On October 3, 2014, you’ll be seeing a ton of people with their heads down while they have their 3DS in their hands. That’s because Super Smash Bros. for the 3DS will make its full retail debut in the States. We’ve all seen and read about the game’s leaks and sat through countless hours of live Smash gameplay. Now that the game is nearing its release date, several reviews have finally popped up on the web.
Check out the top 5 reviews for the 3DS edition of Super Smash Bros.!
Game Informer – 9.25/10
Game Informer gave the game a glowing review! Their impressions of the game were all positive as they loved how the game made the most of the 3DS’ smaller screens and they were huge fans of the game’s classic nods to Nintendo’s past. They also noted that the game’s portable control scheme is great to wield:
Even on my best day, I wouldn’t be confused with a tournament-level Smash player. After shifting my block and throw moves from the shoulder buttons to the face buttons, though, I was playing at the same level I do on Melee or Brawl. I won some matches, I lost a few, and I had a completely great time no matter the score. We all know the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. is on the horizon, but the 3DS version is more than something to keep you busy until then. It’s a must-play for Smash fans.
IGN – 8.8/10
IGN were also huge fans of this portable fighter. They enjoyed the game’s easy to understand controls, wealth of modes and huge variety of unlockables. They knocked a few points of the game’s final score due the game’s tiny characters and lackluster Smash Run mode:
Smash 3DS is impressive and, for the most part, feels right at home on 3DS. The multitude of ways to play and awesome customization gave me many reasons to keep fighting – and I’ve been at it for more than 45 hours already. It all produces a fun feedback loop of engaging in matches to unlock custom moves and trophies, then jumping into another match to try out the new stuff. Even the online modes feel carefully considered and focused on what the series does best, and what the 3DS can reasonably do. It’s a little disappointing that the four-player antics that are the best part of the console games don’t really work on a small screen, but there’s still more than enough that does work to make Smash a great 3DS game.
Polygon – 9/10
Polygon’s review was largely positive as well. They noted that the game’s control scheme, fun battles and huge wealth of minigames and collectibles make up the best elements of the game:
If this new generation of Smash Bros. only featured straightforward battles, the upcoming Wii U version — with its elevated thumbsticks and same-screen local multiplayer setup — would probably have an edge over this 3DS incarnation. But the fourth Super Smash Bros. is more than just brawling; a lot more, in fact. I’ve spent far more time collecting loot, doing Classic mode playthroughs, participating in Smash Runs and pushing my high scores in various minigames than I have actually fighting other people.
Gamespot – 8/10
GameSpot gave the game a solid score. Their review was pleased with the vibrant animations, memorable musical score and huge wealth of Nintendo fan service. They did note that the game’s handheld controls take some time getting used to:
You can spend the gold you pick up in an in-game store to unlock new trophies, or you can play other modes like Trophy Rush, which costs a certain amount of gold per second of play. In all of these modes the goal is to unlock more of Smash Bros.’ many, many, many secrets. Hidden stages, characters, items to upgrade your Miis, and trophies all pull from the Nintendo pantheon, and are all meant to be something special to some fan somewhere. When you cut right down to it, that’s really what the whole series is for–fan service that allows you to find and unlock more fan service so that you can play with other fans and share in the fan experience.
Joystiq – 4.5/5
Joystiq’s review was also pretty high. They loved the game’s graphical presentation and high replay factor, but they noted that there are several areas within the game that are ripe for improvement:
While there are definite areas where Nintendo could improve on Super Smash Bros. in an inevitable sequel, this is the most feature-complete, compelling Super Smash Bros. entry to date. It stands right alongside Fire Emblem: Awakening and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds as a game that every 3DS owner should play. Even if you can’t find a smooth online match, the wealth of single-player and local multiplayer options will keep Super Smash Bros. fresh for months to come, and that’s even before you consider the numerous unlockable characters, trophies, items and any potential DLC the developers might have planned. When Nintendo is firing on all cylinders, it creates the sort of games that other companies only wish they could put together, and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS is the perfect example of that sterling pedigree.
