Why does Smash Bros have non Nintendo characters?

Why Does Smash Bros Have Non-Nintendo Characters?

The Super Smash Bros. series has always been known for its eclectic mix of characters from various Nintendo franchises, as well as a few third-party characters thrown into the mix. This has led to a natural question: why does Smash Bros have non-Nintendo characters? In this article, we’ll explore the history and reasoning behind the inclusion of non-Nintendo characters in the series.

The Early Years

The first Super Smash Bros. game, released in 1999 for the Nintendo 64, featured a cast of exclusively Nintendo characters. This made sense, given the game’s origins as a Nintendo-developed title. However, as the series evolved, Nintendo began to collaborate with other developers and publishers to include non-Nintendo characters in the game.

The Addition of Third-Party Characters

The first non-Nintendo character to be included in the series was Sonic the Hedgehog, who debuted in Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001) for the GameCube. This was a significant departure from the series’ previous focus on Nintendo characters only. Since then, several other third-party characters have been added to the roster, including Solid Snake from the Metal Gear series, Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII, and Bayonetta from the Bayonetta series.

Why Nintendo Chose to Include Third-Party Characters

So, why did Nintendo decide to include non-Nintendo characters in the series? According to Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of the Super Smash Bros. series, the inclusion of third-party characters was a way to expand the game’s appeal and reach a broader audience. By including characters from other franchises, Nintendo hoped to attract players who may not have been interested in the series otherwise.

The Benefits of Inclusion

The inclusion of third-party characters has had several benefits for the series. For one, it has allowed Nintendo to collaborate with other developers and publishers, leading to new and innovative gameplay experiences. Additionally, the inclusion of third-party characters has expanded the series’ reach and appeal, attracting players who may not have been interested in the series otherwise.

The Challenges of Inclusion

However, the inclusion of third-party characters has also presented some challenges. For one, it has required significant development and localization efforts, as Nintendo needs to work with other developers and publishers to ensure that the characters are integrated seamlessly into the game. Additionally, the inclusion of third-party characters has raised concerns about balance and fairness, as some players may feel that certain characters have an unfair advantage or disadvantage.

The Future of Non-Nintendo Characters in Smash Bros

So, what’s the future of non-Nintendo characters in the Super Smash Bros. series? According to Sakurai, the series will continue to feature a mix of Nintendo and third-party characters, with new characters being added to the roster on a regular basis. While some fans may be skeptical about the inclusion of non-Nintendo characters, the benefits of this approach are clear: the series has become more diverse and appealing to a wider audience, and the collaboration with other developers and publishers has led to new and innovative gameplay experiences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the inclusion of non-Nintendo characters in the Super Smash Bros. series has been a deliberate choice made by Nintendo to expand the game’s appeal and reach a broader audience. While there have been challenges associated with this approach, the benefits are clear: the series has become more diverse and appealing to a wider audience, and the collaboration with other developers and publishers has led to new and innovative gameplay experiences. As the series continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Nintendo chooses to balance the inclusion of non-Nintendo characters with the needs and expectations of its fans.