Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai recently recited an experience that he had in the arcades back in the day, which when people heard it years ago, believed that it influenced the nature of the Super Smash Bros franchise. However, it turns out that this rumour is incorrect. He recently debunked the long-running rumour on his personal account on X. Here’s what happened at the arcade when Sakurai was at the top of his game on the classic King of the Fighters ’95.
The story:
“A challenger jumped into the game. I went on to fight them, and landed my moves with style. With Takuma Sakazaki, I jumped, then did a strong punch, uppercut, Ku-Ou Ken, Hien Shippuu Kyaku, and Zanretsuken – a fancy, flashy combo with three special moves one after another. But something was off,” Sakurai begins. “The other side wasn’t fighting back. When I took a peek over at the other side, I was surprised to find a run-of-the-mill couple sitting there. The girlfriend was the one playing. I couldn’t help but think I messed up.”
On the rumour this influenced Smash Bros:
“When playing games with other people, I make it a point to be as kind as possible to beginner-level players. Some say it’s impolite to hold back, but that’s just not true! — Some rumors have suggested that Super Smash Bros. was created as a result of the story I discuss in this episode, but I can confirm that’s not the case. This experience had no influence on the concept behind Smash Bros.”
Amazing how different the outcome could have been if they had played at a side by side American arcade cabinet.
For those who may not know, to preserve the loser’s dignity, one on one cabinets in Japane are back to back. Each player sits alone in front of the screen, and ignores who is on the other side.
Personally I appreciate this setup more than the western one, where you are forced to share personal space with a stranger who not only jumped into your game, but may also be able to pummel you like Sakurai did.
I didn’t know Sakurai was a King of Fighters beast back in the day. No wonder Smash Bros. is such a good time
Well, it isn’t, so…
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