Recently, the original storyboard documents for Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64 were unearthed online by David V. Kimball. Kimball, a marketing director and content creator who has previously delved into the world of Super Smash Bros. Melee, stumbled upon the design documents drawn by the legendary Masahiro Sakurai. This discovery was not a planned endeavor for Kimball; rather, he stumbled upon these remarkable storyboards while researching for his next video project.
The storyboards shed light on the creation process of the opening movie for the N64 platform fighter, a sequence that holds tremendous significance for fans of the original game. From the iconic image of Mario perched on a desk to the moment when all the fighters leap onto the screen simultaneously, these storyboards capture the essence of Super Smash Bros. in its early stages.
According to translated information from the HAL Laboratories website, the selected scenes from Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 64, a game that has reached over 5 million copies sold worldwide, are displayed in these storyboards. The hand-drawn sketches by the game planner offer a glimpse into the meticulous planning and creativity that went into crafting the beloved game. The finished product based on these storyboards can be viewed in the “10. Finished Movie” section on the website.
While some of the links to the storybook panels may appear broken, most of them are accessible when revisiting the website through the Wayback Machine. The detailed panels provide a behind-the-scenes look at the development of Super Smash Bros., offering fans a deeper appreciation for the game’s origins. Despite some panels being inaccessible at the time of writing, the overall discovery is a treasure trove for enthusiasts of the franchise.
As the most recent installment in the Super Smash Bros. series, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate marked the culmination of years of development and dedication. Masahiro Sakurai, the visionary behind the franchise since its inception, is now focusing on his YouTube channel, which is set to conclude in the near future. Reflecting on the past, Sakurai has shared insights into the prototype for Super Smash Bros. known as Dragon King and expressed concerns about the future of the series without his guiding hand.
The unveiling of the original Super Smash Bros. storyboard documents provides a rare glimpse into the creative process behind a gaming classic. With the dedication and talent of individuals like Masahiro Sakurai, the legacy of Super Smash Bros. continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
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