3DS Exclusive Smash Run Mode set to liven up multiplayer
A new 3DS exclusive multiplayer mode called ‘Smash Run’ has been revealed by Masahiro Sakurai, in today’s Smash Bros Nintendo Direct.
In this mode, before the proper battle, up to four players will have five minutes to explore an expansive dungeon full of hazards and enemies, searching for power-ups that will enhance their fighters.
After the five minutes of exploration is up, players will be transported to a traditional battle arena with their newly upgraded abilities in tow, which should make for some incredibly interesting battles.
Power-ups include items that boost a character’s speed, jumping ability, defense and the strength of various attack types.
Players will be exploring the same dungeons simultaneously, and so may pass by other players while searching for their own power-ups.
Sakurai said that this mode took inspiration from one of his earlier games, Kirby’s Air Ride, which featured a City Trial mode with similar mechanics.
This game mode will not appear in the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros, and should make for an interesting way to change up the dynamic of multiplayer Smash, perhaps giving an advantage to players who might be more adept at exploration and traversal than straight up Smash fighting.
This Smash Run mode is the only reason I’m considering getting the 3DS version as well as the Wii U version. I was always against Nintendo releasing a 3DS version because it will hurt the Wii U console sales that this game would’ve brought and I still think that, but this mode makes me want both.
I was only going to get the u version, I think I’ll get both now, but only because I feel there will be something in the wii u version that makes it the definitive version. I dont think the timing is purely sales related,If it is exactly the same other than HD I’ll find it hard to pay twice. Most of the screens, videos and updates so far have been wii u, it looks great, it can only be an extra mode, better online or something that is keeping it back…. Surely it isn’t being kept until Xmas so they haves a big Xmas game alone….. Will see I guess.
I think they’ll use the 3DS version to gauge how far they’ll need to push the Wii U version’s content. Not just in stages or online mode (goodness knows they brought in Namco-Bandai for their experience especially in that matter) but possibly even Bayonetta and/or Wonder Red could get into the Wii U version to push Wii U sales.
Agree arkhe.
There will be something else to justify the time. Why would 3ds get a mode that wii u doesn’t….. There will be something to differentiate the wii u version, Nintendo will put everything into it. Look forward to seeing what it is.