10 Video Game Rewards Unlocked By Dying
7. The "Pity Smash" (Super Smash Bros. Brawl)
Ever since it came out in 2008, the third main chapter of Masahiro Sakurai’s prized IP – Super Smash Bros. Brawl – has been its most contentious.
Undoubtedly, the "Pity Smash" is a key factor in its sustained polarization.
Doubling down on the inherent cheapness (or awesomeness, depending on your perspective) of Final Smashes, once a combatant loses a match by five or more points/stocks (amidst failing to knock out anyone else), they’ll return to the stage ready to do a Final Smash. No floating orb trigger required.
In other words, the computer thinks that kicking the bucket a handful of times without trouncing an opponent beforehand is shameful enough to more or less grant you a free victory.
On one hand, this mechanic might level the playing field for inexperienced or lacklustre players, but on the other hand, it cheapens the competitive nature of each round. Plus, a Pity Smash is unlikely to save someone who’s already that far behind their rival(s), right?