Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has emerged as a flagship title for the Nintendo Switch, captivating fans with its extensive roster and refined gameplay. This latest installment merges decades of nostalgic content from the Super Smash Bros. franchise, offering players a comprehensive fighting experience. With the largest selection of characters and stages ever seen in the series, Ultimate represents a monumental achievement in Nintendo’s fighting game legacy.
However, one area that still requires attention is the online gameplay. Historically, the Super Smash Bros. series has encountered challenges with its online modes. In the case of Ultimate, the multiplayer features could benefit from additional options. As Nintendo gears up for its next console, it’s prudent to consider enhancements inspired by Super Smash Bros. for Wii U to elevate the online experience.
Enhancements for Future Smash Games
Reviving For Fun and For Glory Modes
To enrich the online experience, the next Super Smash Bros. installment should consider reintroducing the dual online modes featured in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U: For Fun and For Glory. These modes distinguished casual gameplay, allowing the use of items and a variety of stages in For Fun, while For Glory provided a more competitive environment by restricting items and focusing on balanced stages.
In contrast, Ultimate offers a singular Quickplay mode, which lacks the nuanced ruleset options available in its predecessor. While players can express a preferred ruleset, there is no assurance they will compete against others with similar guidelines. Implementing dedicated casual and competitive modes would clarify expectations for players and enhance their overall match experience.
Addressing Competitive Disparity
Another significant challenge in Ultimate is how its ranked multiplayer system operates. Competitors earn Global Smash Points, and their points determine matchmaking. This can lead to imbalances, as casual players who win a few matches may find themselves matched against highly skilled opponents, disrupting their experience. Similarly, competitive players may inadvertently encounter items and rules that distract from their practice.
By offering modes like For Fun and For Glory, players could more easily find matches against others with similar playing styles. This segmentation helps mitigate disparities, allowing players to enjoy the game according to their preferences. Casual gamers can relax without stressing over points, while competitive players have additional motivation to engage meaningfully online.
Expanding Online Gameplay Options
To further enhance the online experience, Nintendo should consider introducing additional game modes in the next Super Smash Bros. title. Currently, Ultimate features only three multiplayer options, all of which have limited customization. Expanding the variety of gameplay modes—potentially reviving features like Smash Run from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS—could significantly enrich the player experience.
While Super Smash Bros. Ultimate stands as an exceptional title on the Switch, its online capabilities could be more robust. The limited options currently available, along with the challenges posed by varying playstyles, can deter new players from fully engaging. As Nintendo moves toward the next generation of consoles and the future of the franchise, improvements in the online gameplay could establish the next title as the definitive Super Smash Bros. experience.
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