Simply astonishing! The best Smah Bros ever!!
--Graphics--
Starting with the first Smash Bros. on the N64, Brawl has definitely updated the graphics. Every character is perfectly detailed and really takes on their looks from their latest games. Whether it be Link or Pikachu, every character looks great. The stages have also been improved. Most of the stages are areas from certain video games, so some of them may look familiar. For example, The Bridge of Eldin from Zelda: Twilight Princess is a stage in this game. You fight on the bridge, and just like in the game, it breaks in the middle and then reappears via a portal. You can also see Hyrule castle in the background. Overall, the graphics are basically perfect.
10/10
--Gameplay--
The gameplay in Brawl is really good. The game is compatible with four different controllers: The Wii-mote and Nunchuck, The Wii-mote (sideways), The Wii Classic Controller and the Gamecube Controller. Old fans of the series will have no problem getting use to Brawl since the Gamecube Controller is compatible and new fans can find a new way to play with the other choices. The controls for the game are hard to explain because every controller has different controls. But, you are able to change them into whatever fits your needs. The game is simply to knock your opponent off the stage until they run out of lives or the timer runs out. You can use smash attacks, which are really strong hits, or you can use special attacks which are unique attacks for every character. There is also a new addition to the game called "Final Smash". It is activated when you retrieve an item called a "Smash Ball". Once retrieved the "Final Smash" can be used whenever, however most characters have different Final Smashes. Some may be 1 hit kills while others will put your opponents to sleep.
10/10
--Music--
Super Smash Bros Brawl is FILLED with music from all of the in-game Characters' video games. There is many familiar Mario tunes, Zelda songs or even those great Sonic songs. There is a huge inventory of songs and you can even arrange for what songs play on what stage. Most of the music is very good, while some of the songs are not meant for fighting. However, overall, the music is great.
10/10
--Story--
Another new aspect to the game is the new adventure mode, "The Subspace Emissary". This is a side scrolling adventure mode where every character has their own part in the story. It is a huge improvement from it's predecessor's story mode. From what I can gather, the story involves strange robots going around the world blowing places up with gigantic bombs. All the Brawl characters are affected by this and they are all trying, in their own way, to stop it. You start off using a certain pair of characters and in every level you switch pairs. However, in the end, all the characters meet up with each other. The story is filled with beautiful cut scenes that, even with no dialogue, makes you understand what is going on. Even though the story is roughly 8 hours long, it is not the main interest of the game. The main gameplay of "The Subspace Emissary" kind of feels like a futuristic Mario game, except with a lot more bad guys and it is more challenging. However, it does get repetitive after a while and doesn't seem as fun.
9/10
--Overall--
Super Smash Bros. Brawl is a must! Any Wii owner should get it and any Nintendo owner should play it. It will keep you entertained for hours on end and now with the new online mode, you can play with anyone around the world. It is a fantastic game and it was a great way to end the series!
9.75/10