When Nintendo released Super Smash Bros. on January 21, 1999, it proved to be one of the most game-changing fighters in the genre's history. While fighting games had existed for several years beforehand, Super Smash Bros. stood out from the competition in several ways. While it was a curiosity at launch, it would eventually grow into one of Nintendo's biggest franchises. In fact, Super Smash Bros' sheer uniqueness was likely one of its biggest strengths.