Many gamers have waited on pins and needles for the latest Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC. The Internet exploded with excitement and memes when Nintendo announced Hero from Dragon Quest for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate during E3. Today, Mr. Sakurai took time out of his busy schedule to produce an in-depth Nintendo Direct for Hero, whose launch date is closer than you think.
Sakurai started by showing the glorious models and textures of all four Heroes. He also provided the names of the different models, most of which match what fans call the respective characters. However, the hero Dragon Quest fans know as Erdrick (the main character of Dragon Quest III) isn’t called Erdrick. Instead, Sakurai calls him Arusu. Moreover, each Hero’s alternate color references another character from Dragon Quest history.
Sakurai was also more than happy to provide the names of the various Japanese voice actors for Hero. After all, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate marks the first time any of these characters have been fully voiced, and each Hero model features his own distinct voice. Anyone who watched shows like GaoGaiGar and Attack on Titan will recognize some of the voice actors. And here’s a fun little piece of trivia: the actor who portrays Dragon Quest IV’s hero, Solo, also voices Trunks in Dragon Ball Z and Super. Make of that what you will.
Sakurai also revealed Hero’s special mechanics, such as Critical Hits. These occur randomly during smash attacks and, as the name suggests, deal extra damage and knockback, as well as zoom in the camera for effect. Furthermore, Hero’s shield isn’t for show. Much like the shields of Link, Young Link, and Toon Link, Hero’s shield can block projectiles.
Judging by the video, Hero will play like a Link/Robin hybrid who can charge up abilities for devastating damage. His neutral-B ability, for instance, features the fire-type Frizz line of spells and can be stored for later use. The longer Hero channels the spell, the bigger the Frizz fireball.
Hero’s side-B, meanwhile, is a series of electric-type Zap spells that change depending on how long players hold down the control stick and B button. Rounding out Hero’s library of iconic elemental spells, his up-B consists of wind-type Woosh spells and provides more vertical recovery the longer it’s channeled. Even if Hero is about to fall into the void, a fully charged Kawoosh spell will (usually) get him back on stage.
Unlike his other B abilities, Hero’s down-B opens a command window and lets players select from a random list of spells. Yes, random. These spells can include the attack-increasing Oomph, the projectile-reflecting Bounce, and the self-destructive Kamikaze.
All of Hero’s abilities rely on an MP bar above his portrait. It doesn’t matter if Hero stores a Frizz spell or tries to cast Hocus Pocus; they all cost MP, and without sufficient MP, Hero’s B attacks fizzle. While the MP bar refills slowly over time, players can speed up the process by going on the offensive and landing regular, tilt, and smash attacks.
Now, what would a new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate character be without a stage and music? Hero will include his own stage, Yggdrasil’s Altar, which flies around a scenic vista in classic Smash Bros. style. Occasionally, a platform with a treasure chest will float in from off-stage, and while it might contain an item, the chest could also be a Mimic hungry for nearby players.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s Hero update will also introduce new spirits that feature classic Dragon Quest faces, as well as a new Classic Mode route for Hero. Moreover, the update will include a bevy of new Mii Fighter costumes, all inspired by past Dragon Quest games.
Sakurai closed out the presentation with some info on Update 4.0, which will launch alongside Hero. The update will provide plenty of quality of life improvements, such as a new Final Smash time limit. Players who don’t use their super attack quickly will lose it. Also, the Adventure Mode will receive a new Very Easy difficulty mode, which is perfect for neophytes just getting into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Now, you probably wonder when Hero will be playable. Sakurai was pleased to announce that Hero “draws near” today, July 30th. While gamers who own the Fighters Pass will receive him immediately, gamers can also purchase Hero piecemeal for $5.99. The Mii Fighter costumes will also be available later today and cost $0.75 each.
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