Final Smash

The Final Smash is a Special Move that is only possible through the aid of a Smash Ball in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. After breaking open one of these items, its power flows into the fighter, charging him or her up. The fighter's eyes glow white and yellow, at which point the fighter is free to unleash the Final Smash at any moment by pressing the special move button. Sometimes, the player with the least points can go on standby for a Final Smash after receiving a KO. Each person's attack is a manifestation of their individual personalities or unique abilities. For example, Zero Laser charges up Samus Aran's Power Suit while Peach Blossom is a magnification of Princess Peach's joyful personality.

Final Smashes are phenomenally powerful and have been known to completely tip the scale of battles. However, each is not without its own repercussions. The attacks have been known to cause self-destructs, and Samus even changes into Zero Suit Samus after using her Final Smash.

Final Smash Types
While each person's Final Smash is different, their are two general types. By far the most common type is the outrageously powerful attack, such as Mario Finale or Triple Finish. These may attack one or more opponents, inflicting great damage that often knock out opponents. Even if they fail to do so directly, an affected opponent is usually extremely weak afterwards. The second type are based on transformations, such as Giga Bowser Transformation and Super Sonic. These change fighters completely, giving them a completely new moveset and sometimes granting invincibility or the ability to fly. If implemented correctly, these moves have devastating effects. However, these are often more difficult to perform, as players must keep track of their position while they attack, lest they self-destruct in the process. Other Final Smashes, such as Konga Beat, borrow elements from both categories.

History
Final Smashes are either based on the character's individual background in their series, like Zelda's and Sheik's Light Arrow, but also may have been invented specially for Super Smash Bros. Brawl, like Mario's Mario Finale. Although they were already planned to be included in the original Super Smash Bros., Final Smashes made their first appearance in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and gained considerable attention due to their ability to turn the tide of battle in seconds. Masahiro Sakurai compared the moves to the Hammer item found in all Super Smash Bros. titles, as all players fight to collect it and flee after it has been collected.