Super Smash Bros 4 Beats All Contenders
After a highly anticipated wait Nintendo finally delivers to us probably one of the best games of the 2014 gaming year, Super Smash Bros 4.
Super Smash Bros 4 not only delivers what it promised, but then some. An amazing experience from beginning to end, Smash 4 is one of Nintendo’s best games to come out in recent years. Released on the Wii U console on Nov. 21, and the 3ds on Oct. 3, fans across the world have been settling it in Smash.
Smash 4 manages to not only improve on the game’s playability but bring new stuff to the table. With a wide and diverse cast of characters including series veterans Mario, Fox, Link, Samus, etc., we also get a bunch of surprise newcomers like Little Mac, Greninja, Robin, Shulk, and my winner for best E3 surprise, Mega Man!
This has to be the best roster the series has ever had and it’s not just being dominated by Legend of Zelda, Pokemon, and Mario franchise characters. Each character has its own unique abilities, skills, and play style. And despite a couple of clone characters, they still manage to make every character feel unique To the casual gamer it may look the same as previous titles, but to series vets this game is a huge improvement over the slowness of Brawl, but not as fast as Melee. It stands on its own as a strong title in the series.
Smash 4 keeps the modes found in previous titles such as Classic mode, Special Brawl, All-Star Mode, Event mode, and Stage Creator. Also returning and revamped are the Home Run Contest, Target Blast, and Trophy Collection. However, new modes like Smash Tour keep the game fresh and prove it’s not out of tricks. Thought it can be boring playing single player by yourself, you can challenge yourself, and hone your skills. What I like most is the care shown toward multiplayer fun, both online and offline. I’m proud to say the multiplayer actually functions, and can be played in two modes — For Fun, catering towards casual players, and For Glory, catering towards the Smash Purest who like tournament style matches.
It is easy to find games, and we ran into little to no issues during the game. But my favorite mode of the entire game has to be the offline multiplayer. I always considered Smash Bros a party game. Everyone can pick up the game and learn the basics easily, and playing 4 players was always a bunch of fun. How can you improve on this basic concept? By adding 8-player local Smash. This has to be the greatest addition in this game, and in my opinion a system seller. It’s pure chaos, and probably one of the best gaming experiences I’ve ever had.
Smash 4 is amazing. Single player may not be nearly as fun as multiplayer, but the multiplayer is the selling point, and with a functioning online component, and local 8-player Smash is one of the best multiplayer experiences you will have, I give Super Smash Bros 4 a 4.5 out of 5. If you own a Wii U you are doing your system an injustice by not already owning it, and if this game appeals to you it is definitely worth buying a Wii U for.
