Potential Story Mode Plot Ideas

[KingBroly]

Ridley is too big. It is up to Nintendo's finest to shrink him down to size so they can beat him!

 

[PF9]

Throughout much of her role in the story mode, Bayonetta acts as a lone wolf, deciding friends are dead weight. But later, enter a big boss, which she appears to defeat, only for, in a cutscene, the boss to get back on its feet and appear unscathed.

Enter 6 cute characters. Bayo says to them she's got this, but the six cute characters decide to teach her the magic of friendship, being analogous to the Mane 6 of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. With that done, the boss is defeated once and for all.

 

[Questionmark222]

Just dropping this right here. It was made back in the early Brawl days (2009 I believe).
https://www.fanfiction.net/s/4610506/1/The-Subspace-Emissary-2-The-Revenge

 

[XigmunGothar]

As some people have mentioned, I think one of the issues the development team faces is integrating all of the characters into one story when there are so many of them. If they were going to make a story mode (which I don't think they are), my idea would be to intentionally not use all of the characters. Rather than incorporate 40 or so and then just relegate the rest to end-of-story drops or secret battles, let the player decide who is in the story and who isn't. (Just like the choice to save Zelda or Peach at the start of SE.) Granted, increasing the matter of choice would make cutscenes more challenging to develop, but I would recommend having far fewer of them. (We know Sakurai isn't a fan of them in-game anyway.)

So, the options would be as follows:

Mario / Luigi / Dr. Mario
Peach / Daisy / Rosalina & Luma
Bowser / Bowser Jr.
Yoshi / Wario ^
Link / Young Link / Toon Link
Zelda / Shiek
Ganondorf *
Donkey Kong / Diddy Kong
Kirby *
King Dedede / Meta Knight
Pikachu / Pichu / Jigglypuff
Mewtwo / Lucario
Squirtle / Ivysaur / Charizard / Greninja
Zero Suit Samus / Samus
Ridley *
Fox / Falco
Wolf ^
Marth / Lucina / Roy / Ike
Robin / Corrin
Pit / Palutena
Dark Pit ^
Ness / Lucas
Game & Watch / R.O.B
Ice Climbers / Duck Hunt
Sonic / Pac-Man / Mega Man
Wii Fit Trainer / Mii Fighters ^
Captain Falcon ^
Inkling *
Olimar / Villager
Bayonetta / Snake
Shulk / Cloud

* Indicates a character always in the story (at least as of now, based on the characters we know about)
^ Indicates there is an optional battle to add them into the story


As far as the story itself, I would like to see a cross between Melee and Brawl. I love the idea of a mystical being (like Master Hand or Tabuu) trying to claim all of the characters as trophies, but I would like to see the worlds be from the fighters' series. My issue with Melee's Adventure was that some series had more formal "levels" you traversed through whereas others were just a stage or a battle. Granted, there will always be some of that, but it felt very uneven to me. Some of the areas in Brawl, though not cannon to a series, felt rather appropriate; i.e. a jungle for the Kongs and a mountain for the Ice Climbers.

I'd recommend something like:

Super Mario Zone + Boss Battle (optionally ft. Yoshi and Warioware areas)
Legend of Zelda Zone + Boss Battle
Donkey Kong Zone
Kirby Zone + Boss Battle
Pokemon Zone + 3-way Battle
Metroid Zone + Boss Battle
Star Fox Zone + Optional Boss Battle
Fire Emblem Zone + Battle
Kid Icarus Zone + Optional Boss Battle
Mother (Earthbound) Zone
Retro Mashup Zone + 3-way Battle
Optional: Wiiverse/Miiverse Zone
Optional: F-Zero Races
The remaining characters are featured via battles of their respective stages.
All Series Zone akin to The Great Maze (but less complex)
Final Destination

 

[BandanaDeemon]

I looked at the brawl site,it said a big part of the story mode is no talking,so I’ll have no talking but still cutscenes
It starts when rob finds a smash ball underground and it flys away into the sky braking a barrier around the smash planet or floating island that allows the outside world(sub space)to go in,the hole is small so only shadow bugs can fit through,tabuu is the only talking character and he explains how everything will be his puppet to control when he has everything stuck in substance,master hand and crazy hand the creator of the smash world have been keeping tabu in chains of light so he can’t move but the smash ball gives him power and he defeats master hand and crazy hand,then the game starts in a battle in a stadium where daisy and inkling ar fighting(cause their new comers) that’s all I have

 

[smashingDoug]

As some people have mentioned, I think one of the issues the development team faces is integrating all of the characters into one story when there are so many of them. If they were going to make a story mode (which I don't think they are), my idea would be to intentionally not use all of the characters. Rather than incorporate 40 or so and then just relegate the rest to end-of-story drops or secret battles, let the player decide who is in the story and who isn't. (Just like the choice to save Zelda or Peach at the start of SE.) Granted, increasing the matter of choice would make cutscenes more challenging to develop, but I would recommend having far fewer of them. (We know Sakurai isn't a fan of them in-game anyway.)

So, the options would be as follows:

Mario / Dr. Mario
Luigi
Peach / Daisy /
Rosalina & Luma
Bowser /
Bowser Jr.
Yoshi /
Wario ^
Link /
Zelda / Shiek
Ganondorf *
Donkey Kong
/ Diddy Kong
Kirby *
King Dedede /
Meta Knight
Pikachu /
Jigglypuff
Mewtwo /
Lucario
Pokémon trainer
Greninja
Zero Suit Samus / Samus
Ridley *
Fox /
Falco
Wolf ^
Marth /
Lucina /
Roy /
Ike
Robin /
Corrin
Pit /
Palutena
Dark Pit ^
Ness / Lucas
Game & Watch /
R.O.B
Ice Climbers /
Duck Hunt
Sonic /
Pac-Man /
Mega Man
Wii Fit Trainer /
Mii Fighters
Captain Falcon
Inkling *
Olimar /
Villager
Bayonetta /
Snake
Shulk /
Cloud

i Don’t think Sakurai would cut corners like that unless it’s a transformation character like brawl was, an echo, or the same character in a different slot IE.the Mario’s, the link’s, the samus’s,Zelda, and Sheik. Pika and pichu are two different consciousness you could argue

 

[Putuk]

The new story mode is about how Wario needs more dosh, so he beats up the rest of the cast, turns them into trophies and sells them for mad cash.
Simple.

 

[DarthEnderX]

Ganondorf is trying to collect all six Infinity Stones...

 

[BandanaDeemon]

Sand bag is tired of being used for training and takes over the world

 

[uhmuzing]

lol so my idea for Story Mode is something like this:

Spoiler: tl;dr

And actually, Sandbag as a playable character is entirely to emphasize:

Spoiler: tier "wish" list

 

[Competitively]

Ideas for subplots:
Dr.Eggman and Dr.Wily have a total war
Ridley ends up killing pichu (in this case pikachu would be the father/mother).
Mario Vs Sonic somewhere in there
SA-X as a boss
Wario attempting to steal Rodin's ****
Bayonetta vs Kid Icarus. Please and thank you.
Crazy Hand Appearance
Luigi Vs Bowser. Would be great to see him get some spotlight
Diddy Kong and Diddy Kong capturing Peach before bowser.
Deoxys as a bossfight

I have some other ideas but im keeping them too myself because they are too weird.

 

[BandanaDeemon]

LABOMAN TEAMS UP WITH ROB AND BANDANA DEE JOINS DUCK HUNT

 

[Zyphyris]

I'd like to see something that has to do with Master Core. Perhaps he was such a huge threat in the last era that they had to bring back all of the fighters for this iteration.

 

[BandanaDeemon]

A Metroidvania where you travel through iconic locals and beat corrupted characters to get them

 

[Yuya-Noboru]

I actually haven't got the time to read all the posts or to answer the OP, so I'll do that later. I'll just clarify something I've seen in the firsts posts.

The first game's plot is a child playing with his toys, and in the end they battle his hands. SSE is about the child's dad or the like trying to take the child's toys away and take him fishing. If there is another story mode, it should use similar themes. Maybe the child is growing up and having a harder time imagining his toys fighting.

You're wrong. Master-Hand is the materialization of the child's imagination that bring his toys to live. Crazy-Hand is the manifestation of the destruction of his own creation (especially when his toy is too strong, that's why it appears when you reach the final stage quickly in Super Smash Bros. Melee).

Tabuu has nothing to do with the child's dad, it's just that the kid has grown-up and keep playing with toys is something "tabou" at that age. It's the personification of those feelings that created this entity. Unlike Crazy-Hand which wants to destroy his creations, Tabuu's goal is to annihilate his child's world. Like when you throw your old toys inside a box to give/sell them.

EDIT: Though, I agree that the new final boss should follows similar points.

 

[BandanaDeemon]

New final boss:TAXEI represents taxes and getting a job
Game after SSBU:middlelifcris represents a mid life crisis
Game after that oneuur represents being poor
Game after that:Ol’Agg represents being old and not having done anything with your life
Last game:death,literal death you just die right away

 

[Just a random scrub]

I came up with an idea. I've linked to it in my signature........ (not sure if General Discussion was the right place to put it, but whatevs)

 

[BandanaDeemon]

The smash balls are used to open a portal to subspace

 

[XigmunGothar]

Assuming the "spirits" rumor has validity, and considering the seemingly increasing likelihood of Geno as a newcomer, I could see him being a central figure to the 'story' since he inherently falls somewhat into that concept.

 

[BandanaDeemon]

Assuming the "spirits" rumor has validity, and considering the seemingly increasing likelihood of Geno as a newcomer, I could see him being a central figure to the 'story' since he inherently falls somewhat into that concept.

That would remind me of how GamenWatch (made shadow bugs) and rob are important in sse

 

[volbound1700]

I hope they are going with a villain alliance storyline. It seems to be the theme so far. Imagine Bowser, Ganondorf, Dedede, KRool, Ridley, Wolf, Bowser Jr, Wario, Waluigi, Mewtwo, Dr. Robotnik, Dr. Wiley, Rathalos, Dracula, Metaknight, Medusa, Masterhand, Ancient Minister/ROB, M. Bison, Snake Eater, Skull Kid, and whoever else is a villain teaming up with their minions to take on the rest of the Smash heroes.

 

[Dixie Kong]

I would hope King K. Rool would have a significant presence in a story mode given his lack of appearances in the last decade.

Also, Pichu needs to be the final boss.

 

[volbound1700]

I would hope King K. Rool would have a significant presence in a story mode given his lack of appearances in the last decade.

Also, Pichu needs to be the final boss.

Pichu turns into rage mode after being left out of every Smash since Melee lol.

 

[FirestormNeos]

Zero/Zero-Two from the Kirby series is now Zero-Three, and has now assembled a genocidal villainous alliance with Tabuu, Giga Bowser, and Master Core.

The story mode plays mostly-similarly to Subspace Emissary, except for the following notable changes:

• No Sticker Mechanic
• No Great Maze
• Does not unlock characters; instead, you unlock characters outside of story mode to play them in the story mode
• Enemies are taken from a diverse pool of franchises. Yes, you have your Goombas and the Primids are back from SSE, but you also have Egg Pawns and Badniks, your Darknuts and Octorocks, your Robot Masters and Genome Soldiers, your Bayonetta Angels and Kid Icarus Demons, etc.

The story mode has nine "routes," with characters being distributed across each of them.
Mario Route (): Princess [TBD] has been kidnapped by Master Core, and King [TBD] is offering a king's ransom to whoever is brave enough to rescue her. The Mario Bros mistake her for Peach, Wario and Bowser Jr. are in it for the money, the Mushroom Kingdom is in an economic slump, hence why Peach and Daisy are doing it, and Dr. Mario and Rosalina are interested because the Princess' DNA is rumored to be the key to unlocking a breakthrough in science that could affect the lives of millions in the Mushroom Kingdom. This route's stages are all based off of the various Mario games and spinoffs, and are almost completely platforming-oriented, making this route the lightest on puzzles and combat, to the point where most enemies can be reliably defeated by just stepping on them. The drawback, is that this is the only route where touch damage is a thing, and the touch damage is severely punishing. The bosses reflect this dynamic as well, with the exception of the endboss, which Master Core takes the role of.
"Normal" Route (): Master Hand is up to his usual tricks; better go stop him or something. Easily the most "Nintendo" of the routes and the most similar to SSE, the "Normal" Route offers a healthy mix of platforming, puzzle-solving and combat. Bosses are about the same as they were in Subspace Emissary. The endboss is Master Core.
Abstract Route (): You wake up in Master Core's laboratory and you want out. This route's stages feel very dreamlike and shapey, similar to games like Catherine, the Octo Canyon and Octo Expansion levels in Splatoon (not the hubs themselves), and Sonic Special Stages. This route is almost completely puzzle-oriented, making this route the lightest on platforming and combat. Bosses reflect this, requiring you to come up with inventing clever ways of using the environment to defeating the bosses rather than just whittling away at their health, with the exception of the endboss, which Master Core assumes the role of.
Fantasy Route (): Tabuu, thwarted in Subspace Emissary, has come back for revenge, this time targeting the worlds the Super Smash Bros. come from directly. Hijacking the control mechanisms of Castlevania, Inferno, the Underworld, and the Demon King Demise, Tabuu began empowering these dark forces, attracting the ire of many an adventurer. You play as one of these disgruntled adventurer, hoping to restore balance to your respective world. Meta Knight being the exception as dreamland is not directly affected, he is instead aiming to take the fight to Zero-3 in the most direct manner possible. This route's gameplay is almost entirely combat-focused, foregoing the platforming and puzzles of the Master Core Routes. All of the stages and items are from Nintendo's/Third Party's fantasy-genred franchises.
Sci-Fi Route (): Tabuu, thwarted in Subspace Emissary, has come back for revenge, this time targeting the worlds the Super Smash Bros. come from directly. Pitting the Galactic Confederacy (Other M/Fusion) against the Galactic Federation (Prime series) in a proxy war, Tabuu was free to subspace bomb the **** out of planets across the galaxy without the Galactic Federation around to stop him. Your task is to travel throughout the galaxy and put a stop to Tabuu's war. This route's gameplay is almost entirely combat-focused, foregoing the platforming and puzzles of the Master Core Routes. All of the stages and items are from Nintendo's/Third Party's sci-fi-genred franchises.
Fire Emblem Route (ultroy:): The various kingdoms of the Fire Emblem universe are once again forced to reconcile with their neighbors. A number of Lords have formed a truce to seek out the cause of this disturbance. Obviously, this route's stages are all based off of Fire Emblem and require a more tactical approach, with you commanding a small battalion of allies that you send to specific parts of the stage to take down enemies and find items. Bosses also reflect this, being more about teamwork than footwork. The endboss is Tabuu.
Time-Limit Route (): Giga Bowser has come back from his defeat in Melee's Adventure Mode, and is planning to destroy the Nintendo Universe in 24 hours. From the moment you pick your character, you have 24 hours in-game time to complete all ten stages and defeat all five bosses to reach the endboss, Giga Bowser, or your save file for this route will be deleted, along with any trophies you earned from playing the route. As a result, this route is the most ludrative, handing out Trophies and other goodies liberally. The stages themselves could be summed up as "what if the Race to The Finish mode was its own story mode?" with you tearing through obstacles and enemies as adrenaline-pumping music from Sonic and F-Zero urge you to keep going.
Enemy Mine Route (): The fighter you picked has been framed by the heroes for freeing Giga Bowser from the prison Marth, Fox and Sheik sealed him in back in the Melee days. Most of the characters are out to clean their hands of this mess, while Ridley and Dark Samus are just in it because this "Zero-3" person sounds like someone who's trying to steal their thunder and they're just not having that. The stages are designed with an emphasis on wreaking as much havoc as possible on the environent on the way to the end of the stage. The endboss is Giga Bowser.
Custom Character Campaign (): Your Mii goes through an abridged, gimmickless (no stradegy elements, no destructive envrionments, no time-limits) version of any of the other routes, meaning you play only 5 stages and fight a boss at the end of each one (with all the bosses being 1v1s with Mii Fighters), with no endboss. Each boss contains a social battle afterward that will net you added rewards (such as trophies or other collectables) if you complete them.

Upon defeating Tabuu, Giga Bowser and Master Core on any route, you unlock a final route that lets you use any character of your choice. One final level, a couple of cutscenes, then you fight the final boss, Zero-3.

 

[BandanaDeemon]

I had an idea where bodies are thrown into subspace and then spirits are thrown out and shadow bugs give them physical bodies

 

[Michele]

At this point, after this game, Sakurai better start making original characters for Smash. Stickers are going to be categorized into 6 rarity: Common, Uncommon, Rare, Unique (purple), Legend (orange) and Mystic (red) and there are gonna be like 1000+, so to balance it out, once you get a sticker, that specific sticker is not going to be collectable again, so for example if you get Isaac sticker, then you can not get that sticker again. There is going to be 5 main stats: STR, VIT, INT, AGI, LUK. It might not be in Ultimate but I imagine it will be in future, like any RPG game.

STR: Your overall character's strength. Greatly increases damage dealt, knockback and flinch, allowing you to easily KO others. Slightly affects Special Attack damage and knockback.
VIT: Your overall stamina. Greatly affect MaxHP/HP regen, defenses and greatly decreases damage, knockback and flinch. Additionally, your shield becomes harder to shatter, Perfect-shielding becomes easier, Dodging frames are increased, Shield regen increases which will result in the shield never breaking naturally by holding the button upon certain amount, Status Effects duration and effect are decreased and the Stun duration is shorter.
INT: Your overall knowledge and planning. Greatly affect MaxMP/MP regen which are used to use skills we call Arc Attack, greatly increases Special/Arc Attack. Additionally, certain specials may gain increased effect or range. For example, the higher INT, the longer is Kirby or Dedede able to keep the opponent inside and have longer range. At 999, which is max stat for all, certain specials get special effect, such as those previously mentioned being able to keep them inside for as long as the player wants.
AGI: Your overall speed. Faster overall speed and traction, longer and higher jumps. Special effect is that at certain point, the character gains an extra jump.
LUK: Your overall luck and favor. Trophies, stickers, items and CD are easier to drop, items becomes stronger such as healing more, the character can grab for longer time and it becomes harder to lose your item upon being attacked.

 

[BronzeGreekGod]

I was thinking it would be really great if characters from different games had different stories, and also the villans could have different stories from the heroes. So for example, Mario characters could have more platformy challenges, zelda characters could have puzzles to unlock doors, and metroid could have exploration. Also their enemies would come from their games obviously.

Whatever the story mode is though, I really don't want it to be as generic as subspace was. That was so boring and repetitive.

 

[BandanaDeemon]

Subspace wasn’t repetitive in story(the story was amazing if you go on brawls website it has some deep plot points)but levels and locations were,I feel that ppl didn’t like it just because the locations were bad and the move set changes,so just add more and better locations and don’t change the moves,then just make subspace 2(Sakurai said that not having voice acting was important on the brawl website)

 

[PichuMain]

I always had this idea of going through small stories that go for about 30 mins to an hour. Each story containing the max of 4 players. Not long, but hopefully replayable. Something like this:

Luigi's (Unfortunate) Day Off - Luigi was enjoying his dayoff at Delfino Plaza when left over enemies from the Subspace have suddenly arisen. Seems like its job Luigi! But what are the Koopalings doing here? (Kooplings of your choosing)

Ladies Night 1 - Bayonetta and Palutena are at it when suddenly angels have arrived. "Corrupted angels?" Palutena says surprised. They aren't heading for the witch or the Goddess, but Princess Peach and Rosalina! Whatever they're up to, the Four need to work together to stop their plans.

The True King(s) - A sudden King has arrived and has threatened to take over the land. King Dedede, King Bowser, King Ganadorf, and King K. Rool have joined to stop this mysterious king that has threatened their land.

Snake's Plan B - "Snake, we have a new mission for you, but be vigalant. We don't have much time. The enemy is currently developing a bomb that will destroy a large portion of this world. Luckily, three new recruits will join you: Mario, Pit, and Lucario. You remember Lucario, don't you? Good luck out there."

Ladies Night 2 - Daisy was suppose to have a date night tonight. Key word: suppose to. A new era of enemies has crashed her night. Thankfully, Zero Suit Samus, Lucina, and Female Robin were around to help her out.

All You Can Eat! - A buffet has arisen in Pac World! Chef Kawanakwa has prepared food for our four heroes: Pac Man, Kirby, Donkey Kong, and Luigi. That is...until some external force has stripped their food source. Find out what it is, and get back that scrumptious food!

I Choose You! - The Pokemon Gym Battle is tomorrow. Wait... its today?! Pichu, Charizard/Ivysuar/Squirtle, Greninja, and Jigglypuff, lets go, before it to late! Hope nothing gets in our way...

Street Brothers - Ryu was going on a one-on-one battle with a mystery hooded enemy. But it seems like Ryu's opponent has brought in some back up. Luckily, Captain Falcon and Cloud have arrived. Oh, Ganadorf is here too, but only because "he wants to show them who's King."

--
It can be done Online, or with a group of friends. Maybe with some dialogue, but only like Palutena's Guidance, where the silouette will show up for whoever is talking. Those who don't usually talk of course won't have dialogue.

This is my idea of a story mode(s) though.

 

[Chumble Spuzz]

King Dedede gathers all the video game characters and exiles them to Wario's shack in the Great Marsh. It's up to Wario and his trusty steed Corrin to rescue Princess Zelda from Ridley's castle and get his property back!

 

[hposter]

the mii fighters teaming up to rebel against whoever made the soulless legion of the fighting mii team would be neeeeat

 

[BonafideFella]

Less of a story and more of a plot point concept: Instead of trophies being presented as a form of stasis, what if they were presented as voodoo dolls? Anyone who wields, say, a Link trophy, they could have free control over his actions. This could start as a nexus point for lighthearted pranks (i.e. Bowser using his Mario trophy in place of a Sandbag) and then revealed as a large conspiracy, with Master Hand or a larger power manipulating trophies for malicious purposes. Like making them participate in a...fighting game, perhaps? Then of course you could create some charming scenarios like Wario selling Echo fighter trophies for a quick buck or Villager being ignorant to the whole situation and collecting all the trophies he can, storing them in his basement.

 

[Luigifan18]

I like the idea of multiple routes — the Subspace Emissary was quite long, and splitting the story up would make it more manageable.

 

[BonafideFella]

I've thought about this for a little bit.

So the way I'd approach it, I wouldn't write just another generic sci-fi boilerplate story about this "evil cosmic threat that is going to destroy the multiverse". That's really stupid, unoriginal and boring for crossover games, especially one like this. The main problem with that type of story is that some characters simply are out of place in it - like we understand why the big heroes are there, like Mario, Sonic, Bayonetta, Link, and Kirby, since it's generally their job to save the world, but what are characters like Duck Hunt Dog and Wii Fit Trainer doing in a scenario like that? They're completely out of place and have no potential for a major role in the story. It's completely out of the jurisdiction of a normal dog or a normal yoga instructor to be going up against cosmic death entities.

Instead what I'd do is write a lighthearted meta plot, where all the characters are aware that they're video game characters. Something akin to Banjo Kazooie where the games' events are real, but they simply have a passive awareness of the medium they're in.

So here comes a character I wrote up to be a villain in this story. In Banjo-Kazooie Nuts & Bolts, there is a character named LOG, or Lord of Games, who is supposedly the deity of all video games. All games were created by him. So in contrast to that, I made a character named BOG, or the Baron of Glitches.

The Baron of Glitches is a supremely evil video game deity who hates video games and all of his brother's creations (LOG is his brother). He wants nothing more than to bring all video games to their doom. Every bad thing that has ever happened to a video game character is the result of BOG's evil influence. Ever clipped through a wall and fell to your death? That's BOG's doing. Haunted by terrible RNG that ruins your speedruns? BOG is the one who threw that wrench in your plans. Ever wonder why you keep getting hit by blue shells, red shells, lightning bolts and green shells while you're in first place, which drops you down to 7th at the finish line? Yeah, that's his doing. He's laughing at you for it.

So in the Smash Bros. storyline, BOG (or whatever equivalent I'd end up writing) is an evil character whose presence threatens all video games. So the video game characters need to put a stop to his plans. And now even characters like Duck Hunt Dog and Wii Fit Trainer have a reason to be there. Because something that threatens video games is truly something that all the characters have in common, and may be able to do something about. None of the characters are out of place in this storyline (unless a non-video game character shows up).

With this method, characters could explore storylines that are entirely unique to them, which culminate in the battle against the source of their woes. Each one could have a personal stake in this regardless of the game they come from - for example, maybe the reason Lip or Captain Falcon haven't had any new games in years is because the Baron of Glitches keeps eating their master copies, making it so all their work is ruined. That's the direction I think Smash needs.

This is legitimately amazing. So good I believe, in my opinion, this story would be wasted on Smash Bros. This is the kind of metanarrative that needs characters with stronger personalities. Some characters could work with this concept, like Wario or Inkling, but most characters in Smash follow very basic personality archetypes and even if they spit quips and crack wise, it feels out of character (Do we all remember those quotes from Fortune Street?).
This idea would fare better for a Rareware fighting game or even a new IP altogether!
Again, this is just my opinion. You seem more creative than I'd ever be, so you know your idea better than I do. Serious props, PsychoJosh.

 

[Michael the Spikester]

A Masters of Evil type team consisting of the Nintendo Villains such as Bowser, Bowser Jr., Dark Samus, Ganondorf, King K. Rool and Ridley who are trying to collect as much spirits as they can for some kind of goal.

 

[Luigifan18]

Okay, so here’s my idea for a story mode, and I apologize because this is long, detailed, and a freaking pipe dream of a story mode.


Disclaimer: Bare with me on this, and try to keep an open mind as there are some controversial things such as NPCs with movesets, and so on.


Story mode starts out presenting you with 4 options. A toy sword (Mii Swordfighter), a toy pistol (Mii Gunner), a toy wand (Mii Mage), and none/bare hands (Mii Brawler.)


(A new Mii Fighter Type has been added, and all previous Mii Fighter types have been reworked from the ground up.) Mii Customization options have been added as well. You can really make your Mii unique. Only your imagination can stop you. Of course there are still costumes, and all that jazz. However, the story mode has a ranking/level system, armor system, weapon system, enhancement system (accesories/badges), move customization system, and stats system.


Ranking system is as follows:

F, E,D,C,B,A,S,SS,SSS.


The ranking and level system grants you access to certain areas, special items, and more difficult challenges. The higher your ranking/level gets, the harder it is to gain exp.


Things rewarded for winning battles:

Coins

Exp.

*Dropped items (trophies, CDs, Badges.)

*Unlockable moves*


F: Lvl 1-10

E: Lvl 11-20

D: Lvl 21-30

C: Lvl 31-40

B: Lvl 41-50

A: Lvl 51-65

S: Lvl 65-80

SS: Lvl 80-99

SSS: Lvl 100.


Stat system is:

Attack - How strong your physical attacks are.

Defense - How well you can take a hit

Special - How strong your B-Moves are, as well as magic/energy based attacks.

Speed - How fast you can move

Arms - How strong items used are

Jump - How High you can jump and air mobility.


Armor System:

Pieces include-Headgear, Mask, Chest pieces, grieves/pants, footwear. (Effects things regarding to Defense, Speed, Jump, and special resistances.) Special accesories. (Effect attack and special.)


Weapon system: (Effects Attack, Arms, Special, and special advantages.)

Pieces include-

Swordfighters - Swords, kitanas/blades, hammers/clubs.


Gunner- pistols/handguns, cannons, heavy artillery


Brawler- Knuckles, boots,


Mage- Wands, staffs, tomes


Accessories/Items system:

Badges: Badges that can be worn to enhance certain areas of stats and resistances.


Items: Buy classic items to help you along your journey.


3 Hub Stores:


Fight’N’Style: Run by Savvy Stylist.


After The Darkness took over, Savvy took to styling warriors to give them the advantage with fighting evil. She’ll get you in fighting condition, and have you looking good doing it.


Win’N’Pin: Run by Baito-Kun (Nintendo Badge Arcade Bunny.) Here you can try your luck at winning some awesome badges that might give you a little or a lotta extra push to save the day!


Stir’N’Stuff: Run by Ashley (WarioWare). Here Ashley can craft items, potions, elixirs, and more to help you along your journey. Ashley charges quite a price however, so have your pocketbook ready, and kiss your bank account goodbye.


Nook$ave: Tom, Tommy & Timmy Nook are here to help you save...and spend. Invest with them and gain interest with your coins so you can buy better armor, weapons, and items! Tom Nook will get his share though. Don’t you worry.


(They all work together in a traveling department store. Tom Nook runs the whole thing, but picked up Stylist, Arcade Bunny, and Ashley.) a hodgepodge cast of lovable characters working together to stop The Darkness the best way they know how.


Once you’ve chosen your weapon at the beginning, you are thrust into a battle with 3 other Mii (childhood friends). A 4-player free-for-all. The more you KO however, the more exp. and stat gains you can acquire.*


If you lose: Rematches until you win.


If you win: Cuts to a cutscene of your Mii victorious and proud. Looking down at their chosen weapon and decidedly choosing to follow a discipline of becoming the best.


The next scene is cuts to your Mii in a class (tutorial of how to play.) Where you’ll spare with other classmates, until all are defeated.


Next cutscene is your Mii being congratulated by the teacher/Master of the class saying he has nothing else left to teach you, and he offers to battle you.


If you lose: Fight the whole class over again, and fight the master.


If win: You go to Rank E, and the Master regards you with new armor, new weapon.


As your Mii celebrates victory, the screen pans up into the night sky where a far of gleam sparkles. The scene cuts closer and closer to reveal a fractured Master Core and Fractured Tabuu floating through space. The Master Core replace Tabuu’s heart and forms a new evil entity. Known as Xin. (Pronounced “Sin”)

The form takes on the manifestation of a hooded figure and a faint sinister laugh can be heard. (He’s plotting revenge.)


The next day strange ominous invitations arrive requesting characters from all across the universe to battle in a tournament known as “Final Smash”. The award for winning this contest is the winner’s greatest wish granted.


(Before I get bombarded with “what would a character like Wii Fit Trainer and Duck Hunt Dog wish for?” Wii Fit Trainer could want to wish to be the fittest and healthiest person, and Duck Hunt Dog could want to be in the spotlight again. Not everyone has to have a greater wish like Ganondorf wanting all the pieces of the Triforce, or for Bowser to be married to Peach. The heart wants what it wants.


The characters that accept (base roster + a few hidden characters. 50 characters.) A hooded figure who calls himself “The Chosen One” greets the combatants and tell them of the reward at stake. The tournament begins.


Characters like Bowser, Ganondorf, Mewtwo, etc villains are tempted by whispers in the Darkness telling them they serve a greater purpose. That other evils from all over the Galaxy shall soon come into power. All the must do is vanquish all those who stand in there way, until the finale, and then throw the match so that however becomes victorious can be annihilated so that they may all be victorious. For the entity knows their are many Lights amongst them, but that one is shining brighter than the others (Your Mii).


You’ll fight throughout the tournament fighting many heroes and icons, gaining experience a long the way.


There are many cutscenes between the fighting showing the progression of the villains plot, and the formation of friendships with hero characters, namely Palutena, Zelda, Link, Rosalina & Luma, and Lucario. (The Mother of Light, and her Protectors of Light.)


They are looking after you because they sense a great evil on the horizon, and believe you are the chosen on.


When the final battle comes, you will fight Ganondorf. He throws the battle, and your Mii is victorious. As your Mii walks up to “The Chosen One” he reveals himself to be Xin and tries to attack you. Right before his blast hit you, Palutena protects you. Zelda, Link, Lucario, and Rosalina spring into action. However, other villains such as Andross (NPC), Wolf, Team Rainbow Rocket, Hades, and other other Nintendo villains reveal themselves and attack the rest of the characters. They are overwhelmed an “The Chosen One” shatters the Final Smash Ball, making his wish to be the ruler of a universe shrouded in darkness, and that he may reward those who have been faithful to him (Villains). Power flows through Xin and new, larger versions of Tabuu’s wings form behind him. He closes them in, gathering in dark energy. Rosalina commands Palutena, Zelda, Link, and Lucario to board the Comet Observatory for anyone caught in the initial blast will be plunged into darkness. Link stays behind with the other characters to try and fend of the Villains from reaching you. The Comet Observatory falls off, as Xin unleashed his wings releasing a blast that covers the universe in darkness. The shards of the Final Smash Ball are scattered throughout the universe. The hold immense power and are know tainted with darkness.


You must travel throughout the universe collecting the pieces of the Final Smash Ball in order to restore it and make a wish to undo what’s been done.


You travel from world to world of different Nintendo franchises fighting enemies, weak and strong, mini bosses, and bosses. Finding friends (newcomer, vet, and NPC alike) to help you along your journey to restore peace.


Other story details and examples:


For example, one of the bosses of the late game would be Giovanni, but you’d actually be fighting Mewtwo, and when you win, you unlock Mewtwo.


Characters like Mario and Link have their trophies being held captive by Bowser, Ganondorf, and etc. You have to find an revive all of your fellow comrades. They’ll help you in the final battle.


The final battle is a 5-part sequence fighting Xin, and once you win, you get the last shard from Xin’s Core, and make a wish that Xin and the Final Smash Ball never existed so none of the events ever happened. The Final Smash Ball cracks with piercing light and explodes releasing light that obliterates Xin and the Darkness.


You’re sent to a peaceful area (Melee’s all-star rest area.) where Palutena appears before you thanking you for your bravery and valiant heroism, and blah blah blah. She promises to always watch over you, and sends you home with no memories of the prior events, but faint recollections and feelings that an amazing adventure happened, and that you fought for the good.


All the story details aren’t worked out, but trans versing worlds would be similar to Kirby Star Allies, and fighting in levels would be a combination of SSE and Smash Run where you can pick up things that raise all your stats slightly. Select an area, fight its enemies, raise stats, get coins, get exp, and visit the traveling stores.


I do have post game secret bosses picked out.

There’s only 7. (Special requirements must be met.)

Dry Bowser (Pushes Attack into SSS rank.)

Shadow Mewtwo (Pushes Special into SSS rank.)

Calamity Ganon (Pushes Defense into SSS rank.)

Galacta Knight (Pushes Jump into SSS rank.)

Mother Brain (Pushes Arms into SSS rank.)

Fire Emblem Villain (Pushes Speed into SSS rank.)


Once all stats are maxed out and you’re level 100, you can battle “α Xin” via Kass who sings you a sing of a Hero who saved everyone and vanquished all evils.


α Xin is a stronger, faster, harder hitting Xin with some new moves.

This is a pretty neat story draft, but...

Zero/Zero-Two from the Kirby series is now Zero-Three, and has now assembled a villainous organization with Tabuu, Giga Bowser, and Master Core.

The story mode plays mostly-similarly to Subspace Emissary, except for the following notable changes:

• No Sticker Mechanic
• No Great Maze
• Does not unlock characters; instead, you unlock characters outside of story mode to play them in the story mode
• Enemies are taken from a diverse pool of franchises. Yes, you have your Goombas and the Primids are back from SSE, but you also have Egg Pawns and Badniks, your Darknuts and Octorocks, your Robot Masters and Genome Soldiers, your Bayonetta Angels and Kid Icarus Demons, etc.

The story mode has nine "routes," with characters being distributed across each of them.
Mario Route (): Princess [TBD] has been kidnapped by Master Core, and King [TBD] is offering a king's ransom to whoever is brave enough to rescue her. The Mario Bros mistake her for Peach, Wario and Bowser Jr. are in it for the money, the Mushroom Kingdom is in an economic slump, hence why Peach and Daisy are doing it, and Dr. Mario and Rosalina are interested because the Princess' DNA is rumored to be the key to unlocking a breakthrough in science that could affect the lives of millions in the Mushroom Kingdom. This route's stages are all based off of the various Mario games and spinoffs, and are almost completely platforming-oriented, making this route the lightest on puzzles and combat, to the point where most enemies can be reliably defeated by just stepping on them. The drawback is that this is the only route where touch damage is a thing, and the touch damage is severely punishing. The bosses reflect this dynamic as well, with the exception of the endboss, which Master Core takes the role of.
"Normal" Route (): Master Hand is up to his usual tricks; better go stop him or something. Easily the most "Nintendo" of the routes and the most similar to SSE, the "Normal" Route offers a healthy mix of platforming, puzzle-solving and combat. Bosses are about the same as they were in Subspace Emissary. The endboss is Master Core.
Abstract Route (): You wake up in Master Core's laboratory and you want out. This route's stages feel very dreamlike and shapey, similar to games like Catherine, the Octo Canyon and Octo Expansion levels in Splatoon (not the hubs themselves), and Sonic Special Stages. This route is almost completely puzzle-oriented, making this route the lightest on platforming and combat. Bosses reflect this, requiring you to come up with inventing clever ways of using the environment to defeating the bosses rather than just whittling away at their health, with the exception of the endboss, which Master Core assumes the role of.
Fantasy Route (): Tabuu, thwarted in Subspace Emissary, has come back for revenge, this time targeting the worlds the Super Smash Bros. come from directly. Hijacking the control mechanisms of Castlevania, Inferno, the Underworld, and the Demon King Demise, Tabuu began empowering these dark forces, attracting the ire of many an adventurer. You play as one of these disgruntled adventurer, hoping to restore balance to your respective world. Meta Knight being the exception as dreamland is not directly affected, he is instead aiming to take the fight to Zero-3 in the most direct manner possible. This route's gameplay is almost entirely combat-focused, foregoing the platforming and puzzles of the Master Core Routes. All of the stages and items are from Nintendo's/Third Party's fantasy-genred franchises.
Sci-Fi Route (): Tabuu, thwarted in Subspace Emissary, has come back for revenge, this time targeting the worlds the Super Smash Bros. come from directly. Pitting the Galactic Confederacy (Other M/Fusion) against the Galactic Federation (Prime series) in a proxy war, Tabuu was free to subspace bomb the **** out of planets across the galaxy without the Galactic Federation around to stop him. Your task is to travel throughout the galaxy and put a stop to Tabuu's war. This route's gameplay is almost entirely combat-focused, foregoing the platforming and puzzles of the Master Core Routes. All of the stages and items are from Nintendo's/Third Party's fantasy-genred franchises.
Fire Emblem Route (ultroy:): The various kingdoms of the Fire Emblem universe are once again forced to reconcile with their neighbors. A number of Lords have formed a truce to seek out the cause of this disturbance. Obviously, this route's stages are all based off of Fire Emblem and require a more tactical approach, with you commanding a small battalion of allies that you send to specific parts of the stage to take down enemies and find items. Bosses also reflect this, being more about teamwork than footwork. The endboss is Tabuu.
Time-Limit Route (): Giga Bowser has come back from his defeat in Melee's Adventure Mode, and is planning to destroy the Nintendo Universe in 24 hours. From the moment you pick your character, you have 24 hours in-game time to complete all ten stages and defeat all five bosses to reach the endboss, Giga Bowser, or your save file for this route will be deleted, along with any trophies you earned from playing the route. As a result, this route is the most ludrative, handing out Trophies and other goodies liberally. The stages themselves could be summed up as "what if the Race to The Finish mode was its own story mode?" with you tearing through obstacles and enemies as adrenaline-pumping music from Sonic and F-Zero urge you to keep going.
Enemy Mine Route (): The fighter you picked has been framed by the heroes for freeing Giga Bowser from the prison Marth, Fox and Sheik sealed him in back in the Melee days. Most of the characters are out to clean their hands of this mess, while Ridley and Dark Samus are just in it because this "Zero-3" person sounds like someone who's trying to steal their thunder and they're just not having that. The stages are designed with an emphasis on wreaking as much havoc as possible on the environent on the way to the end of the stage. The endboss is Giga Bowser.
Custom Character Campaign (): Your Mii goes through an abridged, gimmickless (no strategy elements, no destructive envrionments, no time-limits) version of any of the other routes, meaning you play only 5 stages and fight a boss at the end of each one (with all the bosses being 1v1s with Mii Fighters), with no endboss. Each boss contains a social battle afterward that will net you added rewards (such as trophies or other collectables) if you complete them.

Upon defeating Tabuu, Giga Bowser and Master Core on any route, you unlock a final route that lets you use any character of your choice. One final level, a couple of cutscenes, then you fight the final boss, Zero-3.

This is a work of genius. A singular story mode would be far too long, and having all the characters interacting would be a huge headache, so splitting the story into "routes" would be a great way to have a big story without having it be overwhelming.

I always had this idea of going through small stories that go for about 30 mins to an hour. Each story containing the max of 4 players. Not long, but hopefully replayable. Something like this:

Luigi's (Unfortunate) Day Off - Luigi was enjoying his dayoff at Delfino Plaza when left over enemies from the Subspace have suddenly arisen. Seems like its job Luigi! But what are the Koopalings doing here? (Kooplings of your choosing)

Ladies Night 1 - Bayonetta and Palutena are at it when suddenly angels have arrived. "Corrupted angels?" Palutena says surprised. They aren't heading for the witch or the Goddess, but Princess Peach and Rosalina! Whatever they're up to, the Four need to work together to stop their plans.

The True King(s) - A sudden King has arrived and has threatened to take over the land. King Dedede, King Bowser, King Ganadorf, and King K. Rool have joined to stop this mysterious king that has threatened their land.

Snake's Plan B - "Snake, we have a new mission for you, but be vigalant. We don't have much time. The enemy is currently developing a bomb that will destroy a large portion of this world. Luckily, three new recruits will join you: Mario, Pit, and Lucario. You remember Lucario, don't you? Good luck out there."

Ladies Night 2 - Daisy was suppose to have a date night tonight. Key word: suppose to. A new era of enemies has crashed her night. Thankfully, Zero Suit Samus, Lucina, and Female Robin were around to help her out.

All You Can Eat! - A buffet has arisen in Pac World! Chef Kawanakwa has prepared food for our four heroes: Pac Man, Kirby, Donkey Kong, and Luigi. That is...until some external force has stripped their food source. Find out what it is, and get back that scrumptious food!

I Choose You! - The Pokemon Gym Battle is tomorrow. Wait... its today?! Pichu, Charizard/Ivysuar/Squirtle, Greninja, and Jigglypuff, lets go, before it to late! Hope nothing gets in our way...

Street Brothers - Ryu was going on a one-on-one battle with a mystery hooded enemy. But it seems like Ryu's opponent has brought in some back up. Luckily, Captain Falcon and Cloud have arrived. Oh, Ganadorf is here too, but only because "he wants to show them who's King."

--
It can be done Online, or with a group of friends. Maybe with some dialogue, but only like Palutena's Guidance, where the silouette will show up for whoever is talking. Those who don't usually talk of course won't have dialogue.

This is my idea of a story mode(s) though.

This feels more like Event Matches.

 

[Michael the Spikester]

This idea occurred to me but being Hades' nature is devouring souls. It'd be kinda cool if he was an recurring antagonist in the story being among the masterminds behind everything such as forming a league of villains to do his bidding in collecting spirits like Bowser, Bowser Jr., Dark Samus, Ganondorf, King K. Rool and Ridley as well as hiring mercenaries who aren't exactly evil like Wario and Wolf.

It's fitting really and I'd actually be surprised if this isn't what Sakurai was doing being he was behind Uprising.

 

[XigmunGothar]

Since echo fighters are an officially recognized and newly named category now, I wonder if the echo fighters are unlocked by doing certain things in story mode with the character they echo. Perhaps, if there is a co-op functionality, after unlocking them, the echo and base character have to fight a boss or finish a adventuring stage together. For instance, maybe Simon has to beat Dracula to get Richter or go through a Castlevania zone and then one or both fight Dracula.

Also,

This idea occurred to me but being Hades' nature is devouring souls. It'd be kinda cool if he was an recurring antagonist in the story being among the masterminds behind everything such as forming a league of villains to do his bidding in collecting spirits like Bowser, Bowser Jr., Dark Samus, Ganondorf, King K. Rool and Ridley as well as hiring mercenaries who aren't exactly evil like Wario and Wolf.

It's fitting really and I'd actually be surprised if this isn't what Sakurai was doing being he was behind Uprising.

While I don't think the "big bad" will be Hades, he'd be at most just a boss, I do think the idea of a main figure hiring the villains makes sense. It's like Tabuu and Master Hand did in Subspace Emissary.

 

[Michael the Spikester]

While I don't think the "big bad" will be Hades, he'd be at most just a boss, I do think the idea of a main figure hiring the villains makes sense. It's like Tabuu and Master Hand did in Subspace Emissary.

Why I said he could be one of the masterminds behind things. He could seemingly be that he's the Big Bad but then its revealed to be someone else similar to Tabuu (Or simply him again).

 

[Matoi]

Simple plot like SSE tbh. Everyone teaming together and fighting villains. Not all characters have to be present to fight the main boss. Characters like jigglypuff can be in 1 or 2 stages before leaving the squad. Character interactions would be most important.