Month: December 2016

Over the past month, we’ve heard many community leaders chime in on a large scale debate concerning the legality of a new controller for Super Smash Bros. The discussion has been intense and wide-spread, so you’ve likely heard something about it by now. As simple as the topic can be boiled down, the “Smash Box” is a new controller designed in the same breath as the HitBox where it is entirely controlled by buttons as opposed to analog or arcade sticks. The concern is that making this legal could lead to all manner of mods eventually making traditional players incapable of competing without modding themselves.

While the main hump that was being discussed was tournament legality at Genesis 4, a decision for that event has already been made in the Smash Box’s favor. Despite this, the conversation is far from over; other tournament organizers will need to come to their own decision on the Smash Box itself, as well as the prospect of any mods to GameCube controllers that may suddenly seem acceptable.

In the vein of this discussion, we have a respected voice in the community chiming in. While My Smash Corner primarily contributes to the community with tutorials and helpful videos, they take the opportunity to try and assess this topic from all sides objectively. Their take is inclusive of both sides of the argument, and they do a good job of striking an objective middle ground.

Partially related, you can also hear My Smash Corner’s take on what decides if something gets banned in competitive play. You can also follow up on this overarching Smashbox discussion in our other articles on the subject, with Hitbox Dustin or Hitbox Gravy, as well as some outside perspective from Yahoo! Esports.

Sources: My Smash Corner; TheCrimsonBlur

Throughout the life-cycle of Killer Instinct, there has been a subset of players who think that skeleton warrior Spinal is overpowered. While his ability to drain an opponent’s Shadow and Instinct meter to replenish his own in Season 2 did make him a real threat, he’s never been as utterly dominating as other members of the KI cast.

To help those who struggle against the cackling corsair and as a challenge to other Spinal players out there,  UA|Bass called on all other Spinals to try and beat him in a first to ten set to claim the crown of the skeleton king. With many fighters answering the call, Bass has collected a large collection of replays, showing him dueling against other would-be claimants to the bone throne.

Bass plays a variety of characters during these sets, ranging from his legendary Spinal, to his Mira, his Cinder, his Shadow and normal Jago. It’s a lot of footage but it acts as a fantastic resource for those struggling to defeat the undead pirate. You can find the playlist of all the matches below so sit back, grab a notepad and prepare to enter the bone zone.

Source: XiBassiX

One of the tough parts of playing fighting games competitively is the fact that we get so involved with frame data and mechanics that we so often stop paying attention to the aesthetics. It’s doubtful that most people were not attracted to these games on hitboxes and hurtboxes alone, but through its characters, the stages and its music.

Thus, when reminded of aesthetics, it’s interesting to hear what top players think about their favorite stages, themes and such. So when theScore talked to the top Smash players at Smash Summit 3 back in November, it was interesting to hear what some of their picks were.

Source: theScore esports