In 2008, Super Smash Bros. Brawl released. Even though 14 years have since past, its legacy still lives on. The playable characters that debuted in this game went on to return with the rest of the cast in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. A lot of the game’s songs would also be brought back in later Smash releases.
One of the many composers and arrangers for Super Smash Bros. Brawl was Kenichi Okuma. Among Okuma’s contributions were Gyromite, Pokémon Gym/Evolution (Pokémon Red/Pokémon Blue), Flat Zone 2. These songs all returned in Smash 3DS and Wii U, as well as Smash Ultimate.
Unfortunately, Okuma is no longer with us. It was confirmed on his official Twitter account today that he passed away on July 22nd due to esophageal cancer. He was 56 years old. Many people have shared their condolences, including Sakurai himself. Sakurai also said that Okuma’s legacy will live on in Smash 4 and Smash Ultimate. You can see the announcement, as well as Sakurai’s reply, down below.
All of us at My Nintendo News offer our condolences to Kenichi Okuma’s family and friends. May Okuma rest in peace, and may the legacy he left behind in the game soundtracks he contributed to be remembered for a very long time.
