Previews

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS Preview

Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. series has been a smash hit since its humble beginnings on the Nintendo 64. Since then, each new Nintendo console received an updated version of the title with additional characters, tuned-up fighting mechanics and more power-ups. That said, Nintendo will release Super Smash Bros. not only for Wii U later this year, but the company will also take the brawler portable to 3DS this summer. With two separate releases for Super Smash Bros., Nintendo expects to gain a healthy amount of new 3DS and Wii U owners.

Plenty of Nintendo characters, and a few surprises

With each new release of Super Smash Bros., the roster continues to expand. From what we’ve seen, these games will include the biggest rosters yet. Not only will some of Nintendo's most iconic characters make an appearance, such as Mario, Kirby, Pikachu and Donkey Kong, but there are several new additions. The Animal Crossing Villager (complete with a bug net to ensnare his opponents) makes a welcome appearance, and the Wii Fit Trainer possesses a variety of exercise manoeuvres to pulverize her adversaries. On top of that, characters from beyond Nintendo's universe will join the fight. Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog and Capcom's Mega Man, for starters, and we expect even more third party heroes in the months ahead.

Super Smash Bros. developer HAL Laboratory did an exceptional job harnessing each character's unique abilities from their original games and bringing these moves into the Smash Bros. universe. For example, Mario has the ability to attack enemies using fireballs, while Sonic the Hedgehog relies on his super speed. The attention to detail is something long-time fans have appreciated, and also helps give the title an authentic feel by staying true to each character.

Exclusive content makes each version a must buy

This marks the first time Super Smash Bros. will debut on more than one console within a year, and Nintendo will make sure both versions offer something unique. One of the major differences between the Wii U and 3DS editions are their graphical styles. The Wii U uses completely 3D models, while the 3DS game offers a more stylized, cel-shaded look. Both versions of Super Smash Bros. will have the same roster, although both titles will have exclusive levels. On the Wii U, players will enjoy stages inspired by Pilot Wings and Super Mario Galaxy, while on the 3DS, they can expect boards featuring Rainbow Road from Mario Kart, and one that bears a striking resemblance from levels in Super Mario 3D Land.

The 3DS version will also have an exclusive game mode called Smash Run. In Smash Run, two-to-four players will fight their way through various dungeons in order to obtain as many power-ups as possible within a five-minute time limit. Once time runs out, players will fight one another with items they previously collected.

Unfortunately, there won't be cross-platform play, as Wii U gamers can't take on 3DS players and vice versa. Fortunately, Nintendo promises there will be some kind of connectivity between both games. Expect an announcement in the near future.

Offline and online multiplayer will consume your life

Super Smash Bros. is at its best with multiplayer. For offline and online matches with friends, gamers will be able to select a wide variety of options for their matches and use customized characters. These options vary, from using a baseball bat that will automatically knock an opponent out of the ring, to fighting with one life remaining.

If you decide to take your Super Smash Bros. skills online, Nintendo allows both professional and casual players to experience the game at their leisure. Gamers can select if they want to play For Fun or For Glory, with both modes offering their own sets of rules. For Fun features completely random stages and items, while For Glory only allows Final Destination stages, no items and the ability to play 1-on-1 matches.

Even those who prefer to play Super Smash Bros. alone will be able to enjoy some kind of multiplayer feature, as Nintendo will include a Global Smash Power system. The system is a sort of leader boards feature, as players will be able to compare their solo mode scores with other people’s online, showing who they outscored and who they need to beat.

Super Smash Bros. is in a class of its own

Super Smash Bros. matured into a brawler used in a number of popular fighting game tournaments around the world, and for good reason. The series has some of the tightest fighting mechanics ever seen, but most importantly, the games are extremely fun for both professionals and those aforementioned casual fans. With two versions on the way, Nintendo expects to make Super Smash Bros. fans very happy, as long as they own both a 3DS and Wii U.