Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- December 7, 2018
- Bandai Namco Studios
By combining familiar gameplay with some new ideas, there's something in here for everyone. Smash Bros. is back and has never been better.
"Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" is a fighting game for the Nintendo Switch, featuring both single and multiplayer modes. The game includes new fighters such as Inkling and Ridley, as well as every fighter from previous Super Smash Bros. games. With faster combat, new attacks, items, and defensive options, players can expect an elevated gaming experience.
Reviews
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features an enormous and diverse roster of over 70 characters, providing a balanced experience for both casual and competitive players.
- The game offers a wealth of content, including various single-player modes like World of Light, which is engaging and filled with nostalgic references to Nintendo's history.
- The gameplay mechanics are refined and accessible, making it easy for newcomers to pick up while still offering depth for experienced players.
- The online multiplayer experience has been criticized for being inconsistent and lacking in features, which detracts from the overall enjoyment.
- Some single-player modes, particularly World of Light, can become repetitive over time, leading to a less engaging experience for solo players.
- Certain aspects of the game, such as the character unlocking process and the absence of some beloved modes from previous entries, have been points of frustration for players.
- music7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its immense variety, featuring nearly 900 tracks that include original compositions and remixes from across the gaming universe, making it one of the greatest soundtracks in gaming history. Reviewers highlight the music's role in enhancing the overall experience, with a rich selection that complements the diverse character roster and gameplay modes. While some players express minor concerns about the lack of new tracks from certain franchises, the overwhelming quantity and quality of the music content are celebrated as a standout feature.
“The best Smash has ever been, so many characters! So much music! Excellent, accessible gameplay.”
“One of gaming's greatest soundtracks, with original tracks and new remixes, packed with loving homages and fan service.”
“An immense library of iconic video game music, bursting at the seams with content, with a superlative collection of stages, music, and more to experience and unlock.”
“When you start lamenting a lack of new stages, hardly any extra music tracks from certain franchises, and a scarce amount of adventure cutscenes, you start to sound overly picky when there are nearly 900 songs, over 100 stages, and the solo quest is over 20 hours long.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this title is praised for its tight mechanics, extensive character roster, and a wealth of single-player content, making it the best entry in the series to date. Players appreciate the blend of familiar and innovative elements, alongside constant unlocks that enhance replayability. Overall, the game is lauded for its polish, accessibility, and the sheer amount of content available, though some reviewers note that there are still areas for improvement.
“By combining familiar gameplay with some new ideas, there's something in here for everyone.”
“The best Smash has ever been, so many characters!, so much music!, excellent, accessible gameplay.”
“A gathering of Nintendo and video game icons with some of the most satisfying gameplay the series has ever seen, bursting at the seams with content, with a superlative collection of stages, music, and more to experience and unlock.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks depth, making it hard to stay engaged for long periods.”
“The controls are unresponsive at times, leading to frustrating moments during gameplay.”
“There are significant balance issues that make certain characters overpowered, disrupting the overall experience.”
- story5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The game's story mode, particularly the "World of Light," offers a fun single-player experience with RPG elements and a wealth of fanservice, though it lacks a strong central plot. While the content is extensive, including nearly 900 songs and over 100 stages, some players feel the narrative could benefit from more adventure cutscenes and new stages. Overall, the story aspect is enjoyable but may leave some wanting more depth.
“Returning single player game modes as well as a whole new story mode that merges Super Smash with RPG elements.”
“An enormous roster with diverse movesets and personalities, returning modes are back and have been fleshed out, World of Light is a fun story mode for single-player content, wealth of fanservice in the form of spirits, soundtracks, and other references.”
“When you start lamenting a lack of new stages, hardly any extra music tracks from certain franchises, and a scarce amount of adventure cutscenes, you start to sound overly picky when there are nearly 900 songs, over 100 stages, and the solo quest is over 20 hours long.”
“The World of Light game mode has backstory, but it’s lacking in any true plot.”
“When you start lamenting a lack of new stages, hardly any extra music tracks from certain franchises, and a scarce amount of adventure cutscenes, you begin to sound overly picky when there are nearly 900 songs, over 100 stages, and the solo quest is over 20 hours long.”
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the character development for its fantastic new character design, highlighting a fresh and appealing visual aesthetic that enhances the overall gaming experience.
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the solo mode in the world of light enjoyable initially, but it tends to become tedious over time due to repetitive grinding.
“The world of Light solo mode is fun, but it gets tedious after a while.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game tends to lose its appeal over time, particularly if played solo, suggesting that it is best enjoyed in a multiplayer setting with friends.
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are highly praised, contributing to an overall impressive visual experience alongside strong player and level selection options.
“The graphics are absolutely stunning, bringing the game world to life in vibrant detail.”
“Every environment is beautifully crafted, showcasing incredible textures and lighting effects.”
“The character models are incredibly realistic, making the gameplay experience even more immersive.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its exceptional replayability, featuring a wealth of content including diverse stages, music, and unlockable elements. The introduction of spirits and themed challenges enhances the experience, making it one of the most engaging titles in the series, encouraging players to return for more.
“A gathering of Nintendo and video game icons with some of the most satisfying gameplay the series has ever seen, bursting at the seams with content. With a superlative collection of stages, music, and more to experience and unlock, the spirits increase the amount of representation in the game to an obscene degree, offer addicting themed challenges, and open the door for the World of Light campaign. It grows off the foundation of everything that came before it to deliver one of the most replayable games ever.”
“The game offers a superlative collection of stages, music, and more to experience and unlock, but once you've completed everything, there's little incentive to return.”
“While the gameplay is satisfying, the lack of meaningful content updates leaves the replayability feeling flat after the initial excitement wears off.”
“Despite the abundance of content, the repetitive nature of the challenges makes it hard to stay engaged for multiple playthroughs.”
Critic Reviews
‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ review
“‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ is a comprehensive fighting game designed with love.”
90%Makes a 20-year-old franchise feel brand new
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate takes characters we’ve played for decades and remasters them into a robust, fantastically enjoyable package
90%Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Switch) Review
As long as you can make sense of the onslaught of characters, modes, and options, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a masterpiece.
90%