The Perfect Evolution: Unleashing the Potential of Super Smash Bros Ultimate Sequel

Highlights

Story mode in fighting games can be challenging, but recent games like MultiVersus and Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 are building lore to connect characters.

The upcoming Smash game could feature Nintendo characters crossing over once more, without the necessity of heavily incorporating the lore and the development of a multiverse.

Smash should take inspiration from the Subspace Emissary and prioritize character interactions and thrilling action, rather than delving into complex lore.

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The story mode of fighting games has always posed a challenge, as the genre's primary focus on combat doesn't always lend itself well to other storytelling elements. However, developers of fighting games have been putting in a lot of effort to include storytelling aspects. In Street Fighter 6, the custom character campaign allows players to interact with the iconic characters from the franchise. Additionally, crossover games like MultiVersus and Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 are creating a unified lore that connects different properties. As a result, the next installment of Super Smash Bros., despite having its own campaign mode, is still expected to deliver a compelling narrative.

While Nintendo games don't always follow industry trends, the upcoming Smash game, following Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, might explore the popular multiverse story concept seen in MultiVersus and NASB2. This would involve a story where Nintendo characters are taken out of their respective worlds and thrown into an exciting adventure. However, it is not necessary for Smash to focus on the creation of these bridges. Instead, a new campaign for Smash would be more impactful if it stays true to the established network of characters, rather than emphasizing the moment when different worlds collide.

The History of Super Smash Bros. Stories

Smash's approach to crossover storytelling is exemplified in Subspace Emissary, the campaign mode of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Within this mode, various Nintendo characters from different worlds coexist in a shared setting. While the story introduces numerous Nintendo characters, the world itself is primarily an original creation, featuring numerous new enemy designs. Although there are aspects of multiversal storytelling, particularly in the final act of Subspace Emissary, the campaign focuses primarily on their collective struggle rather than providing an explanation for why these characters are together in the same world.

A similar structure can be seen in World of Light, the campaign mode of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, where video game characters from different franchises unite to combat a common enemy. However, there is limited explanation as to why these characters find themselves in the same world. This differs notably from recent multiversal stories like the upcoming Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 campaign, where Vlad Plasmius distorts the multiverse to bring Nickelodeon characters together. NASB2 emphasizes the justification of crossovers through specific lore, something that Smash has not prioritized in its storytelling. While this may appear as a weakness, it may actually suit the narrative of Smash's future games perfectly.

A Smash Ultimate Sequel Needs an Original Story

Multiverses are currently experiencing a surge in popularity across various forms of entertainment, such as films and games. These multiverses and crossovers are often explored in media like the MCU and NASB2. However, it would be refreshing for the next installment in the Smash series to deviate from the norm and forego the extensive backstory, opting instead to immediately immerse players in the crossover experience, similar to Subspace Emissary and World of Light. This alternative approach to handling a multiverse in Smash, influenced by industry trends, would provide a unique twist and fortunately, the game already has prior experience in this regard. A potential Smash Ultimate sequel should prioritize enjoyable interactions between Nintendo characters rather than burdening players with excessive lore.

That being said, a Smash campaign still requires some form of narrative. Subspace Emissary was well-received largely due to its intricate character arcs and formidable villains. However, the focus should not be on expanding the larger lore of the multiverse. Perhaps Sora Ltd. and Bandai Namco could adopt a FromSoftware-inspired approach, subtly incorporating snippets of lore throughout the campaign while maintaining an emphasis on action and the central conflict. Smash stories will always be undeniably connected to the concept of the multiverse due to the inherent nature of the game, but by adhering to the successful formula established by Subspace Emissary, these narratives can maintain their special appeal.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is available now for Nintendo Switch.