Nintendo released a Smash Bros. Direct presentation this morning, getting a fighting start on its E3 celebration. As promised, the company is adding plenty of post-release DLC, following up on its release of Mewtwo and various Mii Fighter costumes in the spring. Yet more Mii Fighter costumes were displayed, coming from franchises like Mega Man , Animal Crossing , Splatoon , Virtua Fighte r, and Tekken . Mii Fighter costumes cost $0.75 each for a single Smash Bro s. title, and $1.15 when purchased for both the 3DS and Wii U versions of the game.
In its continual efforts to line the pockets of scalpers, Nintendo also announced that amiibo will be released for the Mii Fighter, Mii Gunner, Mii Brawler, R.O.B., Duck Hunt, Mr. Game and Watch, and Falco. Mr. Game and Watch is unique in that he comes in several poses that can be swapped into his amiibo base. All these amiibo will be available in September, and Mewtwo and Lucas amiibo will be available at a later date.
More stages are also being released as DLC, including Kirby, Mario, and Zelda stages from the original Nintendo 64 Smash Bros . These stage will each cost $1.99 for a single game, $2.99 for both versions. A Miiverse-themed stage is being added for the Wii U version of the game only. Players will be encouraged to make posts cheering for their favorite characters in special Miiverse communities, and those posts will appear to cheer on the fighters in the stage (presumably after being vetted). This stage is being released free of charge.
The biggest announcement in this presentation was that Ryu from Street Fighter is joining the fray. It would have been a huge surprise if it hadn’t been spoiled by hackers yesterday. Darn hackers. Anyhow, Ryu features his trademark fisticuffs style, and plenty of opportunities to yell, “Shoryuken!” You’ll be able to execute light, medium, or heavy versions of his basic moves depending on how long you hold down the A button. His special attacks like Hadouken, Shoryuken, and Hurricane Slash can be input with standard Smash B commands, or with the Street Fighter input for slightly stronger versions. His Final Smash is a special Shoryuken that, depending on where you execute it, can either hit multiple opponents or a single opponent for massive damage and a likely KO. There will also be a Street Fighter -inspired stage, Suzaku Castle. Ryu and his stage will cost $5.99 for one game version, and $6.99 for both.
Along with Ryu, a less unexpected guest is showing up. Fire Emblem ‘s red haired swordsman Roy is returning to Smash Bros . for the first time since Melee. Roy’s style remains similar, with a sword that is strongest at its base, but his strength has been increased since his Melee iteration. His new Final Smash will be Critical Hit, featuring the familiar Fire Emblem health bars. Roy will cost $3.99 for one game version, and $4.99 for both.
Ryu, Roy, the previously-announced Lucas, and most of the announced costumes and stages are available right now. Go forth, and give Nintendo all your money.
Here’s the full Smash Bros. Direct presentation, via Youtube. Check it out to see the above DLC in action and hear information about upcoming features such as an expanded tourney mode and a better replay system.