Masahiro Sakurai Discusses Smash Bros. Sequel
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Masahiro Sakurai recently discussed the prospect of having to consider a Smash Bros. sequel in the future.
Since heading the Wii version the legendary designer had always taken the approach that it would be the last in the series, but recently speaking to ONM, he's expressed concerns that he may have to consider ideas for a potential sequel. Sakurai goes onto reveal that certain undisclosed features and characters had to be cut due to time constraints, along with the need to do something fairly different to justify a sequel.
Fans had critised the game for a lack of variety between some characters, and disappointment at the inclusion of multiple clones.
With that in mind, would you support a sequel or updated version of Smash Bros. Brawl? Do you feel that features that made it this time round that could have been better?
Thanks to C3 reader mOojc for the tip.
Since heading the Wii version the legendary designer had always taken the approach that it would be the last in the series, but recently speaking to ONM, he's expressed concerns that he may have to consider ideas for a potential sequel. Sakurai goes onto reveal that certain undisclosed features and characters had to be cut due to time constraints, along with the need to do something fairly different to justify a sequel.
It’s taken over three years to make Brawl but I actually stopped trying to include new ideas early on in development.
What happened in the next year and a half was that we distilled the game down, worked out which ideas we had time to include and which we didn’t. Sadly, we had to trim out many great concepts just to keep within the time constraints. I had a lot more characters, for example, but sadly I can’t discuss which ones didn’t make it.
There are 39 characters in the game this time around and just adding a few more wouldn’t be enough to justify a new game in my opinion; I’d have to draw a line in the sand and have a new approach to make it worthwhile. As long as the fans enjoy it, though, that’s what matters and in the distant future, I guess that might be something I have to consider.
What happened in the next year and a half was that we distilled the game down, worked out which ideas we had time to include and which we didn’t. Sadly, we had to trim out many great concepts just to keep within the time constraints. I had a lot more characters, for example, but sadly I can’t discuss which ones didn’t make it.
There are 39 characters in the game this time around and just adding a few more wouldn’t be enough to justify a new game in my opinion; I’d have to draw a line in the sand and have a new approach to make it worthwhile. As long as the fans enjoy it, though, that’s what matters and in the distant future, I guess that might be something I have to consider.
Fans had critised the game for a lack of variety between some characters, and disappointment at the inclusion of multiple clones.
With that in mind, would you support a sequel or updated version of Smash Bros. Brawl? Do you feel that features that made it this time round that could have been better?
Thanks to C3 reader mOojc for the tip.
More on Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Wii)

Developer: HAL/Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Fighting
Players: 4
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CommentsPost a Comment
tiamat1990 Reply Quote #1

L79 Iron Knuckle
2994
66
29.10.2004
tiamat or tiamat1990Oh a new one's coming? Big shocker there.
Well I hope they don't change it around too much. But yeah it does need something new.






Well I hope they don't change it around too much. But yeah it does need something new.







Mason Reply Quote #2

Reviews Editor
8364
503
03.05.2004
Mike@C3It doesn't actually confirm that there will be a new one. Inevitably there will be at some point, but that isn't the point of this article. The point is that Sakurai is considering how he could theoretically make one so that it would be worthwhile.
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Ikana Reply Quote #3

L58 Hylian Knight
1316
149
07.06.2006
Ikana

mOojc Reply Quote #4

L95 Assassin
4511
214
06.06.2004
mOojcYea the fact that Sakurai had so much more planned.... I wish they had made it into Brawl, especially the characters he had to cut!
SuperLink Reply Quote #5

C3 Mod
14424
762
19.01.2005
Link / SuperLink9I'm pretty sure the cut characters were only the forbidden 7. Maybe more but I personally doubt it. They would have all been clones other than 1 or 2 anyway. By the way the Forbidden 7 are:
Nothing too exciting anyway, shame bout Mewtwo and Roy though.
But I agree with Sakurai, a new Smash game wouldn't be worth it unless it included enough new features. Smash isn't FIFA or even Mario Kart. I think it needs dlc, more online modes, voice chat, more options etc.
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Nothing too exciting anyway, shame bout Mewtwo and Roy though.
But I agree with Sakurai, a new Smash game wouldn't be worth it unless it included enough new features. Smash isn't FIFA or even Mario Kart. I think it needs dlc, more online modes, voice chat, more options etc.
~League of Kings - King - "The One"~ | May the League of Kings always reign supreme!
C3 SHENMUE III DECADE | 18.06.2009
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Linkyshinks Reply Quote #6

L100 Eternal Master
7231
763
15.02.2007
LinkyshinksThose criticisms levelled at the game are perfectly valid. The game could have easily have done without some characters and the inclusion of some of those Trophy characters being fully fledged instead. Voice Chat among Wii Friends is essential next time around. More depth certainly, they dumbed it down, it's happening all the time with Wii versions of classic games. It's not something fans will ever appreciate. My own biggest criticism with the game is the terrible lag I endure, it makes me switch of my console at times and face the flack.
I don't think they should put out a new game until they have network code that can pull it off well enough. It's a shame that MK provides a seamless experience in complete contrast because of predictive AI network code that racing games can use. I am eager to see if Capcom who have experience in the genre can be the first company to provide a online fighter that does not face the same lag problems.
Brawl is such a meaty game content wise it's hard to see where it can be improved upon, but given a few more years with Brawl many will have a long list ready.
I will never say no to a new Smash game but if they cannot provide something genuinely new then they should not bother.
( Edited 06.07.2008 12:35 by Linkyshinks )
I don't think they should put out a new game until they have network code that can pull it off well enough. It's a shame that MK provides a seamless experience in complete contrast because of predictive AI network code that racing games can use. I am eager to see if Capcom who have experience in the genre can be the first company to provide a online fighter that does not face the same lag problems.
Brawl is such a meaty game content wise it's hard to see where it can be improved upon, but given a few more years with Brawl many will have a long list ready.
I will never say no to a new Smash game but if they cannot provide something genuinely new then they should not bother.
( Edited 06.07.2008 12:35 by Linkyshinks )
Wiill Reply Quote #7

L11 Kooper Trooper
103
24
07.05.2007
WiillBrawl is a great game, but at the same time it is not a leap forward, which is fine, because it still has loads of content and is only the third in the series, considering we get one per console that's fine by me.
I hope they mix it up a bit for the next one though, with a new approach. Keep the classic stuff in there but have something new as well.
But network stuff would be the main thing really. And less clone characters. But partly the new game's approach will be dictated by the new consoles approach, and clearly Nintendo are going to go for some kind of new peripheral. ( Edited 06.07.2008 12:40 by Wiill )
I hope they mix it up a bit for the next one though, with a new approach. Keep the classic stuff in there but have something new as well.
But network stuff would be the main thing really. And less clone characters. But partly the new game's approach will be dictated by the new consoles approach, and clearly Nintendo are going to go for some kind of new peripheral. ( Edited 06.07.2008 12:40 by Wiill )

SuperLink Reply Quote #8

C3 Mod
14424
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19.01.2005
Link / SuperLink9Anyone suffering from lag should get a LAN Adaptor and then see if they can still complain.
( Edited 06.07.2008 13:06 by SuperLink )
~League of Kings - King - "The One"~ | May the League of Kings always reign supreme!
C3 SHENMUE III DECADE | 18.06.2009
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BUY OKAMI
( Edited 06.07.2008 13:06 by SuperLink )
~League of Kings - King - "The One"~ | May the League of Kings always reign supreme!
C3 SHENMUE III DECADE | 18.06.2009
YouTube Profile: Super Slick Bros are GO! + Super Smash Bros YouTube Group
~Brawl Friend Code: 4081-6946-5924~
BUY OKAMI
D_prOdigy Reply Quote #9

L18 Stalchild
176
14
23.03.2008
D_prOdigyI don't usually say this about Nintendo franchises, but I hope they just leave it alone at Brawl. Thinking about it, there is very little they could possibly do in a sequel; even some reviews for Brawl criticised it for smacking of Melee v.2.
Maybe a toned down, but refined DS Smash would work, or maybe they can think of enough new ideas to merit making another £40 game, but I know I wouldn't be weeping if we didn't see another Smash until Nintendo has another 10 IPs.( Edited 06.07.2008 14:05 by D_prOdigy )
Maybe a toned down, but refined DS Smash would work, or maybe they can think of enough new ideas to merit making another £40 game, but I know I wouldn't be weeping if we didn't see another Smash until Nintendo has another 10 IPs.( Edited 06.07.2008 14:05 by D_prOdigy )
SuperLink Reply Quote #10

C3 Mod
14424
762
19.01.2005
Link / SuperLink9I can't be the only one who loves Smash so much that I'd buy another one on the spot if it had 10+ more characters, better gaming mechanics and better online modes/voice chat?
~League of Kings - King - "The One"~ | May the League of Kings always reign supreme!
C3 SHENMUE III DECADE | 18.06.2009
YouTube Profile: Super Slick Bros are GO! + Super Smash Bros YouTube Group
~Brawl Friend Code: 4081-6946-5924~
BUY OKAMI
~League of Kings - King - "The One"~ | May the League of Kings always reign supreme!
C3 SHENMUE III DECADE | 18.06.2009
YouTube Profile: Super Slick Bros are GO! + Super Smash Bros YouTube Group
~Brawl Friend Code: 4081-6946-5924~
BUY OKAMI
Ultralordsmow Reply Quote #11

L22 Captain Blue
230
35
11.01.2008
SMOW!I am with u SL I would pay a full $50 for 10 characters and more cool modes. But ppl were taking about nintendo and I will die in my grave if they do. But Im all up for being unhappy with the game and doing whatever to get an update. We need a game plan!!!!
My Brawl Code Is....
1590-4363-1480
P.M. Me Fri. Sat. Sun. .....For the toughest macth of your LIFE
1590-4363-1480
P.M. Me Fri. Sat. Sun. .....For the toughest macth of your LIFE
BrawlBumBoy Reply Quote #12

L35 Advanced Stalchild
492
38
11.01.2008
J@cKTbh, I dotn see the problem with another one. Bring it on! More chars and modes is great, yes maybe it would be a rehash but thats what the hardcore fans want. If casuals dont like it, F off and play Big Beach Party. I also have begged for Smash DS since the DS came out. It just would work!
And howd U know those characters SL? The forbidden 7. Was it a hacked game disc?
And howd U know those characters SL? The forbidden 7. Was it a hacked game disc?
Brawl Code: 3007 9532 9830
Wii Code: 6016 4812 0139 7745
Add them both please!


Wii Code: 6016 4812 0139 7745
Add them both please!


SuperLink Reply Quote #13

C3 Mod
14424
762
19.01.2005
Link / SuperLink9Yeah they were found in scraps under lots of disc data. There are only tiny pieces of data on them, Mewtwo's is the most complete but none of them will ever be near playable.
~League of Kings - King - "The One"~ | May the League of Kings always reign supreme!
C3 SHENMUE III DECADE | 18.06.2009
YouTube Profile: Super Slick Bros are GO! + Super Smash Bros YouTube Group
~Brawl Friend Code: 4081-6946-5924~
BUY OKAMI
~League of Kings - King - "The One"~ | May the League of Kings always reign supreme!
C3 SHENMUE III DECADE | 18.06.2009
YouTube Profile: Super Slick Bros are GO! + Super Smash Bros YouTube Group
~Brawl Friend Code: 4081-6946-5924~
BUY OKAMI
Mason Reply Quote #14

Reviews Editor
8364
503
03.05.2004
Mike@C3I don't think Smash Bros has reached anywhere near saturation point as a franchise, thanks to Nintendo holding back and only releasing one per generation. If they were releasing one every couple of years I could see the complaint, but not at the rate they do them.
Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor
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Cubed3 Staff :: Reviews Editor
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meowthemouse Reply Quote #15

L4 Buzz Bomber
38
21
10.02.2008
nonebrawl, most disappointing game for me this gen
"Sony always wins baby.. Sony always wins.." - Chad Warden on pstripple
Brawl FC : 2191 - 6919 - 2772
Brawl FC : 2191 - 6919 - 2772
artmonkey Reply Quote #16

L59 Chain Chomp
1371
406
09.05.2006
noneThis is Nintendo's chance to get in and really nail some solid quality DLC. Smash Bros as a standalone game should be left well alone for at least a generation.
"You mean you have to use your hands??"
"That's like a baby's toy!"
"You mean you have to use your hands??"
"That's like a baby's toy!"
rammpeth Reply Quote #17

L3 Gooba Guard
26
21
06.05.2007
noneTBH, sometimes i find that the fun of "clone" characters is that the little subtle differences makes a good player use them quite differently. Not that i dont agree that there should be less "cloning"
SuperLink Reply Quote #18

C3 Mod
14424
762
19.01.2005
Link / SuperLink9Wolf is a very good character and I don't find myself complaining about his moveset at all. If all clones were as different as he is I wouldn't have a problem.
I mean they could give Ganon some moves with a sword for the next game. Or dlc to improve movesets or patch. dlc is perfect for Smash.
~League of Kings - King - "The One"~ | May the League of Kings always reign supreme!
C3 SHENMUE III DECADE | 18.06.2009
YouTube Profile: Super Slick Bros are GO! + Super Smash Bros YouTube Group
~Brawl Friend Code: 4081-6946-5924~
BUY OKAMI
I mean they could give Ganon some moves with a sword for the next game. Or dlc to improve movesets or patch. dlc is perfect for Smash.
~League of Kings - King - "The One"~ | May the League of Kings always reign supreme!
C3 SHENMUE III DECADE | 18.06.2009
YouTube Profile: Super Slick Bros are GO! + Super Smash Bros YouTube Group
~Brawl Friend Code: 4081-6946-5924~
BUY OKAMI
Glenjamin Reply Quote #19

L21 Shy Guy Trooper
217
24
27.12.2004
GlenjaminI don't think he's confirming a new game 100%, but it is good to know that he would be willing to make a new one.


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