Top Alternatives to Super Smash Bros
Super Smash Bros is one of the most timeless video games ever created. Since its release in 1999, it has been a staple of both casual gaming weekends and of competitive tournaments. The game was originally developed as Dragon King: The Fighting Game by Nintendo legend, Masahiro Sakurai. He wanted to push back against combo-based fighting games such as Mortal Kombat which were dominating both the arcade and console scene at the time. To do this, he planned to use the Nintendo 64’s omnidirectional joystick to create a combat experience based more on movement strategies than just button-mashing and memorizing lethal combos. His efforts were well-received by Nintendo’s top brass. In fact, they were so impressed that they begrudgingly gave him permission to fulfill his ultimate dream: make his fighting game an epic crossover between all of Nintendo’s series. Sakurai’s team quickly overhauled Dragon King and added beloved characters like Mario, Fox McCloud, and Donkey Kong to give us the Super Smash Bros we love today. The game released to a lukewarm reception in its native Japan, but when it hit the shelves in America just three months later, gamers were packing into college dorms across the nation to play Smash tournaments, and the game was forever canonized as an all-time great.
Super Smash Bros has been released in countless forms and on nearly every platform over the years. That said, Nintendo has stuck to the mantra of, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” For gamers looking for new takes on the timeless classic, we at Argentics have thrown together a list of some of the best alternatives to Super Smash Bros. These are games that capture the essence of Nintendo’s ponyboy, while adding some of their own flair. They say imitation is the best form of flattery, and these are some of the games that do it best!
Super Smash Bros has been released in countless forms and on nearly every platform over the years. That said, Nintendo has stuck to the mantra of, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” For gamers looking for new takes on the timeless classic, we at Argentics have thrown together a list of some of the best alternatives to Super Smash Bros. These are games that capture the essence of Nintendo’s ponyboy, while adding some of their own flair. They say imitation is the best form of flattery, and these are some of the games that do it best!
Brawlhalla: Duke it out with Ancient Legends and Modern Stars
The most popular Smash Bros-esque game on the market today is undoubtedly Brawlhalla, released by Blue Mammoth Games in 2017. This platform fighting game supports up to 8 players online or through LAN, and features an elimination style very similar to Smash Bros. Players battle it out on a platform-style map and are eliminated by being pushed over the edge and into the void. In large 8-player battles this makes it very hard to strategize: should you stay far away from the edge and fight opponents from two sides, or do you risk hanging out on the precipice while the others beat themselves down in the center? Preserving HP is crucial to surviving to the end, as the more beat-up a character is, the further back they will be pushed by attacks. Forced strategic decisions like this mean every game is dynamic and unique. Couple this with the 50+ playable characters and each gamer’s unique tendencies, and you never know what to expect next!
Wage war in Brawlhalla’s beautifully designed maps!
One thing that makes Brawlhalla so fun is the massive litany of characters you can play as. From Greek gods like Thor, to WWE Superstars, and even cartoon favorites like Spongebob Squarepants, there is something in this game for everyone. Characters all have a fairly distinct feel to them as well, as each is governed by 4 stats: Strength, Defense, Dexterity, and Speed. On top of this, each character can choose from 2 of the 15 weapons in the game, from ranged blasters to close-up melee weapons. These variations give each character their own strengths and weaknesses in battle, but not to as extreme of a degree as Apex Legends or Marvel Rivals, meaning it is a lot less daunting to play as a character other than your main. These design elements keep matches refreshing while maintaining the casual experience that made Super Smash Bros such a hit. If you try one game off of this list, it should be Brawlhalla!
One thing that makes Brawlhalla so fun is the massive litany of characters you can play as. From Greek gods like Thor, to WWE Superstars, and even cartoon favorites like Spongebob Squarepants, there is something in this game for everyone. Characters all have a fairly distinct feel to them as well, as each is governed by 4 stats: Strength, Defense, Dexterity, and Speed. On top of this, each character can choose from 2 of the 15 weapons in the game, from ranged blasters to close-up melee weapons. These variations give each character their own strengths and weaknesses in battle, but not to as extreme of a degree as Apex Legends or Marvel Rivals, meaning it is a lot less daunting to play as a character other than your main. These design elements keep matches refreshing while maintaining the casual experience that made Super Smash Bros such a hit. If you try one game off of this list, it should be Brawlhalla!
Unleash your Shaggy Power in MultiVersus
Released by Warner Brothers in 2024, MultiVersus is a platform fighting game with a comically random slew of playable characters. Ever wanted to use Tom and Jerry to beat down Lebron after he puts up big points against your favorite NBA team? Look no further because MultiVersus has you covered. Gameplay is very similar to Smash Bros, with players vying to send their opponent into the unknown rift which lies over the edge of the platform. The game is also very perk-focused, with players being able to equip a litany of perks which will increase their team’s abilities. Adding this feature brings a new strategic element, especially to 2v2 matches.
Without a doubt, the thing that sets MultiVersus apart from the pack is the incredible voice acting. Hearing Shaggy and Velma banter in their authentic voices during a match is outright hilarious. The game is ripe with references to the entire WB multiverse, so you’ll hear lines about the DC Universe, as well as all of your favorite Cartoon Network shows. This makes the game a great introduction to the genre for those who grew up with heroes other than Mario and Luigi. Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to breathe life into a genre.
Without a doubt, the thing that sets MultiVersus apart from the pack is the incredible voice acting. Hearing Shaggy and Velma banter in their authentic voices during a match is outright hilarious. The game is ripe with references to the entire WB multiverse, so you’ll hear lines about the DC Universe, as well as all of your favorite Cartoon Network shows. This makes the game a great introduction to the genre for those who grew up with heroes other than Mario and Luigi. Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to breathe life into a genre.
Create some crazy character combinations in WB’s MultiVersus.
The game released to lukewarm reviews in 2024, and although the wrinkles were quickly ironed out, the game was pulled offline just one year later following the news that Warner Brothers was folding its gamedev department. The game lives on with no online support and is still a darling to play if you’re a fan of the characters in it. That said, if you want to play with friends the way the devs intended, you’ll have to call up your friends for an old-school LAN party. But hey… who is ever upset about that?!
The game released to lukewarm reviews in 2024, and although the wrinkles were quickly ironed out, the game was pulled offline just one year later following the news that Warner Brothers was folding its gamedev department. The game lives on with no online support and is still a darling to play if you’re a fan of the characters in it. That said, if you want to play with friends the way the devs intended, you’ll have to call up your friends for an old-school LAN party. But hey… who is ever upset about that?!
Use the New “Wall Break” Feature in Guilty Gear Strive (2021)
Strive, the latest title in the Guilty Gear saga, follows the series’ action-packed four button fighting formula, while adding some movement elements that might appeal to Super Smash Bros fans. The Guilty Gear universe is rich with lore from their deep library of games and manga dating back to 1998. The series’ single-player plot revolves around crusaders and warriors in a modern world overrun by an abundance of magic. This magic greatly affects the world and explains the superhuman strength of the characters. One distinct element of this series is the “insta kill”, an extremely risky maneuver that, if executed, will instantly eliminate your opponent (or in some competitive modes deal massive damage and end the round).
Send an opponent into another real using Strive’s new Wall Break Feature!
New to the series in Strive is the wall break feature. A wall break occurs when a fighter backs another up to the boundary of the map and executes a combo. This deals massive damage and will send the fighters flying through the edge of the map and into a new fighting area. Eliminations are still earned by draining an opponent’s HP to 0, but the brutality of the wall break forces players to be far more aware of their positioning while fighting. Suddenly, blocking and dodging backwards comes with some serious risks that can severely impact a fighter’s chance to win. The added importance of player movement helps set Guilty Gear Strive apart from its predecessors, but it is still closer to a traditional fighter game than to Smash Bros. That said, it is a refreshing take on a beloved series worth scoping out. Best of all, the game finally released on Switch in early 2025 so you can take it on the go and fight players from anywhere in the world!
New to the series in Strive is the wall break feature. A wall break occurs when a fighter backs another up to the boundary of the map and executes a combo. This deals massive damage and will send the fighters flying through the edge of the map and into a new fighting area. Eliminations are still earned by draining an opponent’s HP to 0, but the brutality of the wall break forces players to be far more aware of their positioning while fighting. Suddenly, blocking and dodging backwards comes with some serious risks that can severely impact a fighter’s chance to win. The added importance of player movement helps set Guilty Gear Strive apart from its predecessors, but it is still closer to a traditional fighter game than to Smash Bros. That said, it is a refreshing take on a beloved series worth scoping out. Best of all, the game finally released on Switch in early 2025 so you can take it on the go and fight players from anywhere in the world!
Try to Master the New Meta in Rivals of Aether 2
Rivals of Aether 2 is a platform fighter that blends Smash Bros-style eliminations with new characters and signature attacks. In a bold move, Aether Studios shook up the attack-favoring meta of their 2017 eponymous debut. In the original title, the only way to lessen the blow of an opponent’s attack was with a well-timed parry. The biggest change to hit the 2024 sequel, Rivals of Aether 2, is the introduction of shields, which can be used to block enemy attacks. This was balanced by introducing a new “grab” mechanic, allowing fighters to grab a blocking foe and strike, push, or throw them backwards. This prevents players from “turtling” once they acquire a shield and keeps the game offense-oriented, a stark difference from how most people play Super Smash Bros. The tweaks and additions made by Aether were tasteful, well-executed, and do not taint the well from which the sequel came.
Simple, pleasant backgrounds and UI keep players focused on combat and nothing else. This back-to-basics approach is refreshing amidst some of the gaudier fighters on the market.
Rivals of Aether used a far-out, 2D pixelated art style to create retro backgrounds and platforms, which really make the 3D modeled characters pop out in the foreground. In the sequel, devs opted for smoother backgrounds, but kept them undistracting to keep the focus on the action up front. Characters have simple, but instantly recognizable designs that match with their personalities. For example, an eagle-like character, Wrastor, can perform devastating aerial attacks, and can force falling opponents back with his wind attack. This can keep enemies from jumping back onto the platform when they get bumped over the edge, and can be a cheeky way to secure an early win. Other characters like Etalus the polar bear can affect the very map itself. In Etalus’ case, he can freeze portions of the platform which wreaks havoc on opponents’ traction while allowing him to launch one of his debilitating slide attacks. Being able to alter the map makes Rivals of Aether 2 matches much more dynamic than Smash Bros and really ensures no two matches are alike. The combination of fighters dictates how players will approach a battle, but creativity and ruses reign supreme as the game is so well balanced. Of all the titles on our list, this plays most similarly to Super Smash Bros and we highly recommend you give it a go!
Rivals of Aether used a far-out, 2D pixelated art style to create retro backgrounds and platforms, which really make the 3D modeled characters pop out in the foreground. In the sequel, devs opted for smoother backgrounds, but kept them undistracting to keep the focus on the action up front. Characters have simple, but instantly recognizable designs that match with their personalities. For example, an eagle-like character, Wrastor, can perform devastating aerial attacks, and can force falling opponents back with his wind attack. This can keep enemies from jumping back onto the platform when they get bumped over the edge, and can be a cheeky way to secure an early win. Other characters like Etalus the polar bear can affect the very map itself. In Etalus’ case, he can freeze portions of the platform which wreaks havoc on opponents’ traction while allowing him to launch one of his debilitating slide attacks. Being able to alter the map makes Rivals of Aether 2 matches much more dynamic than Smash Bros and really ensures no two matches are alike. The combination of fighters dictates how players will approach a battle, but creativity and ruses reign supreme as the game is so well balanced. Of all the titles on our list, this plays most similarly to Super Smash Bros and we highly recommend you give it a go!
Go for Glory in Nickelodeon's All-Star Brawl 2
Released in 2023, All-Star Brawl 2 is the perfect follow-up to its 2021 predecessor. The game plays very similarly to Brawlhalla, but instead showcases an ensemble of American cartoon classics from Muncie’s very own Garfield, to Spongebob, Danny Phantom, Jimmy Neutron, and more! The gameplay is very much like Smash Bros, with the objective being to push your opponent off of the battle platform. One big difference from the OG Smash Bros titles is that characters in All-Star Brawl 2 can move in 8 directions whilst airborne! The added diagonal attacks make player positioning so much more crucial, while still maintaining the simplicity of a platform fighter. Furthermore, the game contains a strafe function that allows players to face towards an enemy while retreating to enhance their defensive capabilities, at the expense of some speed. Simple mechanics like this add an impressive amount of strategy to the game.
Avoid the plunge into Davey Jones’ Locker as you wage war upon the Flying Dutchman’s vessel in All-Star Brawl 2.
At the end of the day, All-Star Brawl is a copycat franchise. That said, they capture the essence of Smash Bros perfectly while adding a few twists. The big allure here is not to the gameplay, but the playable characters and settings. Being able to trade in Japanese staples for American icons like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or the heroes of Avatar: The Last Airbender reinvigorates the imagination and makes it feel like a completely new world. The bottom line is that although this game isn’t all that original, it has no major flaws and contains a treasure trove of beloved 90’s Nick characters. If you grew up watching channel 299 as a 90’s kid, you’ll have a blast with this one!
At the end of the day, All-Star Brawl is a copycat franchise. That said, they capture the essence of Smash Bros perfectly while adding a few twists. The big allure here is not to the gameplay, but the playable characters and settings. Being able to trade in Japanese staples for American icons like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or the heroes of Avatar: The Last Airbender reinvigorates the imagination and makes it feel like a completely new world. The bottom line is that although this game isn’t all that original, it has no major flaws and contains a treasure trove of beloved 90’s Nick characters. If you grew up watching channel 299 as a 90’s kid, you’ll have a blast with this one!
Takeaways
The original Super Smash Bros rattled the monotonous world of arcade fighters by introducing vertical movement and strategies that evolved far beyond the classic button-mashing formula. It would be blasphemous to say any game has surpassed their formula, but many great alternatives have been released since Sakurai’s brain-child first hit the market. For lovers of the genre, all of the aforementioned titles should be a blast! For those who are merely familiar with Smash Bros, you might enjoy one of the games based on their lore or region of origin.
A huge takeaway here for gamedevs is that it is absolutely okay to mimic a successful game, so long as you introduce your own spin on it. Genres gain a following for a reason, and it is no crime to tap into that fanbase, so long as you are bringing a fresh perspective to the table. If you have a storyline, artwork, or dope animations that you could plug into an existing genre, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Argentics for consultation on how to turn your expertise into the next bestseller. Happy smashing bros!
A huge takeaway here for gamedevs is that it is absolutely okay to mimic a successful game, so long as you introduce your own spin on it. Genres gain a following for a reason, and it is no crime to tap into that fanbase, so long as you are bringing a fresh perspective to the table. If you have a storyline, artwork, or dope animations that you could plug into an existing genre, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Argentics for consultation on how to turn your expertise into the next bestseller. Happy smashing bros!
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