After debuting
on Nintendo 64, Super Smash Bros. has become one of Nintendo’s most popular
franchises. So it’s no surprise that Super Smash Bros. Brawl is the most
anticipated Wii game of 2008, and one of the most anticipated games of the year
overall. The wait has been long (Brawl was originally said to be a launch game)
and the hype huge, and despite both of those factors, Brawl still manages to
deliver a magnificent experience that exceeds the lofty expectations.
Despite an
expanded single-player mode, Brawl is still all about the multiplayer
experience. Not only does the game live up to its previous incarnations, but it
improves upon them. While the standard fighting plays very similarly to Melee at
first glance, there are some subtle adjustments that make the game better. A few
of the characters who felt lacking before have been better balanced for Brawl.
For example, Link and Samus in particular seem to be far more effective fighters
than before.
The game also
features no less than four controller options. These include the standard Wii
remote, the remote and nunchuk, the classic controller, and the trusty GameCube
pad. All are functional, although the single Wii remote on its side is limited.
Smash vets will no doubt prefer to keep using the GameCube controller. In
addition, all the buttons assignments are completely customizable on all
controllers.
The most
obvious improvement, though, and the biggest overall, is the addition of the
smash ball. This shiny orb appears at random and floats about the stage until
someone manages to break it open. Upon doing so, the player is granted the
ability to perform a character specific final smash. Most often a devastating
attack, the final smash can be an instant KO.
This
devastating power may seem a bit cheap to purists initially, but cracking open
the smash ball is no easy feat. It moves about without rhyme or reason. And that
makes it all the more fun. As soon as the orb appears, every character rushes
towards it frantically.
Despite being
on its third installment, the chaotic free-for-all multiplayer mode is even more
fun than it was before. In addition to the improved gameplay, Brawl features
more fighters and stages than ever before. Most of the newcomers are very
welcome additions and fit right into the mix. I could go on
and on trying to explain why Brawl’s multiplayer is so good, but the honest
truth is that it is just plain fun. You have a great fighting system, fun items,
and a great list of iconic characters and nostalgic stages and music. Simply
put, Brawl is one of the finest multiplayer games I have ever experienced.
Even in the
“Solo” modes, Brawl allows two players to work cooperatively. This includes the
most anticipated new mode, the Subspace Emissary. This is basically an extension
of the adventure mode from Melee. And although it has clearly received a bigger
and better treatment this time around, some of the core issues still exist.
Brawl controls great as a fighter, but as a side scrolling platformer it feels a
bit clumsy. The level design isn’t particularly great either, although the
massive final stage was enjoyable in a Metroid-esque way.
The Emissary
does feature some very cool CG cinemas, however. Even if the story, which
contains all of the characters, can’t (and doesn’t) make a ton of sense, the
cutscenes are beautifully rendered and directed.
In fact, Brawl
is a very good looking game overall. Character models look great and animate
well. The game also features a few very cool visual effects. Add in a smooth
framerate, 480p and 16×9 widescreen, and you have one of the best looking Wii
games. The only minor shortcoming is that some of the stages look better than
others. Just contrast the beautiful Fire Emblem level with the rough Super Mario
Sunshine one to see the full range.
Sound-wise
Brawl also shines. And while the sound effects are good, the music absolutely
steals the show. One of the coolest things about Melee was its soundtrack, and
while I was initially a bit disappointed that Brawl doesn’t seem to feature the
same orchestral sound, the jaw dropping quantity of classic themes is
undeniable. In fact, unlocking new music is almost as enjoyable as finding new
characters and stages.
Speaking of
unlockables, Brawl has no shortage of them. Whether it‘s trophies, music,
stages, characters, or stickers, there is never a shortage of bonuses to be
earned. The game also features an excellent system for doing so, allowing for
multiple ways to get the major additions, and a challenge screen where
everything else can be unlocked by accomplishing certain listed feats.
There is also a
stage builder this time around. You can even submit your creations to Nintendo,
which may in turn release them through the wonder of the Internet.
But the
Internet plays a more important role in Brawl, because now you can take your
game online. Or at least you can try. I’ve consistently encountered inconsistent
performance from the system. At times it works well; at times it lags and is
slow to connect with other fighters. I assume this is an issue with the sheer
volume of users now that the game is out, and hopefully it will work as intended
soon. Still, the mode is strictly a casual addition. Don’t expect much in terms
of stat-tracking or ranks. Smash Bros. is much more fun when played with people
in the flesh anyway, but the simple online mode will be a nice bonus if it
eventually works consistently.
But despite the
fact that the online is currently iffy and the Subspace Emissary isn’t the
incredible gameplay experience that many hoped for, Super Smash Bros. Brawl is
still a phenomenal experience. It adds some major improvements over the previous
versions, while retaining the incredibly fun multiplayer experience. The game is
a veritable Swiss army knife, loaded with features and bonuses. But in the end
it’s the standard multiplayer that will have you coming back again and again.
The experience is unmatched and no Wii owner should be without it.
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Gameplay: 9.5
The core fighting
system is as addictive and raucously fun as ever. Add better fighter balance, a
wealth of control options, and the brilliant final smashes and you have a game
that easily exceeds its excellent predecessor. The adventure mode (Subspace
Emissary) leaves a bit to be desired, however.
Graphics: 9.0
It may not feature
the visual polish of Super Mario Galaxy, but Brawl is one of the best looking
games on Wii. Characters look great and animate beautifully, and the visual
effects are outstanding at times. A few of the environments look a bit bland,
though. The game runs at a silky smooth 60 frames per seconds and features both
480p and 16×9 widescreen.
Sound: 9.0
The sound effects
are good, but the music steals the show. Brawl features an overwhelming
collection of classic themes that will have you humming along from start to
finish.
Difficulty: Medium
Brawl gives you the
choice between various difficulty levels for just about every aspect of the
game. Easy can be defeated without much trouble, normal provides a decent
challenge, and the higher levels will give even Smash Bros. fanatics a run for
their money. It’s very well balanced overall.
Concept: 9.5
While the basic
gameplay feels pretty much the same, Brawl is an improvement over Melee in many
ways. The characters feel better balanced this time around and the final smash
may be the best addition of them all. The game also features a staggering
selection of play modes and a fantastic rewards system that will keep you
playing to unlock new characters, stages and music.
Multiplayer: 10
It’s pretty rare
that a 10 is such an obvious decision, but in the case of the Smash Bros.
series, it’s almost a given. The multiplayer is every bit as fun and phenomenal
as it has always been, but it has been made better than ever for the reasons
mentioned above. The game also does a commendable job of including co-operative
features in almost every mode.
Overall: 9.5
Super Smash Bros.
Brawl delivers on its massive hype in almost every way. This is a game that
reaches a fun factor which few games dare even dream of. It is absolutely packed
to the gills with content, and features enough improvements over its predecessor
to make it the best installment in the series by far.
