Smash or Pass is a playful, interactive game that challenges players to decide whether they would hypothetically "smash" (indicating attraction or interest) or "pass" (indicating disinterest) on various fictional characters from anime, video games, movies, comics, cartoons, books, and manga/manhwa. The game, often popular in online communities, uses the concept of evaluating characters based on their appearance, personality, or role within their respective stories.
The game's appeal lies in its fun and casual nature, where participants can judge characters from beloved franchises, from superheroes to anime protagonists, based on their physical attributes or overall charm. It can be used as a light-hearted discussion tool among friends or online communities, sparking debates about character traits, strengths, and weaknesses, and offering opportunities for fans to connect over shared interests.
While the game is mostly for entertainment, it has also sparked conversations about how characters are portrayed across different media. Some might focus on the character's design or combat skills, while others look deeper at their personality, backstory, or how they relate to other characters. For example, fans might debate whether a strong female character like Wonder Woman is a "smash" due to her power, personality, and heroism, or if a character like Sailor Moon gets a "pass" for being more innocent or emotional.
Ultimately, Smash or Pass isn't just about attraction-it's about personal preferences, cultural references, and how we view fictional characters in the context of the stories they belong to. It's a lighthearted way to engage with fandoms, offer opinions, and have some fun while navigating a universe of characters from across different genres.