When Nintendo revolutionized the fighting game genre with Super Smash Bros in 1999, few could have predicted how influential its platform-based combat system would become. While traditional fighters like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat focused on complex inputs and health bars, Smash Bros introduced percentage-based damage and ring-out mechanics that appealed to both casual and competitive players alike. This unique formula has spawned numerous imitators and innovators across the gaming landscape.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl emerged in 2021 as one of the most faithful adaptations of the Smash Bros formula, bringing together characters from across Nickelodeon's extensive animation library. The game features an impressive roster spanning multiple generations of cartoons, from classic characters like SpongeBob SquarePants and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to modern favorites from shows like The Loud House. What sets this title apart is its commitment to competitive mechanics, including wavedashing and other advanced techniques that appeal to the hardcore Smash community. Despite some initial polish issues, the game received praise for its solid foundation and nostalgic appeal.

Brawlhalla stands as one of the most successful and enduring Smash-inspired fighters, having maintained a strong player base since its 2017 debut. Developed by Blue Mammoth Games, this free-to-play title boasts an enormous roster of 58 original characters, each with unique weapon combinations including axes, bows, hammers, and spears. The game's crossover content has been particularly impressive, featuring characters from franchises like Assassin's Creed, Adventure Time, and even WWE. Brawlhalla's consistent updates and robust esports scene have cemented its position as a major player in the platform fighter genre.

Key Features That Define Smash Clones:

• Ring-out mechanics instead of health bars

• Platform-based combat stages

• Percentage-based damage systems

• Crossover character rosters

• Local and online multiplayer focus

MultiVersus represents Warner Bros.' ambitious entry into the platform fighter space, leveraging their vast intellectual property library. The game features an unprecedented crossover roster including characters from DC Comics, Game of Thrones, Scooby-Doo, and even real-life personalities like LeBron James. What makes MultiVersus unique is its emphasis on 2v2 team battles and character-specific voice interactions. Despite being in early access, the game has already demonstrated significant potential with its polished mechanics and strong support from the developer Player First Games.

Notable Platform Fighters Release Timeline:

Year	Game	Notable Feature
2012	PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale	First major console competitor
2015	Rivals of Aether	Indie success story
2017	Brawlhalla	Free-to-play model
2021	Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl	Cartoon network crossover
2022	MultiVersus	Warner Bros. IP collection

Rivals of Aether has carved out a special niche among platform fighters by specifically catering to the competitive Super Smash Bros. Melee community. Developed by Dan Fornace, this indie title replicates many of Melee's advanced techniques while introducing its own elemental-based combat system. The game features original characters representing different elements like fire, water, and earth, alongside popular indie game guests including Shovel Knight and Ori. With Rivals of Aether 2 announced for 2024, the franchise continues to evolve while maintaining its core appeal to technical fighting game enthusiasts.

PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale represented Sony's ambitious attempt to create a platform fighter showcasing their first-party franchises. The 2012 release brought together characters from God of War, Uncharted, LittleBigPlanet, and even third-party titles like BioShock. However, the game's unique super move-based elimination system received mixed reactions from critics and players alike. While it failed to achieve the longevity of its Nintendo inspiration, PlayStation All-Stars remains an interesting artifact of console rivalry and crossover ambition.

Indie developers have particularly embraced the platform fighter format, creating innovative takes on the formula. Games like Roof Rage offer pure mechanical excellence with original rosters, while Brawlout serves as a bridge between indie development and the platform fighter genre with its guest characters from games like Hyper Light Drifter and Guacamelee.

Even established franchises have experimented with Smash-style combat. Shovel Knight Showdown, included in the Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove collection, transforms the beloved platforming characters into a full-fledged platform fighter. The game features the entire Order of No Quarter alongside heroes and villains from across the Shovel Knight universe, complete with signature moves and stage hazards referencing the main games.

LEGO Brawls brings the platform fighter concept to the world of plastic bricks, allowing players to create custom minifigures and battle across various LEGO themes. The game incorporates elements from Jurassic World, LEGO Ninjago, and classic LEGO sets, blending the accessible combat of Smash Bros with the creative customization LEGO is known for.

The platform fighter genre continues to evolve with new entries exploring different angles. Rocket Arena adapts the formula to third-person shooting, while upcoming titles promise further innovation. What began as Nintendo's unique take on fighting games has blossomed into a vibrant subgenre with something for every type of player - from casual party gamers to dedicated competitors.

As we look toward 2025, the legacy of Super Smash Bros continues to influence game developers worldwide. The success of these various interpretations demonstrates the enduring appeal of accessible yet deep combat systems that prioritize fun and social gameplay above all else. Whether through massive crossover events or focused indie experiences, the platform fighter remains one of gaming's most creatively fertile genres.