Super Smash Bros. For the Wii U Review: The King of Fighters for 2014

By Nolan P. Smith

Publisher: Nintendo

Platform: Wii U

Rating: E 10+

(Victor Valley)—When it comes to flagship Nintendo games, certain games always seem to come up: the Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Donkey Kong, Pokémon, along with many more. So when the game that combines the characters from all these titles and more and throws them into a free for all brawl comes to the next generation of gaming, fans wait in anticipation. Super Smash Bros. is that game, but how does this new Wii U version of Nintendo’s premiere fighter measure up?

Now the fifth game in the series of the Super Smash Bros. franchise, this game shatters any doubts players might have in their minds. This is the epitome of what a Nintendo fighting game should be. Players can pick from 49 fighters to duke it out with in grand Smash Bros fashion. From Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Pikachu, to new fighters like Little Mac from Punch-Out!!, Mega Man, and Pac Man; there is no shortage on fighters to choose from.

For the controls, the simple yet affective gameplay used in the franchise before is back, and it’s like riding a bike. Two buttons allow for jumps, one for special attacks, one for regular attacks, one to block, and one to throw make for controls anyone can jump into and enjoy. The game types available include a solo campaign, multiplayer, online multiplayer, training, tournaments, and more. New to this version are eight player battles, which make for a flurry of fun for the senses.

The game looks stunning, easily the best in the series so far. From the character models, which are spot on to their respective origin games, to the stages, which take stages we remember from games during our childhood and add that Smash Bros. upgrade we love so much, like the boxing ring from Punch-Out!!, are outstanding and a blast to explore.

I must admit, I haven’t purchased too many titles for the Wii-U, but this was a day one purchase for me, and I wasn’t disappointed. Super Smash Bros. For the Wii U has the same addictive gameplay the franchise is known for, and with improvements and innovations that raise the bar once again. For me, this is the fighting game of 2014. I give Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U an easy 9 out of 10. If the campaign mode had actual endings for each character, this would be a perfect 10. A must buy.