A Challenger Approaches: A Review of Super Smash Brothers 3DS

When they announced that the next Smash Brothers game was going to be on both the Wii U and the 3DS, I was skeptical to say the least. While I love my 3DS, the idea of playing a game of smash on it seemed like a not very enjoyable experience. It would be underpowered, a stripped down version of what a real SSB game would be. Combined with the small screen size (even on by the XL's standards) and a control scheme that is really meant for a dedicated controller, everything just screamed to me like this was a bad idea. And yet, the fact that it would be "a smash brothers game" peaked my interest enough that I shelled out for the game in lieu of being "smashless" until the Wii U version comes out towards the end of the year. So, does this new territory work for the franchise? Or is this an experiment that isn't worth repeating. Well, in a nut shell it is a great entry into the beloved franchise, but you can't help but wonder if tying it with it's inevitably more powerful console brother is doing it a diservice to its potential.

Free For All!

If you've never played a Super Smash Brothers game before, shame on you because they're all fantastic titles. All you need to know is that each entry is a crossover fighting game staring an all star line up of Nintendo's biggest characters. Each match is either timed to see who can knockout of the arena the most players, or each fighter has limited number of lives and one must be the last man (or woman, turtle, robot, Pikachu, blob, etc) standing. The beauty comes in the different stages and characters you can play. While the controls are always much simpler than the other fighting games of the genre, it's simplicity and nostalgia are what make it so wonderful to play. The 3DS version is no different.

In addition to the smash matches, classic mode, and all-star mode that have become series staples, there are new unique modes to the 3DS version such as a mode very reminiscent of City Trial in Kirby's Air Ride for the gamecube. In fact, the game is definitely a Sakurai (the game's director) game as both Kirby's Air Ride and Kid Icarus: Uprising have strong influences on the game's style and gameplay modes. While that isn't a bad thing, it makes me miss the original and melee for their distinct "Smash Brothers" flair.

However the game is still a ton of fun to play and what you expect of a Smash title.

Choose Your Character

Possibly the most exciting prospect of a new smash brothers title is the roster of playable characters. In fact they capitalized on this excitement in the build up to the game's release, making each "newcomer" as new fighters are referred to in the franchise a star of an epic announcement trailer, showing off the characters unique talents. Compared the the last instalment Brawl, the lineup is not only massive, the number of interesting and unique ways to play is the best part of the whole game. In addition, a mechanic of certain characters being able to transform has been removed with these characters being themselves split into separate characters. This was, in my opinion; a great decision and allows for great expansion of characters which relied certain conditions or mechanics. While there are still too many "clones" or characters that are basically palette swaps (much better than brawl), it's still a great and diverse line up.

No Contest

Now based on the title for this section the review, you think that they've omitted something crucial thing in order to get the game onto the 3DS. That isn't entirely true. It's true that an Adventure or Story mode which has been around since Melee is missing from the game, however that doesn't irk me as it is both both a disappointment and a feature that I don't miss terribly. The issue comes from the fact that there's something in the feel of this game that seems off in comparison to the previous instalments. As I mentioned before the game feels like Kirby's Air Ride meets Kid Icarus meets Smash Brothers, which means in many ways it doesn't 100% feel like smash. I also think that because the two versions of the game are meant to be "interchangeable" to an extent, the Wii U version is going to feel not as robust as a major console version should have.

Now before you all go complaining about how I'm saying the game isn't as good simply because of my "feelings", the issues that you may or not have heard about regarding the control scheme are definitely true. There are times when a dinky control "circle" just don't work. Also while no one may admit it, in an attempt to keep both versions the same, there's definitely cuts that will annoy some hardcore fans.

This Game's Winner Is...

While this a great foray into the world of portable smash brothers, it's definitely not perfect. It's still a great game an a tone of fun, but I know that really all I'm doing is tiding myself over with a roster preview of what the Wii U version will have. Hopefully the Wii U will have some great distinct features that will make it the true successor the franchise needs. Otherwise it will be a great yet slightly unsatisfying free for all.

Score: 8/10

A Weird Week in Tomodachi Life: A Review

Back in April when Tomodachi Life was announced to world back in April, I reacted the same way most people did, what the hell is this game. What feels like Animal Crossing thrown in a blender with Warioware and Mii Maker, Tomodachi Life is simulation and social game tinged with the surreal. In fact, it's so random and strange that how I just described is the only way to condense it in a sentence. In fact while I managed to go through most of the games features, I'm still finding surprises that make roll on the floor with laughter. That reason along with several other factor make Tomodachi an essential in anyone's 3DS library.

I'm hungry

At face value it's pretty easy to understand Tomodachi Life. You can either create Mii's from scratch or Import Mii's from your own 3DS. But beyond the traditional mii Maker features, you give these mii's a vocaloid voice and personality based on 5 criteria. These small touches allow your multiple miis to run amok on your own island. Unlike the Sims and more like it's furry cousin animal crossing, the game plays in real time and miss are self-sufficient, they'll ask you solve they're problems (mostly boils down to you buying them stuff). It's a stress-free game and unlike Animal Crossing where time is a factor for certain tasks, the goals of this game are self-defined. This makes for a nice relaxing experience. Now the voices aren't perfect, in fact they're absolutely terrible. But that terrible quality actually makes the charms and oddities of Tomodachi Life that much more fun to play, like enjoying a hilariously bad movie.

By the power of Tiramisu

No, this review doesn't have a food theme. This is a reference to a 'dream', yes your miis dream now; that one of my Mii's had, where he turned into a superhero using tiramisu (in a transformation sequence as well :P). Tomodachi's quirky and random sense of humour vaguely reminds me of Invader Zim and the Gaia days. Being random for the sake of being random if you will. We're all mad here, and trying to find all the jokes is part of the fun. And I'm still being surprised, that's just how much there is.

Same old, Same old

But despite that random moments that keep things interesting, everything else can get routine very quickly. You get the same problems to solve every day, almost always easy to solve. It's not a game-killer, but it certainly takes away from the fun. The again, it can be compared to a certain similarly named simulation from the 90s that really didn't have much to do... and that one was significantly more stressful.

Conclusion

I'll definitely playing this game for another month, perhaps even on and off again all year. Is it 3DS game of the year? Not by any stretch of the imagination, but it's definitely a must buy for any 3DS owner.

Verdict 8.5/10