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Though an English-language website has been propped up for American gamers anticipating the 2007 release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Japanese website features a constantly updated blog by game director Masahiro Sakurai.The blog itself doesn’t reveal any startling revelations about the game, but gamers starved for information should be pleased to hear a fellow Smash Bros. fan told 1UP he’s been translating Sakurai’s thoughts on the popular Smash World forums. You can peruse everything on your own, but here’s what pops out:Hardcore players should take note that the game’s being designed to stress “easiness” over the small details of combat, in an attempt to make the entry level for playing the fighter even lower than before.

Sakurai hasn’t determined the official character lineup as of yet. The reveal of Solid Snake does mean they’re contemplating other non-Nintendo characters, but the characters must have appeared on a Nintendo platform at some point, and they’re only considering one or two more additions in this category.

Additionally, while they don’t want to include Japanese-specific characters since Super Smash Bros. Brawl is a worldly popular game, the amount of comments he’s heard about the Fire Emblem additions makes him think otherwise. At this point, it’s too early to tell how the finalized lineup will shape up, but he also doesn’t want to feature only popular characters ala Mario and Link.

Even though online networking has already been confirmed, Sakurai isn’t so quick to jump on board the now year-old announcement. His team is looking into the feature and hopes to include online play before the game ships next year, but don’t expect a complex interface; for example, there are no plans for leader boards.

Interestingly, while Sakurai says a Nintendo DS version of the fighting series isn’t in development at the moment, he doesn’t rule out one for the future.

Make sure to check out the frequently updated message board thread for more.

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