Smash Bros. (also known as Smash Bros Color and Smash Bros GB) is a 1998 fighting game released for the Nintendo Game Boy Color. Chronologically it is the second game in the Smash Bros franchise, but most consider it to be a slightly altered port of the original SNES game, considering the N64 sequel released in 1999 as the true second installment of the franchise. The game plays mechanically similar to Super Smash Bros, though the characters are slightly different in this version, owing to the Japanese release of the successful Pokemon games on the Game Boy earlier in the year
Development[]
With the successful release of Super Smash Bros on the SNES, talk of a Game Boy version was quickly thought of within Nintendo. Though he was reluctant to do so, due to doubts about the hardware of the aging handheld being able to hold up to scrutiny, Sakurai eventually relented and work began on a direct port of SSB in early 1996. The successful release of Pokemon Red and Blue in 1998 caused the game to be reworked slightly to incorporate characters from the game (most notably Pikachu). The game was originally slated for a holiday 1997 launch, but was delayed by a year due to these additions, as well as the decision to make it a strong launching title for the upcoming Game Boy Color hardware.
Gameplay[]
The game plays very similar to the original Super Smash Bros versus later games in the franchise, due to its numerical HP meter (as opposed to the rising percentage gauge that would be introduced in Smash Bros 64) as well as the 2-D environments. One addition to the game was items, though only 7 of them appeared in the game (and then very rarely).
In terms of modes, the game was identical to the original Super Smash Bros. Two players could play against each other via a Link Cable and two Game Boy systems and Smash Bros cartridges.
Characters[]
The game has a slightly different lineup of characters from the original Super Smash Bros, due to the addition of Pikachu and Charizard from Pokemon Red and Blue in the game. As a result, both Pit and King Dedede were missing from the roster with these replacements. In addition, Diddy Kong made his Smash debut, replacing Popo as a hidden character. The Unlocked characters were:
- Mario
- Link
- Donkey Kong
- Fox McCloud
- Kirby
- Luigi
- Samus Aran
- Little Mac
- Pikachu
The following 4 characters could be unlocked via completing in-game achievements:
- Yoshi- Unlocked by defeating Master Hand with both Mario and Luigi
- Donkey Kong Jr.- Unlocked by defeating 10 or more opponents in Endurance Mode with Donkey Kong.
- Charizard- Unlocked by defeating Master Hand with Pikachu.
- Diddy Kong- Unlocked by defeating Master Hand with all three other secret characters.
Stages[]
The game features the same stages that existed in the original Super Smash Bros, with no changes. An additional stage based on the Viridian Forest in Pokemon Red and Blue was planned, but ultimately did not make it into the final game. Unlike its predecessor, Final Destination was accesible from the very beginning of the game.
Items[]
The game was the first to feature items as a playable tool, although only seven items existed in the game. These were:
- Heart Container- Would add up to 50 HP to your health meter upon consumption.
- Boomerang- A throwing projectile that could return to your hand after throwing it.
- Starman- The Invincibility Star from the Mario Games that granted you invulnerability for a short time.
- Power Bomb- A powerful explosive from the Metroid Games that would heavily damage opponents if the explosion hit them.
- Freezie- A freezing item that would freeze (slow down) an opponent on contact for a short time.
- Banana Peel- A throwing item that would deal minimal damage and cause an opponent to slip and fall down when it hit them.
- NES Zapper- Based on the peripheral, it was a handgun that could fire six shots at the opponents.
Release and Reception[]
The game was released worldwide on November 7, 1998. It was a success in both North America and Europe, but didn't do as well in Japan. The game received mixed reviews upon its release, with most praising its ambition and graphics but criticizing its control scheme (with the simple Game Boy controller not being very useful for the complex movesets) and lack of replayability.