Nintendo previewed several new fighters, stages, and other features for the highly-anticipated Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, due to release on the Nintendo Switch this December. Game director Masahiro Sakurai spent about a half hour discussing the game via a Nintendo Switch presentation on August 8, 2018.
The presentation opened with the announcement that Castlevania protagonists Simon Belmont and his descendant Richter will both be coming to the game as “Echo Fighters” of each other – meaning, they’ll have roughly the same move set, but will play ever so slightly different from the other. There will also be a new stage from the series, simply called “Dracula’s Castle,” which will feature enemies and monsters from Castlevania as stage hazards, including Dracula himself on rare occasions.
Two other Echo Fighters were also announced – Chrom, from the Fire Emblem series, and Dark Samus, from Metroid.
Several new and returning stages were also highlighted, such as the popular “Final Destination” and the fresh “New Donk City Hall.” Some old school classic stages from the original Nintendo 64 title will also be returning, such as “Saffron City” and “Hyrule Castle,” both of which are designed to retain their retro feel. All in all, there will be 103 total stages to play in Smash Bros. Ultimate, nearly doubling the amount from the most recent Wii U release.
Other features, such as new assist trophies, game modes, and the extensive music playlist, were also discussed. The stinger for this Direct showcase was the confirmation of Donkey Kong antagonist King K. Rool – a character that’s been demanded by fans for the last decade-plus – is finally coming to Smash as a playable fighter.
Sakurai also mentioned during the Direct that there will be more fighters, modes, and stages confirmed later on. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate arrives on December 7, 2018.