Currently, players eagerly anticipate the revival of MultiVersus, a platform fighter featuring Warner Bros.' characters. This game, which surprised many in 2022 with its free-to-play model and cross-platform availability, introduced a unique co-op element to the genre. Unlike the predominantly one-on-one or chaotic free-for-all battles in Super Smash Bros., MultiVersus focused on 2v2 matches with collaborative moves and perks. This shift offered a refreshing alternative to Super Smash Bros., particularly after the conclusion of post-launch support for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Although the excitement surrounding MultiVersus waned before its open beta concluded in mid-2023, the game is slated for an early 2024 release, with rumors suggesting imminent updates. During its hiatus, speculation emerged about the next installment of Super Smash Bros. It is highly likely that the future Nintendo Switch successor will host Super Smash Bros. 6, prompting speculation about its form. Regardless of MultiVersus' success upon its return, the next Smash Bros. iteration can draw valuable lessons from this platform fighter.
Super Smash Bros. 6: Infusing MultiVersus’ Team-Based Dynamics
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate stands as the epitome of the series, featuring a vast array of characters, stages, and content from previous releases. Describing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in any other way would be a challenge. However, this pinnacle position poses a dilemma for the next Smash Bros. Unless Nintendo opts for an updated release akin to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, a new Smash Bros. must rebuild its offerings from scratch.
Exploring MultiVersus’ Doubles Format for Smash’s Evolution
For Super Smash Bros. 6, the key lies in introducing novel elements not present in Ultimate. Enthusiasts have debated the concept of an arena-style Smash Bros., yet replicating MultiVersus' cooperative focus could allow Smash to retain its essence as a platform fighter. MultiVersus garnered attention by highlighting Smash's traditional doubles format through character abilities, a realm Smash has yet to explore. It might be time for Super Smash Bros. 6 to venture into a team-oriented direction, with ample avenues for implementation.
Incorporating MultiVersus' Team Concepts into Super Smash Bros. 6
An analysis of MultiVersus' character roster unveils numerous possibilities for enhancing team dynamics in Super Smash Bros.. Even characters primarily focused on combat, such as MultiVersus' Assassin and Bruiser classes, possess traits that directly impact teammates, like Finn the Human's coin system. This notion is further accentuated in MultiVersus' Support characters. However, Super Smash Bros. must carefully consider integrating such playstyles, as they inherently demand a commitment to team-centric gameplay.
Enhancing Super Smash Bros.' 2v2 Format
Super Smash Bros. can expand beyond MultiVersus' strategies. With the franchise's potential to introduce innovative team dynamics, revamping the character roster to accommodate custom special moves could enable teammates to assume diverse roles through personalized loadouts. Nintendo's iconic characters possess teamwork-centric abilities, like Mario and Luigi's Bros. Attacks from Mario & Luigi or Kirby's cooperative interactions. Leveraging its existing doubles format, Super Smash Bros. can elevate its gameplay further. Drawing inspiration from MultiVersus' cooperative ethos could propel Super Smash Bros. 6 to the forefront of gaming innovation.