Games
Here are some hints to help you get started in Super Smash Bros.' single-player mode, especially if you're new to the Nintendo free-for-all.
This past week, Super Smash Bros Ultimate was released for the Nintendo Switch. This is the fifth game in the franchise, and the first to include every fighter from every previous iteration.
That makes for 76 characters, which includes the three different Pokemon that the Pokemon Trainer controls. The game also has over 100 stages, both classic and new. It all combines to create one of the most engaging, sprawling multiplayer experiences of the past several years. This will be on the competitive gaming circuit for years to come.
But there's also a robust single-player experience to go along with it. In addition to the Classic Mode, which makes its return from prior Smash iterations, there's also a more narrative campaign called 'World of Light,' in which you can unlock 'Spirits' to aid you in battle.
The last time Smash had a campaign this cinematic, it was the 'Subspace Emissary' mode on Brawl for the Wii. However, unlike that one, which largely functioned as a side-scrolling platformer, World of Light is more of an action RPG, with cleverly gimmicked battles spread across a massive map.
Here are some important tips to get you started on World of Light, especially if you're new to the Smash scene.
1. Stick with Kirby until you get comfortable
When the story begins, Kirby is the sole survivor of an invasion that wipes out all the other characters, and brainwashes them to be puppets for Galeem, the mode's mystery villain. It's up to Kirby to save the Nintendo Universe and free his friends.
You'll quickly unlock Mario, Peach, and a few other familiar faces. But our advice is to stick with Kirby if you're new to Smash for one primary reason: his ability to get back on the stage after being thrown off it. Kirby can chain five mid-air jumps together, giving him a simple way to grab the ledge that doesn't include using a special recovery move or split second timing.
2. Spirits equals Rock-Paper-Scissors
Learn how to use Spirits. After you choose your character, you'll have the option to equip him with a Primary Spirit, who buffs your Team Power. There are four types of Primary Spirits: Attack, Shield, Grab, and Neutral. So before you head off into battle, look in the upper right hand corner of the screen to see your opponent's colour and Team Power number.
And then, choose a Primary Spirit that will hard counter it. Attack Spirits (Red) dominate Grab Spirits (Green). Grab Spirits dominate Shield Spirits (Blue). Shield Spirits dominate Attack Spirits. And Neutral Spirits (Brown) are just that: neutral. Always keep track of these colors and choose correspondingly, to ensure that your team has the best edge to win.
If you need guidance while selecting the Spirits to play with, press Y on the select screen. The game will auto-select an optimal spirit for you and set you on the right path. Remember to customise from there.
3. If you can't get past an obstacle, try a different route
World of Light has a massive overworld map dotted with unlockable characters, unlockable Spirits, treasure chests, and dojos where you can train your Spirits, but not everything is going to be accessible off the bat. Maybe the bridge is out. Maybe a boulder is blocking your path.
You'll need to own the right Spirit to get past these obstacles. Bomberman, for example, is needed to blow up the rocks and boulders. Bord & Cord & Barst are needed to fix the wooden bridges. So just be patient. The paths will open up eventually.
You might also find that there is more than one solution to the same goal. Try going up and around instead of taking the most direct path to your target.
4. Remember to feed and upgrade your Spirits
You should have a reliable a go-to Spirit team for all three colours: Red, Green, and Blue. You can then save these 'favourite' teams and easily bring them up when the occasion calls for them.
Always remember to feed your Spirits. You'll get small, medium, and large Food packages for winning battles, and you can upgrade your Primary Spirit up to 99. A select few of these spirits can even be 'Enhanced' to have additional powers; it'll say so right in the character description. Always Enhance, given the opportunity.
As for earning food, you'll earn more by fighting fair. Compare your Team Power to your opponent's; you should be roughly even to get the maximum rewards. If you use your overpowered team every time to fix the fights, you'll get minimal rewards for winning.
5. If you can't beat a challenge, you might need a counter spirit
The Spirit battles are gimmicked. Some of them have massive gusts of wind. Others have lava floors. Still others have floors that put you to sleep.
Without assistance, these are some of the hardest battles in the game. And if you keep losing these battles, take a closer look at the Support Spirits (the little ones next to the Primary Spirit) that you're using. These often give you special abilities and immunities, including to lava, magic, poison, or even wind. The game doesn't always account for these powers when auto selecting with Y. So be proactive, and make sure you know who does what, and under which circumstances.
6. Upgrade Hyper Smash Attacks on the Skill Tree
By defeating opponents, you'll slowly earn Skill Spheres, another form of in-game currency that you use to upgrade your Skill Tree. The further you go down any individual branch, the more powerful the unlockable abilities. What should you upgrade first? Should you go for Sprinting Endurance or Weapon Resist?
Our advice is upgrade the Hyper Smash Attacks branch first. Pair this with a massive heavyweight character, like Bowser, and you'll be able to to brute force your way through a lot of fights before they even get started.
7. Dismiss the dead weight
Progress far enough, and you'll eventually build up a Spirit roster of hundreds. You're not going to be using all of them; there are some you've probably never even touched. And the best thing you can do for them is to dismiss them, which will net you Spirit Points (which you can use as cash in the in-game stores) and Cores, which can be used to summon other, better spirits.
Put everything and everybody to work. The boss battles in World of Light are surprisingly hard, and this might be the advantage you need to emerge on top.
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