Super Smash Review: If it Ain't Broke Don't Fix It

This needs to be Nintendo's slogan or something because that's been their attitude toward most of their main titles in the last few years. Super Smash Bros. for the 3DS certainly doesn't break Nintendo's latest streak.

Story: N/A this category isn't really available. I can't really judge what wasn't there from the very first installment. Nintendo never meant for this game to focus at all on story and I don't penalize them for it. The mish mash of characters wouldn't result in any cohesive, interesting story.  Sometimes less is better.

Story receives a 0/0

Gameplay:

Where the bulk of this review will focus. Super Smash Bros. 3DS is as fantastic as its wonky predecessors. The combat is silky smooth and while I suck at using circle pads, for most people this won't be a problem; especially for those gamers who are familiar with playing other fighting games on Playstation consoles.

Final smashes for the most part haven't changed and the game has been fine tuned from the last entry in the series. Most fighters have the same memorable move sets as in the previous title. The meta has shifted and certain fighters have received buffs and nerfs accordingly. I think changes have been made to the amount of damage taken before fighters can be knocked off. It certainly feels easier in this installment, making this version pace much faster. But, my judgement may be skewed since the last Super Smash game I owned was for the N64.

Modes: Surprisingly numerous and challenging. Target Blast, Home Run, 100 Man Smash all pretty classic stuff from the last title. Making the normal story grind less mind numbing. Labyrinth mode is pretty tough and I'm still confused about the intricacies of it.

Online: This mode is really for the hardcore or if you're a glutton for punishment. I have been emasculated several times already trying to compete in online mode. The competition is seriously tough as with all other arcade fighters. There's some noticeable lag in games I have played, with occasional network issues. I'm not sure if this is due to the processing power of the 3DS or just the severely outdated Nintendo network play.

Still the local 4 player smash is still very fun and in tune with the oldest title. I fondly remember all the neighborhood parties/play dates I'd host with friends to play "Smash." The fact that I'm now able to enjoy this local 4 player without having to lug around a console is seriously fantastic. Like the commercial slogan: "SETTLE IT IN SMASH"

Gameplay/Online receives a 9/10

Graphics: About what you'd expect from a Nintendo game. It's certainly not pure HD, but extremely well polished nevertheless. The battle FX are really crisp and well designed. The characters look good up close. I give credit to the design team for making really beautiful maps and giving us an innovative tool necessary for the handheld platform. That is character outlines. Given the screen size of even the largest, 3DS XL, it was absolutely brilliant to give us an easier way to track characters on the map. Especially with how chaotic 4 person smash can get.

I will say that this game definitely needs to be played on the XL handheld. I have the standard 3DS and not only is it uncomfortably small and difficult to wrap my hands around. But, the smaller screen size means when fighters are on opposite sides of the map they become incredibly small.

Graphics receive a 9/10.

Sound: Pretty fantastic. The soundtrack system is ingenious since it allows you to freely access the  beautiful, memorable scores from each of the separate titles the characters come from. Character voices and sound FX are on target and wonderfully done. Sound can get drowned out from the fighting due to the hardware limitations of the 3DS, but it is forgivable.

Sound receives a 9/10.

Is there a reason not to get Super Smash for 3DS? I can only think of a few, REALLY don't want a 3DS, have no money, suck at fighting games. Even if you're not hardcore this is just a fantastically fun game. Totally worth the 40$.

Final score: 9/10.