Stages
By AlphaZealot | Published: January 22, 2009 5:28pm EST
 Stages are one of the most debated aspects in the Smash community. Stage lists vary, sometimes greatly, between regions. The most common stage list is the SBR Recommended Rule Set, which gets updated every 6 months. Stages are usually placed into three distinct groups: starter, counter, and banned. Starter stages, also known as neutrals, are stages allowed for the first game of a set. A typical starter stage list includes the following stages: • Final Destination • Battlefield • Smashville • Yoshi’s Island Other stages that may be found on the starter stage list at some tournaments include Halberd, Castle Siege, Lylat Cruise, Pokemon Stadium 1, and Delfino Plaza. The first stage in a set is meant to downplay possible imbalances that may exist on other stages in order to create the most even match up between players. There is no stage that won’t give some characters help and not others, which is why the term “neutral stage” is a misnomer. There are two systems that are commonly used for the first game of a set. The first system is simply using the random select option, with only certain stages turned on, and then going random to one of the starter stages. The second system is known as stage striking, where there is an odd number list of neutrals (3,5, or 7) and each player takes turns striking stages until just one stage remains. This remaining stage is then the agreed upon stage for the first game. Counter Stages are stages that may present some imbalances in matches. The purpose for them not being allowed in the first game of the match is so that the opponent has the opportunity to avoid some of the more harsh, if not impossible, match ups that can exist on these stages. Olimar versus Wolf may not be a bad match up on most stages, but on Luigi’s Mansion the Olimar player is at a heavy advantage. Here are stages that are typically counter stages at tournaments. Note, all stages on the starter stage list can also be used as a counter stage. • Brinstar • Corneria • Distant Planet • Frigate Orpheon • Green Hill Zone • Jungle Japes • Luigi's Mansion • Norfair • Pictochat • Pirate Ship • Pokémon Stadium 2 • Rainbow Cruise • Yoshi's Island (Pipes) Every other stage in the game is typically removed from tournament play. The reasons for stage removal vary from region to region. Some regions, particularly the Northeast, prefer a more limited stage list, this includes cutting down on even some of the commonly accepted counter stages (like Pictochat, Green Hill Zone, and Luigi’s Mansion). Other regions use more diverse stage lists, like the Midwest which may have tournaments that include stages that are commonly banned in other areas such as like Port Town Aero Dive and Skyworld. Here are some of the main reasons used to remove a stage: 1. The stage has random elements that can cause huge swings in a match for no other reason than luck. 2. The stage has walk off edges or permanent walls. 3. The stage is of such a size that matches typically go to the time limit, even if both players are actively engaging each other. 4. The stage tests a skill that, simply put, competitive players are not looking to test in competitive play (example: Spear Pillar flips your controls to reverse at some points in the match—pressing left makes you go right). 5. The stage has such an effect on the match that more time is spent fighting that stage then the actual opponent. |
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