GameInformer

The Super Smash Bros. Series has been well known among Nintendo, fans and all. Well, the third installment in the series was one of the most looked forward to games of all 2009. However, I had never played any of the series before and I didn’t plan to get the game, but I grabbed a used one at GameStop figuring I would just return it, lying of scratches or something, if I didn’t like it. Let me put it this way, there is a good chance I would keep this game even after getting rid of my Wii, that’s how great it is.

Gameplay - 10/10

If you don’t already know, this game is a fighting game, and an epic one, I may add. Having so many characters to choose from is golden and makes this game so much better. Also, there are so many different modes to choose from, which is great, and all of them but one being multiplayer compatible makes it even better. The adventure mode in the Subspace Emissary is truly the best part of this game, in my honest opinion. The just plain brawling against CPU’s is much more entertaining than some may think playing against a computer is. I can play for hours trying to beat all these level 9's, which are genius CPU’s, might I say. Classic mode is excellent as well with it’s 12 levels, but this gets a little old faster than the other games. All-Star Mode is fun, exciting, and easily one of the best modes in the game; fighting all of the other playable characters is, again, much more entertaining than one may think. Finally, Boss Battles is amazing. Fighting all of the Subspace Emissary’s bosses just like you do in All-Star (a short break in between battles where you can heal completely, but only can heal 3 times total) is stupendous. However, the bad part of this mode is the difficulty. It is without a doubt the hardest mode, and trying to do it on the highest difficulty to get that trophy will drive you insane it is so challenging. Still, there’s so much to do, those trying to get the perfect file for every game have most likely met there match here, and it is one of the most fun games to play on the Wii for many.

Storyline - 10/10

To avoid any confusion right now, I am going to say that the storyline specifically applies to the Subspace Emissary and that none of the other modes have a storyline. Alright, the storyline is terrific. You start out as small groups of few, if more than one, characters. You fight your way through the levels with your certain number of lives (changes if you grab an extra one or at certain levels/fights), and the groups eventually start meeting up and getting bigger. Now, I’m going to need to stop before I completely tell how it all ends. Still, the mystery behind the Subspace bombs, the villains, etc. is intriguing and all the twists and turns keep you gripped to the game.

Multiplayer/Online Play - 9.5/10

Almost all of the game modes here support multiplayer, which is great if you’ve got a friend over or something. Then, if you’ve beaten all of your friends or for some other reason want a new challenge, then going Wi-fi is the thing for you. This game is probably the most popular online game for the Wii ever. The occasional experts that destroy you, the n00bs that stink it up, and the people that just joke around to annoy you may take a little fun away, but the online play is still awesome. However, the one thing that is really missing is communication. A headset or some way to talk to the people online would have sold this game all by itself. Sadly, the only thing like this is preset words that can appear with your taunts, not much.

Graphics - 9/10

Let’s face it, the Wii doesn’t have the graphical capabilities of the 360 and PS3, but this game has the best Wii graphics ever. The characters, bosses, and other people look amazing, some of the best I’ve ever seen, especially for the Wii. The backgrounds could use some work though, they look like green screen shots. The items look nice as well, and you can tell which is which, the most important part. Still, the graphics accompanied by the gameplay, one of the best, if not the best already, games ever.

Sound/Music - 10/10

The music in this game is stupendous. Most have been wonderfully orchestrated and are great to listen to as you play. Also, the sounds of the characters, items, etc. are extremely realistic and are a very nice thing in the game. Though some songs and sounds may be annoying to some, they are all around excellent.

Controls - 10/10

Some people may not like them since this is a game for the Wii that doesn’t use motion controls, but most will probably like it. It is even better that you can use four different controllers: the Wiimote and Nunchuck, the Wiimote sideways, the Classic controller, and the Game Cube controller. Then, the combinations are nice, simple, and easy to remember for many gamers. The controls really make this game great, but there is more to this game.

Extras - 10/10

This is where those seeking for the perfect file may meet their match. There are tons of trophies, stickers, etc. that it blows my mind how they could fit them all in one game. The main one, though, is the challenges. There are a ton of these things, and they really seal the deal on this game. For some reason you cannot help but try and do as many of these as possible, and the occasional hammer you can use to get the reward for doing one of them without actually doing so, except on one challenge; the hammer cannot do so for the hardest challenge in the game. Overall, these’ll drive you crazy trying to do them, but you love them because it helps you keep playing long after you normally would with a game.

Play Time/Replay Value - 10/10

The Subspace Emissary takes a while to complete, which is a bonus for those who prefer the story modes. Also, trying to get the perfect file, well, if it is possible, I think it would take even the most seasoned and most talented player at least a month to do. Then, after you do most of the stuff the first time around, the game is so great that you can play it countless more times without even getting tired. This game aces this category without even trying. I personally don’t think I could ever permanently grow out, give up, or get bored with this game. I wonder if it is humanly possible to do so, truly.

Final Verdict - 10/10

If you like video games, especially fighting games, with amazing stories, out of this world graphics, epic music and sound effects, online play, perfect controls, and tons of extras, this is the game for you. If you see this game somewhere and you somehow do not have it, get it; unless, of course, you don’t have a Wii, but that’s common sense. I personally guarantee you that you will love this game. It is without a doubt one of the best games ever.