Super Smash Bros.

Talk about a departure from your average Nintendo game. Normally, the big N takes an extreme "no violence" stance with it's games. Not this time. This game is all about violence!  Mario beating the crap out of Kirby, and Pikachu giving a thunder jolt to Yoshi. That's what this games all about!! ....................Actually, it's really not that big a departure afterall.  The fighting is all done in a cutesy sort of way, and the characters still remain friends at the end of a match. Still, I never expected to see a game like this from Nintendo. I think it surprised ALOT of people. I do applaud them though. I have always maintained that a fighting game is much better done when for the skill in winning, rather then beating an opponent just to watch them bleed. So yes, this is somewhat a departure, but a welcome one. They are trying to reach a higher maturity level, without corupting the characters. A wise move if you ask me!

So what is this game? As is alluded to above, it's a fighting game, but not at all a conventional one. The game uses the popular Nintendo characters, equipped the  various weapons and power you'd expect from the individual. For instance, Mario has fire balls, Yoshi has an egg throw, Link has his sword, and Donkey Kong has a giant punch. Each of the characters has an assortment of special moves as well as the regular moves.

Everything about this game is unique to the fighting genere. The camera pans and zooms. The characters fight on platforms, giant ships, castle tops, and the like. There is a hugh assortment of throwing item, and special items, and the controls are unlike anything I've ever seen.

To perform your moves you use the analog stick, rather then the conventional digital d-pad. Moves are accomplished by a series of taps, tilts, and button presses. Although awkward feeling at first, I soon grew to like the setup. The game didn't require me to memorize long button pressing combinations that are subject to error. All moves in this game were easy to remember, and performed flawlessly in the first or second try. I'm sure some will dislike the ease of use, as it makes them feel superior to the average gamer, but I like being able to finally perform all the moves within a fighting game.

The character cast includes all the normal Nintendo characters that you grew to love.You start the game with the ability to choose: Mario, Donkey Kong, Samus, Fox, Pikachu, Link, Kirby, and Yoshi. New characters open up as you defeat the bosses.

Graphically, the game looks good. It looks unique, and is very solid coded.  The Nintendo 64 seems very well suited fro this type of game. It doesn't require the space a RPG uses, but does require a good dose of graphical flare. It feels good to play, and doesn't leave you the feeling that it was rushed. In the Nintendo fashion, a very quality product.

At first, I didn't like the game. It soon grew on me. I can't say I ever really got into the bonus stages, but the fighting had a addictive quality to it. Although very cutesy, it still has enough depth to be enjoyable to an older generation.

All in all, it's a very good title. Not as long, or as playable as say Mario 64, or Zelda, but a great game nonetheless. If you like fighting games, you should like this one!

RATINGS
GRAPHICS 89%
SOUND 85%
GAMEPLAY 86%
ORIGINALITY 92%
REPLAY VALUE 80%
OVERALL 86%