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Is Smash 2018 a port, or a new game?

Yesterday we had a whole slew of new games revealed on Nintendo's latest Direct, but the title that stood out as the presentation ended, was Super Smash Bros.

One thing Nintendo conveniently forgot to mention or hint at in any way; is the game a port of the WiiU Smash, following the trend of a lot of the current AAA Switch library? Or is it an entirely new Smash, just for Switch? Or maybe it's a mix of the 2, a DX version?

We've already had a ton of theories in the Super Smash Brothers announce thread - but here, we would like you to cast a vote!

 

[TotalInsanity4]

do you think crash could be in smash

Smash Bandicoot

 

[Futurdreamz]

I think we need to go through the logic

1. The Physics engine is fleshed out and solid, and dramatically changing it would only be detrimental
2. The character models and textures are complete, and the Switch has no use for higher resolution assets.
3. Smash is a game where the general idea is always consistent, no matter the platform.
4. Nintendo already has the source code and original files for SmashWiiU on hand.

Throwing that all away, including the full and debugged game engine? That's a complete waste of time. Nintendo would then have to spend several years rewriting it from scratch, then even longer squashing bugs and rebalancing characters. And then the Switch becomes the next console that becomes hackable thanks to a bug in Smash Bros.

Alternatively, Nintendo can import that code into their Switch devkits, replace all Wii U OS API hooks for Switch OS hooks (not that there are that many), change just enough code that it transitions from docked to portable mode properly, then use the rest of their free time to add more stages and characters, and bring back Subspace Emissary.

 

[aofelix]

I think we need to go through the logic

1. The Physics engine is fleshed out and solid, and dramatically changing it would only be detrimental
2. The character models and textures are complete, and the Switch has no use for higher resolution assets.
3. Smash is a game where the general idea is always consistent, no matter the platform.
4. Nintendo already has the source code and original files for SmashWiiU on hand.

Throwing that all away, including the full and debugged game engine? That's a complete waste of time. Nintendo would then have to spend several years rewriting it from scratch, then even longer squashing bugs and rebalancing characters. And then the Switch becomes the next console that becomes hackable thanks to a bug in Smash Bros.

Alternatively, Nintendo can import that code into their Switch devkits, replace all Wii U OS API hooks for Switch OS hooks (not that there are that many), change just enough code that it transitions from docked to portable mode properly, then use the rest of their free time to add more stages and characters, and bring back Subspace Emissary.

Thank you.

I think people are failing to grasp the power difference between the Wii U and Switch is nearly non existent compared to the jump between the Wii and the Wii U etc.

They can mess with a few things but a fully re-designed game from the ground up would just be so unnecessary on Nintendo's part when they could be concentrating on additional content. refinement and roster.

 

[Deleted User]

I think we need to go through the logic

1. The Physics engine is fleshed out and solid, and dramatically changing it would only be detrimental
2. The character models and textures are complete, and the Switch has no use for higher resolution assets.
3. Smash is a game where the general idea is always consistent, no matter the platform.
4. Nintendo already has the source code and original files for SmashWiiU on hand.

Throwing that all away, including the full and debugged game engine? That's a complete waste of time. Nintendo would then have to spend several years rewriting it from scratch, then even longer squashing bugs and rebalancing characters. And then the Switch becomes the next console that becomes hackable thanks to a bug in Smash Bros.

Alternatively, Nintendo can import that code into their Switch devkits, replace all Wii U OS API hooks for Switch OS hooks (not that there are that many), change just enough code that it transitions from docked to portable mode properly, then use the rest of their free time to add more stages and characters, and bring back Subspace Emissary.

If you had watched the video I submitted (which I assume not since it wasn't directed at you) you would see that the whole of Smash 4 was made in 2.5 years (both versions). It isn't farfetched to assume that Sakurai knew about the Switch and had development tools around Feb. 2016 (since that was the last DLC update for Smash 4), and if you add 2.5 years you end up at August 2018, leaving them a few months to perfect it even more before November, which was the release date of Smash 4 and just a guess for this one. Not to mention Nintendo themselves called it an "All new game" so, I mean, the evidence really is irrefutable.

 

[Selim873]

Even though I own Sm4sh on both Wii U and 3DS, I wouldn't be upset if it's an enhanced port. I'm not sure what the general consensus is on Sm4sh but I enjoy the mechanics of it at the level I'm capable of playing at (which is nowhere near anything that could be considered 'competitive'). I know a lot of people are anxious for a return to the mechanics of Melee, but I've been playing Smash Bros. since day 1 of Smash 64 and I've gotta say that I prefer the series moving forward rather than regressing; we don't need to retread the same ground that Melee did in what...2002?

Not trying to hate on Melee in any way, I played a ton of it when it dropped and I certainly have nostalgia for it but it would be nice to see people embrace the newer games a bit more. Sure, at a highly competitive level there's a lot of stuff that eludes be about the nuance and differences between the games but from a "fun" standpoint I feel like the newer games are smoother feeling and I for one feel like I'm more in control of my character. I know those statements will likely attract some negative attention towards me but it's just my opinion.

I wouldn't be upset either. I think Smash 4 is as perfect as it gets. It's like Melee but less buggy. It also wasn't floaty as hell like Brawl was. Brawl was the worst Smash game, to be honest. Although I did like Brawl's story mode, I always preferred Melee's Adventure Mode.

 

[TotalInsanity4]

If you had watched the video I submitted (which I assume not since it wasn't directed at you) you would see that the whole of Smash 4 was made in 2.5 years (both versions). It isn't farfetched to assume that Sakurai knew about the Switch and had development tools around Feb. 2016 (since that was the last DLC update for Smash 4), and if you add 2.5 years you end up at August 2018, leaving them a few months to perfect it even more before November, which was the release date of Smash 4 and just a guess for this one. Not to mention Nintendo themselves called it an "All new game" so, I mean, the evidence really is irrefutable.

It can be an all new game while using assets from the previous game. I think it would be foolish to rebuild everything from the ground up when they have perfectly good high definition assets at their disposal that they can focus on perfecting, rather than building

 

[Kioku]

It can be an all new game while using assets from the previous game. I think it would be foolish to rebuild everything from the ground up when they have perfectly good high definition assets at their disposal that they can focus on perfecting, rather than building

Why would that be foolish? If HAL is back at the reigns, and there's new/updated characters (Link/Mario with Cappy.) it'd make sense to go all new this time around. I get what you're saying, though.

 

[PrincessLillie]

Switch has had nothing but ports other than oddysee

So Mario + Rabbids is a port too?

 

[aofelix]

Why would that be foolish? If HAL is back at the reigns, and there's new/updated characters (Link/Mario with Cappy.) it'd make sense to go all new this time around. I get what you're saying, though.

I think the point is they have re-usable assets. Its not that they're going to re-use ALL the assets, but its perfectly plausible that development time will be much quicker than the previous smash bros because they have so much of the work already done.

I completely agree with you that the actual roster need an update. Mario now has cappy, BOTW Link is now the link everyone knows [and also the picture of every game of the year awards banner hehe], we have the ever more famous Fire Emblem characters, a new Xenoblade 2 game which could do with more promoting given how good it is, Wooly Yoshi who would look adorable and a flock of third parties willing to now play with Nintendo [CARTMAN TO SMASH BROS PLZZZZ].

 

[Xzi]

There's no reason for them to change engines from Sm4sh. It'll be a new game in the same engine, simple as that. I hope to see a lot of the older cast get new movesets though. BotW Link, Odyssey Mario, and even Allies Kirby would be cool.

 

[AkikoKumagara]

New game. Different development team than Smash 4.

 

[aofelix]

There's no reason for them to change engines from Sm4sh. It'll be a new game in the same engine, simple as that. I hope to see a lot of the older cast get new movesets though. BotW Link, Odyssey Mario, and even Allies Kirby would be cool.

Yup.

I think if it really does end up just being a port, then Nintendo will deserve the backlash of being extremely lazy with such an important game for the Switch. They got away with it for MK Deluxe because the small additions they did really perfected a game which is so popular and was so necessary at the time given the lack of titles.

I actually can't think of a reason for why they would do that, given how important a good Smash game is for the Switch, especially as its now portable and has the potential to blow up far more than it ever has.




Also someone posted Sakurai "might" have known about the Switch a few years ago. I don't think there's any need for a "might" in that sentence.

Nintendo have proven with XC2, BOTW, MK Deluxe and Odyssey, they really aren't messing about anymore [except with bluetooth audio and online functionality].

Also Smash Bros is the poster-child for their stupid online service which will probably be really poor value and rubbish. They HAVE to get this game right so that we all sign up for a years worth of subpar online service. Hopefully they grasp that.

 

[Xzi]

I actually can't think of a reason for why they would do that, given how important a good Smash game is for the Switch, especially as its now portable and has the potential to blow up far more than it ever has.

There isn't any reason they'd do that. There isn't any reason they'd give us a teaser trailer for a "DX" version, either. They'd just reveal it if it was Sm4sh, and they wouldn't open on new characters.

 

[aofelix]

There isn't any reason they'd do that. There isn't any reason they'd give us a teaser trailer for a "DX" version, either. They'd just reveal it if it was Sm4sh, and they wouldn't open on new characters.

Yup I agree and think you're right.

I think the fears of a port are warranted given Mario Kart/Bayonetta/Pokken but ultimately wrong.

 

[pedro702]

if sakurai is producing it be prepared for delays lol, all smash games got delays so im thinkng more summer 2019

 

[Anfroid]

1. The Physics engine is fleshed out and solid, and dramatically changing it would only be detrimental

Imagine they add a "melee mode" just to shut up all those melee fans.

 

[KingVamp]

This might be interesting for some people.

[CARTMAN TO SMASH BROS PLZZZZ].

No.

 

[Xzi]

if sakurai is producing it be prepared for delays lol, all smash games got delays so im thinkng more summer 2019

I think it'll make launch by end of 2018, but I'm not expecting earlier than holidays. Remember, same engine, it should be pretty easy to work with and tweak.

 

[deinonychus71]

If you had watched the video I submitted (which I assume not since it wasn't directed at you) you would see that the whole of Smash 4 was made in 2.5 years (both versions). It isn't farfetched to assume that Sakurai knew about the Switch and had development tools around Feb. 2016 (since that was the last DLC update for Smash 4), and if you add 2.5 years you end up at August 2018, leaving them a few months to perfect it even more before November, which was the release date of Smash 4 and just a guess for this one. Not to mention Nintendo themselves called it an "All new game" so, I mean, the evidence really is irrefutable.

His argument is: What's the point of reworking everything when you already got a solid core experience, and there is next to no technical gap between the Wii U and Switch?
Answer: There is none. It is beneficial to both Nintendo AND the players to work from Smash 4 and extend it.

And that "evidence" you're all talking about is really assuming Nintendo will not play with words like pretty much all companies do nowadays.
A sequel of a game, very often today, is no more than a port with additional content and old content removed. There are new features, but because it has the number "5" instead of "4" won't make it a full new game technically.
Now, whether Smash 4 + 3ds content + adventure mode + new stages/character is a "new" game to people is up to everyone's judgement. I consider it to be an enhanced port, and I'm fine with that. If people want to call it a brand new game they can, but the difference will be purely marketing (and whether they remove smash 4 content or not)

 

[TotalInsanity4]

Why would that be foolish? If HAL is back at the reigns, and there's new/updated characters (Link/Mario with Cappy.) it'd make sense to go all new this time around. I get what you're saying, though.

I think the point is they have re-usable assets. Its not that they're going to re-use ALL the assets, but its perfectly plausible that development time will be much quicker than the previous smash bros because they have so much of the work already done.

I completely agree with you that the actual roster need an update. Mario now has cappy, BOTW Link is now the link everyone knows [and also the picture of every game of the year awards banner hehe], we have the ever more famous Fire Emblem characters, a new Xenoblade 2 game which could do with more promoting given how good it is, Wooly Yoshi who would look adorable and a flock of third parties willing to now play with Nintendo [CARTMAN TO SMASH BROS PLZZZZ].

That