Adventure Mode
Adventure Mode was one of the big additions included in Super Smash Bros. Melee, and it took the single player offerings in the game to a new level. The mode had players traversing through different levels representative of each character’s original universe. In addition to the typical one-on-one fights, there were special fights, such as pitting you against twelve Pikachu’s, while others had you traversing lengthy areas doing battle with basic enemies, like Mario’s Goombas or Zelda’s Redead.
While we now know that Classic Mode will be returning in Smash Bros. Ultimate, it’s very possible we could see the return of some kind of Adventure Mode. With Nintendo doubling down on the amount of content in Ultimate, it’s hard to say what lengths they’d go to with a single player mode, but a new Adventure would strike a nice middle ground for depth. Adventuring through different stages from across the roster would be a blast, especially if we got to see enemies from the likes of games like Mega Man and Castlevania. This would allow Nintendo to provide a nice kind of depth for single player, while not sinking too much time and effort into development.
Improved Smash Tour
While each Smash game has been incredibly well received overall, Smash Tour was one of the elements of the last Super Smash Bros. that was, well… less well received. The mode put up to four players on a Mario Party style board game. The goal of the game is to travel around the board collecting different characters, items, and power-ups that are used in a final showdown. There are, of course, other battles during the course of a board that essentially take the place of a Mario Party minigame.
While Smash Tour may not have been the most interesting or engaging mode, Nintendo has a lot of ways that it could improve upon it. Making the board game more involved and looping in more minigame style activities, like break the targets or special event battles, could help make things more exciting. While this certainly isn’t the biggest addition Nintendo could make in Ultimate, it wouldn’t be totally surprising to see the mode return.
Subspace Emissary 2.0
The most exciting thing this mystery mode could be is some new form of Subspace Emissary, the ambitious single player mode in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. This mode introduced a story to Smash for the very first time, looping in unique boss battles, cutscenes, mechanics, and stages. Subspace Emissary was a huge change for Smash, but it has become something of a fan favorite feature over the years.
Considering Nintendo is doing everything they can to make this the most robust Smash yet, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a big new version of Subspace Emissary, with cutscenes and story looping in the ridiculous roster of characters. After all, Nintendo has already put a ton of work into creating the cinematics for character reveals, why not go all the way and kick that up a notch. It’d be ambitious and a lot of work, but heck, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is already both of those things.
A Brand New Single Player Mode
While a new Subspace Emissary would be great to see, Nintendo has introduced brand new modes and changes with each Smash entry. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to say that they’re aiming to do just that with Ultimate as well. There’s really any number of things a single player mode could be. Maybe it’s another story-based experience with cutscenes and new mechanics. Maybe it’s a Metroidvania style experience that lets you explore an entire world. Maybe it’s a huge new event mode with story battles specific to each character’s franchise and universe.
It’s interesting to note that during the recent direct, when Sakurai introduced Rathalos from Monster Hunter, he noted the creature as a “boss” as well as an assist trophy. The presentation also showed off Dracula appearing on the Castlevania stage, saying, “he only appears once in a blue moon.” The footage certainly seemed to indicate that Dracula could be another boss of sorts, and the fact that Sakurai used the term at all seems to indicate some kind of single-player experience with boss battles. At the moment, however, we’ll just have to wait for Nintendo to give the official word.
A Brand New Multiplayer Experience
While a single player experience is more likely, it’s also possible that Nintendo could introduce some kind of new multiplayer experience. With the company releasing their paid online service this fall, and a bigger push in the realm of eSports, it’s very possible Nintendo could try to push a big online focus for Smash to help sell their service.
People love to joke about a Battle Royale mode in Smash, but the roster of Ultimate is honestly large enough to do it, and Nintendo is just crazy enough to try and provide their own unique spin on something that’s hot. After all, this is the same company that recently gave us cardboard toys that work surprisingly well, so you can’t put anything past them. Nintendo introduced eight-player Smash with their Wii U entry, so there’s a chance we could see them go even above that. Considering Nintendo took the time to tease whatever this new mode is, they must think it’s something fans should be excited for.
Do you have any theories on what Smash Ultimate’s new mystery mode is? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments down below.
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