigger selection. As well as a button to go to the eShop where you can then buy the full version of the game if you really like them. Can be really good for introducing newcomers to Nintendo to some of the many classic Nintendo games. Just another part of how Smash Bros. is turning fans who got the game for only one or a few characters. Into fans of Nintendo as a whole eventually.
41. Amiibo
Don’t have a lot to say here. Most of the information we basically already knew. And my stance was I’m likely not going to be interested in too many of these. That is unless a Sonic one comes at some point. I at least want to get that. I wanna have an Unstoppable summonable Blue blur! ^^
42. Internet Connection
Unfortunately, unlike how I am with the 3DS version. I won’t be able to do too much Online because I don’t have the luxury of a huge amount of Gigs. So as much as I’d like to, much of my Online battles will remain on the 3DS.
43. Automatic Notifications
Eh, as much as the Announcer tries to say it is. Not really that exciting :P
44. Friends & Tags
Yeaaaah info still kinda not that useful to me still because again. Won’t be able to do too much Online on the Wii U version myself.
45. Tourneys
Figured Tournament mode was going to return. Though it’s very cool to see that it will be hopping online as well. Pretty darn cool if I may say myself. It’s kinda like Smash’s version of the communities in Mario Kart’s 7 and 8.
46. Tournaments
Basically still just Tournament mode as it’s been since Melee. Though neat to see you can see replays of each match.
47. Wii U Gamepad
While not that useful since I’m going to really use the Gamepad that much (Other then of course for what they show right after). Neat to see you can have damage displays on it and such.
48. Paint
This is so hilarious and going to be pretty fun when I do Pinkie getting into images on Smashing is Magic. This also feels like doing something fun if you main Jigglypuff. Drawing on each of the fighters that you manage to get a screenshot of you putting them to sleep with the Sing move. (Similar to what was a Running gag in the early seasons of the Pokemon Anime) Hilarity should result a lot from this.
49. Voice Chat
Not useful to me, because again. Hardly will use Online on the Wii U version. But still cool. Though it seems there’s no chatting during the match. But that’s ok. You can actually just turn Voice chat off and use Skype on your computer the entire way through if you really want Voice Chat for the entire thing anyway.
50. Stage Builder
And awwwww yeah, Stage Builder is much better then the limits it had in Brawl! You can draw it yourself! This is the absolute best way you could return the Stage Builder because the one in Brawl was rather lacking in what you could do. But hey if Competitive people aren’t satisfied with the Final Destination versions of most stages. As long as they have someone that can draw some good competitively viable stages. They could really be set! And people who want to have fun can have many shapes. I wouldn’t mind having a stage if someone is good enough of a drawer that makes the platforms based on the Mane 6 Cutie Marks or even silhouettes of the Ponies as that would be pretty cool. I’m not that good of an artist myself so I doubt I’d be able to do too much myself. But yes Stage Builder has been much improved and is definitely something great about Smash 4 now.
And that’s all of them now… right?
51 Sharing
NOPE! Turns out there’s more then 50. While I won’t be able to to do too much Online I think I can definitely do enough to grab some neat Stage Builder options for those who share them and even Snapshots as well. Those who are fans of my Smashing is Magic blog. Many pony related Stage Builder stages would be appreciated if you could so it’s an option on Smashing is Magic eventually.
Now is it over?
NOPE Bowser Jr. and the Koopalings time! Gotta say that his trailer is really cool and as with most of the other Newcomer trailers he looks really badass in his trailer. Mario’s face amongst seeing the Koopalings come from behind Bowser Jr. is really great. And while we already knew this from the 3DS version, his moveset is really fun. (Though it’s strange that Bowser Jr. got his trailer when there were like two big hints that it was supposed to be Duck Hunt. Though I’m sure we’ll get Duck Hunt’s eventually.)
52 Movies
Cool we can see all of the Newcomer Trailers whenever we want to as well now. Many of them were some of the most hype videos Nintendo have ever made. As reveal videos all tended to be really awesome. Like how Sonic’s was in Brawl (Using Live & Learn for that trailer just was too perfect for me. I still say that day was like the closest to a dream coming true)
53 Sound Test
As someone getting both. It’s cool to get a free gift from Nintendo with a good amount of songs on a CD. Very good incentive. But not nearly as great as this other incentive for having both…
54 Mewtwo is on the Way
Wow was this a way to end it all off! Mewtwo is one of, if not one of the most requested fighters for Smash 4 as lots and lots of people have missed him since his disappearance between Melee and Brawl. And it looked like after the Roster Leak that he would once more not come back. But now he is! Not as soon as the game releases mind you, but nonetheless. Those who have the 3DS and Wii U versions will have Mewtwo available to them on both versions next Spring and even for those who can’t afford both he’ll probably be paid DLC as well. Very exciting for Mewtwo fans and loyal Smash Bros. fans. It also opens up possibilities of even more fighters in the future. Of which we don’t know. I suspect it’d mainly be Cut fighters such as Wolf. But who knows what could be in the plans. And because Mewtwo had a trophy seeable in the 3DS version, this means that even if a character has a trophy. It doesn’t entirely mean that they can’t be DLC. So quite a bit of possibilities are now possible
But yes, this direct was amazing in so many ways. While not all of the 54 things shown are useful to everyone. As a whole, it just really showed what’s in store for this huge game. And is already looking chock full of stuff that definitely makes the 3DS game look bare in comparison. It’s a great time to be a Nintendo fan, and a Smash Bros. fan right now. So much to work forward to in only a month’s time and even beyond as the possibility of DLC opens up Speculation that could last years longer then normal. What other characters could join in other then Mewtwo later on? Could we even get Newcomers from this? So much that is made possible and man, I just can’t wait until the game arrives. It really will be a great game that surpasses all the games before it. I hope you’re looking forward to the Wii U version as much as I am. Thank you Nintendo, and Thank you Sakurai for bringing plenty of hard work and detail into both versions of these games that each have their own degree of enjoyment!