Final Smash
Iwata
Let’s talk about some of the new fighting features. First and foremost, why don’t we talk about the Final Smash?

Sakurai
Absolutely. I think it’s the biggest feature we added.

Iwata
Can you give us a brief overview?

Sakurai
Simply put, it’s a special move that can be used only once. During a match, there’s a small probability that an item called the Smash Ball will appear. By picking up this item, you can use that character’s Final Smash. People who have played the previous Smash Bros. title need only imagine the stronger, more majestic version of the Hammer to understand what I’m talking about.

Iwata
We’ve touched upon it several times during our talk, but I truly believe that Smash Bros. was made with less talented gamers in mind, and the idea that stronger players shouldn’t dominate game play is prevalent throughout the game. If you and I were to square off for ten matches, for example, I could KO you at least once.

Sakurai
More than that for sure. (laughs)

Iwata
You think so? (laughs) That way, if a boy and his younger brother play together, they’ll both enjoy themselves despite the gap in their abilities. This is made possible by adjusting handicaps or the frequency of traps and such, but especially through the Final Smash.

Sakurai
Right. It can change the direction of a match in a flash. Players are likely to race for the Smash Ball as soon as it appears and I suspect players will get more fired up racing after it than by actually using it.