Review

Developed by:Sora Ltd./Bandai Namco Games Published by:Nintendo Genre(s):
  • Fighting
  • Platform:
  • Handhelds
  • Cost:$59.99 ($39.99 for 3DS) ESRB Rating:EVERYONE 10+ Players:1-8 (2-4 Online) Release date:November 21, 2014 Reviewed on:3DS 3DS Version Release Date:October 3, 2014
    10

    Super Smash Bros. (3DS)

    Super Smash Brothers FINALLY sees a release on a Nintendo hand held! This is a big deal and a long introduction is not necessary needed. Since the days of the Nintendo 64, SSB has been one of Nintendo’s flagship franchises, fulfilling a long standing void in their first party catalog (that being a lack of fighting games).  From simple beginnings and play mechanics SB, has continued to evolve with each sequel, adding new characters, stages and new mechanics to keep things fresh. This ambitious hand held version promises to match the console sibling in content, so let’s take a look at how it stacks up.

    In case you happen to be uninitiated in the long running franchise, I will go over the gist of the gameplay. Unlike most fighters the object of SSB is to knock the opponent out of the arena. Each map contains edges just outside the borders of the screen from left to right and top to bottom. At the start of the match each character starts at 0% and striking opponents increases their percentage or life. The higher the percentage, the more likely a character is of being KO’d out of the arena. In addition, there are items that pop up during bouts that range from Baseball Bats, Turtle shells, Pokemon Balls and Fire Flowers that can all be used to dispatch the opposition. In the Wii iteration of SSB, Nintendo introduced the Final Smash, an ability that is essentially the “super move” of the Smash universe. A glowing orb appears randomly during the match and characters hit it in order to possess the ability to use the Smash. Once equipped the character glows and by tapping the smash button it unleashes a powerful attack that’s unique to each character.

    Gameplay on the hand held has remained mostly unchanged from the previously well-established formula. The analog stick moves your character and the face buttons are used for attacks and jumps.  Regular attacks and smash attacks vary depending on the direction pushed on the analog stick. The directional pad taunts (taunting has no practical use aside from annoying the competition) and the shoulder buttons are used for throwing and blocking. Blocking activates a shield around the character that absorbs normal attacks as well as smash attacks. Blocking will not absorb Final Smashes, throws or Home Run swings from the Baseball Bat – an item with super strong attack that always KO’s opponents regardless of their health percentage. Holding the shield button steadily decreases the size of the shield and holding it too long stuns you, causing you to be put in a dizzy state for a few seconds.

    Final Smashes return as well as new items like the Bullet Bill, spiked turtle shell, new assist trophies and Pokemon to aid in battle. New arenas are selectable ranging from a boxing ring to a Mario level that takes a tour of Mario Land, even going down a warp tunnel. Of course the biggest deal about the newest SSB is the new additions to the roster. This is the largest roster to date for a Smash Bros game which is impressive considering there are 40+ characters in a hand held game. Series vet’s Mario, Bowser and Samus now get to battle Little Mac (Punch-out,) Robin (Fire Emblem) and Greninja (Pokemon). However, Nintendo swung for the fences this year by including non-other than Mega-man and Pacman (if I have to explain what games they are from you have no business playing video games) and yes, these 2 are awesome in Smash. Each character, no matter the obscurity, fits in extremely well and each feature moves that match their personality and traits to a T. Smash Bros games feature a lot of personality and fan service and each version continues to nails it, with this version certainly not being an exception.

    In addition to the usual one on one, 4 player brawls and team battle, Smash always packs a few extra modes to increase replayability. Classic mode returns as well as Home Run contest (extremely fun by the way,) and Multi-man Smash. New this time around is a mode utilizing Street Pass functionality and a mode called Smash Run. Smash Run has a character of your choosing running around a huge map with a set time limit. The objective is to eliminate enemies and build up your character by collecting boosts enemies drop as you defeat them. Stats include Power, Speed, Defense and Jump. At the end of the round your character is pitted against 3 others in a Free-For-All match and the stats you boosted are utilized. While the mode is fun, it serves as a brief distraction from the bulk of the game.

    Like its predecessor SSB Brawl, online multiplayer returns in full swing. Your choice of For Fun (unranked) and For Glory (ranked) modes determine what type of smash experience you have. For Fun allows item usage and stage hazards, while For Glory disables items, Final Smash orbs and all stages are set to their Omega counterparts – stationary flat stages with no hazards. Matches are frantic and very competitive; the majority of my matches had very little lag. You also have the option to create a lobby and invite friends to duke it out in custom matches, a welcome addition. One drawback is the inability to communicate with strangers before or after the match, which would have been nice especially when you come across a worthy adversary and want to add him to your friends list. It’s a minor complaint but still worth noting.

    Graphically SSB is easy on the eyes. 3D models, whether it’s a character or arena, are all colorful, vibrant and pop on screen. Character detail is very crisp especially when zoomed for closer inspections of attention to detail. The 3D effect in this game looks impressive as well and with all the chaos on screen there was no noticeable slowdown, if any at all. Though this version is “watered down” graphically compared to the Wii U version being released this Friday, this is easily one of the best looking titles for Nintendo’s beloved hand held.

    From a content aspect the 3DS version matches the Wii U in core content character for character, and stage for stage. Of course, being on a high density medium yields certain advantages for the Wii U such as larger stages, more music and more characters on screen than what will be offered on the 3DS. Despite the content not being included on the hand held, SSB is a must own title for the portable and will in no way disappoint!

    Gameplay:

    10

    This game translates extremely well onto a hand held. Customizable controls make the transition that much easier.

    Graphics:

    10

    Gives games like Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land a run for their money, without graphical hiccups during online play.

    Sound:

    10

    Recognizable themes get a modern tune up, bringing up nostalgia of older games that paved the way for the clash of all ages.

    Replay Value:

    Tons to do. If you don't own this game buy it. If you don't have a 3DS WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!!!!

    Final Score:

    10

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