Gameplay:
The newest addition in the series is everything its predecessors were, but Super Smash has truly come alive in the 21st century’s version. Not only are the traditional aspects of Brawl carried over, but multiplayer online, adventure quests, and a satisfactory plot are added to make this addition a well-rounded game. On a quest to save the Super Smash Bros. universe from evil villains, Mario and his buddies, including Sonic the Hedgehog, fight in various arenas and stadiums against the main villain, Ganondorf, and his goons who are bent on world destruction. With special weapons, combinations of kick, jump, and punch moves, you will relish the hours of learning each character’s special abilities.
Play Solo through the stages, or Group if you want to customize the rules, such as which weapons occur and how often. On the other hand, in a new feature to the game, you can also play Adventure Mode with friends through various levels that remind you of Contra, or any other classic 2D co-op game. Of course the greatest and well-needed addition to the game is online play. Select your teams, or randomize them, and battle each other until your opponents are flung off the screen. Capture pictures or footage, and submit it to Nintendo, or just send it to your friends for a good laugh, or to gain their respect. With 41 stages and 35 characters, Super Smash Bros. Brawl is simply the best in the series: a must have.
Controls:
The controls are fairly standard for this game, and come off more as the GameCube controls rather than Wii. Play with the Wii remoter, the GameCube controller, or the Classic Wii controller. Each button has it’s own attack, but besides jumping, hitting, and casting a special attack, you won’t find too much new in this department. While No More Heroes was a bit more creative with its controls, you won’t be able to swing your remote around this time. Perhaps that’s a good thing though: if you have three or four friends over and you’re sitting around the TV, reckless swinging might lead to frequent bloody noses.
Graphics:
Now here is an improvement. Even on Wii, for those accustomed to 360 or PS3, you will find yourself appreciating the smooth textures and environments, which are detailed for the most part except in the Adventure Mode. Some Wii games seem quite pixilated, but this one is polished twice over. The trade-off is longer loading times, but this is one of the better looking games on Wii.
Sound:
The main attraction in sound is character voices, and the variety of grunts, yelps, and yells that are heard through the matches. Sound effects are what you’d expect: arcade-style, quite corny and childish at times, and that’s exactly what we want in Super Smash. Mario has never sounded more excited to beat Wario’s skull in, and to incinerate him with his bouncing fireballs.
Replay Value:
With extensive online play, 41 stages, and 35 characters, Super Smash Bros. Brawl has all the replay value it could hope to have. Unlock special characters and stages, and when you’re finished with the single-player unlockables, kick back with friends online for another 40-50 hours of solid fun.
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Rating:
Story: 8
Gameplay: 9.5
Controls: 9
Graphics: 9
Sound: 9
Replay value: 9.5
Overall: 9.2
Own, Rent, Avoid:
Own: Any fan of Super Smash, or any newcomer, will enjoy the countless matches and character arrangements that can be made that create originals battles every time.
Last Thoughts:
With so many improvements, additions, and customizations, Super Smash Bros. Brawl will create a fun gaming environment for single players, but especially groups. It is simply the best in the series.
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Written By
Ryan Leack
3/02/2009
