G_razor

User Score
10

Presentation - 10
Gameplay - 10
Value - 10

To call Brawl merely a fan service game is an understatement. The smash series broke old convictions that only two players were allowed to play at the same time, the match was considered over once one of the fighter's health bar had been depleted, and the fight took place on a 2-D plane or 3-D ring. Brawl allows up to 4 players to duke it out at the same time whether on the couch or online, the match isn't considered over unless an opponent knocks, or rather, "smashes," another off the side of the screen or falls off the platform they're fighting on, and the stages the matches take place have interactive elements that provide either quick or cheap tactics to achieve victory. A simple idea that results in even more exciting macthes. Add in a roster of over 40 characters to choose from, including a not surprising but long desired appearance from Sonic, you've got a monster of a game.

You also have an opportunity to collect trophies and other nintendo memorabilia using the coins you collect from your matches, and the ability to create your own custom stages to duke it out on. Having an online match is going to be difficult depending on whether you have a good connection or your opponents don't because you WILL experience lag, and trust me, everybody loses. Normally, I wouldn't recommend this because of the hassle of friend codes, but play with your friends instead of random people.

In summation, Super Smash Bros. Brawl is overall a genuine piece of nintendo gold and one no wii owner should overlook. With everything Brawl has done right and BETTER than most fighting/multiplayer games, it's surprising no other developer or company has tried to replicate this idea. It goes to shows that when it comes to breaking the mold and perfecting the art, no one does does it better than nintendo.