Super Smash Bros for Wii U Video Game Review

Reviewed by KW Gaming on Nov 21, 2014

Rating:

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U hits stores today! Read Kidzworlds game review, right here.

When Kidzworld visited E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) this past June, we were invited to a Super Smash Bros. Q & A with game designer Masahiro Sakurai, where he said his goal with the latest Super Smash Bros. was to create the ultimate "Character" fighting game and he has succeeded with flying colors.

Mario and Villager take on Bowser!Courtesy of Nintendo

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U may just be the high point of the series. Yes, even better than the much loved SSB Melee on Gamecube. There is so much attention to detail that it boggles the mind. As good as Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS is, it feels like a warm up to the main event.

Ready To Rumble

Let's start with the gameplay itself. It's so fast, so smooth, and there is a lot of options for controller support. You can play with the Gamepad, Pro Controller and what is in my opinion the best option, using a Gamecube controller, which can be plugged in using a new adapter released specifically for Super Smash Bros. Using the Gamecube controller just feels so right. Especially if like the pro players, you dedicated your time to SSB Melee previously.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is Gorgeous!Courtesy of Nintendo

Like past SSB games, each fighter has the same basic controls. Making each and every character accessible for newcomers. You'll always know how to pull off each characters moves, no matter who you choose. The depth in the mechanics come from learning each character's special moves and how to best utilize them against your opponent. Many of you know how Super Smash Bros. gameplay works, but for the uninitiated, read our Super Smash bros. for Nintendo 3DS review, where we break down the mechanics in more detail.

So Much To See & Do

Like Nintendo's hand-held version. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is so jammed pack with modes that completionists will be busy for a long, long time. I've put countless hours into this new SSB and I'm still seeing new things.

The modes on offer in this Wii U version of SSB are all pretty great. The only mode I wasn't a huge fan of was Smash Tour (which replaces the great Smash Run mode from the 3DS version). It's pacing was just too slow compared to everything else on offer. Imagine a virtual board game, where 4 players are vying for attribute boosts which culminates in all players facing off head to head in a random battle. The issue I have with this mode is that there is just way too much downtime. Too much time is wasted on the slower bits of the game, and when you finally get to the battles, they are over in a heartbeat. It's a cool concept but unfortunately isn't rewarding to play.

Smash Tour modes Board.Courtesy of Nintendo

Thankfully, everything else is top notch. Event Mode is a great option for those looking to learn new characters moves effectively, giving players unique and quirky tasks to complete, like juggling a continuous flow of enemies off the stage. Stadium Modes are all present as well including Home Run Contest and Target Smash. During all the modes, you unlock trophies, items and more. Custom Special Moves are the cream of the crop, allowing each Smash Bros. character to have various play styles, adding great replay value and a dizzying amount of customization.

Super Smash Bros. Wii U Trailer

Masterpiece Theater is an interesting mode. You basically are given a few minutes to play Virtual Console Demos, like Mega Man II. It doesn't add much to the overall package, but it's a fun reminder of where some of these great SSB characters got their start. Consider it a bonus mode, icing on the cake.

Oh ya, one more thing... you can now play SSB with 8 players! I thought 8 player smash would be too much at once, but it quickly became one of my favorite ways to play. It absolutely works and it gave me some of the most fun I had with the game. Granted, you need to have a lot of controllers, or in my case, invite a bunch of friends over and tell them to bring their controllers.

8-Player Smash Bros. It is insanely fun.Courtesy of Nintendo

Once again, Nintendo proves they are the masters of local couch multiplayer. That said, you can totally play online against your friends as well. The online servers were just turned on the night before posting this review, so I don't have a lot of experience with them to test their stability. But if there turns out to be an issue with online play, I will update this review.

Mind Blowing Stages and Graphics

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is hands down one of the prettiest games out at the moment. Every character is adorned with incredible detail and the stages are really imaginative. SSB for Wii U has some of my favorite stages in the entire series. Nintendo has really outdone themselves here.

The new stages in SSB are epic and imaginative!Courtesy of Nintendo

Stand outs included the Star Fox stage which has you fighting atop numerous Arwings as they dip, dive and break formation and the Metroid stage, where Ridley flies around, eventually taking sides with which ever player is dealing the most damage. The Mario Kart 8 inspired stage is also awesome, with racers zooming around as you battle it out.

Amiibos Are Here!

The first batch of Amiibos are here!Courtesy of Nintendo

One of the most obvious additions to Super Smash Bros. is it's compatibility with Amiibos. The great new Nintendo Figurines you've probably been drooling over since their unveiling. You place an Amiibo on the Wii U Gamepad which transports it into your game - sort of like Skylanders. The Virtual version of your Amiibo then learns and levels up based on your play style.

You can fight against your Amiibo, or you can have him fight on your side as an A.I. partner. You could also bring your levelled up Amiibo over to a freinds house and see if they can beat your Amiibo. The implentation of the Amiibo's work really well, even if they don't feel totally neccessary. At the very least, they make for very attractive collecibles on your shelf.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is available now!Courtesy of Nintendo

Final Thoughts

Arguably the greatest Super Smash Bros. game to date. Insanely satisfying gameplay, gorgeous visuals, loads of replay value and most importantly, some of the most superb fun you can have playing a game with friends. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is an amazing package.