On January 4, 2024, a trailer dropped revealing the 1.50 update for Smash Remix. Smash Remix is a highly acclaimed rom hack for the original Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64. This hack has added new characters, modes, items, and stages, some of which have been seen in other Smash Bros games but much of which is original to the series. Even more impressive is the fact that this rom hack is fully playable on original Nintendo 64 hardware, albeit requiring the system’s expansion pack. The first release of Smash Remix version 0.5 was launched on May 13, 2019, and after 4 and a half years its final update has arrived. Here is what was added in this update.
New Characters
Ebisumaru
Ebisaumaru is a major character from Konami’s Goemon series. The long-time friend and partner of the titular character, Ebisaumaru first appeared in Ganbare Goemon 2 released for the Famicom in 1989 though his appearance in Smash Remix is based on his look from the Nintendo 64 Goemon games.
Banjo and Kazooie
Banjo and Kazooie are no strangers to the Smash Bros series, as they were playable fighters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Switch but considering that they both got their start on the Nintendo 64 in the 1998 title Banjo-Kazooie (technically Banjo made his debut a year earlier in Diddy Kong Racing) it only seems appropriate that they are playable in Smash for N64.
Metal Luigi
The counterpart to Metal Mario, Metal Luigi is an alternate boss form of Luigi. Aside from allowing players to play as Metal Luigi, this update also adds him to the single-player fight against Metal Mario at higher difficulties.
Dragon King
This one is something of a deep cut. While the original Smash Bros was in development, before it was a crossover fighter, it was called Dragon King the Fighting Game and it starred these generic mannequin-looking fighters. These were merely used as placeholders to test the game and were eventually replaced. Now you can finally play as what is arguably the original Smash Brother.
New Stages
Several new stages have been added from a variety of games some of which are based on stages from other Smash Bros games. Other stages got updates or remix variations.
Scuttle Town (Shantae)
Big Boo’s Haunt (Super Mario 64)
Dinosaur Land (Super Mario World): based on the Stage from Super Smash Bros Melee
Spawned Fear (Doom 64)
Pokefloats (Pokemon): based on the stage from Super Smash Bros Melee
Big Snowman (Snowboard Kids)
Grim Reaper’s Cavern (Jack Bros.)
Smashville and Metacaverns both received remix variations
Fountain of Dreams, Castle Siege, Battlefield, Spiral Mountain, and Dragon King all got updates.
New Modes and Options
Several new modes and options have been added in this update, we won’t go over every single one but here are the most notable changes.
Blastzone Warping
When enabled this allows players to warp from one end of the screen to the other instead of dying when they hit the blast zone, this can be limited to just the X or Y axis.
Remix Race to the Finish
A remixed version of the race to the finish minigame has been implemented which is longer and adds additional hazards over the original.
Gallery Mode
Gallery mode allows players to listen to the game’s music and view any of the screens seen at the end of 1-player mode for any characters that have completed it.
New Items
Two new items were added: the P-Wing, which allows for infinite mid-air jumps for 20 seconds, and the Dango food, which heals 10% of health when eaten.
Aside from what was stated in this article, there have been plenty of other changes added in this update including bug fixes, UI improvements, and other minor alterations. For a complete list of all changes and a download link click here. Overall, while it is sad to see the end of such an ambitious project, it is amazing to consider how much a group of passionate fans were able to add to the game. Smash Remix is an incredible achievement and those who worked on it should be proud of their work.
