Namco Bandai working on new Super Smash Bros.

[garyopa]

Being developed by Tales, Soulcalibur, Tekken Staff



Seems that Namco Bandai has teamed up with Project Sora for the new Smash Bros., as revealed in the last Nintendo Direct.

That's right, Namco Bandai Games and Namco Bandai Studio are working alongside Sora Ltd. and Masahiro Sakurai on the next Super Smash Bros.

As expected, Sakurai will be directing the game, and overseeing the project.



Here's a message from him regarding this collaboration:

Hello, I’m Masahiro Sakurai, the director of the Super Smash Bros. series.

It’s my personal belief that the only time a creative product really resonates is in that first moment when it’s actually in front of you.

With that said, I’ve realized that if we keep the new Super Smash Bros. title’s development structure secret, it’ll only create more and more speculation, and I won’t be able to develop the game with any freedom. That’s why I’ve decided to announce this news right now, even though it’s still very early on.

I would love to provide more information, but for now, I’m going to stay quiet until I have something solid to show you.

The project has just gotten started. Bear in mind that not only are we developing two titles simultaneously, but we announced the project before we even started actual development, so I’m afraid we will likely have to keep you waiting for quite a while. Please be patient.

Currently, the prototype prepared by Namco Bandai Games and Namco Bandai Studios’ special team looks pretty good, and it’s working great. In order to take advantage of the fact that there will be versions for two different systems, and to maximize and offer fun new gameplay elements, the entire team is going to work hard together. Thank you.

Also, Masaya Kobayashi, whose previous works include the Ridge Racer series and Go Vacation, is producing. And, Yoshito Higuchi, who produced Tales of Vesperia, is co-directing.

Hello, everyone. I’m Masaya Kobayashi of Namco Bandai Studios. I’m so honored to be able to join the Smash Bros. team–that globally popular series of which Japan is particularly proud—and to work alongside of Mr. Sakurai.

In order to make Mr. Sakurai proud, we will take on this project with Namco Bandai’s best staff! Yoshito Higuchi, the producer and the director of the “Tales” series, Tetsuya Akatsuka, producer and director of “Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme Vs.,” the art director/sound director of the “SoulCalibur” series, the main development team staff from the “Tekken” series… and that’s just for starters. All the top creators from Namco Bandai are gathered here to create a never-before-seen dream team for this project. We will fully utilize our experience and knowledge in action/fighting game development, technical capability, and organizational strength, and we hereby promise you that we will develop the best and most powerful “Super Smash Bros.” title ever! Don’t miss it!

Representative works:

- Masaya Kobayashi

- “Ridge Racer” series
- “We Ski” (Wii) series
- “Go Vacation” (Wii)

- Yoshito Higuchi

- “SoulCalibur” series
- “Tales of the Abyss“
- “Tales of Vesperia“

Pac-Man for next Smash Bros. confirmed?

The game is being developed for both the Wii U and the Nintendo 3DS.

NEWS SOURCE #1: Sakurai Kobayashi on new Super Smash Bros (via) Gematsu
NEWS SOURCE #2: Super Smash Bros 3DS and Wii-U being developed by Tales Soulcalibur Tekken staff (via) SiliconEra

Our thanks to 'Gauss' for this news item!

[Captain N1]

i wonder if there will be and tales of characters?

[Signa]

I can't help but feel like they are going to ruin it. Even non-Smash Brothers titles done by the same company still have that SSB feel to it. Namco isn't a name I associate with games even similar to SSB.

[billysastard]

I can't help but feel like they are going to ruin it. Even non-Smash Brothers titles done by the same company still have that SSB feel to it. Namco isn't a name I associate with games even similar to SSB.

wasn't it namco that ***** the memory of starfox on the gamecube?

[JonathanD]

wasn't it namco that ***** the memory of starfox on the gamecube?

They never made Star Fox for the Gamecube!!!! LIES!!!!! lol

[billysastard]

They never made Star Fox for the Gamecube!!!! LIES!!!!! lol

well, despite wishing they hadnt, reality claims they did http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Fox:_Assault

[MadonnaProject]

who cares? its going to be the same game over again, with few new mechanics and different characters.

[JonathanD]

well, despite wishing they hadnt, reality claims they did http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Fox:_Assault

It's too horrid my mind rejects it!!!!

[billysastard]

It's too horrid my mind rejects it!!!!

mine would too if it wasnt sat here in my gamecube pile.

[Signa]

wasn't it namco that ***** the memory of starfox on the gamecube?

Oh jeeze, now I know why I had those feelings.

I mean, I was fine with that semi-shitty adventure game that Rare made, but after everything I heard about Assault, I had no interest in playing it. Maybe Nintendo isn't just giving them a second chance, but is sending them the franchise to have it die. It's not like we've had a proper Starfox game since Namco touched it.