Arguably one of my most anticipated releases this year was the next-gen iteration of Nintendo's massive brawler. Super Smash Bros for Wii U upgrades the game even further and introduces even more characters to it's expansive roster. What you get is a big emphasis on multiplayer having a story mode/solid single player campaign cut out all together. Classic and All-Star mode could be seen as sufficient enough for single players but compared to Brawl's Subspace Emissary, not really enough. Aside from that you've got new game modes and a plethora of menu options which I'll get more into detail with down below. 10+ brand new characters have been introduced and the variety they bring is definitely welcoming. Rosalina and Luma fight together either close range or Luma can be sent out and both can fight at different locations. Greninja represents the current Pokemon generation with his fast moves and ninja like stance. Little Mac is a devastating force on the ground but is unable to do much in the air.
The list goes on. What's also interesting is several characters who were "2 in 1" are separated into their own characters. In reality this only affects Samus/Zero Suit Samus and Zelda/Sheik with the latter pair having their transformation move reworked into a new move. Charizard also returns as the sole Pokemon from the Trainer in Brawl with no sign of Squirtle or Ivysaur. For the first time, you're also given the opportunity to use your own Mii's as a designated fighter in one of three classes. This can lead up to pretty humorous match ups like Link facing off against the President of the US. While some character additions are questionable (WHY DARK PIT WHY?!) overall they bring more to an already diverse cast.
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| Princesses Unite! |
If by now you're unsure as to how a game of Smash works, you work on dealing damage to your opponent using various smash attacks and special moves. The damage is viewed in percents and the higher that is, the easier it is to be knocked off the screen. Go far out enough and you'll end up being KO'ed. The various matches can be set to Time Limits, or Stock matches. The stages are broadly taken from Wii U only games with the exception of a few Smash Bros staples like Battlefield and Final Destination. Speaking of Final Destination, every stage also has an "Omega" option which basically makes the stage a single flat platform. Items on or off you can customize to your liking. Personally, my brother and I mainly do no items which can get some intense matches out of us.
Classic Mode pits you in 7-10 matches (I can't remember) which you can choose in a little board made up of trophies of the characters. This can be your normal up to 4 players or implement another new addition which is 8 players. Yea you heard me right, up to 8 PEOPLE can play in a single match and let's just say that chaos ensues. Especially when on some stages like Palutena's Temple and the Temple from Zelda, you can't even see where you are at some points. All Star Mode has you face off against every single fighter in reverse chronological order according to their first ever appearance.
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| 8 player MADNESS |
Bringing up the rear are tons of extra goodies and modes to make this game last a long time. Collecting trophies are back and there are about 700+ to hunt down. It helps that there's a shop which sells an updated selection for the coins you collect after every match. Trophy Rush has you break boxes and collect money as well as more trophies, reaching a Fever allows for massive amounts of them to spawn from the sky!
Masterpieces are really cool, you're given a specified amount of demo time to play one of the classic games that a character is from. When that's over, you're given the option to purchase it on the eShop Channel! My only gripe is that I wish there were more to choose from. A new mode that I'm not too particularly fond of is the Mario Party-esque Smash Tour. Each player rolls dice and move around a board participating in various matches depending on conditions being met. Events make a triumphant return and add even more crazy conditions. Co-Op and Single player is available here.
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| Your gateway to one hell of a fun time. |
The online portion works surprisingly well despite some lag here and there on our side. You can play "With Anyone" for a regular crazy item-filled time, or "For Glory" which strips it down to no items and "Omega" form stages. Challenges return and reward you with music and trophies. The music by the way is amazing as expected. An unspeakable amount of music is in this game ranging from remixes to the original tracks. When you get right down to it, Smash is all about having a crazy good time at the risk of ruining friendships with those you fight with. A diverse cast of characters new and old bring out the best for this series. I'd rather not think of what could be done to top this, instead I want to enjoy this for as long as I can. Much like all the time the other games took up.
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| MEGA MAN, MEGA MAN, THOSE PLATFORMS-SHUTYOUR MOUTH |
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| Come at me Bro |
Should you Play this Game?
Yes! Super Smash Bros for the Wii U is the next step for the franchise's evolution. Fast paced gameplay with brand new additions, modes and options. You'll be playing this for a long time coming just make sure you've got friends to play this with for maximum fun. I'm not responsible for ruined friendships and break-ups.
