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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Super Smash Bros. Wii U


By: Robert Murphy

As it is with any Nintendo made game, it always holds a special memory for me whenever I get to play a new version of an old favorite and with Super Smash Bros. Wii U, there are more than a few memories to relive. Yes, the intense beat'em up game that pits classic characters against one another has returned to ruin all of your friendship all over again but this time you will be able to take on even more people and cause far more chaos. The introduction of 8 player fighting, brand new characters and fresh faces for players favorite choices to pummel their buddies have all been added to this latest addition to the games rich history. If you thought things were tough before then you're in for a real challenge this time around, who will be the ultimate Smash player in your group of friends? Well, let's dig into the details to help you find out.


Everybody who has ever played Smash Bros., undoubtedly has that one character that they're the best at using, that one character that can complete destroy everything when you use him (Captain Falcon for me). But, what is great about the game is that no matter what you play as you can always choose another character from the games roster and have just as much fun with it. Players will happily see the return of Mario, Fox, Link, Pikachu and plenty others and that's one of the reasons the entire experience with the game is so much fun, the nostalgia feel for all those years, bright eyed and controllers locked into our hands playing the old 8 bit classics. This time around, nostalgia will play an even larger role because of the way some of the characters special moves are handled and even down to the way the characters behave on screen too. Mega Man, one of our new additions for example calls upon all his iterations throughout the years when activating his special to blast away everything that stands in the way of his blast. And in the terms of aesthetically pleasing features, Link for example has fine definition presented, right down to the triforce on his shield, showing just how far he's come in all these years.

As for the combat itself, it's all incredibly pleasing to watch, players can move beautifully across the screen, delivering punches and signature attacks against one another. New items make their way into the action as well, the POW block and a flame wheel sword from Mario add into the destruction brought down on your opponents. Add alongside this a variety of old and new maps to bring back memories and incorporate the new look and features that Nintendo has made over the years. Classic Final Destination maps and Hyrule Temple all make a return and new maps such as the Mario Circuit which adds a trippy 3D effect to your brawling experience.  


For myself, a special treat arose once I learned that players won't be losing their ability to use GameCube style controllers with this new Wii U system. Many players can probably testify that using the GameCube controller for Smash Bros. Brawl was the way to go, myself included, but with the new console it seemed like something that would be lost. However, with the use of an adapter, GameCube style controllers can be used to beat the snot out of your opponents once again. The Wii U gamepad also brings with it it's own charms though to battling it out with your friends, I found the screen built into the gamepad a welcomed addition to my combat style alongside my love for the old school GameCube controllers. So whichever way you choose to go about it, there really is no bad way to go about playing Smash Bros. Wii U.


Alongside these many wonderful features, new game modes make for some devilish game types to try out with other players. Event mode for example will be the game type that takes you further through the roster list and play as character that you may not have known how powerful they can be. The mode usually lets you play as any number of characters to learn their moves as you fight through a short made up scenario. Classic, All Star and Special Orders modes are also present and allow for players to unlock hidden trophies for the game. Special Orders takes advantage of the new smash coin system where you earn coins during battles and then use them to play in a special event for a trophy or other items. 


Finally, perhaps the most unique of the games new features is the amiibo, you've scene those Pixar and Disney toy figure games well now Nintendo has their own figures to add to their games as well. Despite my slightly sarcastic tone, amiibo's are kind of an interesting aspect to the game. This independently purchased item for the game allows you to buy a figurine sized version of a game character who will fight against you like a normal A.I. bot but will learn and increase in level through a few hours of gameplay. The fun arrives when you unleash the demon creature on your friends and sitting back to watch your creation in action. The bot is of course out of your control for the most part and may not have your best intentions in mind while it plays but it is an interesting feature for Smash Bros. to have taken this time around.  

In the end, Super Smash Bros. Wii U does it's predecessors proud by not only adding new characters, maps, items and fresh new faces for our old favorites but also adding that oh so sweet nostalgia feel to it's gameplay. Classic characters return to the game as well as many new features to attract those of you who don't know all the ins and outs of the older generation. Eight player fighting also adds pure chaos to an already chaos fueled game and new game modes allow for some creative matches to be tried out with you and your friends. There is just an incredible amount of features to be played with that you will be hooked from the very moment you put the game in.  


Good:

- Eight player brawls

- New characters, items, maps and more

- Smooth new look for returning characters and other classic icons from the games past

- The variety of game modes and game alterations to fool around with


Bad:

- The amiibo will be a hit or miss item for players


Scully Rating: 9.5  out of 10 

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