Top Five Announcements from Today's Super Smash Bros. Direct

This evening, Super Smash Bros. director, Kirby creator, and Kid Icarus: Uprising director Masahiro Sakurai hosted a global Nintendo Direct regarding both upcoming additions to the Super Smash Bros. line, one for the Nintendo 3DS, releasing this Summer, and one for the Wii U, releasing this Winter. This 39 minute Direct was packed with information, truly showing up past efforts. We watched the Direct live, like many of you, and we've checked out the footage again to assess the coolest announcements made from the Direct. After we've listed our faves, let us know what moments and announcements that came from today's showing excite you most!

5) Release periods revealed

To kick things off, Sakurai mentioned something that was confirmed to be touched upon before the Direct even started, the release periods. Thankfully, both games are not releasing on the same day, or even the same season. No, the 3DS version will be releasing first, this Summer, with the Wii U game releasing in Winter 2014.

Almost immediately when this information was revealed, the typical Nintendo Chicken Littles ran around as if their heads had been chopped off, decrying how the Wii U was even more doomed than it already was. Comments such as Nintendo basically admitting and finding solace with the Wii U being a failure, how the 3DS version makes the Wii U version undesirable and pointless, and how Nintendo just shot themselves in the foot run rampant.

However, if one takes a logical approach, which is very difficult to do in this knee-jerk reaction obsessed industry of ours, they can find that this makes sense. For one, the 3DS version most likely has taken the least amount of time to develop. Now, this is just an assumption, but go with us here (even if we're mistaken, we have other reasons why it makes sense anyway). Why delay a game that is finished just to release after a Wii U version that isn't quite ready yet? Shouldn't we be pleased that we're getting one of the versions this summer?

Also, both games are considered Super Smash Bros. 4 and 5, their own entries. While they share the same roster of all-stars, the content in the games are completely different. We're talking about different trophies to collect, different music in the game, different graphical styles, and probably the most important, different stages! Even the one stage the two games share, Battlefield, has a different background for both the Wii U and 3DS games. Outside of characters, stages are the most interesting part of Smash, so us getting totally unique stages for each game is absolutely awesome to us.

We also believe the development team will be looking closely at how the 3DS installment is received by players, thus resulting in some gameplay changes and refinements for the Wii U version. It's win-win to us, yet so many gamers and so-called Nintendo fans can't help but always see the bad side in any Nintendo-related situation.

4) Nintendo 3DS-exclusive mode Smash Run

It was made clear last year that both Smash Bros. titles would not be receiving anything similar to Super Smash Bros. Brawl's Subspace Emissary story mode, which admittedly was pretty "meh" of a mode. It was confirmed in this evening's Direct that the Nintendo 3DS version would be receiving an exclusive mode, entitled Smash Run.

Smash Run is a battle game of sorts, playable with up to four players. It has some similarities to and was inspired by Kirby Air Ride's City Trial mode. Smash Run has you racing against the five minute clock to venture through various segments of a dungeon. You battle enemies like Goombas, Tiki Buzzes, Kihunters, Stalfos, Reapers, Bulborbs, and more, as you explore, trying to find all-important power-ups. Once the five minutes have come to an end, you move on to a battle between all players, being buffed with the power-ups you collected in the dungeon segment of the mode. These power-ups grant you better offensive, defensive, throwing, and jumping benefits in battle.

Now, some Gloomy Guses might find this as yet another disadvantage for the Wii U version. (We swear, some Nintendo fans are so negative when it comes to the company that they'd make a Goth look like an uplifting type of person in comparison.) However, we're of the mind that the Wii U is most likely going to get its own exclusive mode, too, so we don't see a problem here, either.

3) Better online focus

Both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS Smash Bros. releases will come with online multiplayer. If you've encountered the disappointment that was Super Smash Bros. Brawl's online netcode, you are probably justified in having some trepidation towards getting hyped for playing these new Smash titles online. That said, the bare bones lineup of features that Brawl possessed greatly pale in comparison to what Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. for 3DS contain online feature-wise.

There's two modes players can enter matches into against randoms, For Fun and For Glory. More on those later. What it amounts to, though, is an experience that gives each type of player exactly what they want, and now that Nintendo Network IDs are linked to profiles, you can most likely meet better competition more easily.

Finally, a welcome feature is both games having a code of conduct. These are to make the online experience much more pleasurable than what Brawl had. In these new Smash Bros. games, you can send reports to game administrators regarding players who repeatedly self-destruct in a match, quit from games because they're losing, cheat, or enter the match and don't play. Repeated reports, that have some form of credit to them, as baseless reports are also a no-no, will result in that reported player being banned from online play for a set amount of time. The greater the grievance, the greater the off online penalty.

2) New and returning characters

Sakurai certainly knows how to push some people's buttons, doesn't he. Making watchers of the Direct believe, if just for a few seconds, that Zero Suit Samus would not be returning to these two new versions of Smash due to characters no longer being able to change form, Sakurai pulled a "troll", as the forum-savvy folks say, on all of us. Turns out Zero Suit Samus is in the games, just as a separate character this time. The same goes for Sheik, who was once an alternate character of Zelda created with a downward special attack. Not only do these two have updated move sets, but they look absolutely incredible in both versions and welcome additions to the ever-expanding roster.

More characters were revealed as well, though not as many as our greedy selves wanted. Two returning favorites were unveiled for their Smash for Wii U and 3DS debuts, Yoshi and Pokemon's Charizard. Like Bowser, Yoshi stands more upright this time rather than his Jurassic Park raptor-like stance in past games. Charizard breaks free from the shackles of just being one of three creatures summoned by Brawl's Pokemon Trainer. He's also become more agile, and even has a Final Smash that brings his Mega Evolution from Pokemon X and Y into the Smash Bros. battlefield.

Lastly, in something that disappointed us by not being Mewtwo, Greninja was revealed as a newcomer. This fully evolved form of starter Pokemon Froakie is a water-based ninja who is very nimble and light on its feet, can toss throwing stars at foes from far away, and uses its lengthy tongue as a scarf. (...We can hardly use our tongues to eat with!) Anyway, while we weren't really familiar with Greninja, we think this Pokemon is an interesting addition to the Super Smash Bros. series all the same.

1) Made for relaxed and competitive play

Final Destination, no items, Fox only. If you're heard of Super Smash Bros. before and have visited a message board related to those games in some manner, you're probably familiar with that running joke. It's a gag that uses highly competitive players of Smash Bros. as the butt of the joke.

The Super Smash Bros. series is sort of notoriously known for not being very hospitable to tournament players, due to unbalanced characters as well as dynamic stages (i.e. stages with gimmicks in them like moving platforms and otherwise unpredictable features). This is a main reason why Super Smash Bros. Brawl is not fit for competitive play while Super Smash Bros. Melee is, albeit with a limited amount of characters and stages that can be used.

Sakurai and the rest of the development team considered this when creating For Fun and For Glory modes online. The first allows players into traditional-style Smash Bros. bouts with items, dynamic stages, and typical rules. Meanwhile, For Glory is merely the Final Destination stage with no items and strictly one-on-one confrontations. When this was announced by Sakurai, we legitimately started cracking up at the irony of it all.

Not only that but our favorite announcement of all was that most stages had Final Destination versions to them. This means stages that ordinarily have unpredictable elements would be devised in such a way that they are totally vanilla in flavor. What we mean is that the stages will be perfect for tournament play. This allows both sides of the Smash Bros. spectrum, those who like the silliness and party-like gameplay of traditional Smash, and those who enjoy high level, no-nonsense competitive play, and those in between the two, to fully get the most out of these new iterations of Super Smash Bros. While we don't care for the competitive scene, we love that this is now a distinct option for those countless players who do.

Whatcha Buyin'? February 2014 - Games to Look Out For

Are you a North American who has no idea what's coming out soon? Maybe you do, and you just don't know which game(s) to pick. We at SuperPhillip Central have got you covered for releases for February 2014. There are quite a number of them that are more than worthy of your time, and we have briefly described each of them for your convenience. After you've perused our picks for the most interesting games of the month, let us know what you plan on buying, if anything. Hence our new title for this series of articles, "Whatcha Buyin'?", obviously inspired by only the greatest character in Resident Evil history. Plus, it was getting hard to alliterate on each and every month's name!

Bravely Default (3DS)
Release Date: 2/7

Many who have already been able to try out this first game on our list have called it a Final Fantasy that isn't named Final Fantasy. Everything from the art direction to the job system is very reminiscent of old school Final Fantasy games, particularly Final Fantasy V. The title, Bravely Default, refers to how combat works. With Default you can store battle points and then with Brave you can unleash multiple attacks in a single turn with a single character. The release in North America is but a week away, and Bravely Default seems like another game for 3DS owners that will be hard to break away from.

The LEGO Movie Videogame (Multi)
Release Date: 2/7

While we weren't too keen on LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, we will allow TT Games, the developer, one mulligan. The LEGO Movie Videogame is releasing alongside the film, incorporating characters and settings from it. We're hoping the level of polish is far higher than what was seen in LEGO Marvel Super Heroes and more like what was seen in LEGO City Undercover. Regardless, The LEGO Movie Videogame should make a lot of younger players happy, and perhaps even some kids at heart.

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII (PS3, 360)
Release Date: 2/11

Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII is the third game involving the characters of Final Fantasy XIII, and it features a totally revamped combat system, going for more of an action-centric feel. Completed quests, whether story-related or not, boost Lightning's attributes, with greater quests boosting her abilities more. Unlike the cramped confines and linear corridors of the original Final Fantasy XIII, Lightning Returns possesses a fully traverse-able world to explore. Just don't explore too long, as there is a ticking clock counting down for the world's destruction...

Ragnarok Odyssey Ace (PS3, Vita)
Release Date: 2/18

Japan surely cannot get enough battling with giant creatures a la Monster Hunter, and neither can we! The original Ragnarok Odyssey released on the PlayStation Vita in late 2012. This upgraded version of the game, Ragnarok Odyssey Ace adds many improvements to the original such as new dungeons, enemies, and abilities, as well as it contains all of the DLC from the Vita game. This time around both PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 3 owners will have a chance to try out this new version, greatly expanding the potential user base of the game.

Rayman Legends (PS4, X1)
Release Date: 2/18

We remember a time when Rayman Legends was supposed to be a Wii U exclusive. For better or worse, the game was delayed by Ubisoft for porting to other platforms and released in the busy gaming month of September. Sales were less than spectacular, even with being released on so many platforms, so it's no wonder why Ubisoft is porting Rayman Legends to every platform it can. The latest systems that will receive this excellent platformer are the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Here's hoping that owners of these two new systems will give Rayman Legends a chance if they haven't already.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze (Wii U)
Release Date: 2/21

We can't really blame Retro Studios for choosing to make a new Donkey Kong Country game as opposed to another Metroid game. After all, Donkey Kong Country Returns greatly outsold each Metroid title the studio had previously created. Regardless, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is another 2D platformer on the platformer-heavy Wii U. Offering four Kongs working together to retake DK Island, Tropical Freeze already looks like it's going to be a phenomenal platformer with stellar level design. Plus, how can you say no to a soundtrack from the great Dave Wise?

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 (PS3, 360, PC)
Release Date: 2/25

Can you believe this is the 42nd entry in the Castlevania series? We can't believe it either because it's actually the 35th. Still impressive, though. MercurySteam works its wonders on Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2, a game that is much more open than its 2010 predecessor. The story follows Gabriel Belmont, aka Dracula, as he is warned that Satan is set to return. Thus, he must gain new power while watching out for the Belmont clan who want him dead. Castlevania: Lords of Shadow 2 is set to be the final Castlevania-related project MercurySteam is working on, so let's hope they end their time with the series on a high note. We'll find out when the game comes out near the end of February on the 25th.

Thief (PS4, X1, PS3, 360, PC)
Release Date: 2/25

If you've been missing the Thief series, well then we have good news for you. The reboot of the acclaimed stealth series is coming out February 25. We're noticing that this date is quite busy game release-wise! Anyway, the fourth installment of the series, simply titled Thief, has players assuming the role of Garret, a man who wishes to steal from the rich and will do so through any means necessary. Featuring smart AI, one that knows the lay of the land well enough to find Garret in well known hiding spots, Thief is going to a dream of a stealth game for fans of the genre.

Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare (X1, 360)
Release Date: 2/25

The upcoming Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare is a multiplayer-only title developed by PopCap Games. Up to 24 players can duke it out, taking on one another or playing cooperatively. Both plants as well as zombies can be controlled. While we're bummed that you always have to have another player to enjoy the game, Garden Warfare looks to be a fun time for all ages. The game releases February 25 on Xbox One and Xbox 360 with PC and PlayStation 3 versions releasing sometime later.

Tales of Symphonia Chronicles (PS3)
Release Date: 2/25

Tales of Symphonia originally released on the GameCube as an exclusive for the system, at least in the West. In Japan, the game later released on the PlayStation 2. We welcome the chance to replay the game through Tales of Symphonia Chronicles, an HD collection of both the original Symphonia (though this collection uses the PS2 version) and the Wii exclusive, Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World. With additions like new costumes and the upgraded visuals, we're ready to sink our collective teeth back into the world of Tales of Symphonia.

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy (3DS)
Release Date: 2/28

The final entry starring Professor Layton himself, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is the second iteration of the series on the Nintendo 3DS. The sixth installment features the same and welcomed formula of past games, a story told through chapters with progress coming from solving brain-bending puzzles. Hint coins, found by tapping around game backgrounds, allow players to get clues on the solution to puzzles, but even then, you better have your thinking cap on if the previous games' puzzles are anything to go by. Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy is the final big release of the month of February, releasing 2/28.

Nifty November: Twelve Games to Look Out for This Month

It's the first of the month, so do we even have to ask you what time it is? Okay, we'll do it anyway. It's time to check out what are the most interesting games to be releasing this upcoming month. November is the start of the holiday shopping season, and you can bet that video game publishers are putting out their big guns this month. November 2013 will mark the debut of not just one, but two brand-new gaming consoles to the market. With them comes a host of new titles to get hyped on. SuperPhillip Central has taken the liberty of listing the top twelve titles that you should be anticipating. As always, release dates are subject to change, and these releases are based off the North American launch dates. Which games will you be picking up?

Call of Duty: Ghosts (Multi)
Release Date: 11/5

This year, the Call of Duty franchise has some fierce competition. Battlefield 4 released last month on current generation platforms. It will also release on next gen platforms. The latest in the Call of Duty series, Call of Duty: Ghosts, will release on current generation systems in four days, and will also appear on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 close to their respective launches. By now, gamers know what to expect with Call of Duty-- intense gunfights, militaristic action, and perk-based multiplayer. While we don't really have a soft spot for the Call of Duty series, we understand why the series successfully entertains other gamers year after year.

Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus (PS3)
Release Date: 11/12

After several failed experiments with the Ratchet & Clank series with All 4 One and Full Frontal Assault, Insomniac is returning the franchise to its roots with Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus. The game will feature a whole slew of new weaponry to upgrade and gadgets to assist Ratchet and Clank in their adventure. Many characters from past games, including Captain Qwark and the gang from Thugs-4-Less from Going Commando, will also be present. Outside of the 3D sections of Into the Nexus, special 2D platforming puzzle segments starring Clank will be featured. We can't really say no to classic Ratchet & Clank gameplay with a budget price of $29.99. We hope you can't either!

Killzone: Shadow Fall (PS4)
Release Date: 11/15

The PlayStation 4 has suffered from delays in a handful of key launch titles. That hasn't stopped the deserved hype for the platform's launch, however, which just so happens to be two weeks from today. Without a doubt the most talked about launch title for Sony's new hardware is Guerilla Games's Killzone: Shadow Fall, a first-person shooter that will be a great technical showcase of the PlayStation 4's hardware. While the genre is one that we suffer fatigue from, we're certain that many new PlayStation 4 owners will enjoy a return to the Killzone universe when the game launches on November 15.

Knack (PS4)
Release Date: 11/15

We're such suckers for a good action game, so was there ever any doubt that we'd be most excited for Knack as our most anticipated PlayStation 4 launch title? Game director Mark Cerny has been quoted as saying the game can be viewed as a combination of Crash Bandicoot, Katamari Damacy, and God of War-- an interesting mix of games for sure! The titular hero can use other substances and merge them with his body depending on the level to solve puzzles and take down enemies. We're also anticipating this title, as it comes from Sony's Japan Studio, a studio that didn't deliver much output this past generation. One of the games they did deliver, however, Puppeteer, was a great one.

Need for Speed: Rivals (Multi)
Release Date: 11/19

A cross-gen release, Need for Speed: Rivals returns the series to an open world setting, much like its predecessor, Most Wanted. The game will feature a myriad of racing types, as well as dynamic weather system to make the game world seem much more alive. The choice is available for players to become a racer or a cop, and you can be sure that each side will possess its own set of unique challenges, meaning one should eventually play both sides to get the most out of the game. Autolog from Need for Speed: Most Wanted 2012 returns, allowing players to challenge their friends and compare times. If you have the need for speed, Rivals will give it to you when the game releases on November 19.

Forza Motorsport 5 (XONE)
Release Date: 11/22

November 22 is a big day for releases, and obviously the biggest is the launch of the Xbox One. It's been a console mired in controversy, and while we have no plans to purchase one anytime soon, we have to admit that the launch lineup is much more appealing than what the PlayStation 4 offers. Forza Motorsport 5 is an absolutely brilliant-looking racing simulator with some stunning visuals. It's the type of title that you can show to your friends and family and go, "yes, THIS is the power of the Xbox One." Of course, it doesn't hurt that the Forza franchise is always highly entertaining, too!

Ryse: Son of Rome (XONE)
Release Date: 11/22

The team behind Crysis delivers this Xbox One exclusive launch title. When Ryse: Son of Rome debuted, many were not impressed with what was present content-wise. There were many quick-time events involved, which many feared dumbed-down the gameplay. The trailers that followed eased many gamers' concerns, and this action-adventure title set in alternate universe of the days of the Roman empire seems like one of the top Xbox One launch titles to pick up when the system and the game releases November 22.

Dead Rising 3 (XONE)
Release Date: 11/22

One of our favorite new franchises from the seventh generation of consoles (Wii, PS3, X360) was Dead Rising. While it wasn't everyone's cup of tea, due to requiring adept time management skills, the original is our favorite Xbox 360 exclusive. Dead Rising 3 takes the series to new heights with a larger environment to explore, a new character as the star, and the same craziness of gameplay that makes killing zombie after zombie an engaging activity. Throw in some psychopaths as bosses and practically anything you find can be used as a weapon, and you have a captivating Xbox One exclusive.

Super Mario 3D World (Wii U)
Release Date: 11/22

Since we're such big platformer fans here at SuperPhillip Central, you can be rest assured that we're insanely hyped for Mario's 3D platformer debut on Wii U. At E3, the debut trailer didn't really excite a lot of people, but subsequent footage has certainly hyped a plethora of gamers. We feel foolish for ever doubting Nintendo EAD. The number of interesting ideas present in Super Mario 3D World makes us giddy with excitement. We'll have a full review of Super Mario 3D World when it hits store shelves November 22.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds (3DS)
Release Date: 11/22

The Zelda team has recently been trying to defy expectations of what a Zelda game should be. Their latest attempt at something fresh for the franchise is The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. The shake-up for this game involves renting items instead of earning them in a dungeon, using found item to solve said dungeon's puzzles, and then using that same item to defeat the dungeon's boss. A Link Between Worlds takes place within two parallel worlds, Hyrule and Lorule. As big fans of A Link to the Past, the nods to that game present in this new 3DS installment can't stop us from being insanely happy.

Tearaway (PSV)
Release Date: 11/22

From the creators of the fantastic LittleBigPlanet, Tearaway is a PlayStation Vita exclusive that utilizes practically all of the system's unique features, such as the rear touch screen and frontal touch screen of the system. Players can choose between a male character or a female character at the beginning of the game, and then enjoy a platforming adventure that will most likely capture the imagination of its players. Media Molecule has a great track record with their games, so questioning the quality of Tearaway seems to be a bad gamble. We anxiously await our chance to try out Tearaway when it releases November 22.

Ys: Memories of Celceta (PSV)
Release Date: 11/26

The awesome Ys series finally debuts on the PlayStation Vita in North America on November 26. The game once again uses the character of Adol Christin, who at the beginning of the game suffers a not-so-nifty case of amnesia. Through exploring the forests of Celceta, Adol will piece together who he is. Ys is known for being a fantastic action-RPG franchise, and with the upgraded visuals allowed by the Vita, Memories of Celceta looks to be one of the more exciting games in this already entertaining franchise.