
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
"The definitive crossover fighting game featuring every fighter in series history."
Score
93.0/10
Overview
Players pick up controllers on December 7, 2018 to battle across a galaxy of stages where the goal is simple but brutal: knock opponents off the edge until they fly into the abyss. Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. built this fifth main entry under Nintendo's direction, expanding the roster to include every character from previous games alongside new challengers like Joker and Sora. The experience relies on momentum-based physics rather than health bars, meaning damage percentages stack up until a single well-timed hit sends a fighter tumbling.
Behind the scenes, the development team navigated complex licensing deals to secure appearances from franchises ranging from Final Fantasy to Mega Man. Composer Hideki Sakamoto led a massive audio effort that curated over 800 tracks, dynamically shifting intensity as battles raged. This approach turned the game into a living museum of gaming history while maintaining tight, responsive controls for competitive play.
Gameplay
The core loop involves up to eight players engaging in platform-based combat where each hit increases an opponent's damage percentage. Higher percentages make fighters easier to launch off-stage, turning the match into a test of positioning and recovery skills. Characters utilize standard attacks, special moves, aerials, and smash attacks that can be charged for maximum power. Recovery mechanics allow players to use multiple jumps, grabs, and unique character-specific abilities to return to the battlefield after being knocked away.
Technical performance targets 60 frames per second in both handheld and docked modes. The engine supports dynamic music that intensifies during critical moments and features high-fidelity textures for fighters and environments. A dedicated tournament mode lets organizers manage brackets and rulesets without external software, while Amiibo support allows users to train custom figures with unique stats and move sets.
Story
In World of Light, a Mii Fighter created by the player awakens in a void consumed by darkness after an attack by the entity Galeem. The protagonist must explore a vast map, defeat bosses representing various franchises, and rescue captured fighters to restore light to the world. The narrative culminates in a confrontation with Galeem and his rival Dharkon, offering multiple endings based on completion rates and player choices. This adventure mode serves as the primary narrative vehicle since the game lacks a traditional linear campaign.
Trailers
Awards & Acclaim
The Game Awards: Best Fighting Game: (2018)
BAFTA Games Awards: Multiplayer: (2019)
SXSW Gaming Awards: Excellence in Audio: (2019)
SXSW Gaming Awards: Outstanding Achievement in Animation: (2019)
Keywords
Sources
Game Info
- Developer
- Sora Ltd., Bandai Namco Studios
- Publisher
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine (optimized for Switch)
- Release Date
- December 7, 2018
- Age Rating
- E10+
- Modes
- Single-player, Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer, World of Light
- Platforms
- Nintendo Switch
- Total Playable Fighters
- 89
- Music Tracks
- Over 800
- Initial Roster Size
- 74 characters
- Resolution (Docked)
- 900p at 60fps
- Resolution (Handheld)
- 720p at 60fps
- Sales (Early 2020)
- Over 25 million copies
- Latest Update Version
- 13.0.5 (September 2026)
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