Week in Review Issue #32

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

The Week in Review Edition #32
8/18- 8/22

Banner by @ Venus of the Desert Bloom

Staff
Writers:
@ Venus of the Desert Bloom
@TumblrFamous
@---
@Opossum
@Mario_and_Sonic_Guy
@Frostwraith
@MaskO'Gears
@BigAxle
@Vegito2727

Editor:
@Aerodrome


I would like to say a big and huge thank you to:

@Frostwraith for Friday's PotD
@ Ryuutakeshi and @ Superyoshiom for the great stage analysis

Previous Issues
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To view the previous issues
Issue #1
Issue #2
Issue #3
Issue #4
Issue #5
Issue #6
Issue #7
Issue #8
Issue #9
Issue #10
Issue #11
Issue #12
Issue #13
Issue #13 Direct
Issue #14
Issue #15
Issue #16
Issue #17
Issue #18
Issue #19
Issue #20
Issue #21
Issue #22
E3 in Review
Issue #23
Issue #24
Issue #25
Issue #26
Issue #27
Issue #28
Issue #29
Issue #30
Issue #31
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Want to help or contribute?
[collapse=Rules and Other Infos]This is the first edition of "The Week in Review". The Week in Review will be a series of articles I have made throughout the week concerning the Pic of Day through using posts, threads, and MiiVerse to pool information and opinions about Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS . However, the articles are not only limited to my own observation but to those of the larger Smash 4 community. Users are encouraged to submit articles and observations as well as opinions concerning the pictures that were updated throughout the week. I will explain how you can contribute later.

So what can you expect from this thread? On Friday, I will update the thread with a new article which will contain the Pic of the Day, other relevant images, information, I will also be pulling out interesting and thought provoking posts that have popped up throughout the week on the various threads such as the Wii U Discussion thread, 3DS Discussion Thread, MiiVerse Photo Thread, Roster Discussion Thread, character support threads as well as the Super Smash Bros, Wii U/3DS Backroom thus linking them altogether. In addition, I will also be adding up any information that Sakurai has revealed outside of the website/MiiVerse such as interviews and news articles.

I will open the thread on the weekend for people to talk about how the week went and comment on the articles. However, I will be closing the thread on Monday in order to prevent premature discussion about the weeks updates. I will be operating on Japanese Standard Time since both myself and Sakurai (OMG both of us in the same sentence?!?!?!) live on JST. View the JST Page in order to fully understand how time works.

Additionally, while this thread will focus on solely the Pic of the Day, I will sometimes allow pieces to be written about Smashboards, the Smash Community, MiiVerse, or Sakurai information. Additionally, once we have more information regarding the nature of the character, I will allow a user to write up an in-depth analysis of a character, veteran or newcomer. So come show your stuff!

Why is this thread needed?

We do have various discussion threads pertaining to various aspects of Smash. However, this is less of a discussion thread and more like a newsletter. I intend to present the facts and portray an unbiased review of the week. It will also serve as a hub to collect information, pictures, and articles that have been released in a weekly format thus allowing users to review the past weeks for better understanding how to predict future updates or to comb through information in an effective manner. It will also serve as a place to users to present their information, opinions, and observations in a semi-academical format. More information is listed below. If you see an interesting, funny, thought-provoking, or ridiculous post either on the SWF or on MiiVerse, PM me about it and I will include it! If you want me to remove you from a certain Tag, PM me and I will take you off.

Also, I wanted to use this space to allow users to be creative and constructive in speculating Smash in a more journalistic manner. I will not edit any posts except if they are inappropriate, bypass the censor, hateful in nature, or irrelevant.

How can I help?

You can contribute to this thread in many ways.
1) You can serve as a guest writer. This is done by contacting me via PM and apply to be a guest writer for the current week. I am able to allow or refuse the guest writer based on past credentials and reputation within the Smash 4 community so please keep that in mind.

After approval, I can either give you a piece to write OR you can choose one yourself. It should be focused on a particular Pic of the Day. Please promptly let me know which one you intend to. If I do not hear from you within a day, I will not accept an article. The article itself should be professionally written with little to no grammar or spelling mistakes. Any sources should be cited with a link to direct readers. While I understand some updates may be hard to write for, please write at least two paragraphs for each update. Unless it is an update of Luigi's nose but I am sure someone can find some Freudian psycho-analysis about that update. Please refer to the first edition post about how to write an article (though I am pretty sure many journalist/lit majors can do a much better job than I can lol).

2) You can help me gather posts that are excellent or at least interesting in nature. PM me any posts concerning a particular update and I will then add it to the articles. I frequent the above mentioned threads on a daily basis but I obviously miss things so I am heavily dependent on everyone getting me those great and thought-provoking posts. I want this thread to showcase what the brilliant minds in the Smash 4 community can do!

3) While you can discuss past and future weeks, please refrain from dissecting or analyzing the previous/future weeks and save that for the current week.

4) Could someone be a dear and make a banner for this thread. It's not urgent but a banner would be grand.[/collapse]

Table of Contents

Spoiler

1.1 Day #1: The Nightmare Begins...
2.1 Day #2: Smash Booty
3.1 Day #3: Potential Roster Leak
3.2 Day #3: "You got stuff to go into your Smash Run Lunch Box!"
4.1 Day #4: "I, Lord Ghirahim, is an Assist Trophy! Furious! Outraged! Sick with anger!"
5.1 Day $5: Feeling Alive Listening to Smashing Sounds
6.1 Week Overview
7.1 Week in Review Interview:
8.1 Stage Analysis: Unova Elite 4
9.1 Picture of the Week
10.1 Sakurai's Diar.
11.1 We Want YOU to Vote! Results
12,1 Help Wanted

The Nightmare Begins...
8.18.14
Day #1: Monday
Writer:@Venus of the Bloom

​

Kirby finally got some love in the form a massive Assist Trophy. Confirmed to make his first appearance in a Super Smash Bros, game is the villain, Nightmare from the Kirby series. Nightmare...

is a wicked final boss character and major character in the Kirby series, despite only making three major appearances in the games. His goal is to spread dark nightmares and influences throughout the galaxy, and uses his cunning wit to accomplish the feat.

http://kirby.wikia.com/wiki/Nightmare

Nightmare's first appearance was in Kirby's Adventure and his latest appearance was in Kirby Mass Attack. He also had a pivotal role in the anime.
​

Nightmare in the anime
​

Along with the PotD, Sakurai had this to say about Nightmare's appearance as an Assist Trophy:

"Pic of the day. Nightmare Wizard appears as an Assist Trophy! He will engulf the stage in darkness, and fighters will need to brawl blindly for a while. Look out for the effect before it goes dark, and play it to your advantage. Blinding and reversal effects even make the computer players mess up."

While this is a visually stunning Assist Trophy that is sure to earn some "oooohs" and "aaaahs" when it first comes out, it is noted as have a rather annoying ability akin to that of Togepi and Nintendog which is to obscure the screen. According to Sakurai, Nightmare will appear and temporarily plunge the screen into darkness thus preventing players from seeing where they go or what they are doing. It also appears that controls are reversed for everyone, including CPUs.

Using techniques that already exists in the games could be seen as laxiness on the teams part, especially given how powerful Nightmare can be. He is able to shoot out stars, sonic waves, creating magical orbs, conjuring meteors, and even transforming into a star-filled disco ball.

Nightmarenight Fever
​

Still, fans of both Nightmare and Kirby were very excited to see this character appear as an Assist Trophy:

Awesome to see this guy appear in Smash in some form.

@Speed

"IN THE DARKEST NIGHTMARE HOUR WHEN NOT MOON NOR SUN HAS RISEN

I TAKE KIRBY IN MY POWER, I SHALL KEEP HIM IN MY PRISON!!!"

But in all seriousness, pretty nice assist trophy

@CliffJumper

This is my favorite assist trophy now (design wise that is). Nice to see Kirby getting more love.

@NATGamer

Sure, it's cool that CPUs are affected by interface screws. But the most wonderful thing in this pic is the world's most epic double chin.

@crazyal02

I always considered Nightmare a very colorful, cool, and neat character. I honestly wish he had a bigger part in the Kirby series, similar to how Zero and it's form have a large part in the series.

@Lox!

Pretty good, such a nostalig picture~ Nightmare looks great!

@Reila

Nightmare in Dreamland... my first Kirby game. Even now I remember the feeling of defeating King DeDeDe only to have to face this mostrosity using nothing but the Star Rod, the Warp Star, and my courage to help me. It was an epic battle, one that I had to repeat many times before I succeeded.

All this just so some chumps in Dream Land can have "peaceful naps" because apparently they can't sleep unless they're having sweet dreams. Bunch of ingrates. Oh well, the game was really fun and this is an awesome, nostalgia-filled addition to the already stellar Assist Trophy cast Good to see the chaotic "darkness" effect returning in Sm4sh, and it'll finally affect CPUs as well. Can't wait for this game to come out!

@Logsmash

Do they honestly think that not being able to see = fun?

I mean he's a cool assist trophy but why, when there was already two assist trophies in Brawl that did the same thing and nobody liked them, would they add another?

@ecylisis

​

Things Confirmed for Monday:
1. Nightmare confirmed as an Assist Trophy.
2. Can plunge the stage into darkness and reverse controls.

Smash Booty
8.19.14
Day #2: Tuesday
Writer:

​

Zero Suit Samus graces the PotD in a rather visually revealing way! Sakurai showed off Zero Suit Samus' alternative costume today:

"Pic of the day. Looking at the number of days we have left for development, it would be an impossible task to create this… That's what I told my staff. But thanks to the determination of her female designer, these Zero Suit outfits got completed in time. From the ending of Metroid: Zero Mission, here's Samus in shorts!"

He also included a second picture and comment which confirmed both versions will have the same alternative outfits:

"Here's a look at the 3DS version. You can use the same outfit variations in both the 3DS and Wii U versions."

This came much of a surprise to everyone because, well, the outfit is fairly suggestive even for a Super Smash Bros. game. Never has a female character ever showed so much skin before. Sexual content has always been something that hasn't been a huge issue for Super Smash Bros. Back in Melee, players sometimes used the camera to try and see upskirts of Peach and Zelda.

Panties hurr duuur​

Super Smash Bros. Brawl also had this featured but it wasn't something that was advertised or acknowledged by the development team. Brawl was the first in the series to feature a character as having some sex appeal and that character being Zero Suit Samus. Her sleek, thin, yet well-endowed form was welcomed in Brawl but some felt that her model was too focused on sex appeal.

Zero Suit Samus in Brawl
​

Fast forward six years to the Smash Bros. Direct and we see an even more sexual Zero Suit Samus...

How does she bend that way??!!​

Samus' sex appeal has certainly been turned up but one can argue that many of the other female characters also exhibit a more mature look about them:

However, how can argue against including more alternative outfits? These two particular actually draw inspiration from Metroid: Fusion and Metroid: Zero Mission. The orange outfit first appeared in Zero Mission where she was shot down onto a strange planet and had to navigate it without the use of her Power Suit. It appears again in a blue color in Metroid Fusion as a replacement for the Justin Bailey suit for the games 100% ending.

The two outfits within the Metroid franchise.​

Despite being a requested alternative outfit, many felt that the Military Dress and Civilians Clothes would had been a more fitting outfit. They can still appear if characters have more than one or two outfits. It is great to see some handheld outfits and that alternate outfits will appear on both versions. This does lead to the question if there will be any version exclusive alternative outfits.

Also confirmed to appear in the 3DS version is the veteran Metroid stage from Melee, Brinstar.

Sigh.....more lava....​

With such a suggestive PotD, combing through the....comments about this picture wasn't exactly pleasant:

I don't know how to react to this. Sakurai you have huge balls putting in a controversial alt costume like this.

@NATGamer

I guess this means a shirtless in shorts Marth and Ike are coming?

@JMS_Eddy

Really hoping the returning Metroid stage isn't the only Metroid stage for Smash 3DS.

@Reila

Also I love how Sakurai specifically pointed out that her designer is female. As if to say "SHUT THE HELL UP PEOPLE"

@DarkAura64

Oh Fraaaaaancccciiiiiiis!

@R.O.B.

can we please enjoy zero suit samus with out anymore arguments on her sex appeal , she looks great and i can't wait to play as her. let's not have a repeat of the jet heels.

@im just peachy

Eh, I would rather have had her military attire from Metroid: Other M, but whatever.

@Altais

Is anyone else bothered by how ZSS's orange outfit at the ankle looks funny?

@Xeylode

lol! I thought I'd see this in Project M before Smash 4.

@sheik93

Things Confirmed for Tuesday:

1. Zero Suit Samus has alternate costumes based off an orange and blue variant from Zero Mission and Fusion.
2. Alternate outfits will be the same on both versions.
3. Brinstar returns as a veteran stage on the 3DS.

Possible Roster Leak
8.20.14
Day #3: Wednesday
Writer: @ Venus of the Desert Bloom

​

An image surfaced early yesterday showing what could be the roster for Super Smash Bros. for 3DS. It contains all of the characters revealed up until now as well as several new never before seen characters. This picture was first posted on 4-chan as well as several other pictures:

The above is of the Stage Select Screen
​

The discussion swirling around this possible leak as fueled discussion to its max with much of the leak discussion spilling into various threads including the News section and the Character Discussion categories. The leak claims that the following veterans are set to appear:

• Wario
• Mr. Game and Watch
• Ganondorf
• Falco
• Jigglypuff
• R.O.B.
• Ness

The following character is claimed to appear after missing Brawl:

• Dr. Mario

Finally, the leak claims the following characters as new:

• Bowser Jr.
• Duck Hunt
• Dark Pit
• Shulk

Not appearing in this roster is:

• Ice Climbers
• Snake
• Ivysaur
• Squirtle
• Lucas
• Wolf

Also claimed on the Stage Select Screen are various stages that we have seen before and ones we haven't seen. Here is an idea on what they could possibly be:

• Battlefield
• Final Destination
• 3D Land
• Golden Plains
• Paper Mario
• Rainbow Road
• Mushroomy Land ?
• Jungle Japes
• Gerudo Valley
• Spirit Train
• Yoshi's Story
• Brinstar
• Unova Elite 4
• Prisim Tower
• Great Fox
• F-Zero stage
• Arena Ferox
• Tortimer Island
• Game Boy/Kirby stage
• Reset Bomb Forest
• WarioWare, Inc.
• Distant Planet
• Boxing Ring
• Magicant (Mother)
• Living Room
• Tomodachi Apartments
• ??
• Find Mii
• Balloon Fight
• Flat Zone 2
• Gaur Plains
• Wily Castle
• Pac Maze
• Green Hill Zone

Also posted on GameFaqs was this photo which showed Mewtwo with a "?":

​

As with any leak, there have been a lot of debates whether this is a real or fake leak with some claiming that this is the roster for Super Smash Bros., and others claiming it is not.

#TeamFake

• Wario's pupil is missing
• Mr. Game and Watch's arms goes out of his tile
• The tile lines are not consistent and look out of place
• The quality of the renders are not consistent
• Shulk's face and positioning is too similar to Little Macs
• Dr. Mario is just a photoshopped render of Mario
• Ness' t-shirt lines look uneven
• graphical inconsistensies that do not match up with the E3 build

These are just some of the errors put forth on detractors. #TeamReal are left trying to support the leak and making rebuttals against the detractors:

• Wario's nose hides the pupil
• Mr. Game and Watch's hand is in fact Wario's shoulder
• The roster screen has room for 5 more slots
• Dr. Mario is just a HD render of official artwork for Dr. Mario much like how Lucina and Greninja are
• The stage select screen looks too real

There are numerous places to discuss this leak and due to its sheer size and impact; it is generating a lot of discussion:

Potential Roster/Stage Leak thread
http://smashboards.com/threads/potential-roster-stage-leak-thread.364914/page-3

"Potential Leaked Roster Surfaces"
http://smashboards.com/threads/potential-leaked-roster-surfaces.364880/page-17#post-17342779

Smash 4 Leaks Social
http://smashboards.com/social-forums/smash-4-leaks.1691/

Seeing as how there has been A LOT of ongoing discussion and waaaay to many comments, I will not be featuring impressions or criticisms right now.

"You got stuff to go into your Smash Run Lunch Box!"
8.21.14
Day #4: Thursday
Writer: @ Venus of the Desert Bloom

​

A mainstay in many of the Legend of Zelda games makes its debut in Smash Run. The treasure chest is fuoo of goodies according to Sakurai:

"Pic of the day. The treasure chests that appear in Smash Run are very important. Not only do they give you stat boosts, but they also give you custom parts (the bag on the right) and Smash Run powers (the bag on the left). You should pick these up and use them in the next battle!!"

The treasure chest will contain various power ups for Smash Run but also custom parts such as equipable items or outfits for the Miis. The treasure chest is based off from those found in Kid Icarus Uprising.

​

Sakurai also included a second picture and comment:

"…However, watch out for Mimicuties disguised as treasure chests. Run away! RUN AWAY!!"

The above monster is in fact Mimicutie who was confirmed to appear in Smash Run. Much like in Kid Icarus, she will appear when a character tries to unlock a treasure chest.

A Mimicutie in Kid Icarus.
​

Some consider Kid Icarus as having too much content representing it, with Pit and Palutena being playable characters as well as Smash Run having tons of Kid Icarus-themed enemies and their being a plethora of Kid Icarus items.

Here are what people had to say about this PotD:

Yesterday we got bikinis, today we get chests with sexy girl legs. Great, is this week all about being seductive

@JabbatheHutt

While the premise of Smash Run is interesting, I see it as a gimmick I'll only play to beat the **** out of creatures from other series. Just killing things for five minutes to get power ups for a battle is tedious, not only in the initial stages of Smash Run, but possibly how the outcome of the power ups might affect the match.

@PhantomMewtwoX

These enemies are a pain in the original game, since you're expecting them to be treasure chests but are actually these ridiculously strong enemies. Their kicks deal a lot of damage and they're quite resilient, taking a lot of hits before defeat.

@Frostwraith

I encountered one of the Mimicuties during the 3DS preview at Best Buy. They will beat your face in if you are not prepared.

@Nilok

Man, those damn Mimicuties were such a total pain in the neck in Kid Icarus: Uprising...but if it's a challenge, then Rosalina will be happy to accept.

Also like Link's red tunic alt. Still doesn't beat his Knight Academy outfit alt from Skyward Sword though.

@Tino

Things Confirmed for Wednesday:

1. Smash Run will feature chests that give goodies including customization parts.
2. Mimicutie is an enemy in Smash Run.
3. Link has a red alt outfit.

"I, Lord Ghirahim, is an Assist Trophy! Furious! Outraged! Sick with anger!"
8.21.14
Day #5: Thursday
Writer: @ Venus of the Desert Bloom

​

The Legend of Zelda franchise took a hit on Thursday when one if it's contenders as a playable spot on the roster was deconfirmed, The Demon Lord Ghirahim was confirmed to appear in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS as an Assist Trophy but what he actually does is unknown:

"Pic of the day. "No, I'll just beat you within an inch of your life!" Demon Lord Ghirahim makes an appearance in Smash Bros!! He's an Assist Trophy, so he could conceivably back up Link, too."

Without giving to many spoilers, Ghirahim is the main antagonist for much of the story in Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and holds a vast amount of power. He is a cunning, vile, sadistic, and confident individual who wishes to kill Link and capture Zelda to further his long-seeded plans. He is not only proficient in swordsmanship but also in magic. He can even enchant items and bring them to life with a snap of his fingers.

*snap*​

As mentioned before, he is able to perform a number of special abilities and magic such as firing diamond projectiles, teleporting, catching swords, and even transforming himself into a more powerful version. Sakurai never explained what Ghirahim would do when summoned but he will probably utilize several of his canon attacks while showcasing his ability as a magic and sword wielder. To have an idea of what his abilities are, please watch this video:

​

Fans around the internet mourned for him not being included in the game but some were happy to see him included as an Assist Trophy. Many felt that Ghirahim's chances were boosted due to his appearance in Hyrule Warriors which may of had a hand in including him as an Assist Ttrophy. It is also a sad time when a character fans cared deeply about becomes deconfirmed as playable but, still, the joy of knowing the character is at least in the game has to count for something. In addition, this comes on the heels of Monday's Nightmare PotD as well as a pretty good and active week with the roster leak, Zero Suit Samus' new outfit, and .

Here are what people are saying how Ghirahim as an Assist Trophy:

I'm done...
This is not something I often do, but here is my GIF reaction:

Well, I am quite sad, I must say. Ghirahim has always been my most wanted character. I supported him long before I even joined this forum. It's crazy to think he's finally done.

That said, I'm not too terribly distraught. I had a gut feeling it was going to happen, and at the very least, he is in Hyrule Warriors, and he looks very fun at that.

Cheers!

@KenithTheGatherer

my heart goes out to all the ghirahim believers tonight....

@lob

*sigh* This is better than nothing, I suppose. Disconfirmations like this aren't easy for supporters like myself, so please be polite.

With that being said... Debby looks fabulous in HD!

@KatKit

That feel when Fi is only a trophy while superior Ghirahim is at least on the battlefield.

@Saito

Seems in the same boat as Midna. Hyrule Warriors could still fulfill your fancy for play as Ghirahim in anything official and Nintendo-produced.
My condolences for those who supported him though.

But like Skull Kid, he seems to be another character noted by Sakurai enough to be "honorable mention". Also, 4 ATs from Zelda now!

@Young Horsetail

So cool that he quoted straight from the game !

@im just peachy

Ghirahim is lucky to be an assist trophy. He was another Zelda one-shot villain, and everyone should've expected this to be his fate from the start honestly.
Impa has always had a better chance than him.

@ihskeyp

As much as I would have loved to play as Ghirahim, I assumed from the beginning that he would be an assist trophy. There was no chance that he was going to replace Ganondorf. If they included both Ganon and Ghirahim that would mark the first time in Smash history that 2 true villains from the same series would be on the roster, which is something I don't think the developers would want to do.

@smashfromthepast

It's funny how people are going to try and blame Toon Link for taking Giggleham's spot on the roster or that he's more deserving when Sakurai stated way back that he thought a child Link in the game is important. Toon Link is also the main character of several games, but I can agree that I expected Toon Link to get a bit of a revamp with his move set this time around. But he's still different from Link regardless.

@Afrodude

Today we weep, brothers and sisters of the Debbiehood.

But we shall not stop believing, as the dream of smash never truly dies, it just waits to see the light of another installment.

@DeOnde

Things Confirmed for Thursday

1. Ghirahim appears as an Assist Trophy for the Legend of Zelda series.

Feeling Alive Listening to Smashing Sounds
8.22.14
Day #5: Friday
Writer: @Frostwraith

​

Friday's picture of the day came much later than usual and, for many people, the wait was worth it: this is the first music update for Smash 4. The Smash series always had a reputation for its quality soundtracks and as heard from trailers and demos, this game won't disappoint either.

First things first, here was Sakurai's comment about the picture that showcases the 3DS version's Sounds section, equivalent to the previous Smash games' Sound Test:

Pic of the day. The 3DS version has an excellent Sounds collection! The design looks nice for a sound test screen, doesn't it? The font color for the "Remix" text on remixed songs comes in pink or white. The pink ones are songs arranged for this version of Super Smash Bros., while the white ones are remixes made in earlier Smash Bros. games. This means there are reoccuring songs from past releases.

This was followed by three other posts as well as a second picture:

Choose your songs and play with features on the bottom screen. You can listen to character voices, too. One of the new highlights for this feature is the "Play in Sleep Mode" option in the upper right. If you turn this on, you can listen to the tracks with your headphones even when your Nintendo 3DS is closed. The L and R Buttons will let you skip tracks. This means you can use it as a portable music player. Enjoy listening to the tracks you love by putting all songs in loop, shuffle, or selecting your favorite tracks!!

In Smash Run, the background music plays randomly from the songs you select from the track list. This means you can customize your own song lineup!! Usually each stage has two tracks-which makes for a lot of songs on its own-but as a bonus, we've added more songs for you to enjoy in Smash Run and in the Sounds area.

By the way, here's another music announcement!! You can now listen to some of the tracks on the official website. We're planning to add more tracks a little at a time, so stay tuned. www.smashbros.com

That's a lot of info here!

As a sound test, the Sounds section allows players to listen to music and character voice clips from the game. However, there are a lot of new features, as players can listen to music while the 3DS is on sleep mode, allowing on to listen to the game's music on the go. Like any other music player, players have the option to skip tracks, shuffle tracks and creating their own playlist. Awesome.

Sakurai also details that the soundtrack will feature new musical work (indicated by "Remix" on pink), re-arranged songs from previous Smash games (indicated by "Remix" on white) or original songs from previous Nintendo games.

In addition to its feature as a sound test and music player, the Sounds section can allow players to choose which music can play on Smash Run. This can be done by selecting which tracks are selected at random upon entering the mode. From the song being chosen from the entire soundtrack or just limited to one song and anything in-between, the possibilities are endless for sure. Sakurai stated that stages would only have two songs each, but the Sounds section includes extra songs that can be used for Smash Run if one desires.

Besides comments on pictures, Sakurai has noted there's a Music section on the site. Checking it out, there are are three music samples and a list of composers working on the 3DS version of the game. As with Brawl, the list is massive and includes many well-known video game composers like Yasunori Mitsuda, Yuzo Koshiro, Motoi Sakuraba and Hirokazu Tanaka. The total number of composers for this version is 40! That's a lot of people!

The three music samples were:
- Multi-Man Smash, a Smash original arranged by Yoshihito Yano
- Battle! (Trainer Battle) from Pokémon X / Y, remixed by Yuzo Koshiro.
- Full Steam Ahead, the overworld song from The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, re-arranged by Michiko Naruke.

They can be checked on the official website at: www.smashbros.com, so be sure to check them out, if you haven't yet.

With such a bombastic update with tons of new info, the boards naturally reacted:

AHHH! MUSIC!!! THE HYPE WAS REAL!!! THREE SONGS!

@Radical Beam

OMG that mult man theme is awesome.

@Gravitational23

"In Smash Run, the background music plays randomly from the songs you select from the track list. This means you can customize your own song lineup!! Usually each stage has two tracks-which makes for a lot of songs on its own-but as a bonus, we've added more songs for you to enjoy in Smash Run and in the Sounds area."

I LOVE THIS.

@Sil

We can use Smash 3DS as a Portable music player?!?! This is indeed worth staying up.

@Windmaster012

I was literally ready to go to bed and give up, posting "He didn't even show up..." with this jpg.

THEN MUSIC UPDATE.

@Moldy Clay

Can't wait to listen to this music on my 3DS. Though I'll probably be getting all my favorite tracks on my phone anyways so.....

@Satan-

Oh my god. That is a heavy hitting list.

@CyberZixx

Anyone else get chills when you heard "Full Steam Ahead"? Spirit Tracks is one of my favorite Zelda games and it made me very happy

@PacoTaco

Great to see that a strong group of composers are returning. Music is the sound of the human soul.. and video game music is the same. The emotions and ideas that these songs portray add depth to the game.. in fact, Nintendo has always placed importance on good music. It's nice to see a fine collection anywhere... especially in Super Smash Bros.

@MaskO'Gears

Besides the comments above, many people were making wild speculation based on the composers' previous works. However, it's important to...

Be mindful everybody:

The "Main Compositions" in NO way confirms any information about Smash Brothers for Wii U or 3DS. It is simply stating what series that the music artists involved in Smash Bros for 3DS had previously been a part of working on which, again, suggests nothing about about Smash Bros for 3DS other than that the music team will be diverse and well experienced.

@Krynxe

Things Confirmed for Friday

1. The 3DS version as a Sounds section that functions as a sound test and portable music player, allowing listening to songs from the game.
2. Smash Run has fully customized music, each play session selecting a song from a playlist set by the player. There are also exclusive tracks for use in Smash Run.
3. The game will feature original music, remixes both new and from previous Smash games, as well as music taken from other games directly.
4. 40 composers will be working on the 3DS version with many big names among them.​

Overview:
Monday revealed Nightmare Wizard as an assist trophy, who acts similarly to one of Togepi's attacks. He seems to be an AT that causes trouble for everyone. Tuesday revealed another alternate costume, the Zero Mission Zero Suit. It comes in two colors, and apparently was a late addition. Furthermore, Brinstar wad revealed as a 3DS Retro Stage! Wednesday revealed more Smash Run info. There are chests! These can be opened for goodies and items to utilize... But watch out for Mimicuties! Thursday revealed Ghirahim as an assist trophy. He'll likely attack directly at the opponent instead of using magic. Friday gave us a musical update, revealing the giant composer list. Among the list, the composers of Metal Gear Solid 4 and Xenoblade are listed. Coincidence?

THANKS FOR READING!!!
​

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Interview of the Week

@Vegtio2727
@Rocket Raccoon​

Rocket Raccoon, morally known as Vegito2727, is one of the writers here on the Week in Reviewand a valued staff member in the Newsrooms. He not only has helped edit and prepare articles but has written a number of them as well conducting interviews. Known for his love of Rocket Raccoon of "Guardians of the Galaxy" fame. Rocke tRaccoon is active in many threads and is visible in many areas of the forums.

1) How long have you been a member on Smashboards and why did you join?

I've been a member of Smashboards since one month after speculation started, In July, basically. I joined for reasons I don't remember. I did a Reggie in SSB4 thread (twice, accidentally.) The Little Mac thread happily accepted mean I've been here since.

2) What is your favorite part of Smashboards? What is your least favorite part?

My favorite part of Smashboards is the site itself. Coming here to talk about my all-time favorite game series is enough for me. Least favorite part is definitely unneeded threads.

3) Will you be getting Super Smash Bros. for Wii U or 3DS?

Both, the day they come out. Screw the other plans I've had.

4) Who are your Mains in 64/Melee/Brawl? Who do you plan to main in Smash 4?

In 64, I mained Samus. Melee, Mewtwo for his sake not being in Brawl. Brawl, I mained Sonic because he was a third party. Little Mac, & Shulk are definitely are my mains

5) Who is your most wanted newcomer for Smash 4? More than one answer is ok.

Little Mac was my most wanted newcomer. Shulk is confirmed basically so I have no problems with what the roster is here on out.

7) What would you like to see improved or expanded from Super Smash Bros. Brawl?

Definitely would like to see more characters. Tweak on the Stage Builder and it'd be gold.

What is your best/favorite Smash Bros. moment/memory?

My favorite memory is definitely playing my first Smash Bros. match.

I lost.

9) Where did your username come from? What is your avatar of?

My username, previously, was Vegito2727. That username came from the most powerful DBZ character CANONICALLY! There was this one Spongebob episode where Patrick went to school with Spongebob and they were talking about 24 & 25. I misunderstood it as 26 & 27

My new username comes from Marvel's new movie Guardians of the Galaxy.

10) Has writing for the Week in Review helped you as a Smashboards member? In what has it? Do you think you have grown as a fan of Super Smash Bros.?

Writing for the WiR has helped me to view more of the community and look at Smash at a different view. As a Smash Bros. fan, it's definitely helped me analyze more things carefully.

11) What is your favorite part of Super Smash Bros. speculation?

My favorite part of speculation WAS talking about potential characters and what the game would be like. Speculation for me has dried out and I'm ready to play it. Speculation had it's moments like hyping for the Chrom trailer when we thought it was gonna be Shulk.

12)Do you have any words of advice for new members of the site?

New users, four things.

1. Find a person to look up to on this site.
2. Find a thread or board that you enjoy to be around.
3. Watch Guardians of the Galaxy.

4. And for God's sake, if you're going to make a thread, do it right. Use the search bar, take it to the Unpopular Opinions Thread, use the character forums, or more importantly THE SOCIAL THREAD. I can't stand that.

Thank you Vegito2727 Rocket Raccoon for the interview! Check back next week for another Interview of the Week!​

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Stage Analysis: To Be A Master
By @ Ryuutakeshi and @ Superyoshiom

The Unova Pokemon League is a brand new stage in the Super Smash Bros. Series, unique to the 3DS version. The stage, based of what we’ve seen in the Pic of the Day, consists of the steps leading up to the Champion’s Room at the top of the Unova League itself. The Champion’s Room also serves as the entrance to N’s Castle during the climax of the Pokemon Black and White main story. Interestingly, during your first visit to the league you do not get to battle the Champion, Alder, after defeating the Elite Four. Instead you must navigate your way through N’s castle, capture either Zekrom or Reshiram (depending on your version), and battle against N and Ghetsis. This is a major break from the typical Pokemon League formula set down by the original Pokemon Red and Green (or Red and Blue if you lived outside Japan) and has not been mimicked since.

Step Up to the Challenge​

Currently, there exists only one image of this stage and it is the one provided by Sakurai on July 31, 2014.

The image came with the following caption:

“Pic of the day. Reshiram appears on one of the stages in the 3DS version! Zekrom and Milotic appear, too. It’s close enough to the launch date, so I don’t think I have to describe this stage to you, right? The design of this stage is based off of the surroundings of someone’s castle.”

Sadly, the caption provides more information regarding how the stage works than the picture does, and even then very little specifically. However, between the two there is just enough information to figure out where the stage is in the Unova League and how it might function based off of the series history.

In this first picture we see the Pokemon Trainer from Black and White ascending the steps to the Champion’s Room. Note the pillars that he is passing between. Now compare them to the pillars behind Reshiram. They are an exact match. You can even see the far left pillar just behind Reshiram’s back if you look close enough.

This landing with the pillars is the final landing before you reach the Champion’s Room. This can even be seen in the stage itself in the POTD. There are two landings on the staircase between the champion’s room and the elevator taking you to this area. These are shown in order in the following pictures.

Elevator Down Into the Area

First Landing

Second Landing

This Staircase Looks Shorter in the POTD

Alder Really Should Turn the Lights On​

So now we know that the picture with Reshiram takes place between the first and second landing of the steps leading to the Champion’s room. Great! However, you may notice a small problem. What is Reshiram standing on? There aren’t any pillars around it so it can’t be the first landing. However, there are no other flat surfaces anywhere else on the staircase.

This is where we, in the words of a wise old wizard, “shall be leaving the firm foundation of fact and journeying together through the murky marshes of memory into thickets of wildest guesswork.” (HP:HBP- 10) The first possibility is that, like many stages in Smash Bros, this is a traveling stage. A platform will take you throughout the Unova Pokemon League, possibly in the order of how you’d challenge the elite four, and then up the stairs to face the champion. Because Sakurai alludes to N’s castle in the description of the POTD, it’s possible that at this point the castle would rise out of the ground behind the league as shown in the following video.

​

The second possibility is one that I came to while writing this analysis, and if true demonstrates that we’ve all been looking at this POTD the wrong way. For those of you who may not have played Pokemon Black or White, those green bulbs behind Reshiram are not plants. They’re the tops of the Elite Four chambers, specifically the ones belonging to Caitlin and Grimsley, as can be seen in the video when the camera pans over the league.

Or here again in this picture I just took off my copy of White.

Do you see the ring that forms the roof of the league? Perhaps that is what the challengers and Reshiram will be standing on instead of on the stairs as the POTD suggests. This opens up a whole slew of possibilities.

Many have called this stage the Spear Pillar of the 3DS, and in many ways they’re right. Based off what we know it’s likely that Reshiram, Zekrom, and Milotic will appear standing on the back of the ring (the side facing the Champion’s Room) while the players fight either in the middle or towards the front of the ring. It’s even possible that the other two league towers not shown (Shauntal and Marshal) will be interactive. Sadly, I have no idea at this point if the lower level of the Pokemon league will appear or whether it will be consumed by the blast zone.

Another thing to note is that in the middle of the ring there are raised ramps jutting out over the center courtyard. It’s possible that these ramps will be on the same plane of movement that the fighters will be on and will thus serve as a part of the stage.

Below is my very rough idea of what the stage actually looks like. I added a platform for the sake of having a platform and not really knowing how Sakurai would work with that odd floating orb. Again, REALLY rough.

The Legendary Trio That Isn’t​

This brings me to one of the biggest question about this stage. What will Reshiram, Zekrom, and the ever-random Milotic do to influence the fight? Well, I imagine they’ll be much like Dialga, Palkia, and Cresselia on Spear Pillar. Reshiram will use powerful fire type moves, such as Blue Flare or Fusion Flare, while Zekrom uses Bolt Strike and Fusion Bolt. Milotic, who is not a legendary nor has any affiliation with Reshiram and Zekrom, is a little harder to place. It’s possible that it could use Hydro Pump or Aqua Ring, but Milotic lacks a signature move like what the legendaries have. All I can say with certainty is that it will be using water-based moves.

One of These Things Is Not Like the Others... But At Least It Can Legally Be Lvl 9 and Under​

It’s also possible that the three will serve as interactive stage hazards or “bosses” like the Yellow Devil does. In this case I imagine they’d wait in the background and move forward to attack every so often. However, the Yellow Devil spends all of its time on stage and is always interactive. The POTD suggests that at least Reshiram hangs back from the fight, leading me to conclude that if they are interactive, it will be in small doses and will mimic Dialga and Palkia from Spear Pillar. Otherwise, they’ll simply be background hazards.

Natural Harmonia Gropius
(That's his name. Seriously)
​

For many people, the other big question lingering in their minds was whether or not N would make an appearance in this stage.

Every time N's castle has been in the games, N has been there with it, so it's certainly not too to suggest he'd be present. But it's important to note that since we already have 3 potential stage hazards on this stage, there isn't any niche N could fill, despite being the trainer of at least one of these Pokemon. Besides, wouldn't attacking others with his Pokemon be against his nature? I'd still be surprised if he made no appearance on the stage. It is his castle after all.

Music​

Here are a few music samples from Pokemon Black and White that fit the setting of the stage.

N’s Castle Theme

N’s Theme

Ghetsis Battle Theme

N’s Final Battle Theme

Legendary Pokemon Battle

Elite Four Battle

Champion Theme​

Conclusion​

So there you have it. A long-winded analysis by two Pokemaniacs using information derived from one game in the series and one still image provided at an awkward angle. Clearly we spend too much time playing Pokemon. Oh right, such a thing is impossible.

Without further images it’s difficult to confirm what the rest of the stage will shape up to be like. I couldn’t tell you for sure if there will be any platforms (though I imagine there will be) and I couldn’t begin to guess how N’s castle would factor into the mix beyond being a background change. Hopefully Sakurai provides more details in the coming weeks. If not, Super Smash Bros. 3DS launches in Japan in less than a month, so we’ll certainly know the details then. If this analysis has accomplished anything, hopefully it will have been to prove why this stage is 100% NOT Kalos’ Parfum Palace.

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Picture of the Week
@ Venus of the Desert Bloom ​

I chose this picture to be in the Picture of the Week as it clearly shows the dynamics of Robin's Final Smash and how it works. Plus, it looks pretty damn awesome!​

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

saved for Sakurai's diary

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

We Want YOU to Vote!
@ Venus of the Desert Bloom

​

Last week we polled readers on how they feel Meta Knight should be represented in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS. It is a well known fact that Meta Knight is a pretty boss in that he has a tier list spot all to himself and even is banned in various tournaments. Opinions on how he should be treated in the next installment varies between nerfing him or keeping him the same but slightly tweaking him. Here are how the results ended up:

1. I think he needs more buffs.
   3 vote(s)
   6.4%
2. I think he needs more nerfs.
   24 vote(s)
   51.1%
3. He doesn't need either, just a little bit of tweaking.
   16 vote(s)
   34.0%
4. He is fine how he was in Brawl. Just buff all of the other characters.
   4 vote(s)
   8.5%
5. He doesn't need to be buff or nerfed. He should retain his top Tier level.
   0 vote(s)
   0.0%

Gaining first place was "I think he needs more nerfs." with 24 votes or 51.1% of the votes. This indicates that the majority of readers feels Meta Knight needs to be nerfed from his Brawl version. Second place was a slightly moderate change in "He doesn't need either, just a little bit of tweaking." with 16 votes or 34% of the votes. Third place was "He is fine how he was in Brawl. Just buff all of the other characters." with 4 votes or 8.5% of the total. Finally, fourth place was "I think he needs more buffs." with 3 votes or 6.4%. This could be the Meta Knight mainers though that is not consclusive.

People have been calling for nerfs to Meta Knight since Brawl and it is possible that he may get those nerfs. However, why nerf a character when Sakurai can slightly tweak him while increasing the overall stats of the entire cast? Meta Knight is a great character and one that embodies all the good qualities of a character.

We Want YOU to Vote!

Do you think the CSS (character select screen) is fake or real?
​

Last week, an image on 4chan showed a potential leak of the character select screen which showcased all of the characters, newcomers and veterans revealed up until now plus some yet to be revealed veterans and newcomers. Veterans wise, they include:

• Wario
• Mr. Game and Watch
• Ganondorf
• Falco
• Jigglypuff
• R.O.B.
• Ness

Also included was Dr. Mario as a returning veteran from Melee.

Newcomers wise, it includes:

• Bowser Jr.
• Duck Hunt Dog
• Dark Pit
• Shulk

So do you think the image is real or fake>? Let us know!

​

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

saved for help wanted

 

[Ryuutakeshi]

That awful moment when you read over your own work again and realize you made a typo. Oh well. I had a lot of fun working on this analysis.

 

[mario123007]

What about each stage anaysis? When are you guys going to post that?

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

What about each stage anaysis? When are you guys going to post that?

Each stage analysis? I don't know what you mean by that.

 

[Superyoshiom]

Picture of the Week
@ Venus of the Desert Bloom ​

I chose this picture to be in the Picture of the Week as it clearly shows the dynamics of Robin's Final Smash and how it works. Plus, it looks pretty damn awesome!​

I've never seen this picture before, it looks so cool!

 

[Smashoperatingbuddy123]

You did well again

How come you diden't do a part on the nintendo of europe pictures? Especially the meta knight picture on the pyrosphere.

 

[FalconOwnage]

Good work.

So about that Top 11 article...

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Good work.

So about that Top 11 article...

http://smashboards.com/threads/week-in-review-issue-31.364668/#post-17316750

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

I added the interview of the week! Please check it out!