REVIEW: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

by Cody Norton

With its premiere on a handheld system, the newest Super Smash Bros. manages to surpass the quality of previous entries quite admirably. Utilizing every element of the 3DS’s hardware and incorporating a large cast of characters from the Nintendo Universe, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS succeeds in providing recognizable elements to newer players while also presenting some surprising hidden gems from its past.

While Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the previous entry in this franchise, did a respectable job in creating a full three-dimensional feel, the 3DS version fully incorporates the background into the stage to provide a true sense of a third dimension despite the characters still playing in a two-dimensional manner. Even the more nostalgic stages manage to incorporate the full 3D effect without compromising their two-dimensional feel. Despite this 3D landscape, the creators did a wonderful job of distinguishing the characters from the background by providing thicker edges to them. This allows the player to fully appreciate the detailed background of each stage without struggling to follow the movements of their opponents.

The biggest success of the game is its most identifiable aspect: the characters. More than any previous installment, it succeeds in introducing some modern Nintendo characters, namely Rosalina and Luma, while also incorporating some less familiar retro characters. Despite a fair number of obvious inclusions, Nintendo still succeeds at providing unexpected but appreciated characters who all possess a unique feel and look to them. The play style and move sets provide a vastly new experience while ensuring there is a character to fit the needs of any smasher.

A surprising change was the separating of multi-characters, such as Zelda/Sheik, into two different fighters. This allows individuals to immediately begin with their preferred character. Despite these welcomed additions, Smash Bros. still made some questionable character inclusions and removals. Overall though, the expansiveness and uniqueness of the roster is a triumph of Nintendo’s ability to promote modern characters while also paying homage to nearly forgotten classics. Nintendo’s ability to construct movements and move sets that perfectly reflect the nature of each of their characters is an unbelievable accomplishment especially with characters that appear to have no right in a game centered on brawling.

To those more involved in the competitive scene, the changes in game mechanics are a godsend. Super Smash Bros. Brawl was heavily criticized by the competitive community for its odd game mechanics, notably the overall ‘floaty” feeling of the game and the random slipping. Thankfully, both of these issues have been resolved. Random slipping is gone and while the game still does not play at the speed of Super Smash Bros. Melee, there is a notable increase with the 3DS version. Additionally, there has been a revolutionary change in the edge mechanics. No longer will characters fall to their death when someone else has beaten them to the edge as they try to recover. Instead, the initial character will be pushed back where they can freely move again while the latter is now holding the ledge (Screenshot). On a competitive level, this will vastly change how professional gamers approach the game, leading to more off-stage brawling to prevent characters from even reaching the ledge. Finally, combos have been rather nullified causing singular strikes to be emphasized. Fighting now centers on landing the next hit rather than sneaking in a heavy-hitting combo. The game succeeds at accomplishing and correcting every major issue that was present in Brawl while still allowing skill to be a dominating factor in match performance.

While Smash Bros. for the 3DS is loaded with activities and game modes to explore, there is an overall lack of new options. The game remains centered around the traditional Smash option where you can set the rules and play as you choose, now with local play. Unfortunately nothing in this mode is functionally different from previous entries. Stadium Mode has made slight adjustments. While the Homerun Contest and Multi-Man Smash play almost identicaly to previous installments. Target Blast has been adjusted to an almost reminiscent version of Angry Birds. Unfortunately it only has one level that provides no differing setup between characters, which is a bit unfortunate, as additional options in Target Blast would have added a lot more replay value.

Smash Run is the only true addition; however, it fails to improve upon the game it had mimicked. Utilizing similar aspects from City Trial, a game mode within Kirby Air Ride, Super Smash Bros. attempted to reconfigure a successful formula and place it within the game. Unfortunately, unappealing background aesthetics and unoriginal final battles hinder its attempt (Screenshot). Combined with a lack of customizable game options, this game is destined for mediocrity within the Smash community.

The most glaring issue is the absence of a story mode. For a game built for the individual experience on the go, it is utterly strange that a single player story mode could not be included. With internet connectivity a necessity to play with friends that are far away and requiring multiple 3DS handhelds to even play with nearby friends, a story mode seemed like a brilliant option for people unable to fully utilize the 3DS connectivity. Nintendo has in fact demonstrated its ability to create interweaving story lines to form an overall enjoyable plot with Brawl. Unfortunately, Smash Run is better suited for the Wii U landscape where group playing is far more frequent and easier to establish. Without online connectivity for Smash Run it only further emphasizes the necessity of better single player options to provide entertainment to people unable to utilize online connectivity.

Online play has been improved, but not by much. Nintendo’s decision to create two separate online modes, For Glory and For Fun, was a wise decision. However, only the 1v1 of For Glory is a reliable online option. Unlike other online games, it only takes bad connectivity from a single individual to create lag for the entire match. It is frustrating that Nintendo has not solved its online issues with this franchise because the nature of this game requires on time button execution and a delay hinders the experience. It by no means destroys the experience and it does not happen with every battle, but the issue is far too frequent. Overall, the online gameplay is a work in progress thankfully moving in the right direction; just make sure you have reasonably strong Wi-Fi connection.