nidobanddo's Full Review: Super Smash Bros for Nintendo 64
Nintendo released Super Smash Bros in 1999 for the Nintendo 64. It boasted addictive multiplayer action with an array of character choices. A simple, fun game that could be enjoyed amongst friends with its 4 player battle mode. The only real downside was the single player mode, as it got very dull after a few runs through.
Single Player
The single player mode of Super Smash Bros was mediocre to say the least. It was a great way to hone your skills, and fun to play through a few time. Once you learn that secrets can be unlocked through the single player campaign, it may rouse some more interest. Single player mode consists of choosing one of the 12 (if all unlocked) characters, and battling through various stages. The stages are merely fights as you would experience in multiplayer, but there are a few stages that offer unique battles. These special battles include:
The Fighting Polygon Team - A battle against 30 foes, each low poly renders of various characters in the game. These enemies are very easy but because there are so many it makes the level a challenge.
Metal Mario - A battle with the metal Mario that we met in Mario 64, after he unlocks the green box. This enemy is very difficult because he cannot be moved very far. Even when he has massive damage, the hardest punch only sends him a few inches.
The Hand - The boss stage. The big hand that is commonly used to point to things is Nintendo games becomes a ruthless foe. He has various creative attacks and is not easily defeated.
Multiplayer
This is where Super Smash Bros shines. The multiplayer experience in this game is terrific, allowing for large groups of friends to battle all night long. Four players could compete, either on teams or solo, in a match on one of eight levels. The levels are based on different characters, giving Mario and Luigi their Mushroom Kingdom, Fox the Great Fox in Sector z, Pikachu the top of a Pokémon Center, and s few others. The battle would begin after a countdown and then it would be chaos for the allotted time or life expenditure. During battle, if the players choose, items will appear and help those who can get to them first. Items include the infamous red shells, hammers (from Donkey Kong), ray guns, star power, pokeballs, and others. Also in the battles a level based obstruction would often appear. These were things that would cause harm to players, and were based on the level. In Star Fox's level the pilots of Fox's crew would come in and attack at random. On Link's castle of Hyrule there would be periodic tornadoes that would blast you away should you be caught in one. All these features were often customizable and made the game great for hours of play. Also the character selection always left something new to be had, as each character had a unique set of attacks to win with.
Audio/Visual
The sights and sounds of Super Smash Bros were quite enthralling, bringing the players deep into the game. Classic noises from past NES games made the experience nostalgic at times, while remixed music brought life to the levels. The graphics were very nice for what the Nintendo 64 was commonly using, but nothing totally surprising.
Final Word
This is a great multiplayer game, fun at parties or with a sibling. If Golden Eye 007 is starting to get old, this will make a great multiplayer alternative. The single player is the only real downside to the game and it's not even all that bad, so I would definitely say that if you and your friends like to play classic games, give this a try.
Great characters: Mario, Luigi, Pikachu, Kirby, Donkey Kong, Link, Star Fox, Yoshi, and more Simple gameplay Computer partner option Colorful arenas, ...More at Amazon Marketplace
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