Smash Bros. Brawl Impressions
The latest Nintendo Wii game that is sure to be a hit is the recently released (finally) Super Smash Brothers Brawl. Brawl is the third game in the Smash Bros. series, following the original on the N64 and Super Smash Bros. Melee on the Gamecube. I obtained Brawl last night, and playing it showed me the game was worth the wait.
Gameplay
The core gameplay of Brawl remains largely unchanged since the series first debuted. In essence it is simply famous Nintendo characters in a seemingly simple 2D-plane fighting game. Brawl has added some new features that manages to improve the gameplay without changing too much. Of course I have only played for one night, but I have a pretty good feel for what is new with regards to fighting.
The addition that has made the most difference in the game is the new Final Smash item. It is a floating, rainbow-colored orb that rewards a special attack to the person who breaks it (it takes a few hits to do this). Each character has one of these devastating attacks, but of course some are more useful than others. The effect also depends on the level because some Final Smashes do not work as well in large areas, etc.
The reason that this item has made a major difference in regular gameplay is that both combatants often chase after it rather than attacking their foe. It also moves wildly, so actually breaking it takes skill but mostly luck. I do not think that this negatively affects anything, because it does not show up too much. It ends up adding a new dynamic, and if you want it can be turned off.
Characters
The reason that the Smash Bros. series is so successful has a lot to do with its characters. The fact that we are allowed to play with the most popular (and some lesser known) Nintendo icons gives the game a higher satisfaction rate than it could have achieved otherwise. The Brawl character list is the largest yet, but being the greedy gamer that I am I have to say I am a bit disappointed.
The sole reason for my disappointment is that my favorite character to play with in Super Smash Bros. Melee was Doctor Mario, and he is sadly absent from the game. He is one of four cut from the game, the others being Pichu (who cares), Mewtwo (who cares), and Roy (actually pretty good, but pretty much replaced by Ike).
With my hopes of another era of domination as the fabled Doctero, I had to branch out and try some of the characters that Brawl does offer. Though four were cut, the game added a hefty amount of new players. I have not unlocked all of them yet, so my favorite character is possibly left undiscovered at this point. I also do not entirely know everyone who is available, because I purposely avoided this information in reviews and such. I spent most of last night trying out a large amount of brawlers and also a large amount of the available levels.
Currently my number one character is probably Meta Knight (above). It might be because I love the Kirby series, but it is probably because of his amazing jump and insane speed. At this point I also enjoy Pit, and of course the legendary Sonic the Hedgehog. I apologize to anyone who did not know he was in the game, but that has been common knowledge for a while. The one thing in common with all of these characters is speed, which is important for the way I play. I love King Dedede, but he is a fat oaf who is one of the slowest characters in the game. For now, my numero uno is Meta Knight, with Sonic a close second (I am still learning how to use him, as he was just unlocked an hour ago).
Levels
Overall I think the level design is much better than in Melee. There are only four or five stages that I actually could consistently enjoy in that game, whereas there are only three or four stages that are subpar in Brawl. The key is simplicity, and I think that the development team realized this and created more levels that are grid-based. It makes things more fun, because you can (for the first time) hit random level and be satisfied with what comes out. It is also important to note that the best level from Gamecube and Melee, Corneria, remains intact in Brawl.
Control
After many gamers became accustomed to playing Smash Bros. with a Gamecube controller, Nintendo decided to allow this and all types of control on the Wii. You can hook up your Gamecube pad, the Wii Classic Controller, use the Wii Remote on its side, or use the Wii Remote and Nunchuck. I have been playing with the Wii Remote and Nunchuck and though it took a little getting used to, I now can use it effectively. The Gamecube controller is probably still the ideal setup, but only for purists and only by a very slim margin.
An advantage that Brawl has over its predecessors is complete control customization. It was only after modifying some of the Wii Remote’s buttons configurations that I was able to compete effectively using that setup. The Classic Controller feels alright, but right now I would put it third on the overall list. I have yet to try the Wii Remote sideways, but I will definitely give that a go in the future.
Closing Thoughts
That was a lot of content for what was supposed to be impressions. As you can tell I am really enjoying the game. I did not even touch on the vastly improved single player mode, which you can also play cooperatively. That has been fun, but of course the meat of the game is the intense multiplayer. Between Wii Sports, Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Strikers, and the soon-to-be-released Mario Kart for Wii, Nintendo has multiplayer gaming locked down in my opinion. If you have friends and love multiplayer gaming, the Wii is the system for you.
If you have ever played Smash Bros. and enjoyed it, you already know that you will buy this game if the opportunity ever arises. If you attend a college, I promise you that you know someone who plays this game. You will probably see it at parties often as well, so reading these impressions might just give you enough information to sound like you know what you are talking about. Have you played Brawl yet or do you know someone who has? Are you looking forward to playing the game, or are videogames/Smash Bros. not your thing? Let me know in the comments.
March 15th, 2008 | 5:34 pm
n64 smash is an all-time favorite. Link was my message carrier of death even though I never played Zelda. I am ignorant in the other Smash products.
March 15th, 2008 | 10:17 pm
I couldn’t agree more. Smash brothers is an amazing game. It’s a great example of Nintendo pushing back release dates to make sure the product they put out is the best it can be. Toon link a vast improvement to young link as well.
March 16th, 2008 | 7:29 pm
when’s the group ncaa competition start. I say 10 buck buy in. or 10 people in nathaniel’s family buy in.
March 17th, 2008 | 8:24 am
This game sounds awesome. I hope to play it some time soon.
March 17th, 2008 | 12:04 pm
you’ve been folding laundry for 13 hours. By the way for an update for the site make a general comments forum.
March 17th, 2008 | 12:47 pm
A few thoughts on my Brawl experience. I obtained a Wii on Friday and immediately rented Brawl and then obtained Gamecube controllers (the best way to play no doubt). As of now, Marth is my man, with his quick B and tilt B, and a beautiful though slow recovering Up B. I just unlocked Sonic and haven’t played with him, but I think he’ll be fun. My favorite stage is the custom stage that’s included, that looks like the N64 Hyrule Castle, but has stuff under it as well. Falco and Fox are also fun to use, and I’m glad Fox has been greatly improved from the N64 version. I’m in love with the Final Smash orb, especially Diddy Kong and Fox’s. Everything about the game is awesome, so I’m going to purchase it as soon as my rental is due. I can’t wait to unlock more characters and play with Snake.
March 17th, 2008 | 1:23 pm
A huge fan of Super Smash Bros. Melee, and being one of the top competitors that I have ever witnessed for the game (seriously, I’m that good), I was excited to play Brawl. However, I was a little dismayed by the game. Now, I have barely played the game, but the few matches I did I was impressed, and unimpressed. The level layout is beautiful, as it was on Melee, and the new items seem to be pretty efficient. However, no Dr. Mario (my character from Melee), is a problem for me. But, being the gamer that I am I could easily make due with another character after playing for a little. But my main complain of the game, which makes me not want to play, is that the game play is incredible slow compared to Melee. There are hardly any powerful c-stick hits, and the characters move with hardly any speed. The rolls, dodges, everything is just down a notch. I will probably play a little more before I totally knock it, because it is still a great series.
March 17th, 2008 | 3:08 pm
we have been playing n64 smash in fifth period on a big projector screen in my teachers classroom. Its nuts and multiplayer is just mayhem. One person is still undefeated in every single game. Its sickening.
March 18th, 2008 | 12:23 am
This undefeated person sounds quite like me when I play the Bomb in Melee.
March 18th, 2008 | 9:19 am
@Luke: I agree the game is slower than Melee but I do not think it is that noticeable. I also miss the Doc, but I have had fun trying out all the characters. I think once you get used to Brawl the speed will not hinder the fun.
March 18th, 2008 | 11:58 pm
Like we briefly talked about tonight, the smash hit is very poor. Please address that.
March 19th, 2008 | 1:23 am
i’ve played the new smash wit ben over the last couple of days and my character is IKe, he is slow but got dat strength! i think this game is the best multi playa game ever. the new stages and moves keep it intersesting. also wats up wit the home run derby thing on the new smash?
March 19th, 2008 | 8:33 pm
Warning! This review is not in an attempt just to be different from the jbomb review (I thought you wrote a really nice write up Justin). This is strictly my opinion of the game.
For years now I have wanted to see Nintendo do well. And for years now they continue to disappoint me. Super Smash Bros. Brawl is simply an embarrassment to not only the console but to the series itself. I played for roughly 6 hours, and found it at best “mildly amusing.” No one can argue this game is a revamped Gamecube version. It does not bring anything to the table that we have not already seen before (Don’t argue a level creator makes it so much better). Oh Boy! I can take a picture of my character in game! That is about as revolutionary as halo 3 putting in the video recording device to “enhance” the games market value. I honestly expected Nintendo to attempt to push the Wii graphically. I was wrong. The models like slightly better than the Gamecube counterpart, but are in no way aesthetically pleasing. There is no balance between characters. Some are just overpowered, while some just are terrible (I.e. Pokemon trainer). The new item that is an instant smash simply ruins the multiplayer. Again, this is terribly unbalanced. Sonic’s lasts for what feels about 10 minutes, where he can move anywhere on the board and kill you. Then if you have Bowser, he becomes “slightly” stronger and deals “slightly” more damage (However he is slower and easy to avoid). The levels are annoying at best with too many objects flying around everywhere and too much movement. What happened to just a straight fight without the level getting in the way? This doesn’t add fun factor for me I am sorry. Luke was complaining about it being slow. I disagree, I felt no slow down between the versions, perhaps he is just retarded? He also mentioned a lack of C-stick moves. Again, I disagree as it is the same layout of the cube version (might have been the character choice). Overall, Smash easily deserves my most disappointing game in the last few years. At this point I am begging Nintendo hang it up. Do yourself a favor, buy a 360, or even get a PS3, it still is better than the Wii.
Overall: 4/10
March 19th, 2008 | 9:36 pm
Broofin, I am not a video game fan. In fact, I’m horrible at video games. When it comes to Super Smash Brawl, it’s not mildly amusing, it’s incredibly amazing. There are lots of new characters and levels and a new solo player game. There’s also new items and different looking old items. What else can a new version of a fighting game offer?
I feel there IS balance between characters. Pokemon trainer is a solid choice when you get used to him. If you like the mid range mid power Ivysaur, you can down B to him. If you like the incredible slow and powerful Charizard, you can down B to him. And if you want Squirtle, quick and not so powerful, use him. You have the best of all 3 types of character in 1 character.
I also disagree with Luke about slow game play. I think it’s similar. As for C stick, again, agree with you Brian.
I love this game and recommedn it to everyone. You will get hours of entertainment from this. The levels are so goodlooking and characters are flawless.
As for the final smash balls, its a great idea. The characters all have final smashes relating to their character, and its definitely possible to dodge the final smashes. It’s a great addition to the game. I purchased a Wii just for this game, and do not regret my decision.
9.5/10
March 20th, 2008 | 6:27 am
Brians response made me laugh multiple times. Also I love how both gangsta bunny and brian agree that luke is retarded. also I love how brian said it was mildly amusing and then played it for six hours
March 20th, 2008 | 10:54 am
I had no choice Mark I was at a friends house! I knew someone would bring that up.
March 20th, 2008 | 6:46 pm
I agree that Brian and Ben like men.
March 21st, 2008 | 2:18 am
Brian: It’s not the levels fault for the craziness, it’s the items. You idiot. If you say basically nothing is different besides a few characters and some new items (which you can turn off)…What is your problem with Brawl? Game.
March 21st, 2008 | 3:08 am
I don’t think I need to respond to this. I don’t even know what you’re trying to say Luke. It has the rough outline of something a 4th grader could put together though.
March 21st, 2008 | 10:14 am
@Brian: I have to disagree about a few things also. First, with regards to Nintendo’s “failures” I have not run into any this generation. The Wii is my only gaming system, and honestly I have no intentions on getting any others. It completely fulfills my gaming needs. If putting out Super Paper Mario, Mario Strikers Charged, Super Mario Galaxy, and Smash Bros. Brawl is failing, I would love to see what they do for a success. If anything you should be calling out the third parties who cannot stand up to the impeccable quality of Nintendo’s first party games.
Secondly, I do not think there is a problem with Brawl being a “revamped Gamecube version.” Wasn’t Melee just a revamped N64 version? It’s called a sequel. You take the core game, tweak it and add some things without breaking what made it so excellent in the first place. I am glad the new development team did not take too many liberties in changing the gameplay. However I think the addition of the Final Smash adds a whole new dimension to every match. Plus, if you do not like the Final Smash you can turn it off. Customization is a key element of the series, and in Brawl you can customize just about anything. If you have a problem with any item, you can get rid of it.
They also added new features such as the Subspace Emissary single player mode, the level creator, a whole slew of new events and challenges, trophy collection, sticker collection, the awards wall…the list goes on. This game is geared to be played for years without ever getting old.
As for the levels, as I mentioned in this post I think they are excellent. I think the Melee levels were hectic and many were poorly designed, which is why in that game I was restricted to Classic Dreamland or Corneria. However in Brawl every stage is playable and fun. Pictochat is an innovative and hilariously fun level, as is the WarioWare level. They also provide Battlefield and Final Destination, two simple flat levels, right at the start.
I have not run into any heavy character imbalances yet, but I will admit that some Final Smashes are much better than others. I have been playing for about a week and I have not had a situation where anyone felt cheated though, so everything must be balanced out. Also if you don’t like someone’s Final Smash, you can as another one of 30+ characters. My only gripe is that Doc Mario is not here, but the duo of Sonic and Meta Knight has eased my pain.
Brawl is an excellent game, and a must-own for any Wii gamer.