Summary
At the moment, many players are waiting for the promised return ofMultiVersus. Using properties under Warner Bros.’ umbrella, this platform fighter took many people by surprise in the summer of 2022, with not only a free price tag and availability on multiple platforms, but a unique co-op twist to the genre. WhileSuper Smash Bros.had been mostly dominated by duels or mass free-for-alls,MultiVersusemphasized its 2-on-2 format with synergistic moves and perks. It was a great alternative toSuper Smash Bros., especially afterSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate’s post-launch support had concluded.
Unfortunately, the good times couldn’t last, and support forMultiVersuspetered out before its open beta ended in the middle of 2023. The game is set to launch in early 2024, and rumors say thatMultiVersuscould have news about its release soon. However, during its hiatus, speculation also flared up about the nextSuper Smash Bros.entry. Chances are good that the upcoming Nintendo Switch successor will host aSuper Smash Bros. 6at some point, so the most pressing question is what form it will take. Regardless of howMultiVersusfares upon its return, the nextSmash Bros.should still learn a few things from its platform fighter peer.
The Next Super Smash Bros. Could Benefit From MultiVersus’ Team-Based Twist
Super Smash Bros. Ultimateis the ultimateSuper Smash Bros., exactly as its title claims. With all the characters, most of the stages, and so much more from past titles, it’s hard to describeSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatein any other way. However, being the pinnacle of its franchise means the nextSmash Bros.sits between a rock and a hard place. Unless Nintendo pulls aMario Kart 8 Deluxewith an updatedSuper Smash Bros. Ultimaterelease on its next console, a newSmash Bros.game will have to build its content back up from nothing.
Building Around MultiVersus’ Doubles Format Could Be Smash’s Next Hook
The only other option forSuper Smash Bros. 6is to bring something new to the series that not evenUltimatehad. Fans have discussed the possibility of an arena fighterSuper Smash Bros., but copyingMultiVersus’ defining co-op focuswould letSmashkeep its platform fighter trappings. One of the reasons whyMultiVersusgot so much attention was that it emphasizedSmash’s old doubles format through its character abilities, somethingSmashhas never tried. It may be time forSuper Smash Bros. 6to attempt a team-based approach, and it has plenty of ways to do so.
How Super Smash Bros. 6 Can Adapt MultiVersus' Teams
Just by examiningMultiVersus’ roster, many ways to updateSuper Smash Bros.for synergistic team play become apparent. Even characters built around direct fighting, likeMultiVersus’ Assassin and Bruiser classes, have at least one trait that directly affects teammates, like Finn the Human’s coin system. This is even more apparent forMultiVersus’ Support fighters, althoughSuper Smash Bros.will need to think carefully about including play styles like that, as their very presence implies a full commitment to team-centric gameplay.
What Super Smash Bros. Can Do To Emphasize Its 2v2 Format
Super Smash Bros.doesn’t need to limit itself toMultiVersus’ strategies, either. TheSmashfranchise already has access to concepts that could spice up team pay, like rebuilding its cast around custom special moves to allow two teammates to assume different roles through loadouts. Nintendo’s iconic roster also has plenty of teamwork-oriented abilities in their repertoire, like Mario and Luigi using Bros. Attacks fromMario & Luigiby jumping on their teammates, or Kirby buffing allies with his series' co-op interactions.Smashalready has a functioning doubles format, and it would be easy to build it up further.MultiVersus’ cooperative direction could be just whatSuper Smash Bros. 6needs to stay at the top of its game.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
WHERE TO PLAY
Gaming icons clash in the ultimate brawl you can play anytime, anywhere! Smash rivals off the stage as new characters Simon Belmont and King K. Rool join Inkling, Ridley, and every fighter in Super Smash Bros. history. Enjoy enhanced speed and combat at new stages based on the Castlevania series, Super Mario Odyssey, and more!Having trouble choosing a stage? Then select the Stage Morph option to transform one stage into another while battling—a series first! Plus, new echo fighters Dark Samus, Richter Belmont, and Chrom join the battle. Whether you play locally or online, savor the faster combat, new attacks, and new defensive options, like a perfect shield. Jam out to 900 different music compositions and go 1-on-1 with a friend, hold a 4-player free-for-all, kick it up to 8-player battles and more!
