Super Smash Bros has not only been a successful series in its own right, but it has also had a significant impact on the fighting game genre as a whole. This article will explore how Smash Bros has influenced game design, player communities, and the broader perception of fighting games.

One of the most significant contributions of Super Smash Bros to the fighting game genre is its accessibility. Traditional fighting games often have complex button combinations for special moves and strict timing for combos, which can be intimidating for newcomers. Smash Bros, on the other hand, uses a simple control scheme where each character has the same basic inputs for attacks, with the effects varying based on the character and the direction held. This design choice makes it easy for new players to pick up and play, while still allowing for depth and mastery.

The platform fighter sub-genre, which Smash Bros pioneered, has inspired numerous other games. Titles like Brawlhalla, Rivals of Aether, and PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale have all drawn inspiration from Smash Bros’ core mechanics. Even major fighting game franchises like Street Fighter have experimented with Smash-like elements, as seen in the gem system in Street Fighter X Tekken.

Smash Bros has also challenged the notion of what a fighting game can be. Its party game elements, items, and dynamic stages were initially dismissed by the traditional fighting game community. However, over time, Smash has earned respect as a competitive fighting game, leading to broader discussions about the definition of the genre.

The series has also influenced how fighting games approach crossovers. While crossover fighters existed before Smash Bros, none had attempted to bring together characters from such disparate universes. The success of Smash Bros has likely influenced the creation of other multi-franchise crossover fighters like Marvel vs. Capcom and BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle.

Smash Bros has also had a significant impact on how fighting games are balanced. The series manages to make characters with vastly different abilities and playstyles feel balanced within the same system. This approach to character design and balancing has influenced other fighting games to experiment with more diverse character archetypes.

The community-driven nature of competitive Smash Bros has also influenced the broader fighting game community. The grassroots tournaments and local scenes that characterize Smash Bros have inspired similar movements in other fighting game communities, fostering a sense of local community alongside national and international competition.

Smash Bros has also played a role in expanding the audience for fighting games. Its use of recognizable characters from various franchises has drawn in players who might not typically be interested in fighting games. This has helped to grow the overall fighting game player base and has likely contributed to the genre’s continued popularity.

The series has also influenced how fighting games approach single-player content. While many fighting games focus primarily on versus modes, Smash Bros has always included robust single-player options. From the Adventure mode in Melee to the Subspace Emissary in Brawl and World of Light in Ultimate, Smash Bros has shown that fighting games can offer compelling solo experiences.

Smash Bros has also pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of roster size in fighting games. With Ultimate boasting over 80 playable characters, it has set a new standard for character variety in fighting games. This has likely influenced other games to expand their rosters and offer more diverse character options.

The series has also had an impact on how fighting games approach post-launch support. The extensive DLC offerings for Smash Bros for Wii U/3DS and Ultimate, which added new characters, stages, and music over several years, have become a model for long-term support in fighting games.

In conclusion, Super Smash Bros has had a profound impact on the fighting game genre. From inspiring new sub-genres to influencing game design philosophy, community building, and post-launch support models, Smash Bros has left an indelible mark on the world of fighting games.