1999. Super Smash Bros. Brawl, a small budget game originally slated as a Japan-only release, pitting Nintendo’s all-stars against each other, goes on to sell 4.6 million copies worldwide. 2008. After 3 delays, the third iteration of the big N’s now famous series releases on March 9th, boasting a full-fledged one-player mode and almost 3 times the amount of characters from the first game. Super Smash Bros. Brawl is a game that excels in nearly every way, from the controls to the one player campaign to the always wonderful multiplayer modes.
The Smash Bros. games have always been known for their multiplayer, getting 4 friends together and playing the games can still provide hours of entertainment. But Smash Bros. Brawl improves on its predecessor, Smash Bros. Melee, in so many subtle but important ways, and adds so many new game options it’s a wonder how they fit it on a Wii Optical Disc (The game takes up a whopping 128 blocks, and to give you a yardstick, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess takes up only 1 and Super Mario World takes 4.) For instance, players can now have access to a fully customizable game mode system, where options like metal or low gravity can be put in. The biggest change to the regular vs. matches is the introduction of the Final Smash. When a Smash Ball appears on the screen, it gives everyone a very good reason to stop what they’re doing and go after it. Once you break the floating Smash bros. symbol open, you have one-time access to an attack that can turn the tide of any fight. The new characters are all well-balanced, and for the most part, incredibly fun to play. The new stages are also a highlight of the game. The Warioware stage in particular is one of the most talked about stages in the game, and for good reason. Every once in a while, the arena turns into a full screen minigame, awarding brawlers who “followed the instructions” with items like the starman or a mega-mushroom.
As you may know, there are 4 controller options, and you’ve probably heard by now that our trusty Gamecube controllers are still the best for playing as your favorite veteran or newcomer character. The Classic controller also works well, and the Wiimote and nunchuck configuration can be used in a pinch, but the sideways Wiimote works so badly I don’t even know why they put it in the game.
The game is jam-packed with unlockables, by far the most of any previous Smash Bros. titles. Between the event mode, challenge mode, Subspace Emissary, and stadium levels, any one person could play the game without unlocking everything for months or even years. With over 700 trophies, plus many stickers and CD’s to collect, the series purists should find plenty to sink their teeth into. The stage editor in particular is an option I’ve spent a lot of time on, which enables you to create your own stage, give it a name and background music, and even submit it to Nintendo for a chance to have it be the stage of the day.
The music in the game is truly worthy of all the characters’ games combined, and even before getting any CD’s in-game, there is already a massive library of Nintendo music at your fingertips through the My Music option. The music ranges from nostalgic remixes to straight adaptations of the original music, and the variety of genre in the game should also be noted. From do-op jazz to orchestral renditions to songs that sound like they should be in Guitar Hero, or songs like the Wii Sports menu music or the original Ice Climbers theme all just seem to fit in the game’s atmosphere.
One could argue that, yes, the game is still more fun in its multiplayer modes than in the one-player excursions. But let me ask you something; can you dream up a one person game that is more fun than getting 3 other friends together and beating each other up with Mario, Link, Solid Snake, and Sonic? No ideas? Didn’t think so. Online modes with strangers are very limited (2 minute brawls only, and absolutely no names or communication) but work fluidly and only occasionally lag. However, if you can go through the hassle of exchanging your Wii number (16 digits) and your special Brawl friend code (12 digits), the results are worth it. The friend code games work perfectly, with options to team up in home-run contest or other stadium modes, or just regular Brawls.
The graphics are some of the best you’ll see on the Wii yet, the audio is great, and you’ll be playing this for years to come. I give the game 9.75 out of 10. The only thing keeping this title from perfection is the online mode, which could have been the highlight of the game, but due to Nintendo’s “protect the little ones” online strategies, it feels a little restrictive. But the bottom line is; if you have a Wii, buy Brawl. If you have a Wii and don’t want Brawl, sell it and check into a home because no one in their right mind would pass on this truly spectacular game.
