Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, released in 2018 for the Nintendo Switch, is the latest entry in Nintendo’s beloved fighting game series. Developed by Masahiro Sakurai and his team at Bandai Namco Studios, the game builds upon its predecessors to create the most expansive and refined Smash Bros. experience to date.
At its core, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a crossover fighting game that brings together an impressive roster of characters from across gaming history. Featuring over 80 playable fighters, including Nintendo icons like Mario, Link, and Pikachu, as well as third-party characters such as Cloud (Final Fantasy), Joker (Persona 5), and Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII), the game offers a diverse selection of fighters with unique abilities and playstyles.
One of Ultimate’s standout features is its tagline: “Everyone is here!” This means that every character from previous Smash Bros. games has returned, making it the largest roster in the franchise’s history. In addition to classic fighters, the game introduced newcomers like Inkling (Splatoon), Ridley (Metroid), and Simon Belmont (Castlevania), adding even more variety to its fast-paced battles.
The gameplay retains the signature platform fighting mechanics that fans love while introducing improvements to speed, balance, and competitive play. Players battle on iconic stages from gaming history, using a mix of standard attacks, special moves, and powerful Final Smashes to knock opponents off the screen. With adjustable rulesets, items, and hazards, the game caters to both casual and competitive players.
One of the game’s most engaging modes is World of Light, an adventure-style campaign where players guide Kirby in a quest to rescue fighters from the mysterious entity Galeem. This mode introduces Spirits, collectible characters that enhance fighters’ abilities, adding a layer of strategy to battles.
The game also boasts a robust multiplayer mode, supporting local and online matches with customizable rules. Competitive players can test their skills in Elite Smash, while casual players can enjoy chaotic free-for-alls with friends. The game’s DLC Fighter Passes have continued to expand the roster, introducing fan-favorite characters like Sora (Kingdom Hearts) and Steve (Minecraft).
With its expansive roster, refined gameplay, and engaging content, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is truly the definitive fighting game for fans of all skill levels. Whether playing solo or with friends, the game delivers endless excitement, making it one of the best-selling and most beloved games on the Nintendo Switch.