Now that many of us own it, the NWR staff shares their thoughts on the latest Smash Bros. game.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS has finally released globally and multiple members of our staff have been playing through the game. So does the game meet everyone's expectations? Is this the Smash Bros. game we wanted?
Read through our thoughts below and then be sure to let us know what you think about the biggest 3DS release of the year.
Andy Goergen, Managing Editor
As a solo gamer, I was initially very unsure how much interest I really had in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. While I really enjoy the basic mechanics of the series, it's hard to deny that I put far less time into Brawl than I did Melee because a change in my life situation dictated far less local multiplayer. Once I tried the demo, however, I knew I was sold. The game plays like Smash.
Not only does it play like Smash, it plays like a better, smoother version of Smash than I've ever experienced before. The solid frame-rate and unique art style help the visuals really pop in a way which I really couldn't have prepared for. When Smash launched late Thursday night, I entered into what could only be called a "Smash Coma", and when I exited it on Sunday evening, I'd already put 18 hours into the game. I honestly can't tell you the last time that happened. I'm infinitely happy with this game, and can't wait for the Wii U version to follow.
Justin Berube, Features Editor
After playing it at E3, I was kind of down on the 3DS version of Super Smash Bros. It just felt like a watered down version of the console version with controls I couldn’t get used to.
Luckily that has all changed. After spending hours with the retail version I have adjusted just fine to the controls and can’t get enough. Really, this is a portable Smash Bros. experience that I didn’t even know I wanted. Now, I can’t even imagine going anywhere without Smash.
The best news of all is that the online multiplayer actually works pretty well. This was extremely important to me since many of my friends don’t live close enough to play locally anymore. I can finally play Smash Bros. against other people anytime, and almost anywhere. My life is over.
My final thoughts on the game will take some time to sort out. I’m still learning a lot about the meta game and character balance, so I can’t say anything definitive yet. That said, the game is insanely fun and I’m sure it will soon become my most played 3DS title. I just can’t put this game down.
Alex Culafi, Associate Editor
I don't think I can think of a game I've had more mixed feelings on this year than the new Super Smash Bros. On the plus side, the roster is huge, excellent, and diverse. The online, while flawed, is much better than Brawl. And while I can't pick up too many subtleties, the fighting seems way quicker than Brawl.
On the down side, I'm having a hard time dealing with how uninspired many of the stages feel. More importantly, the lack of Event matches and Adventure mode even on par with Melee is an extreme bummer. The fighting is good enough that I've dropped 15 hours into it already, but the single-player goodness present in the previous two games is nowhere to be found.
Curtis Bonds, Associate Editor
It's hard to believe that after all these years of waiting, the new Smash Bros. is finally in my hands. Despite a few control issues, it's lived up to every bit of my expectations. Having custom/alternate moves for all the characters is a much appreciated addition since it makes my favorite characters even better, and some not-so favorites actually playable!
But for me, the most important improvement is the Online mode. While it's not as expansive as I'd like it to be, the playability of the online matches, for the most part, have been much much smoother compared to Brawl's. That alone automatically puts this Smash above all the rest.
Zachary Miller, Associate Editor
My unofficial name for this game is "Super Smash Bros. Brouhaha." Let's get that shit trending. I really like the game. I was worried that it would be thin on single-player content, but it turns out that's really the meat of the game. Classic and All-Star Modes have me playing long into the night, and completing the various challenges is a beast in and of itself. Even Smash Run is fun for the solo player.
I've been impressed with the online performance; my biggest headache is actually connecting to a friend's game successfully. But when it works, it works really well. I've also been very happy with the insane customization that Brouhaha offers. You can fiddle with just about every aspect of your Mii characters AND established fighters.
The biggest problem I have with the game is that it clearly looks better than the 3DS is capable of displaying. It's like playing an HD game on component video. You know, deep down, that it actually looks better than this. Not to say Brouhaha is a bad looking game, it's gorgeous, but the way things pixel-out at a distance and the character models twist and distort during certain attacks bothers me. It's nitpicky, but noticeable.
Bottom line: It's really incredible how well Smash feels on a portable system. I highly recommend it.
James Charlton, Associate Editor (Japan)
"Smash Bros is a brilliant portable game". Now that's something that until a few weeks ago, would never thought I'd ever say! It feels exactly like the console games (stuck somewhere between Melee and Brawl) but I'm playing it on the train to work*. I know that sounds like a weak endorsement (look Ma, I'm playing it on a train!), but the portability really helps it stand out as its own worthwhile version even though the Wii U game is coming out soon. Thrown in it decent online play and a fun StreetPass mode, we have ourselves a winner.
*PS: Before someone calls it out; somehow I don't think taking a Wii U on the Bullet Train will be quite the same portable experience.