The Super Smash Bros. series, a crossover fighting game franchise developed by Nintendo, has always been a celebration of gaming history. Each iteration brings together iconic characters from various universes, captivating players with its diverse roster and exciting gameplay. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS, often referred to as Smash 4, was no exception. The game was a massive success, introducing both new and returning fighters to the fray. However, the question remains: who was the very last character added to the Smash 4 roster? The answer, as many dedicated fans already know, is Bayonetta.
Bayonetta’s Explosive Entrance
Bayonetta’s inclusion in Smash 4 was nothing short of a surprise. The Umbra Witch, known for her stylish combat and powerful demon summons, initially seemed like an unlikely candidate for the family-friendly world of Super Smash Bros. Yet, her unique move set and undeniable appeal quickly won over many players. Her announcement at the end of a dedicated Nintendo Direct on December 15, 2015, sent shockwaves through the gaming community, solidifying her place in Smash Bros. history.
Bayonetta wasn’t simply hand-picked by the development team. Her inclusion was the result of a global ballot, where fans voted for their most desired characters to be added to the game. Masahiro Sakurai, the director of the Super Smash Bros. series, meticulously analyzed the results and ultimately chose Bayonetta due to her overall appeal and potential for a unique and engaging play style. The fact that she won the “realizable character” category in the ballot solidified her spot as the final DLC character.
The Umbra Witch’s Unique Combat Style
Bayonetta brought a distinct combat style to Smash 4. Her move set is heavily inspired by her original games, Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2. She utilizes her signature “Witch Time” ability, allowing her to slow down opponents who attack her at the right moment, creating opportunities for devastating counter-attacks. She also incorporates her iconic “Bullet Arts,” firing bullets from her guns attached to her hands and feet.
Her Smash attacks, aerials, and special moves are all faithful representations of her abilities in her own games. From her powerful “Heel Slide” to her devastating “Witch Twist,” Bayonetta’s moves are both visually stunning and strategically effective. Her Final Smash, “Infernal Climax,” summons a massive demon to crush her opponents, a spectacle that showcases the sheer power of the Umbra Witch.
Controversy and Competitive Play
Despite her popularity, Bayonetta’s inclusion wasn’t without controversy. Some players criticized her for being overpowered, citing her ability to easily string together combos and her effective recovery options. These concerns led to debates within the competitive Smash community about her balance and fairness.
Despite these criticisms, Bayonetta quickly became a prominent character in competitive Smash 4. Skilled players mastered her intricate combos and utilized her unique abilities to great effect. She remains a controversial yet undeniably influential figure in the history of Smash 4 competitive play. Her success highlights the complexities of balancing a diverse roster and the challenges of catering to both casual and competitive players.
The DLC Pack: A Farewell to Smash 4
Bayonetta was released as part of a final DLC pack that also included Corrin from Fire Emblem Fates, bringing the curtain down on the additional content for Smash 4. The DLC pack represented the culmination of years of development and post-launch support, adding significant value and extending the lifespan of the game. It was a bittersweet moment for fans, as it signaled the end of an era for Smash 4.
Corrin’s Dragonic Might
While Bayonetta was the last character announced and released, Corrin was included in the same DLC pack. Corrin, the protagonist of Fire Emblem Fates, offered another unique play style with their ability to transform into a dragon. Corrin’s moveset incorporated both sword attacks and dragon abilities, providing a versatile and adaptable character for players to master. Although Corrin was not the last character revealed or released individually, they were an integral part of the final DLC pack alongside Bayonetta.
The Legacy of Smash 4’s DLC
The DLC characters for Smash 4 significantly impacted the game’s metagame and extended its longevity. Characters like Ryu from Street Fighter, Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII, and Bayonetta brought fresh perspectives and exciting new strategies to the competitive scene. The addition of these characters demonstrated Nintendo’s commitment to supporting the game and catering to the demands of its passionate fanbase.
The success of Smash 4’s DLC paved the way for similar content in later Super Smash Bros. titles. The concept of adding new characters, stages, and music through DLC has become a standard practice for the franchise, allowing Nintendo to continually update and expand the game’s content long after its initial release. This approach has proven to be a successful way to keep players engaged and invested in the Super Smash Bros. experience.
Remembering the Smash 4 Era
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. It was a game that brought together characters from various gaming universes, creating a unique and memorable experience. The game’s diverse roster, engaging gameplay, and extensive DLC content made it a critical and commercial success.
The final addition of Bayonetta marked the end of an era for Smash 4. While the game has since been succeeded by Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, its legacy continues to live on. Bayonetta, as the last character to join the fray, remains a symbol of the game’s ambition, creativity, and dedication to fan service. Her inclusion was a testament to the power of the community and the enduring appeal of the Super Smash Bros. franchise.
The Impact on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Many of the characters introduced in Smash 4, including Bayonetta and Corrin, returned in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Their inclusion in Ultimate further solidified their place in Smash Bros. history and allowed them to reach an even wider audience. The lessons learned from balancing these characters in Smash 4 informed their design and implementation in Ultimate, creating a more refined and balanced experience for players.
A Final Thought on Bayonetta’s Significance
Bayonetta’s status as the last character in Smash 4 is more than just a trivia fact. It represents the culmination of years of development, the power of fan influence, and the enduring legacy of the Super Smash Bros. franchise. Her unique play style, controversial reception, and lasting impact on the competitive scene make her a memorable and significant addition to the Smash Bros. pantheon. So, the next time you reflect on the history of Super Smash Bros., remember the Umbra Witch who closed the chapter on Smash 4: Bayonetta.
Who was the last DLC character released for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS (Smash 4)?
She was released alongside Corrin from Fire Emblem Fates on February 3, 2016, concluding the DLC rollout for the game. Her inclusion finalized the character additions and cemented her place in Smash history as the last fighter added to the Smash 4 roster.
Why was Bayonetta chosen as the final DLC character?
The Ballot closed on October 3, 2015, and the results, after careful consideration of feasibility and implementation, led to Bayonetta's selection. Her popularity and unique fighting style made her a compelling choice, satisfying many players who had voiced their support for her.
What made Bayonetta's inclusion in Smash 4 controversial?
Another point of contention was her origins. While highly popular, Bayonetta is from a mature-rated game, a departure from some of the more family-friendly franchises represented in Smash. This raised eyebrows among some players who felt it didn't align with the overall tone of the series.
What are some of Bayonetta's signature moves and playstyle in Smash 4?
A key element of her gameplay revolves around her Bullet Arts, which allow her to fire bullets from her hands and feet while performing various attacks. Mastering her combo potential and understanding the nuances of Witch Time are crucial for maximizing her effectiveness in battle.
Was there any other content released alongside Bayonetta?
In addition to the stage, several new Mii Fighter costumes were also released alongside Bayonetta and Corrin. These costumes allowed players to further customize their Mii Fighters with outfits based on characters from various franchises, expanding the customization options available in the game.
How does Bayonetta differ in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate compared to Smash 4?
Furthermore, her recovery options were also tweaked, making her less reliant on certain techniques that were considered exploitable in Smash 4. These adjustments aimed to make her a more balanced character within the broader roster of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
What impact did Bayonetta's inclusion have on the Smash 4 competitive scene?
Due to her perceived dominance, some tournaments even considered banning her, although this was ultimately not widely adopted. Her inclusion sparked discussions about character balance and the role of DLC characters in competitive play, highlighting the lasting impact of her addition to the game.