In the latest Nintendo Direct press conference, Nintendo shocked viewers when the company announced that the new Super Smash Bros. game for the Wii U and 3DS would be developed by a third-party. Namco Bandai, responsible for games such as Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations, and a slew of Dragon Ball Z titles, was granted rights to develop the new Super Smash Bros.
What can we expect from the collaboration? Series creator and director Masahiro Sakurai is still a part of the creative team, but just how far Namco Bandai and Sakurai will sway from the established beat-em-up formula is unknown. With a slew of new characters added to each installment of the series, including several non-Nintendo all stars in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, there are rumors and speculation revolving around potential new characters in the Wii U and 3DS game. Nintendo has ventured from its key franchises before with Sonic and Solid Snake; they may very well do it again.
WTF
If Namco Bandai decides to add new characters based off its own franchise involvement, Super Smash Bros. could be receiving a whole host of new characters into its repertoire. Looking at Namco Bandai’s history and previous series involvement, the inclusion of Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Naruto, Gundam, or Tekken characters into Super Smash Bros. Wii U could very well be a possibility. Without much to go on, we’ll have to wait for an official confirmation from Nintendo and Namco to truly substantiate the roster.
As someone who has played every Super Smash title, I’m a little freaked out to hear about Namco Bandai’s involvement in the new game. As much as I love Goku, I’m not quite sure I’d want to see him fighting Pikachu or Link. What are your feelings about Namco Bandai’s involvement? Do you fear that the new developer will change the series too much or do you believe it will introduce innovative elements that could improve upon the Super Smash Bros. universe?
Editor’s Note: This article is based upon Namco Bandai’s gaming trends as well as speculative conjecture. Nintendo has not yet confirmed who will be in the next game.
ABOUT Taylor
Taylor Stein is a recent college graduate and freelance games writer. You can find her work on Destructoid, G4, Bitmob, 1UP, Pure Nintendo, Honest Gamers, and more. Beyond the arena of geekdom. she is a fitness freak and lover of sushi. Don't judge this book by its cover, let's talk games! Google
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