Tag Archives: Super Smash Bros

Super Smash Bros (Nintendo 64)

Super Smash Bros

Developer(s) – HAL Laboratory

Publisher(s) – Nintendo

Director(s) – Masahiro Sakurai

Producer(s) – Hiroaki Suga, Satoru Iwata, Kenji Miki & Shigeru Miyamoto

PEGI – 7

Released in 1999, following a long and lucrative development cycle, Super Smash Bros went on to become one of the most beloved games on the Nintendo 64 selling the best part of 5 million copies after other fighting games old poorly on the system and later spawned into one of the company’s flagship franchises that today acts as one of Nintendo’s biggest system-selling series’ upon release. However, the original game had far more humble origins. And as such, started out as an idea that would later be built upon to an astronomical extent. It’s a very enjoyable game considered a classic by many Nintendo fans.

Graphics – 7/10

The game takes place among various different stages based on beloved Nintendo franchises. Such as Donkey Kong, Super Mario, Star Fox, and The Legend of Zelda. With some of the lesser-known franchises at the time. Which were EarthBound, F-Zero, and Metroid, it’s impressive how the developers envisioned how these series’ would look in 3D despite the lack of source material at the time compared to the more well-known Nintendo series’ that was much more established. But besides that, every stage and every character looked brilliant for the time and hardware available. And it was all complete with the iconic opening cinematic that has since become synonymous with the franchise. 

Gameplay – 7/10

Super Smash Bros was the fighting game that every Nintendo fan had long dreamed up since the game was ever created. It features a selection of some of Nintendo’s most beloved characters hashing out with fists, iconic weapons, and other weapons or objects that can be used to the player’s advantage. In terms of the core gameplay, there was a great deal to keep players coming back for more. And continuing to do so even over 30 years on. Although the variety in gameplay would be improved upon massively (with it actually being shocking how few unlockables there are in the original game compared to future entries in the series), the first game offers more than enough incentive to last for hours upon hours. 

Controls – 9/10

For a completely new franchise, the game’s control scheme works out well enough. There are only a few minor nitpicks I have about it such as the need to use the C-buttons for things like jumping. Whereas later entries in the series would go on to improve on this. It’s kind of like the transition between Goldeneye and Perfect Dark in that respect. This is part of the reason why I ended up enjoying later Super Smash Bros games far more than the first. But for the most part, the controls are fine. 

Originality – 7/10

What made this game as original as it is is not the general concept of including Nintendo characters in a fighting game, because at the time it seemed like an obvious idea that Nintendo had astonishingly not undertaken themselves before Masahiro Sakurai showed them the initial demo he had worked on in secret. But what made this game truly stand out among other fighting titles is the way in which it plays out. Not with health meters that need to be depleted.

But rather a health meter that needs to be racked up to a high enough percentage that the opposition can be knocked out of the stage itself. It was a really unique idea and it’s a system that has been adopted. And modified by several other developers throughout the years. It would’ve been more influential if original ideas like the final smash moves were implemented (which wouldn’t be until Super Smash Bros Brawl), but on its own merits, it turned a niche gaming genre on the Nintendo 64 into a beloved one. 

Happii

Overall, the original Super Smash Bros has remained, and always will remain, a classic game with a lot to play for. Other Smash Bros games would come along and blow this game out of the water in my opinion. But the original game was certainly a more than adequate starting point. 

Score

30/60

7/10 (Good)

Super Smash Bros Wii U

Super Smash Bros Wii U

Developer(s) – Sora Inc. & Namco Bandai Games

Publisher(s) – Nintendo

Director – Masahiro Sakurai

Producer – Shinya Saito & Masaya Kobayashi

PEGI -12

Super Smash Bros Wii U game is a new variation of one of Nintendo’s most brilliant ideas for a series (one of which many gamers dreamed of before it was finally invented). With new characters, new game modes, new unlockables, and new features in the form of compatibility with Nintendo’s Skylanders-esque Amiibo toy line. In my opinion, though it doesn’t match up to the quality of many other Nintendo games. And is not the best in its series, it’s certainly a worthy sequel. And one of the best video games on the Wii U so far.

Graphics – 8/10

Many people have argued the case that the newest game in the series either looks the same as Super Smash Bros. Brawl or even that Brawl actually looks better. Although I think there is some basis in the opinion that Brawl looks better, with more textural detail, there is also just as much diversity in stage design. If not, more so. So I happen to think that both games look as good as each other. Since the visuals in both games have their own strengths. And they are played extremely effectively.

Gameplay – 7/10

With most of my preferred features of the series kept intact, such as the trophy hoarding, variety in game modes, and a plethora of characters, I’ve found the latest game in the series to be particularly enjoyable. And definitely one of the standout titles of the 2014 holiday season following the disappointment I felt after playing Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric. That being said, I was very sorry to see the departure of the story mode. Since I believe that alone made Brawl the best game in the series in my opinion. The story mode was handled exceptionally well for one within a fighting game. And I see no reason why the same could be repeated. And kept fresh at the same time with the inclusion of so many new characters. Such as Pac-Man, Mega Man, and Palutena from Kid Icarus.

Controls – 10/10

With so many different kinds of peripherals compatible with the Wii U, including the GamePad, the Wii remotes, and a third-party controller. And even with a compatible GameCube controller, there’s no reason why either fans of the series or newcomers shouldn’t find a style of play to suit them. Especially fans of the series, since virtually every previous control scheme is available, bar the one from the original game. However, I would impose the same precaution as I did in my review of Hyrule Warriors if playing with the GamePad. Regarding not to tense your hands around it too much. Which can result in prolonged cramping in the hands and/or fingers.

Originality – 7/10

However, there isn’t much present to differentiate this game from other fighting games. Especially since the basic premise of Super Smash Bros. itself has been around since 1999, the series’ general formula has been kept relatively fresh. With the inclusion of new characters, stages, game modes, and incentives. There have certainly been many fighting games throughout the years that have come and gone trying to be the next Street Fighter II and failing profusely. Especially during the fourth generation of gaming. The difference with many of them compared to Super Smash Bros is that elements such as character design are much weaker.

Happii

Overall, Super Smash Bros Wii U, whilst not living up to the overwhelming hype spanning over 3 years, is regardless, an enjoyable game. And it comes highly recommended by me. I’ve been a fan of Super Smash Bros. since the GameCube era. And this game does an excellent job of bringing one of my favorite Nintendo franchises into the generation of gaming.

Score

32/40

8/10 (Very Good)