Recently, David V. Kimball, a marketing director and content creator known for his videos on Super Smash Bros. Melee, made an exciting discovery online. While researching for his next video project, Kimball stumbled upon the original design documents for Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64. These storyboards, drawn by none other than Masahiro Sakurai, have been hidden away until now.
The storyboards provide a fascinating insight into the creation of the iconic opening movie of the N64 platform fighter. From Mario sitting at a desk to all the fighters jumping onto the screen, these panels are instantly recognizable to anyone who has played the original game. According to Google translate, HAL Laboratories’ website mentions that these storyboards were hand-drawn by the game planner and served as the foundation for the opening screen of the game.
While Kimball shared some of the panels on Twitter, he encourages others to visit the HAL Laboratories’ website via the Wayback Machine to see the full collection. Despite some broken thumbnails, most of the links will lead to the storybook panels, providing a unique opportunity to delve into the early stages of Super Smash Bros. development. However, there are still some panels that remain inaccessible, adding an air of mystery to the discovery.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
The unveiling of the original storyboard comes at a poignant time in the history of the franchise. With the recent release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate marking the end of development for the latest installment, there is a sense of closure as Masahiro Sakurai, the mastermind behind the series, prepares to move on to new adventures. Sakurai’s YouTube channel, where he has shared insights into the development process, is also coming to a close, leaving fans wondering about the future of the beloved franchise without its creator at the helm.
The discovery of the original storyboard for Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64 is a significant moment for fans of the series. It offers a glimpse into the creative process behind one of the most iconic games in gaming history and serves as a reminder of the talent and vision of Masahiro Sakurai. As we look back on the past and anticipate the future of the Super Smash Bros. franchise, this find becomes a cherished piece of memorabilia for all those who have enjoyed countless hours of brawling with their favorite Nintendo characters.
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