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Nintendo has had no problem keeping European gamers waiting the latest game in the ever popular fighting series, Super Smash Bros. Braw. Those long months watching US and Asian gamers gorge on the game have finally come to an end. For those new to the franchise, the game brings together the cast of Nintendo’s titles into one showdown. From the iconic Mario to the unknown it’s a game with unlimited playability. Even with all the attention it’s gathered is Brawl a success or is it a bag of empty promises?
Sora Studios have attempted to lower the learning curve so that the game appeals to both newcomers and regulars. There are basic combinations that anyone can use to attack with competence. It’s easy to string together powerful moves for large amounts of damage. For those unaware of Brawl’s core mechanics, Brawl uses a percentage damage system rather than a health bar. For a deeper experience, there are special power moves that are unique for each character. When the token Smash Ball appears on screen, there’s a mad dash with the winner dealing out a Final Smash. To win a match you’ll need to have the least amount of KO’s and percentage of damage. Luckily it’s not as straight forward as “hit a few keys.” The game throws random items into the mix which offer a level of strategy unseen in previous titles. You’ll need to use these in conjunction with basic combat to win. On top of that are Assist Trophies that spawn uncontrollable characters that aid your fight. Their effectiveness is a lottery with some knocking opponents off the screen while others just mooching around doing little. Even so, the inclusion of these features means that each battle is different from the last.  The solo mode lets you play through the Emissary adventure. It’s the most structured single player mode that we’ve seen in a Smash Bros. title and it’s a welcome addition. It includes a plot that’s had some serious time invested in it. It lasts around ten hours which is more than enough when you factor in everything else available. Once that’s dealt with there’s the option to train, clear special events and play through minigames. Different difficulty levels means that you’ll be catered for no matter what your skill level. The incentive for playing the single player is the unlockables. There’s an impressive cast to enjoy even before you’re set off on the journey to 100% the game. You can play through stages that have themes relating to Nintendo’s past games. There’s plenty to collect and a nice touch is the ability to create your own stage. There’s a browsable vault where you can peruse your earned rewards. It’s also were your snapshots and replays are kept which you can then send via Wi-Fi to your friends. Then there’s the group mode which is where the best gaming lies. It allows up to four players to join in the fun. The game lets you customize the match from item appearance to arena choice. There’s also the option to play hot seat tournaments (up to 16 players). It’s a great feature for those looking to add structure to their ‘brawl parties.’ Then we come to the most exciting revelation. This is the first game in the series that lets you go online and fight against players around the world. The Wi-Fi has been implemented to an astonishing standard. You can play with friends or against utter strangers. No longer is there the need for friends to brave the outdoors just to play Brawl. There is some lag when playing those on other continents, but when playing against your friends or those in the UK it’s near flawless. It’s a hard experience to beat. The game’s score is definitely one of its high points. It’s a fully fledged Nintendo fanboy fanfare and we love it. The sound design and the graphics have some of the best production values that we’ve seen on the Wii. The backdrops are ludicrously detailed and there’s no slowdown even when the game is in full swing. It’s a game that feels finished and it’s how it should be. You can spend months on Brawl. The level of detail is next to none and three years of concentrated development really shows. It’s a game that makes you proud to own a Wii. It’s a must buy and proof that the Wii has some serious stopping power. Score: 9/10
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