In a surprising announcement, tournament organizer Juggleguy revealed that Kongo Jungle 64 will be reintroduced as a doubles counterpick stage in Super Smash Bros. Melee at The Big House 11 in Detroit, Michigan. This decision has sparked mixed reactions among players eagerly anticipating the upcoming tournament.
Kongo Jungle 64 was a popular choice in the early days of Melee’s competitive scene, originating from the previous installment on the Nintendo 64. The stage features a vibrant jungle backdrop from the Donkey Kong Country series, with rotating platforms in the center and tall platforms on the sides. Notably, players can also return to the stage from below. However, the stage’s main attraction is the barrel at the bottom that moves from side to side, allowing players to blast out in any direction they choose.
Despite its initial popularity, Kongo Jungle 64 was eventually banned from singles play due to camping issues. One notable match between Rockcrock and Pink Shinobi highlighted the problem, as Shinobi’s Peach floated between the high platforms while Rockcrock’s Ganondorf struggled to catch up. The barrel also enabled Jigglypuffs to camp indefinitely beneath the stage.
The announcement of Kongo Jungle 64’s reintroduction has generated mixed reactions within the community. Some players are excited about the return of the stage’s chaotic gameplay, with top doubles player Axe expressing his enthusiasm. However, others have raised concerns about the last-minute nature of the announcement, emphasizing the importance of clear rulesets prior to player registration.
While the critics make a valid point regarding the need for transparency in rulesets, the reintroduction of Kongo Jungle 64 holds significant historical value for the Melee community. Witnessing the newer generation of Slippi players navigate this unconventional stage is sure to provide entertainment and bridge the gap between different eras of Smash Bros.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
