3.26.2008

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Nintendo Wii)


Rated “T” for “Teen”

The brawl to end all brawls is out for the Nintendo Wii. One of the many great franchises that Nintendo has created is back and it’s bigger and better than it may have ever been. Get ready to fight because Mario and the rest of the crew are about to put on some good matches in this event.

For the veteran Smash players, everything is here. For the rookie Smash players, there’s a lot here. Let’s start with the roster. Your roster begins with 21 consisting of main eventers and new comers. That roster will bloom to 30+ as you unlock past favorites and superstars from a different organization.


Pick your fighter and have at it against up to 3 more and let the melee ensue. The game may have been slowed down from their last event on the Gamecube, but that doesn’t mean the craziness has been brought down. With the fighting engine still intact and the items still bountiful, there has been more added to make sure things remain frantic. New assist trophies are here. Pick up the trophy and get a random assist from Nintendo’s past (Lil Mac, Nintendogs, Excitbikes, etc). Assists act similar to a Pokeball, but with more pleasing/frustrating results. And if that wasn’t enough for your fights, there is now the “Money In The Bank,” The Smash Ball. Once that glowing orb comes flying in, players flock to it. Hit it enough times and catch it to pull off, what is almost always, a guaranteed knock out.


For those that think most fighting games are only fun with more than one person, well, you’re wrong. Shut up. Brawl has plenty for you to do alone. Classic Mode has you going through a few fights to end up fighting Master and or Crazy Hand. Event Mode has you trying out different scenarios to see if you can win under certain rules and regulations. Then there are Homerun Contests, Break The Targets, Multi-Man Brawl, and a few more unlockable game modes to test your Brawl skills.

New to your solo romp is the Subspace Emissary.

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em·is·sar·y /ˈɛməˌsɛri/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[em-uh-ser-ee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation noun, plural -sar·ies, adjective
–noun
1. a representative sent on a mission or errand: emissaries to negotiate a peace.
2. an agent sent on a mission of a secret nature, as a spy.
3. Anatomy. sending or coming out, as certain veins that pass through the skull and connect the venous sinuses inside with the veins outside.
4. pertaining to an emissary.
–adjective
5. Archaic. sent forth, as on a mission.
(credits - Dictionary.com)
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This mode is similar to the Adventure Mode from Melee with a lot of changes. First off, there’s a story. Second, you don’t stay as one character. As the story progresses, you play as almost EVERY character in the game. You even get to choose at certain points. Not only do you play as them, but if you haven’t had them added to your roster, they will be after using them. It’s a great way to have a little experience with everyone in the game keeping you versatile. Not only is the Subspace Emissary long (10+ hours), but it’s a beautiful show of cinematic scenes. A story without dialogue never worked so well. It may not be as gorgeous, but some might call it “Super Smash Bros: Advent Children.”


The adventure, Event Mode, and some of the stadium activities can all be done with a friend by your side. One extra player always adds to the flavor of brawl broth. Now you don’t have to be having fun or being frustrated by yourself. You can share the happy evilness.

Can’t get enough of playing solo? Can’t get enough of playing with friends? Well, go online. You can play with far away friends. You can play with farther away friends. You can even play far away strangers and get mad at them for beating you in a different time zone.


Super Fan Service Brawl has everything you could’ve wanted in this anticipated sequel. Chaos with your friends, the unlockable little items you can earn (stickers, trophies, etc.), the time you will spend in the custom stage builder, the on-line capabilities, the Subspace Emissary…you have invested your $50 well.


Rated 5 out of 5


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