The Debate Rages On…
Is Smash 5 a new game? Countless hours have been wasted discussing this in Facebook groups, Reddit posts, forums, and Twitter. I think we need to start by defining what a port is.
This is straight from Wikipedia so you know its the best definition.Â
“”(Console) port” is a game that was originally made for a console (such as Wii or Xbox 360) before an identical version is created which can be played on a personal computer or any other console. This term has been widely used by the gaming community. The process of porting a game from a console to a PC is often regarded negatively due to the higher levels of performance that computers generally have being underutilized, partially due to console hardware being fixed throughout their run (with games being developed for console specs), while PCs become more powerful as hardware evolves, but also due to ported games sometimes being poorly optimized for PCs, or lazily ported. Whilst broadly similar, architectural differences may exist such as the use of unified memory on a console.”
The identical version is the keyword here, so is Super Smash Bros Ultimate the same game as Super Smash Bros for WiiU? It clearly is not. I know some will say “that it looks very similar!” While I will agree with you that it looks similar it’s clearly not identical.
Coming to grips with being wrong on the internet about Smash 5
While this can be tough for some people to deal with it is ok to be wrong. If you think this game is a port you are wrong and it’s fine. If it was a port it would be called Super Smash Bros for WiiU Deluxe or DX. Look at the examples we have in Pokken Tournament or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe… Wait a minute those games are not identical. Are they actual ports or new games???
Coming to grips with things being confusing on the internet
I am not going to lie I really thought I had cracked the case and we could all go about our day finding something else to argue about online. Smash 5 or Super Smash Bros Ultimate may be a port cleverly disguised as a new game? If it’s running on the same engine then it has to be a port even though the mechanics are different, the game speed has changed, the art style has that cool Instagram filter look, new characters and every character from past games. If I am doing my math correctly all that adds up to a new game.
Is Smash 5 a new game or is it just pretending?
How did this become such an important question? Could this be the first game in history to use the same game engine for a sequel? If using the same engine to create a sequel negates that game from truly being a sequel then we are going to have to have a talk with Splatoon 2. How dare Nintendo add a “2” at the end Splatoon 2 if they didn’t create a new game from the ground up engine and all. Is the vocal minority defining what a port is for the rest of us? I feel like we need to fight this. Quick get to your nearest keyboard and let them know that they are wrong and they don’t decide what a port is for you. You let them know that you will make that decision on your own and they do not dictate the definition of the word port for you. Always remember that voicing your opinion online and arguing with strangers is the most effective way to be heard.
Did Sakurai create the perfect game with Smash 5?
If Smash 5 had any glaring weaknesses surely the internet mob would have immediately jumped on message boards and change.org to convince Nintendo and Sakurai that Smash 5 needs be changed to meet their needs, that’s right “needs” not just wants. With the main complaint being that this game is a port I feel the need to congratulate Sakurai on his what could be his greatest accomplishment. Congratulations Sakurai on creating a game so good that the only complaint is you didn’t use a new engine. I also want to congratulate internet for always finding something to complain about, you guys never disappoint.
Final Smash
I have genuine concerns that sales for Smash 5 will suffer because of it being port. I can only assume that those that truly believe in their innermost being this game is port will stick with Smash Bros WiiU and not play the latest installment of the series. (I wanted to use the word “new” instead of “latest installment” but I am not sure a port can be “new”) Finding matches online could be tricky if all of the “It’s a Port Warriors” don’t purchase the game, but only time will tell.
Did you draw a line in the sand? Are you fighting the good fight and spreading the good word that Smash 5 is a port? Do you question is Smash 5 a port? Do you stand with me and say who cares the game looks awesome and I can’t wait to play with everyone here? Let me know in the comments.
For more Smash news here’s my latest article and also check out the Smash Bros Cast a weekly Smash Bros podcast.
(If the sarcasm was not clear enough this article is written for comedic purposes.)Â
