Why was Kirby the sole survivor in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's World of Light adventure mode? Sakurai says it isn't because of a character bias
There's a reason it's called a 'Warp Star'
Not only is everyone here, but everyone is dead in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's World of Light adventure mode — except for Kirby, of course. This makes sense as Masahiro Sakurai is not only the creator of the Super Smash Bros. series but also the creator of the Kirby franchise.
Apparently, Kirby was chosen to be the only survivor of Galeem's attack for reasons other than Sakurai's supposed bias. It was concluded that Kirby was actually one of three fighters that could've possibly survived the onslaught since the attack expanded throughout the universe.
"Some of you may have forgotten, but Kirby’s Warp Star has been able to, y’know, warp since his very first game," said Sakurai. "That alone made him a pretty solid contender. The only other two fighters that could have survived would have been Bayonetta or Palutena."
Kirby was eventually chosen over Bayonetta and Palutena because Kirby was seen as an easier starter character. The perception is that Bayonetta and Palutena have more of a learning curve to them when compared to Kirby's basic play style.
Notably, Kirby is a combatant that has been present since the very beginning. This means that he'll feel familiar to veteran players. By design, Kirby is a well-rounded character that doesn't necessarily have to be played a specific way — unlike Bayonetta and Palutena.
Sakurai also specifically mentions that just because a character has access to a teleport, it doesn't mean they'd be able to escape Galeem. Mewtwo or Zelda's teleport, for example, is merely short-ranged.
Kirby, however, has access to the Warp Star. Thanks to its ability to warp, it breaks the law of physics, according to Sakurai.
Of course, this adventure mode isn't going to just star Kirby. It doesn't take very long before you are able to unlock the next fighter for your team — Mario.
Almost immediately following that, you'll be presented with one of three paths. Based on which direction you choose, you'll gain access to either Sheik, Marth, or Villager.
Essentially what this means is that you won't have to play Kirby for very long. Coincidentally, Kirby also had a very large role in Super Smash Bros. Brawl's Subspace Emissary adventure mode.
Be sure to head over to Source Gaming for the full translation of Sakurai's Famitsu Column.
