Smash Bros.
"Bros." smashes expectationsBY ALEX BALLARD ON OCTOBER 10, 2014
I get home, overloaded with my year-long anticipation, knowing it's about to be satisfied. As I slide the recently purchased cartridge into my console, images flash through my mind of all the articles, images and videos I've seen, building my hype for months. I knew this game had the power to transport me back to my childhood, and I was ready. The game finally boots up, and I hear the nostalgic, booming voice announce "Free-for-All." Oh. Yeah.
Super Smash Bros. is the Nintendo series known for pitting its famous characters against each other in an all out free for all. Dating back to 1999, the first game was a surprise hit and has spawned four sequels. The two most recent are Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U (catchy title, Nintendo). The 3DS version was released on Oct. 3 in America with the Wii U edition set to release later this year. Smash Bros. is known for its unique gameplay and its setting of characters from different Nintendo (and recently, other companies) series into one universe to meet, interact and, most importantly, fight. The series is definitely marketed to already established Nintendo fans. A big part of the series's charm is playing as your favorite characters as you battle others to the death. The series can still be enjoyed for its unique style of gameplay, but if you are not a huge Nintendo fan, it wouldn't be the first series I recommend to you. Now for fans of Nintendo and the previous Smash Bros, this new installment does not disappoint. With a medley of new game modes, characters, stages and features, Super Smash Bros for Nintendo 3DS (it really just rolls off the tongue) is a refreshing addition to the series that was well worth the wait. The new game modes are very enjoyable, bringing another large piece of replayability and enjoyment big enough to fill the hole that was left with the removal of story mode. The stages are a nice mix of old favorites and new soon-to-be favorites with all of them having their own charm and appeal. One thing that did bug me, however, was the large number of Mario stages compared to other series. With five stages coming from Mario titles, it would have been nice to see other series get a little more love. The Mario stages were still very fun and creative, however, and this is just a minor complaint. The new characters have been the biggest source of enjoyment for me. Nintendo chose some odd characters for this addition, and I love it. Characters like the trainer from "Wii Fit" and the villager from "Animal Crossing" are very strange in how they work, but this adds some enjoyment in figuring out how to play as them and learning new tactics to win. Another complaint I do have is the amount of starter characters given to you. With 49 characters in total, it was surprising to me that 37 of them are given to you right from the beginning. I enjoy working towards rewards in games; unlocking characters was a favorite of mine in past Smash Bros. It would have been nice to have seen more of that in this installment. This game also marks the addition of the Mii Fighter, allowing you to take a Mii, a virtual character you can create and customize on the 3DS, and turn it into a fighter with its own custom moveset. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS (ugh) is everything I had hoped it would be and more. With awesome stages, fantastic new game modes and a great cast of characters, it has become my new favorite in the series. Following "Brawl," I had no idea how Nintendo could surpass what they had done, and after playing this newest one, I find myself thinking the same thing. But I am sure Nintendo will find a way. |
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