Replay: Difference between revisions

'''Replay''' is a feature in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' that allows players to view previously saved matches. Replays record a sequence of inputs from each player rather than a video file in order to take up less memory. This causes the need for replays in [[Smash 4]] to be deleted when an update occurs that changes any game mechanics. However, in recent patches of [[Smash Ultimate]], the issue has been fixed by Nintendo leaving in old patch data causing older replays to no longer desync or be automatically deleted. This change was first seen as early as Update 6.1.0.

Replays were introduced with ''Brawl''. When a match concluded, players could press the Z button, or the B button on a lone [[Wii Remote]], to save a replay onto either the Wii or an [[SD card]]. Replays can only be saved if the match lasted less than 3 minutes, [[Sudden Death]] included. The reason for this limit is unknown, as a number of hacks can remove this limit; even with such hacks, however, replays over 10 minutes do not function properly, as replays stop saving inputs beyond the 10 minute mark.  

Replays returned for both versions of ''Smash 4'', with players instead pressing Y on the third page of the results screen. The time limit for replays was expanded to about ten minutes, allowing for greater freedom in what replays can be saved. However, a hard cap was enacted for how many replays can be saved; only 64 can be saved in the 3DS version, and the Wii U version allows well over 200. Replays could no longer be saved after a No Contest.

Contrary to what may be expected, a replay is not saved as a video recording of the match. Instead, the input data from the match, the match's [[random]] number seed and the general [[rules]] are saved, so when a replay is watched, the game actually regenerates the match from the data. This makes replays much smaller in file size than a video file, and it also allows for pausing and camera movement during the replay.  

Because replays in ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4'' record inputs rather than a video of the match, it is possible for replay contents to differ from the original match when played back.

A common error noted in replays mostly experienced in ''Brawl'' is that they may "[[desync]]" over time; the effects vary, though among the most common are actions occurring that did not previously occur, excessive lag followed by significantly increased playback speed, and the replay abruptly ending. With the {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}, particularly unusual effects can occur, such as him sending out a Pokémon which [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzqo6pl6kQ0 never loads] or leaves the [[revival platform]]. Replays of Wi-Fi matches are more likely to desync than local matches due to the frequent lag experienced in games, but local replays can also be subject to the problem. The cause of "desyncs" is unknown, though it is speculated it has to do with save data of replays becoming corrupted by some outside factor. In addition, it is possible for a replay that plays fine to randomly desynchronize when played again, and after some tries, play correctly again. Some [[Special Smash]] modifiers can also be responsible for desyncs, as some modifiers like Curry and Speed directly affect the speeds of characters and other actions.

Gameplay [[mod]]s can also cause desyncs to occur, as many mods modify the characteristics of combatants, thus preventing the saved match from properly running. For similar reasons, ''Smash 4'' warns players after they save their first replay that [[updates]] to the game can potentially cause replays from older revisions of the game to no longer function; furthermore, all updates that adjust game balance prevent the playing of older replays and provide an option to mass-delete them.

*A rare bug in the 3DS version results in {{SSB4|R.O.B.}} not being listed with a character head icon correctly; it is unclear what causes this.

*In {{forwiiu}}, when organizing replays "By Stage", [[Mario Galaxy]] replays may be located ''after'' [[Delfino Plaza]] replays, despite Mario Galaxy being before Delfino Plaza on the stage selection screen.