The 3DS version’s Xenoblade Chronicles-inspired level will return, but will add a stage hazard in the form of Metal Face, one of that game’s primary antagonists. The new Metroid-inspired stage, Pyrosphere, will also incorporate series baddie Ridley in a unique way, as any player who attacks him enough can recruit him as an AI ally, and anyone who KOs him will receive a point for their KO total.
Coin and Stamina Smash modes will make a return from past home console entries, along with a highly customizable Special Smash mode where many factors can be customized, including item frequency and which items do and don’t appear. Numerous tracks can be unlocked and chosen for each stage, as well, with the total number of tracks roughly totalling three times that of the 3DS version.
Classic Mode will return, but in a different form than the 3DS version, with dynamic factors based on your skill and specific rival CPU fighters. In a series first, 2-player local co-op will be supported for Classic Mode, along with the returning All-Star and Event modes, the latter of which will now offer branching unlock paths to make each unique battle available.
The Wii U will also introduce an exclusive new multiplayer mode called Smash Tour, which will allow 4 players to navigate their Miis on a board game-like layout and unlock fighters and powerups to battle with. A new mode called Special Orders will also make its debut, which will let players use in-game currency to take on randomized battles and potentially unlock some extra goodies.
Longtime final boss Master Hand will retain his new Master Core forms from the 3DS version, but will add a radically new form called Master Fortress when challenged on higher difficulties, which will encase the player in a huge structure that’s like a unique level on its own and also doubles as a boss fight.
Players who have worked hard to unlock move variations and equipment for their favorite characters on the 3DS will be able to copy them to the Wii U version completely intact, with the same going for Mii Fighters and their unlockable outfits and headgear. The new Amiibo figure-enabled fighters can be ‘fed’ equipment that players don’t want anymore, to boost their stats and gain experience, and the AI characters they each contain can be used against friends’ own Amiibos.
The Masterpieces feature from Super Smash Bros. Brawl will also return, with playable demos of classic titles the game’s fighters originate from available with a three-minute time limit, as well as links to buy them on the Wii U eShop. Minigames like Trophy Rush, Home-Run Contest, and Target Blast will also return with added co-op functionality.
Two people using the same console will be able to simultaneously participate in the random With Anyone online battles, and you will also be able to create and share custom tournaments, similar to Mario Kart 8‘s group creation feature. The Wii U GamePad will be able to either display the game on its touch screen, or display each fighter’s damage amount a la the 3DS lower screen.
The Stage Builder mode from Brawl will return, with the added feature of using the GamePad’s touch functionality to draw freehand terrain shapes. A Paint feature will also be included to doodle on top of snapshots that can be taken when the game is paused. It was also confirmed that photos, replays, Mii Fighters, and custom stages will be made available to share online to some extent in the future.
Furthermore, a new fighter announced in the form of the Mario series’ own Bowser Jr., though 3DS owners are probably aware of his inclusion at this point. As in that version, instead of alternate colors, Bowser’s seven Koopalings will be available as alternate skins with the same moves as his son.
As a final exciting announcement, the iconic Pokemon, Mewtwo, who was playable in Melee but absent in Brawl, will be made available as a free download some time in the spring for players who purchase both titles. A 2-CD soundtrack will also be available exclusively through the Club Nintendo service for players who purchase and register both the 3DS and Wii U Smash Bros. games by January 13, 2015.
All in all, this was a meaty Nintendo Direct chock-full of interesting announcements, and it is making the wait for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U even harder. That said, at least we have the 3DS version to make it slightly more bearable.
We will continue to keep you updated on future news regarding the game in the days leading up to its release.