Gameplay and design
The core gameplay of Super Smash Bros. is fundamentally different from traditional fighting games. Instead of depleting an opponent's health bar, players increase their damage percentage with each hit; the higher the percentage, the farther characters are launched. The goal is to knock opponents off the stage, and once they fall off the screen, they lose a life. This design keeps battles unpredictable, allowing a player at a disadvantage to turn the tide with a powerful attack.
The controls are greatly simplified, with all characters using the same button combinations for standard attacks, special moves, and shielding, eliminating complex input commands. Players can easily pick up the game, but mastering it requires understanding each character's attack hitboxes, movement speed, and aerial options. This design lowers the barrier to entry, letting more players enjoy the combat, while retaining depth so that high-level matches remain exciting.
The item system is a major highlight. During battles, various items from Nintendo franchises randomly appear on the stage, such as Koopa shells, hammers, and Poké Balls. These items have different effects, from dealing area damage to summoning Pokémon to assist in battle, significantly influencing the match. The random timing and placement of items force players to stay alert to the changing battlefield while fighting, adding fun and unpredictability.
Multiplayer battles are the core experience. The game supports up to four players simultaneously, with options for free-for-all or team battles. Battle modes include timed and stock matches: timed matches compare KO counts within a time limit, while stock matches see who runs out of lives first. If time runs out and KO counts are tied, a sudden death rule triggers, setting all characters' damage percentages to 300%, so one hit sends them flying, creating intense and thrilling moments.
The game also offers substantial single-player content. In Classic Mode, players face a series of computer-controlled characters with increasing difficulty. Additionally, there are two minigames: "Break the Targets" requires players to smash all targets within a time limit, and "Board the Platforms" involves jumping across platforms to reach the goal. Training Mode allows players to adjust settings and practice combos and techniques against a CPU opponent. These modes provide extra challenges and fun for solo players.
Background and release
Super Smash Bros. was first released in Japan on January 21, 1999, followed by North America on April 26 and Europe on November 19. As the first entry in the series, it marked the first time many classic Nintendo characters came together for a unique showdown. Developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64, the game quickly attracted attention with its distinctive gameplay and all-star lineup.
The character roster spans several well-known Nintendo franchises, including Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Star Fox, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Metroid, F-Zero, EarthBound, Kirby, and Pokémon. These characters come from different game worlds with varied styles, but all find their place on the Smash Bros. stage. For Nintendo fans, controlling their favorite characters and battling characters from other series was an unprecedented experience.
The game was a commercial success. By 2001, it had sold over five million copies worldwide, with 2.93 million in the United States and 1.97 million in Japan. This achievement earned the game the Nintendo 64 Player's Choice designation, making it one of the platform's best-selling titles. The game's success not only laid a solid foundation for the series' future but also proved the market potential of crossover all-star gameplay.
The game received positive reviews upon release. On Metacritic, it holds an average score of 79 out of 100 (based on 11 reviews), and GameRankings also gave it a 79%. IGN awarded it the Editor's Choice award for "Best Fighting Game," recognizing its innovation in the genre. Additionally, the game was a finalist for "Console Action Game of the Year" and "Console Fighting Game of the Year" at the 2000 Interactive Achievement Awards, showing industry recognition.
On November 15, 2005, the game was released in mainland China on the iQue Player under the simplified Chinese title "任天堂明星大乱斗." The iQue Player is a Nintendo 64-compatible console released by Nintendo in China, and this release allowed Chinese players to experience the classic title. It was also the first time the series was localized into Chinese, setting a precedent for future localizations.
Development
The game's development began as a personal project by Masahiro Sakurai. Initially, he created a prototype called "Dragon King: The Fighting Game," an original fighting game without Nintendo characters. Sakurai completed this prototype in September 1997, which included characters like Mario, Donkey Kong, Samus, and Fox, and presented it to Nintendo at the end of 1997. This prototype established the basic gameplay of launching opponents to win.
Sakurai's idea received Nintendo's support, and the project officially started. During development, Satoru Iwata, as president of HAL Laboratory, was involved in the production and offered key suggestions. He suggested titling the game "Smash Bros.," implying that the characters are friends rather than enemies, a name that reflects the game's lighthearted and friendly atmosphere and became the origin of the series' name.
The game underwent several adjustments during development. The initial roster differed from the final version, with some characters cut, such as Marth, King Dedede, Bowser, and Mewtwo. Although these characters did not appear in the original, some of them later appeared in subsequent series entries. The development team carefully polished character balance and stage design to provide a fair and enjoyable experience.
The game's music was composed by Hirokazu Ando, with some tracks being rearrangements of original series music and others taken directly from the original series. This music not only enhanced the atmosphere but also gave players a sense of familiarity during battles. The game's soundtrack was released on CD in Japan in 2000 by Teichiku Records, satisfying fans' desire for music collection.
To promote the game, Nintendo held Slamfest '99 at the MGM Grand Adventures theme park in Las Vegas on April 24, 1999, featuring live wrestling performances and more. This unique marketing event attracted significant attention and built hype for the game's release. The development team made the most of the Nintendo 64's hardware capabilities under limited technical constraints, achieving smooth four-player battles and dynamic stage effects, laying the technical groundwork for the series' future.
Reception and legacy
Super Smash Bros., as the series' inaugural title, has left a lasting impact on subsequent entries. The "launch" mechanic and percentage-based damage system it introduced became core series features, inherited and expanded upon in later games. The game's success also prompted Nintendo to continue the series, such as with 2001's Super Smash Bros. Melee, further expanding its influence.
The game became one of the most popular titles on the Nintendo 64, with its multiplayer mode beloved by players. It also had an impact on the esports scene; although the original did not develop a mature competitive system, its gameplay laid the foundation for later entries to become major events at tournaments like EVO. Many players were introduced to the fun of fighting games through this title and developed a deep affection for the series.
The Chinese version's release on the iQue Player marked the series' first localization into Chinese, holding significance for Chinese players. Despite the iQue Player's limited popularity, this move allowed some Chinese players to experience the game in its original form and provided a reference for future localizations of the series.
The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its innovative gameplay, diverse character roster, and excellent multiplayer experience. IGN's Editor's Choice award for "Best Fighting Game" was a testament to its innovation. The game's commercial success also proved the viability of all-star crossover gameplay, providing a model for Nintendo's future crossover projects.
Overall, Super Smash Bros. is not only an excellent fighting game but also a showcase of Nintendo's character culture. It broke the rules of traditional fighting games, creating a more accessible and entertaining battle experience. The game's success opened a glorious chapter for the series, making it one of Nintendo's most influential franchises, still beloved by players worldwide.
