Melee Returning to EVO

[Nester the Lark]

I know some of you guys don't like the competitive scene, but I thought it was worth mentioning that Super Smash Bros Melee has been officially confirmed for Evolution 2014. This will be its second consecutive appearance.

You might remember that last year Nintendo initially forbid streaming of the event, but they changed their mind after just a few hours due to fan requests. Hopefully there won't be any of that drama this year.

Here are last year's finals. They keep items off, but they do play on stages other than just Final Destination, and there's actually a pretty good variety of characters being used. I thought it was interesting to watch, even tho I don't really understand the technicalities of what's going on most of the time.

[Nester the Lark]

Quick update.

So, not only has Nintendo given their official approval of Melee being featured at this year's Evo, but now they're also a sponsor! Even if you don't care for competitive Smash, it's great to see Nintendo turn around and embrace part of the fan community like this.

Personally, I hope their own Super Smash Bros Invitational becomes an annual thing. It was a blast to watch, mainly because Nintendo's own rules were intended to show off the game, and that made it more appealing as a spectator sport.

[8bitretroshit]

Jul 6, 2014 16:52:04 GMT -5 Nester the Lark said:

Personally, I hope their own Super Smash Bros Invitational becomes an annual thing. It was a blast to watch, mainly because Nintendo's own rules were intended to show off the game, and that made it more appealing as a spectator sport.

As long as Geoff "I don't give a shit" Keighley doesn't return  and the character vote thing. That was just weird and made people vote on the popular pro players, no matter how they played that match.

Nintendo backing EVO like this is pretty darn cool, especially after that whole Melee debacle last year. Maybe they'll start listening to some of the feedback from the hardcore fans too, because as of now they don't seem too happy about SSB4. Even if I don't understand half the lingo the announcers are throwing around I do like seeing the fast-paced high level Melee matches from these kind of events.

[Nester the Lark]

Evo starts this Friday, and here's the schedule.

They're also playing the new Killer Instinct, but on the whole, there isn't as big a variety of games as there was last year.

[nocturnal YL]

...They could have switched it a bit so that Melee, KI and BlazBlue all play in a single channel, and so on.

I like how those games' publishers (except Capcom) are sponsoring the event. Not sure if it's wise for Nintendo to support the fighting game scene (since they can be rather ungrateful at times), but it's good publicity regardless.

Don't think I'll watch this. I've seen some videos of Smash tournament before, and I find most of them rather boring. Few matches look like this.

[Nester the Lark]

Reggie pre-recorded a message for the intro to the Melee finals. Nothing big, but again, it was a nice gesture.



This year's champion was Mango, same as last year.

I wonder if they'll play Smash for Wii U next year since they usually play the latest version of each game. I guess that'll depend on whether the competitive community considers it hardcore enough.

[jigglysama]

Well Nintendo would not like anymore Melee promotion at EVO since Smash 4 will be out by then. It would be cool they play the new game, but figuring out the meta game for so little time is very unlikely, plus they all want is a Melee 2.0. So far what I have heard this game looking more like a Brawl 2.0 >A>

[Nester the Lark]

Here's a Nintendo Minute recorded at EVO featuring some rather awkward interviews with some of the competitors from the Invitational:

[Shadrio]

Even though I consider myself more of a Glorious Smasher than a Fun one, I could never get into the more competitive side of Melee, since I could neither get a decent wavedash done nor did I ever find it appealing when watching pros fight, due to animations just seeming jerky and erratic at times.

But that's just like, my opinion, man. I just hope that the community isn't as divided as it is as of now. I'm just glad Nintendo acknowledges the competitive side of Smash, even if it isn't completely to my likings.

[Nester the Lark]

So, the question about this year's Evo tournament has been "Will they play Smash for Wii U or stick with Melee?" Apparently, the answer is both.

That's right, there will be two SSB games at Evo this year. Didn't see that coming.

[Nester the Lark]

Apparently, Bill Trinen has officially entered into this year's Smash 4 tournament at EVO. Hope he does better than Reggie.

[kirbychu]

Wasn't he in that prerelease tournament a while back? I seem to remember him being pretty good. And always using Rosalina.

[Nester the Lark]

I honestly don't remember. You're not talking about the Invitational from last year's E3, are you?

[kirbychu]

I thought it was at E3, but after Googling it it looks like I was talking about last year's San Diego Comic-Con. All I remember is that it was the first time I'd seen Smash 4's Bowser in action, and that Bill was beating tournament players with Rosalina. It didn't have the full roster available, and most of the matches were happening in Gerudo Valley.

[Nester the Lark]

Sounds like Bill Trinen has withdrawn from EVO due to Iwata's death. Disappointing, but understandable. Maybe next year.

It starts tomorrow and runs through Sunday. Here's a copy of the stream schedule.