I’ve spent my fair share of time playing video games. One could say that I’m an expert on the matter so if you actually want to learn something then I suggest you keep reading. One genre of games that I’m undeniably adept in is of the fighting variety. “Fighting Street” (1988, dev. Alfa System) on the TurboGrafx-16, “ClayFighter 63⅓” (1997, dev. Interplay Entertainment) for the Nintendo 64 and “Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon S: Jougai Rantou!? Shuyaku Soudatsusen” (1994, dev. Angel) for the Super Famicom are just three shining examples of what a fighting game can be.

The thing is, though, I’m not here to discuss these three great works. I’d rather move on to something a little more topical.

The “Super Smash Bros.” series, published by Nintendo, has always been considered a staple within the fighting game community. It’s a paragon of the genre. There’s absolutely no controversy behind that statement. However, what’s really gotten under my skin are all these morons who say that “Smash Bros.” is a fighting-platformer game. Have these people ever even played a platformer? Have they ever seen gameplay a game made before the 21st century? This is the kind of ignorance that I really can’t stand.

First of all, the combat mechanics couldn’t deviate further from what’s expected of a traditional platform game. The only tools I need when I’m trying to jump on and/or over obstacles are a jump button and, maybe, one attack button. The “Smash Bros.” series boasts nearly twenty different attacks, including a grab of all things, for every single character. Why in the world would a platform game need so many different ways to assault the on screen enemies?

The next thing that bothers me about all these talking points on “Smash Bros.” being a fighting-platformer is the fact that the default control-scheme has the player using the analogue stick to jump. In the words of the Immortal Nerd; what were they thinking? Have you ever played a halfway decent platformer that uses the d-pad or analogue stick to jump? That’s right, you big dumb-dumb, you probably haven’t. I just don’t understand where these people get off. How about you leave the theorizing and writing about games to people who might actually know what they’re talking about.

The next time someone brings up the idea that “Smash Bros.” is some how a fighting game with some nuances taken from the platform genre, then I suggest you show them this piece and put them in their place. Not only will you get to look really smart but I’ll also get some eyes on this website which is really all I care about.