Review: Super Smash Bros (Wii U)

Already the Wii U’s best-selling title, but how effective is Super Smash Bros. on Nintendo’s console?

Since the original Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64, the franchise has possessed a unique duality. It presents itself as chaotic brawling with recognizable Nintendo characters, yet rewards dedicated players with a surprisingly deep and intricate gameplay experience. Extended play unveils the nuances of each character, familiarity with stage layouts, and a strategic depth that may not be immediately apparent.

For newcomers, the premise is straightforward. The game features a roster of 49 iconic Nintendo characters – from Mario and Little Mac to more niche characters like the Duck Hunt dog and duck, alongside guest characters such as Sonic. These characters engage in matches ranging from 1-on-1 duels to 8-player free-for-alls in the Wii U edition. Stages are inspired by classic Nintendo titles, including Zelda, Mario Sunshine, and Pikmin. Each stage features dynamic elements, requiring players to adapt to hazards and moving platforms. Players must also contend with stage-specific enemies, such as the Shy Guy racers from the Mario Kart stage. Victory is earned by launching opponents off-screen with well-timed attacks, but players must avoid falling off the stage themselves to maintain their advantage.

We previously reviewed Super Smash Bros on 3DS. While a competent version, it was limited by the handheld’s technical constraints, and offered a less-than-ideal online experience. Super Smash Bros Wii U feels like a fundamentally different game. Nintendo’s console leverages its capabilities to deliver an arcade-quality experience at home. The visual fidelity in SSB is remarkable, from the highly detailed character models to the vibrant and dynamic stages, some of which include epic journeys through solar systems (Final Destination). The game renders at a crisp resolution and maintains a consistent 60 frames-per-second, even in multiplayer. The game is visually engaging and enjoyable to watch, a welcome benefit when members of our team are waiting for their turn to play.

The soundtrack features a comprehensive selection of iconic Nintendo melodies, spanning classics from Donkey Kong to Zelda. The music aligns with the J-pop sensibilities often associated with Japanese games, evoking the golden age of arcade gaming. Now, this experience is accessible from the comfort of your home, with enhanced graphics and audio.

SSB has a moderate learning curve. Initial impressions may vary, as mastering the game’s flow and mechanics takes time. While the core gameplay is accessible, with a simplified control scheme utilizing three buttons and character-specific special moves, several matches are needed to grasp the nuances. Eight-player matches can be chaotic, but are ideal for social gatherings. Most players found one-on-one matches to be the most refined, while 4-player mode offered a dynamic and exciting experience. The game offers a variety of modes, including Classic Smash mode, Solo play, challenge modes with specific objectives, and a board game/Mario Party-inspired mode. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U offers substantial replayability for dedicated players. Unlocking the full character roster is a rewarding pursuit, requiring up to 100 matches.

A new feature introduced alongside SSB Wii U is Nintendo’s amiibo figures. These are plastic figures with a writable NFC chip, similar to Disney Infinity or Skylanders. We tested the Mario amiibo and found the functionality to be effective. Placing the amiibo on the GamePad (after enabling it in the game’s menu) allows you to customize its attributes, such as strength or speed, and engage with a virtual representation of the figure in the game. The more the amiibo participates, the more it evolves. While initially underwhelming, it rapidly gains levels and presents a formidable challenge at level 50 (the maximum). This feature adds an engaging element that we anticipate exploring further in Mario Kart 8 and Hyrule Warriors, which also support amiibo functionality.

With dedication and acceptance of an initial learning curve, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U stands as the definitive version of the game. It is visually polished, mechanically refined, and content-rich. While accessible as a party brawler with simple controls, it offers a deep and skill-based competitive experience. Surpassing half a million units sold in the USA, anticipation is high in Europe. The adapter for GameCube controllers is sold out, and fan expectations are significant. We can confirm that the game fulfills these expectations, and potentially exceeds them. Super Smash Bros Wii U is another strong addition to Nintendo’s Wii U library, solidifying the platform’s position in the current generation.

As we received an early version of the game, we were unable to test the online mode due to an unreleased update. However, our American colleagues have reported positive experiences, with occasional latency issues. We will provide an update upon further testing.