We Played the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Demo: Here’s What We Thought

Only a month away from the game’s release and Nintendo is giving fans more opportunities to test Super Smash Bro’s Ultimate. Announced earlier this year at E3, the time between the game’s initial announcement and its release has been brief. As a result, fans of the game have been on a non-stop hype-train, wherein new information on the game has been consistently released. Nintendo has also held select events for fans to play the game prior to its release.

These events started popping up at competitive Smash tournaments after the game’s initial announcement, giving those in the competitive scene a chance to test the game’s new engine. As noted in Nintendo’s E3 presentation, the game that individuals played early in Ultimate’s marketing cycle was not complete, and game developer Masahiro Sakurai would be making changes based upon the data gathered from these test-plays.

Part of these select demo sessions is the Super Smash Brother Ultimate: Wendy’s College Tailgate Tour. This tour features a mobile Smash stadium, situating it near football fields across America in a ten-stop, cross-country tour. This stadium includes 5 setups, which allow players to face off in a 4 v. 4 free-for-all, in addition to a boxing ring-themed main-stage that allows select competitors to face off in a 1 v. 1 showdown.

Hosted by Twitch streamer and Nintendo host StuntManGene, the Tailgate Tour gives fans a chance to play the game and receive exclusive Super Smash Bros. Ultimate merchandise.

Making its way to West Virginia, I was able to head down to the most recent stop of the Tailgate Tour. Starting at 8:00 a.m. on a frigid, snowy morning, the event was still packed. Players of all ages and experience levels were there to test out the new game. In fact, as the host noted, this was the first time fans could play the full game on the Tailgate Tour – previous stops working off the limited E3 build. Since this build, changes and tweaks have been made to the game.

Despite the weather and crowd, I was able to get in six games before my hands were entirely frozen. In this time, I gathered my initial impressions of what fans can expect in the upcoming title. Judging from the gameplay footage we have seen, pundits have noted the game’s increased pace, in addition to some keen adjustments to the mechanics.

In my time with the game, I think this is absolutely true. In playing my mains (Cpt. Falcon, Falco, and Mario), in addition to the newcomer Isabelle, the changes to the game’s mechanics were evident. Most notably were the increased speed and mobility options. Compared to Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, I felt as though I was gliding across the stage. In addition to the mobility, substantial changes have made to the game’s knockback. Compared to Smash 4, the initial knockback a player takes subsequent to being hit is significantly greater. In response to this new knockback, I believe players will have to take a more creative approach to comboing their opponent.

The adjustments in game’s engine will most certainly affect the competitive landscape of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, but multiple changes in the casual aspect of the game were also apparent. New items and stages ramp up the chaotic frenzy of a 4-player free-for-all. At times, my time with the demo turned from a test of skill to a smattering of colors, shapes, and Nintendo mascots- I couldn’t help but smile at this perfectly orchestrated chaos.

During the two hours I spent at the event, I experienced some exciting features coming to the newest game. However, you don’t have to take my word for it. After the event, I was able to talk with professional Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Wii U player Demise – Seagull Joe. Ranked No. 3 in the MD/VA region, Seagull has taken top placing in some of the nation’s largest Super Smash Bros. tournaments.

In our conversation, Seagull noted the changes in the game’s mechanics, stating: “ I think the faster engine will improve the overall gameplay itself. People will need to react quicker since every character can move quicker than before.”

In a previous report, we noted the changes made in the newest Smash game are embracing the competitive aspect of Super Smash Bros. Seagull thinks competitors of the game will see an increased support from Nintendo.   “It seems like Nintendo actually cares about the competition scene this time. More transparency is always a good thing,” Seagull shares.

In playing the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate demo, I was able to experience the new changes Nintendo has made to the franchise, all of which I think are improvements. However, there is still so much to explore in the game. Only time will reveal the full potential of the newest Smash game.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will be released for Nintendo Switch on December 7.