As we all know, Super Smash Bros. was made famous when it hit the 64 in 1999. It sold 4.9 million copies worldwide. It was so successful, that a sequel was a given. Super Smash Bros. Melee was introduced to the Gamecube in 2001, proving to be even more successful then it's predecessor. 

Now here we are in 2008, enjoying the first several months of the newest addition to the series, Super Smash Bros. Brawl. It has sold 7.47 million copies worldwide. Brawl is definitely no disappointment to the Smash Bros. fans.

Story Mode:
The Subspace Emissary is needless to say the most intricate story mode compared to the others. It takes several hours to beat, and has a very detailed story line. Following each level, is a cutscene that explains what's going to happen next, and helps keep you interested. You'll fine that you will play the game just to see the next cutscene. As you unlock characters throughout the Subspace Emissary, you will be able to choose from one of those characters for each level you play, allowing for more strategy. The result, ends in a climactic battle with the last boss of the game ( no name spoilers though  ). 

Gameplay:
Gameplay has changed with each addition to the series. Same with Brawl. It's fast, fun, and changes constantly. More items in the game changes the match every second, especially the Smash Ball. The way I like to compare Brawl to Melee, is that Melee is easier to the quick thinker, while Brawl is easier on the smart, and experienced player. Some people call Brawl floaty, I strongly disagree. You will find with more experience in the game, that Brawl differentiates weight more than it's predecessors, making characters like Fox, Pit, and Kirby slower to fall. 

Online Play:
The online for Brawl has the potential to be fantastic, and it definitely is, but so far Brawl shows that Nintendo's servers need some sprucing up. At times the lag is terrible, enough to lose a connection, and other times it's so bad that you can't even connect. So far, online play with friends have been good. Another online feature is Spectator mode. Brawl records online matches, allowing you to watch them later and bid on who you think is the going to win. The coins you win go towards trophies, stickers, etc.

Stages:
With Brawl having it's own stages, Melee stages, and your own stages that you build, there are plenty of places to Brawl at. Some stages are plain with no special effects like Final Destination, and some like Pokemon Sky Pillar which changes the gameplay constantly. When connected to the internet, you are allowed to submit your own stages to other people on the internet, and you can receive some other person's created stage every day. 

Graphics:
Graphics for Super Smash Bros. have always been up to snuff. Same goes with Brawl. The details in the characters and stages are amazing. While the games graphics aren't the best in the world, they are something that many other graphically powerful games aren't, and that is, clean. Certainly enough eye candy for you. 

Extras:
There are so many little ins and outs in the game that I could go on all day. Between trophies, stickers, pictures, replays, and demos from past Nintendo games, you'll always have something to do. The music in the game is beautifully orchestrated, and there are hundreds of songs to play and listen to while Brawling.

My overview, is that Super Smash Bros. Brawl is one of the best Nintendo games to date. If you like the Super Smash Bros. series, you'll love Brawl. The online play, so far, hurts it, but other then that, it's a game to have in your library. 

9.6/10.0