The Skinny on Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Super Smash Bros. Brawl is a spectacular crossover fighting game created by Sora, which Nintendo published for their newest gaming platform, the Wii.  Unlike its predecessors, Brawl not only uses Nintendo characters, it also allows players to control third-party characters, such as Snake and Sonic.  The object of the game is the same as in previous versions: to knock your opponents off the screen.  Parents will appreciate the fact that the game is won when the opponent is "ringed out," not knocked out.  Another feature of the game is a superb single player mode, called The Subspace Emissary (SSE).  It also includes a multiplayer mode for up to 4 players and it's the first game of the franchise to feature online battles via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

Its battle system is unlike that of traditional fighting games.  Players have a large selection of characters to be able to knock off the screen in various stages.  Unlike typical games, where health starts at 100% and loses value as damaged is sustained, Smash starts at 0% and gains value as an opponent’s character is damaged.  Characters fight using a variety of attacks while tilting and pressing a button on the control stick.  Configuration is changeable, depending on the level of the individual.  Each character has four unique moves, plus the ability to use super attacks known as Final Smash moves. Characters can also use attack items, with old and new available for selection.

Brawl has received rave reviews and widespread acclaim.  Its ratings have been A’s.  This in the gaming world makes it a highly popular game!