E3 2018: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate impressions

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate finally has a title, and at E3 2018, Nintendo had plenty of the game to show in live streaming after its Direct.

After the huge amount of information Nintendo finally provided about Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Nintendo Switch during its E3 2018 Direct, the game also starred in Nintendo’s live streams (as well as the Super Smash Bros. Invitational tournament). That meant that we had the opportunity to get more looks at new characters and the changes in for this new game.

Note: This post will be updating as Nintendo livestreams more of Super Smash. Bros Ultimate! Please keep refreshing to get all the latest.

For example, we learned that stage selection now precedes fighter selection. The point of this? To give players a chance for even more strategy. After all, not all jumps are created equal, and some stages have more platforms in others. As mentioned during the Direct, all stages have Omega forms now — for heightened competition. Speaking of competition, though, the game pace seemed pretty fast in matches.

We also got a look at Ridley. He seems to be pretty large and not necessarily the fastest out there (though he’s speedier than, say, Bowser usually is), but his Final Smash involves him slamming someone onto Samus’ starship and obliterating them with a huge fire breath. He, the Inkling, and Daisy will all be getting amiibos as well.

For Splatoon fans eager to see the Inkling, they showed up as well. It looks like their ink mechanics are well-represented. Inked opponents suffer more damage, and you can also recharge your ink. Additionally, you can cover the ground in ink to slow enemies down. However, the ink does wear off over time, making things a little fairer.

Fans of The Legend of Zelda had a lot to appreciate in footage. Link was also showed off early. Aside from his redesign to reflect The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, he has a new Final Smash — the Ancient Arrow — and now shoots sword beams when he doesn’t have any damage. Ganondorf uses swords for his smash attacks. Zelda, of course, has a Link Between Worlds design, but she also seems faster than she used to be.

The site for Smash is now also live, showing off the absolutely massive roster. We’ll have to see if there are any more additions, but for now there are plenty of images showing off all the characters.

Next: E3 2018: Nintendo's Direct highlights

What do you think of Nintendo’s look at Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? It’s out Dec. 7.