The Smash Bros. Club seemed to have had its last meeting with the original leadership group leaving American River College last semester, however, a new group of students decided to resurrect the club so that the fun could continue.
Super Smash Bros., the popular Nintendo video game, had its first installment released in 1999 and just released its fourth installment earlier this year.
“There were a bunch of members who still wanted to play Smash,” said Club President Luc Nglankong. “So, I decided to start it up again.”
For many, the club is not just a place to play video games but rather somewhere to escape the pressure of school and just have fun.
According to the club’s flyer posted in the Liberal Arts breezeway, the Smash Bros. Club meets every Friday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the main science building room 426.
ARC Professor Larry Dumais, who teaches computer network security, said the Smash Bros. Club promotes creativity and provides a judgment-free space.
“It’s a good outlet to play video games, have fun and get interested in creating technology or their own games,” said Dumais. “There’s no pressure and they don’t get chastised for not doing the ‘right thing.'”
ARC student Austin Cole, who is the club treasurer, sees his role as an opportunity to help others.
“I’m just trying to help others have fun,” said Cole. “Luc (Nglankong) asked if I would run it with him and, of course, I said yes.”
There is a wide range of skill in the group and any level of playing ability is accepted.
“I’ve been a big fan since Brawl (the 3rd installment of the game) and I’m into the competitive scene,” said Nglankong. “Some people, though, have only played here and there.”
There are around five to seven consoles going and about 16 to 22 people playing at all times.
Laughing, talking and the occasional “wham” or “kabam” from the game can always be heard from the room where the club meets.
For Dumais, the club explores more than just playing video games and having fun.
“Getting kids interested in the creation aspect is great (because) video games are very marketable,” said Dumais. “They’ve (video games) been around for a long time. I even played Duke Nukem and Wolfenstein back in the day.”
The club prides itself on being “more fun than the average club.”
“We’re really a tight-knit group,” said Nglankong. “We have more fun than a lot of other clubs on campus.”
