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Smash Bros, Other Bandai Namco Titles In Development For NX?

by Donald Theriault - January 28, 2016, 11:17 am EST
Total comments: 37

Someone say a prayer for Sakurai.

A noted Japan-based analyst has hinted that Bandai Namco has several titles in development for the NX platform, including a Smash Bros game.

No specifics were given beyond what was contained in the Twitter post, but the hint is that the Smash Bros game would be available at launch. Given the short turnaround from the last Smash Bros title, it is more likely that the game would be a "Game of the Year Edition" style release rolling up all of the existing DLC, but an original Smash Bros game has launched close to a system with Super Smash Bros Melee in 2001.

Talkback

EnnerJanuary 28, 2016

Secret, solid sources!
I can believe lips being loose around Bandai Namco. They don't care as much about secrecy as Nintendo Co. Ltd. and would rather drum up interest on a new competing platform for PS4.


I wonder what the Smash (4) for NX is. Maybe just some better textures and effects? Hmm.

OedoJanuary 28, 2016

If this ends up being true, the easy call is all the DLC is included and maybe a few new characters (Inklings?) and maps. Even if they release it without any sort of discount for people who have the Wii U and/or 3DS version, I'd probably be willing to triple dip at that price since I haven't touched most of the DLC.

On the other hand, part of me thinks that there's a non-zero chance that Nintendo would have the balls to release it without any sort of discount for repeat buyers AND not include the DLC. If you bought any of the DLC before, cool, you'll have it in this game too. But if you haven't bought it on the Wii U or 3DS, you're still gonna have to pay for Cloud or Ryu in this version. If that ends up happening it's not such an attractive proposition.

StratosJanuary 28, 2016

They could always offer some sort of eShop credit for a period of time after launch for those Wii U players who did buy DLC.

Spak-SpangJanuary 28, 2016

Well if you were to make an Ultimate edition of the game.  Add in all the exclusive levels from the 3DS and Wii U version, all downloadable characters, add 2-4 new characters and new characters and you have a good deal.

jarodeaJanuary 28, 2016

Bah, no one cares about new Smash.  I need to know what the other games are!

Alright, only I don't care about Smash and I don't need to know what the other games are, but I would like to.

LouieturkeyJanuary 28, 2016

If they somehow also added the Ice Climbers, it might make some people go nuts.

Quote from: Louieturkey

If they somehow also added the Ice Climbers, it might make some people go nuts.

Like Justin Berube.

Quote from: jarodea

Bah, no one cares about new Smash.  I need to know what the other games are!

Alright, only I don't care about Smash and I don't need to know what the other games are, but I would like to.

As much as I want RIIIIIIIIIIDGE RACER (because it's not a console launch without it), I want something that starts with "Tales" a bit more. (If only because I could call it for review and actually finish one of the damn things.)

the asylumJanuary 28, 2016

I'd like something that starts with "Tales" too. Preferably, something that starts with "Tales" that'll be seen IN NORTH AMERICA

hint hint, namco

AdrockJanuary 28, 2016

I've been saying Nintendo would do this for months. The pieces started falling into place once Cloud, Bayonetta, and Corrin were announced.

Quote from: Adrock

I still think a true and original Super Smash Bros. NX title with its own engine will come out eventually, but that's going to take time, two to three years if Sakurai or another director starts immediately after Corrin and Bayonetta are released. That's too long to be without the series on Nintendo's supposed comeback platform. Right now, Amiibo is propping up Nintendo's financials. Cloud, Corrin, and Bayonetta Amiibo probably won't hit until August 2016 at the earliest, and Nintendo aims to replace Wii U a few short months after and undermine that cash-cow? Nah, it makes too much sense for Nintendo to port the game to NX. Include the 3DS stages, the DLC characters (or at least offer them free for those who already have them), and throw in Ice Climbers, Snake, Wolf, and maybe a bonus new character (Inklings?) and some classic stages. Boom, $60 game.

Nintendo could release Super Smash Bros. for NX without any additional DLC and still make a killing by just reissuing Amiibo. People are still asking about Marth.

Bandai Namco would have roughly nine months to finish porting the game which is probably more than enough time given that it probably started last year, and Iwata said that one of the goals for its next platform is to "absorb Wii U architecture adequately." Nintendo has been developing NX with this in mind. What better game to take advantage of it than Super Smash Bros?

ShyGuyJanuary 29, 2016

Quote from: the

I'd like something that starts with "Tales" too. Preferably, something that starts with "Tales" that'll be seen IN NORTH AMERICA

hint hint, namco

Everyone's favorite Telltale adventure, Tales from the Borderlands?

Spak-SpangJanuary 29, 2016

It is truly amazing that a game like Smash literally is limitless on characters because people want their favorite characters from the past included...not to mention any favorite new characters.


I think a Port is the obvious answer, adding in all the DLC into one package would be a great incentive for gamers, plus I forgot about the idea of characters that were not included in the new one.


Snake, Ice Climbers, Classic Zelda (I would love a new model of Zelda and Sheik to become Toon Zelda and Toon Sheik then bring back the old one) Pokemon Trainer, Wolf, Add in Inklings and a new crazy 3rd party character ( Bomberman) and you have a great package alone.


But wait, what about the exclusive modes?  Bringing back all the modes from previous games:  Race to the Finish, Break the Target, Adventure Mode (Don't focus on a level for each character, just a level to represent each franchise)


Add all exclusive modes from each game, and flesh them out if you need to.  This could easily be a full priced game. 

It seems like there's always talk of an enhanced port of the last gen Smash Bros. as an early game for a new Nintendo console. I recall rumors of an enhanced Melee early on Wii and an enhanced Brawl early on Wii U. I don't think there was as much real info behind those rumors as this one, though.

AdrockJanuary 29, 2016

I don't remember those rumors. I recall Iwata saying he planned to have Melee ported to Wii with online multiplayer if Sakurai refused to come back for a sequel.

In any case, the circumstances are different. Nintendo got a lot of life out of both Melee and Brawl. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U came out in November 2014, and it's the first installment with DLC which is wrapping up next month. That, along with Amiibo, and Nintendo embracing EVO and the competitive scene in general gives a potential port a lot more weight. There's a lot of money left to be made on the game.

We all know what's going to happen to Wii U once NX launches. Even if NX is backwards compatible (I'm not convinced as of yet), an enhanced port is still a better move. Nintendo shouldn't bank on people tracking down the Wii U disc or relying on a stable Internet connection for digital downloads. More importantly, it benefits Nintendo to have the game NX branded even if it ends up being like 95% the Wii U version. Nintendo should distance itself from Wii U. Not to the point where it almost doesn't acknowledge the console's existence outside of inside-jokes within games (like Virtual Boy), but for marketing purposes, any association with Wii U should be downplayed or avoided altogether if possible. Nintendo really should be pushing it as something new and enhanced like when it released games under the "New Play Control" branding.

SorenJanuary 29, 2016

A Game of the Year edition with all the DLC sounds good for a short turnaround. Don't expect anything new added.

Mop it upJanuary 29, 2016

Meh, I'd rather new systems have new games.

AdrockJanuary 29, 2016

Quote from: Mop

Meh, I'd rather new systems have new games.

As would most. I'd rather have an enhanced port than nothing. And if a Super Smash Bros. for NX helps Nintendo sell more consoles, there's a much better chance of it getting those new games.

Mop it upJanuary 29, 2016

Quote from: Adrock

Quote from: Mop

Meh, I'd rather new systems have new games.

As would most. I'd rather have an enhanced port than nothing. And if a Super Smash Bros. for NX helps Nintendo sell more consoles, there's a much better chance of it getting those new games.

This sounds a bit contradictory: If most people want new games, how would ports help sell a system?

Judging by the success of enhanced ports released on other systems, I think many people do indeed want them. It's never made much sense to be, but it is yet further proof that my priorities are vastly different than the average consumer. Even if an enhanced re-release takes 1/10th of the resources, I'd rather have one new game than ten re-releases.

Resources aren't interchangeable like that. These kind of enhanced ports are often made by less-talented developers who wouldn't be as well-suited to making an original title of the same quality. Would I rather have 1 EAD-developed new game than 10 re-releases? Definitely. But change that to, say, Grezzo, and I don't know that I'd say the same.

Mop it upJanuary 29, 2016

Didn't Grezzo help make Tri Force Heroes? Awesome game, that. Of course, they worked on ports first so it could be argued those helped the team gain experience.

Regardless, I see your point, but I'd even rather have one mediocre game than ten quality ports. Just how I am.

AdrockJanuary 29, 2016

Quote from: Mop

This sounds a bit contradictory: If most people want new games, how would ports help sell a system?

With NX, Nintendo has to hit hard and fast to build some momentum. All signs point to Nintendo consolidating its efforts on the console and handheld fronts. That will help with the software droughts but all those teams have to make the transition. An enhanced port of the latest Super Smash Bros. would supplement NX's lineup. Judging by Wii U's sales, a lot of people didn't get to experience the game. A port alone probably isn't enough to convince someone to invest in a brand new console, but that isn't the point. Couple it with some combination of new installments from Nintendo's other heavy hitters and NX starts looking far more attractive. Wii U's best first party game for like eight months was New Super Mario Bros. U. A decent title but it needed so much more.

If Nintendo ever hopes to get better third party support, it's going to have to earn it. There's no better way of getting their attention than by selling a bunch of hardware. No guarantees, obviously, but a larger user base improves its chances.

Mop it upJanuary 29, 2016

Hee hee, I figured you meant something like that, but it was funny to say.

Personally, I couldn't care less about sales. I'd rather have an unpopular system with the games I want than a popular system with games I don't want. The N64 was the former, and it's still one of my fave systems. I guess that'd probably mean lack of third-party support like you say, not that sales are any guarantee of support given the Wii. But, I could always get a different system if I cared about third-party games.

EnnerJanuary 30, 2016

Quote from: Mop

But, I could always get a different system if I cared about third-party games.

That's not a luxury many people budget for. Or in the case of getting a second console in the latter days of its lifespan in relevance, that does little to help the prospects of future support on that platform. Then again, looking at how the Wii and PS3 went, the lifetime-to-date of hardware units sold is a tricksy indicator of software support.

I understand and respect apathy towards the business machinations of video games. In a better world for Nintendo, I wouldn't have it on my mind either. In order for NX's third party prospects to be improved, one angle Nintendo needs to cover is starting and maintaining momentum for the system. One aspect of that is having a variety of software being regularly released. Remasters or refreshes of older games can be a cost-effective way to do that.

Remasters and re-releases WOULD help, and in this case I think a Smash Ultimate Edition for NX wouldn't be objectionable, but I'd just like to say that I would be vastly underwhelmed if we start hearing about a Skyward Sword remake or a Super Mario 3D World rerelease.

Hmm... but a "Super Mario All-Stars" collection of ALL Mario Kart Games EVER wouldn't go amiss... !

WahJanuary 31, 2016

Quote from: ShyGuy

Quote from: the

I'd like something that starts with "Tales" too. Preferably, something that starts with "Tales" that'll be seen IN NORTH AMERICA

hint hint, namco

Everyone's favorite Telltale adventure, Tales from the Borderlands?

hehhehehe

Mop it upFebruary 01, 2016

I actually wonder if we'll be seeing a lot of enhanced re-releases of Wii U games instead of a straight Wii U VC, assuming such a VC would be possible. I get the feeling that Nintendo feel the Wii U and its games should have sold better, so they'll want to give them second chances, and they are probably games that could still sell at or close to full retail prices.

Not that I'd want this, but yeah, would not be surprised at all to see it.

StratosFebruary 01, 2016

It would be an easy way to supplement their lineup and prevent full on droughts.

nickmitchFebruary 02, 2016

Quote from: Mop

I actually wonder if we'll be seeing a lot of enhanced re-releases of Wii U games instead of a straight Wii U VC, assuming such a VC would be possible. I get the feeling that Nintendo feel the Wii U and its games should have sold better, so they'll want to give them second chances, and they are probably games that could still sell at or close to full retail prices.

Not that I'd want this, but yeah, would not be surprised at all to see it.

I'm sure Nintendo could easily crank out a couple of extra levels for 3D World and do a re-release.  Hell, they might as well do a "Mario Galaxy HD" with 1 and 2 on disc and DLC galaxies.

alexdickdykeFebruary 02, 2016

How bout a Sega X Bandai Namco rpg?
Sonic and Tales and Friends.

nickmitchFebruary 02, 2016

Tales of Tails

michaelbaysuperfan616February 02, 2016

I like the idea of more HD remakes and remasters but only to get those old games badly needed facelifts, not at all as padding for a thin line up or an excuse to cover up droughts.

nickmitchFebruary 02, 2016

Can't have one without the other.

Ian SaneFebruary 02, 2016

My opinion of padding the NX with Wii U Remakes depends a lot on the intent from Nintendo.  They're going to have weak support to start and it may be a necessary evil to pad the release schedule with remakes.  It's fine if the attitude is "okay, we're trying our best to make exciting new games for the NX but it just isn't feasible to create enough new content by ourselves to get an acceptable stream of releases without remakes and remasters filling in gaps."  It is not fine if the attitude is "ha ha! The Rubes will buy these double-dips and we can slack off and not put in a full effort."  I was very offended by the NPC games on the Wii for example because it seemed like they were used as an excuse for Nintendo to slack off.  Hell I'm sure the ability to re-release Gamecube games with waggle controls was part of their whole plan for the Wii in the first place.  Who knows what their intentions truly were but I did not feel they were putting in a good effort.

So I'm okay with the NX having Wii U remasters and such if it comes across like Nintendo is putting in a good effort.  And I think the success of the NX will depend a lot on how that comes across in general.  If remakes come across as sprinkled into the release schedule to make an initially thin lineup look better that's okay.  If it comes across like Nintendo trying to sell us a new console to play Wii U games, nope, that's no good and sales will suffer as a result.

StratosFebruary 02, 2016

No, the plan for the Wii was to make it a controller accessory for the Gamecube. That explains why the system was so similar to the Gamecube.

AdrockFebruary 03, 2016

Quote from: Ian

It's fine if the attitude is "okay, we're trying our best to make exciting new games for the NX but it just isn't feasible to create enough new content by ourselves to get an acceptable stream of releases without remakes and remasters filling in gaps."  It is not fine if the attitude is "ha ha! The Rubes will buy these double-dips and we can slack off and not put in a full effort."

What's the metric for this? And who is judging what constitutes a "full effort?" What the hell does that even mean? You not liking something doesn't mean Nintendo didn't try.

I don't think Nintendo's effort, in general, is really in question. From what Iwata and others have implied regarding NX, it's adjusting. The handheld market caught up to the point where Nintendo had to concede that it can't realistically support two separate platforms anymore. It would have to practically double its development teams. That has nothing to do with effort. It's the reality of the requirements of modern game development.

Quote:

I was very offended by the NPC games on the Wii for example because it seemed like they were used as an excuse for Nintendo to slack off.  Hell I'm sure the ability to re-release Gamecube games with waggle controls was part of their whole plan for the Wii in the first place.  Who knows what their intentions truly were but I did not feel they were putting in a good effort.

That's a typical Ian comment. There were seven New Play Control titles. North America didn't get one of them (Chibi Robo), Pikmin and Pikmin 2 were stupidly rare on GameCube, and Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes were packaged in Metroid Prime Trilogy. That's three games for less than it would have cost to buy two of them separately. Retro Studios worked on the updated games alongside Donkey Kong Country Returns. It didn't drop everything to work on them. Nintendo lives and dies by the software it releases. The main teams continued work on new releases at the same time as the ports. What part of that has anything to do with effort?

Assuming for the purposes of this discussion that Super Smash Bros. for NX happens, it would most likely be Namco Bandai working on the port which doesn't affect Nintendo's own development teams. Unless the port includes new content, Sakurai would probably supervise and oversee things rather than be actively involved. And he isn't even a Nintendo employee that doesn't even support what you're saying.

nickmitchFebruary 03, 2016

I thought the NPC games showed a solid effort from Nintendo.  The Metroid Prime Trilogy was a great release with the art book and tin packaging.  The new controls were already in 3, and bringing them to 1 and 2 seemed smart.  NPC Pikmin seemed like it was trying to expose a fairly obscure franchise to the Wii's broader audience with controls that I thought people liked.

StratosFebruary 03, 2016

Remember that Pikmin 3 was also supposed to release on Wii, nit Wii U. And Olimar was just announced as a character for Smash. So that gave further incentive for Nintendo to get the little spaceman some exposure.

Mop it upFebruary 03, 2016

I am very offended by Ian Sane on NWR for example because it seems like this topic is used as yet another excuse for him to reiterate his same ol' complaints. Heck, I'm sure the ability to copy/paste his old posts and change a word here or there is part of his whole plan in the first place. Who knows what his intention truly is but I do not feel he is putting in a good effort to understand any perspective outside of his own.

Just being facetious, I'm not really offended.

In my experience, the only New Play Control! game with controls that could qualify as waggle is the NPC version of Mario Power Tennis. They did not do a good job adopting the controls to this game and it is probably worse than the original as a result (I have not played the original so I can't judge for sure). However, Pikmin 1 & 2 and Metroid Prime 1 & 2 do not have waggle, but instead added pointer control which works wonderfully and is definitely better than the original controls. They also added a few other enhancements such as widescreen support, and in Pikmin 1 the ability to revert to any previous day, for example.

At the time, I owned only two of the seven NPC games, so I'm glad they made them because it gave me another chance to get those games at better prices and in most cases an improved version, even. I bought them all that were released here, and I'm a bit sad that NPC Chibi-Robo never made it over since I missed out on it and it's gotten pretty expensive for the GCN original.

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