Super Smash Bros. Ultimate more than lives up to its name. The crossover fighter packs in every character from the series history, characters than span the entire video game industry from Nintendo, Sega, Capcom, Square Enix, Konami, and even Microsoft. And along with paid DLC characters the game has fleshed itself out with free new modes.
But why is the game so big? We’re not complaining, we’re just curious. I always figured the team rightfully recognized that the Nintendo Switch’s popularity could allow for much greater success. The sales figures bear that out. However, the actual answer may be much more heartwarming, if bittersweet.
Sakurai at Game Awards:
I’m sorry for bringing up this personal story at a time like this…but making Smash Bros on the Switch was the last mission the late Satoru Iwata gave to me….I’ve put my all into the game, and with more DLC I will continue to work hard. https://t.co/cH3SxcN05Y— PushDustIn (@PushDustIn) September 13, 2019
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate took home several awards this week at the Tokyo Game Show. And during his acceptance speech, franchise mastermind Masahiro Sakurai specifically mentioned how the game was the final task given to him by Nintendo President Satoru Iwata, who passed away in 2015.
Before their meteoric ascent through Nintendo, Sakurai and Iwata worked together at HAL Laboratory. And even after Sakurai became a free agent, Iwata could count on him to deliver Smash Bros. games for new Nintendo systems. Iwata even announced Super Smash Bros. Brawl on stage at E3 2005 before officially asking Sakurai to take the reigns. Iwata’s history as a game developer helped him collaborate with other studios even as president. Read this book of his Iwata Asks interviews for more insight into his process.
Because of this personal connection, Sakurai is giving his all into this ultimate fighting game, constantly working and now committing to deliver even more DLC fighters beyond the promised five. Just don’t expect any non-video game characters like Goku or Iron Man. It’s a touching story of professional friendship. We hope Sakurai gets to rest soon!
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is available now. Read our review of this majestic video game pageant. And for more check out cool Switch games to play that aren’t Smash Bros., because those definitely exist.
