If there is the perfect video game that would cause the latest controversy involving Nintendo absolutely giving the cold shoulder to its depleting hardcore fanbase, it would be arguably one of the least appreciated spectacular game in the history of the company. Super Smash Brothers Melee was mixed in with a total travesty that resulted in a big company changing its mind the very same afternoon and once again inadvertently slapping the faces of the bigger Nintendo fans.
The story is simple: EVO, a fighting game tournament that raises money for good causes (LIKE CANCER NINTENDO!!!!) chose Smash Brothers Melee, a fighting game masterpiece that is over 10 years old and remains one of the most played fighters on the planet, as one of the main events. There would be a Smash Bros. tournament that would be streamed live online for everyone to see. After all, the respect of this game is so heavy that it won the player’s choice to be in the tournament and also remains the only game not from this past generation to be on the list.
Let me remind you that this tournament raises money for breast cancer---Smash Brothers Melee raised $94,000.
So Nintendo for no logical reason whatsoever decides to barge in and let EVO know that they don’t want Melee being streamed online.
Why Nintendo…why did this happen?
The outbreak, the controversy, the negative reaction, the pure anger was so baffling, came so fast, that Nintendo quite literally changed its mind in the course of an afternoon. But by then the damage had been done, and the anger had already been spilled.
For Example:
Why Nintendo?
Why on earth did this happen? Why on earth did you try to ban the streaming of a CHARITY-SPONSORED TOURNAMENT OF YOUR OWN GAME?!?!?!? And of ALL the games, Smash Brothers Melee, the one game that has not seen retail sales in the past 5 years at least. You know, that awesome fighting game that did not get any re-release love despite the overwhelming positive reviews, and despite being essentially the Gamecube’s version of Halo---that one game that pretty much saved the entire system. You know, the one game whose formula you tweaked so that it was LESS hardcore and more casual and mainstream with Brawl. Only God knows how disgusting the Gamecube launch and first-year sales would have been without Smash Brothers Melee at the helm.
Unlike most boneheaded decisions in recent months from all three companies, this one has no Devil’s Advocate argument. This one has no other side of the coin. There is no justification of deciding to not only cut the streaming, but potentially prevent the game from being in the tournament at all. Gamers donated oodles of money to see one of your old games from two generations ago re-enter the gaming spotlight along with the newer fighters like Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and Street Fighter IV. Gamers were showing an amazing amount of love to one of your games and you respond with your heinous decision.
Smash Brothers Melee, the third best-selling fighting game of all-time, has not gotten the respect of a re-release in any sort when most of the classics have gone through a re-introduction. No Virtual Console, no remake for the WiiU (Would have been absolutely perfect), and now an attempted snubbing of some much-needed online love amongst gamers. This game is 12 YEARS OLD!!!! Can you honestly name video games that came out around that same time?!?!?!?!? Nintendo this was a stupid move from start to finish, and this is only going to enhance the notion that you are now beginning to lose touch with gamers.
Yea Nintendo, Earthbound was a nice touch (and one hell of a secret apology), but it might take more before we forget this ugly moment.
Just listen to the chant towards the end of this.
Nintendo, stop screwing up. Stop making us mad. Your WiiU is already a big miss. Stop adding salt to the wound.
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