Kidnappings/Recruitings

[Dobs]

...hmmmmm you've got a point.....

but with increased security, wont it make it harder for new ninjas to join the squad?

[The Solid War Doctor]

you fools you think that you've actually got a chance against our SECRET Weapon.
your end is near

[Dobs]

you rebels just talk tand taaaalk and taaaaalk

but youve got nothing to back it up

[Sheik]

dobs said:

...hmmmmm you've got a point.....

but with increased security, wont it make it harder for new ninjas to join the squad?

Yes of course it will, but we do have quite a large following already. Now all new candidates must PM YOU Commander Dobs, or someone of equal authority over new members (Me? The Link, Ghost) for screening, with this Rebel Alliance acting up we cannot afford moles getting in.

[chronos]

"A great party game which, unfortunately, will not stand the test of time."
For more than six years, Nintendo fans have eagerly awaited the arrival of the next generation of Smash Brothers; to see all new characters duke it out in new arenas, with new items, and with new techniques. I was fortunately able to import my copy of Dairantou Smash Brothers X (Super Smash Brothers Brawl in American and Europe), and play through it with a few of my friends. We've always been big Nintendo fans, and we simply could not pass up the opportunity.

However, while it was great fun for a bit, the game's problems gradually became all too noticeable, and eventually diminished our desire to keep playing. Now don't get me wrong – I liked the game (and still do), but some core issues were just too big to ignore.

Graphics – 8/10

The graphics manage to hold their own in Brawl, and indeed manage to stand out amongst the assortment of other high quality titles on the Nintendo Wii. However, when comparing it to most any high-end game on the PS3, 360, or PC, the game's limitations become clear. Nintendo's flagship characters, while they do look bigger and better than ever, are still greatly held back by the sheer physical limitations of the system.

Those qualms aside though, the game still looks quite good, and there were almost no points in the game where I noticed any glaring graphical anomalies, and the overall visual presentation of the game was handled quite well, all things considered.

Controls – 9/10

The controls of Brawl are a big, big step up from its predecessor – not only are you able to use any type of compatible Nintendo controller to play, but you can customize your controls as well! This allows for a huge degree of flexibility, and also allows you to use any of your old GameCube controllers you might have lying around.

The controls themselves are fluid and easy to handle, but granted I've only played using the GameCube and Classic controllers. I've heard there were some issues with the two Wii Remote configurations that might cause a few problems, but thanks to Nintendo's foresight on the issue, it'll never be a problem that can't be fixed by picking another control scheme.

Storyline - 6/10

In a surprising change of pace for a fighting game, the Brawl team decided to place a heavy emphasis on the storyline this time around, in the form of the Subspace Emissary. In the SSE, your favorite Nintendo characters team up against the Subspace Army, the overarching enemy of the game dedicated to plunging the world into the rifts of space. It takes place in various side-scrolling stages where the objective is always more-or-less to simply run to the end of the level and fight the boss.

The story is quite entertaining at times, and is obviously much more in-depth than Melee's Adventure Mode ever was. However, when I had completed the Subspace Emissary in just a scant three and a half hours (And that was with several deaths along the way), I couldn't help but feel like all the time the developers put into it couldn't have been better used improving the gameplay (more on that soon). In fact, it's part of why I gave this aspect such a low score - while the story itself may be good for an 8 or a 9 based on what it was trying to accomplish, the knowledge that its development detracted from other elements of the game is what brought it down considerably.

Generally speaking though, while it's certainly no Metal Gear Solid (Even though its most famous protagonist does make a surprise guest appearance), it actually reminds me of the original Devil May Cry in terms of story – very cheesy and over-the-top, but still quaint and easy to grow fond of.

Gameplay - 5/10

Unfortunately, this is where the game really suffers, and truly turns Brawl into more of a “party game” than a “fighting game”.

To put it simply, the game is just too slow. It's the slowest game in the series, and makes no attempt to hide it. The quick, edge-of-your-seat action from Melee has all but vanished, as all characters now move slower and take longer to return to the ground. Final Smashes, a new sort of "super-move" for all characters, also suffer from this; while they're cool to watch at first, eventually you get so sick of how much they slow the pace of the game down that you'll be reluctant to even pick them up at all (as flashy as they may seem).

From what I've read, these change were done to encourage more mid-air combat – and while it certainly does help that aspect, it doesn't do much for the game in general. And when there is something wrong with the core physics of the game, you can't help but feel bad for the developers, who have otherwise poured so much time and effort into the other aspects of the game.

Speaking of which, there are many other elements of the game which help redeem its poor mechanics. There are a wealth of gameplay modes (both single and multiplayer) to enjoy, as well as tons of things to collect. Personally, I'm big fan of Nintendo history, and for me collecting all the various pieces of memorabilia was probably my favorite part. However, if that's not your thing, you can also try your hand at the various other gameplay modes such as Event Mode, Multi-Man Brawl, or heck, even design your own stage! There is truly is a lot of different things to do in this game - the question is, do you actually want to do them?

Sound – 7/10

When it comes to fighting games, nothing is more satisfying than that “crunch” you hear when you know you've nailed your opponent right where it hurts. That's why I was a bit disappointed by some of the sounds in this game – unlike in the original and in Melee, some of the attacks don't sound nearly as forceful as they once were. I'd like to say it's a minor concern, but I think the game loses a little something when I don't hear a forceful and definitive “POW!” when sending a 900 pound gorilla flying off the edge of a medieval castle.

However, all that aside, the sounds of Brawl are fairly decent. Some of the characters voices can get tiring after awhile, and the noises on some of the items will drive you off the wall around the 20th time you've heard them, but still good nonetheless.

Music – 10/10

As many flaws as this game has, the soundtrack alone almost more than makes up for it. An almost unfathomable amount of composers were hired to conduct the soundtrack to this game, and the end result was absolutely phenomenal. Never before had I heard so many of my favorite Nintendo tunes in one place, remixed and orchestrated to provide a sensational listening experience. The fact that the sound test is available from the minute you pop in the disc makes it just that much better. Even if you don't end up buying the game, at least do yourself a favor and pick up the soundtrack - I'm sure you won't regret it.

Replay Value – 4/10

For a fighting game, this is where it really hurts. The core gameplay of Brawl just does not stand up to its predecessors, or most any game in the fighting genre. The physics changes make the game too predictable, and Final Smashes (Which admittedly are cool the first 15 or 20 times), slow the game down to a point where it's not even worth having them toggled on – which makes me question why they put so much effort into them in the first place.

And, while the Subspace Emissary is a nice 4 hour romp the first time you play the game, it's really not the type of thing you'll go back playing again and again, despite the varying difficulty levels. Which is a shame, really – as I've said, all the time spent developing the adventure mode could have been put towards refining the gameplay instead. Ah well.

Conclusion

Don't let the genre fool you – Super Smash Brothers Brawl is not a fighting game. It is a party game, through-and-through; surprisingly similar to Mario Party, in fact. However, just like MP, its appeal will wear off after about a week of playing, and it's really doubtful that you'll ever find yourself coming back to it except for big occasions or some such. However, it is still a fantastic (probably unrivaled at this point) collection of Nintendo nostalgia and memorabilia all packed onto one disc. Tons of trophies, stickers, songs, and other items help give you more info about your favorite Nintendo character – as well as introduce you to a few you may not have even heard of!

In short, if you are a Nintendo enthusiast looking a great party game, pick it up. If not, you'll probably be better off saving your money for something else.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 02/01/08

Game Release: Dairantou Smash Brothers X (JP, 01/31/08)



Request for killing the guy who wrote this.

[Dobs]

permission granted ;D

[Doomflame]

sorry, I already killed that guy

[Dobs]

sorry chronos....too slow

[The Solid War Doctor]

HAHAHA! you ninjas are so oblivous our numbers grow and our weapon becomes complete and you have yet to kill Sakurai HAHAHA

[Dobs]

well, me thinks its time to change the password

[cookies]

kidnap sonicoutruns to torture him because he keeps sending pms to tell me to spy on u guys and join the RA but im still with u guys

[Dobs]

o.O

Thank you cookies! Even as a rookie you prove an asset to the squad. We will straighten him out dont worry about it.

I suggest joining the ninja rp if you wanna kidnap sonicoutruns. ;D

[cookies]

he said he would give me a free karma every day 4 spyin on u guys but i said no so b on the look out 4 spys

[Dobs]

wow, thats really low

good think his stupidness got the RA deleted. Is he STILL bugging you for info? cus if he is even AFTER the RA has been demanded....hes gunna be in deep.

Ill give you karma for not giving in to his stupidity ;D

[espioagent]

Stupidity?
hmph...
Likewise to you guys... he tricked you all into deleting the RA (what my calculations tell me) and because he is not for ASNAS. Why do you think he didn't get so mad at Solid?
Now I'm not saying he's for the ASNAS, he might be totally against us, but that brings me to the next topic...
SECRET WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION:
He may have something like that in store...

My third topic:
Remember when he said "I work alone now" yeah...

4th Topic:
I can understand all of us with this fan clubs having good times, but calling fellow members with stupidity is unnecessary. Let's not make this tear arpart the forum...
I thought Sonic was best pals with everyone here, but sent me a pm if he could travel to other forums with me. So let's not be hating on him because that's all I see happening.

So yeah...