Final Score: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Nintendo's all star cast returns to the stage, but are they as great as we hoped they would be?

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Super Smash Bros. has finally hit the Wii U, but is the game everything Nintendo cut it out to be? Does it have what it takes to keep players battling for hours on end? We’ve gathered up six of the top smashing reviews to help you on your quest for answers.

Shacknews:  9/10

  • “Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is a true celebration of everything that Nintendo has ever been. It's evident in the game's roster that spans many of its greatest franchises, to the stages that do the same, and through the trophies that touch on just about everything else. It has numerous control options, dozens of game modes, variety unlike anything I've seen in another fighter, and the general local chaos that comes with playing with four or even eight players.”

Kotaku:  Yes

  • “…yes, you absolutely should play the Wii U version of Smash. To give you an idea of how much I mean this: I have booked tickets to fly across the country later this week and am getting my college friends together so we can relive our glory days with Smash. It's that great of a game. If the game was a "YES" before on the 3DS, it's twice as much as a "YES" now.”

Destructoid:  9.5/10

  • "Super Smash Bros. for Wii U delivers all of the rock-solid mechanics that the 3DS version gave us, with the joy of playing on a big screen with friends and a heap of worthwhile modes. It certainly doesn't negate the greatness of the 3DS edition, but for those who have a bunch of friends anxious to Smash and can only get one, this is the version to get."

Polygon:  9.5/10

  • “Pound for pound, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U has been the most fun I've had playing video games in 2014, and a well-polished crown jewel in the Wii U's library. I've spent dozens of hours Smashing roomfuls of friends into oblivion, grinding through events and hunting down unlockables — and, happily, I feel like I'm just getting started.”

IGN:  9.8/10

  • “Nearly every aspect of Smash Wii U seems fine-tuned not only to appeal to the nostalgia of long-time Nintendo fans, but also to be accessible to new players. Once they’re hooked, it draws them in deeper with a set of great modes and tempting rewards. There’s just so much here, and I’ve rarely seen a game with so many enjoyable and replayable ideas in a single package.”

GiantBomb:  4/5

  • Some modes flop in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, but the important thing is that the core game is expanded upon and significantly improved over entries in the franchise’s past. Its roster and stages are unmatched, and the variety of controller options is fantastic. 8-Player Smash wound up being far more fun than I expected it to be, and is destined to become a game night/party staple for years to come. It’s one of the best reasons to own a Wii U, and it’s easily one of 2014’s premier multiplayer experiences.”
Guides Editor

Joshua holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and has been exploring the world of video games for as long as he can remember. He enjoys everything from large-scale RPGs to small, bite-size indie gems and everything in between.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    November 24, 2014 3:00 PM

    Josh Hawkins posted a new article, Final Score: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

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      November 24, 2014 3:03 PM

      You should make it obvious that the name of the source links to the review. I didn't realize this until I just started clicking things.

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        November 24, 2014 8:51 PM

        yea, i would second that

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        November 24, 2014 10:18 PM

        I'll see what I can do about making that easier to tell. Would underlines help?

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          November 25, 2014 1:22 AM

          i suppose? maybe purple text color, i think ive seen that as hylperlink color somewhere around here.

    • Zek legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
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      November 24, 2014 5:45 PM

      It's a pretty awesome Smash game, and online works surprisingly well with a good wired connection. I wish they could figure out how to make singleplayer fun though, I like event matches but everything else is really dull IMO. The very thought of clearing Classic and All Star with every character for the trophies makes me want to kill myself.

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      November 24, 2014 9:07 PM

      I remember in that tournament documentary about Smash players saying that Nintendo basically abandoned them by slowing the game down. Does this Smash have the jump dashing and does the pace allow for top tier Smash play? Would be fun if the competitive scene returned.

      • Zek legacy 10 years legacy 20 years
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        November 24, 2014 10:02 PM

        It's faster than Brawl but still slower than Melee. It doesn't have any of the movement glitches but it seems like there will be a competitive scene for a while at least.

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          November 24, 2014 10:33 PM

          Why would they remove the ability to dash around like in Melee? Normal players would never develop that ability and high tier players never really play with normal players.

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            November 25, 2014 1:30 AM

            that seems like poor justification for having it in. im confident it was a glitch to begin with, and i think someone could argue that it did more to fragment the community than make the game competitive. I would be curious to hear the thoughts of pro players and announcers / analysts about that though.

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