Much like Mario Kart 8 from earlier this year, Super Smash Bros. is being praised in early reviews for keeping all of the classic franchise gameplay elements in place, while also introducing a few new elements into the mix. Unlike Mario Kart 8, though, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS really is taking its franchise into new territory.
This is the first time that Nintendo’s classic fighting game has ever made its way to a handheld system. Some early reviews indicate that the 3DS screen is a bit too small to encompass all the action of Super Smash Bros., especially during four-player death matches. Still, from fresh modes of play to new characters, there seems to be plenty on display in this version of Smash that will encourage franchise’s console-loving fans to give the 3DS a shot.
Of course, a Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. is on the way for 2014’s fourth quarter. But if you’ve been thinking about checking out the 3DS version and were just wondering how a handheld take on Super Smash Bros. would work, the review excerpts below will likely sway you toward picking up the game when it officially hits shelves next Friday.
Game Rant (Riley Little)
Score: 4/5
-
IGN (Jose Otero)
Score: 8.8/10
-
Joystiq (Earnest Cavalli)
Score: 4.5/5
-
Gamespot (Daniel Starkey)
Score: 8/10
-
Polygon (Griffin McElroy)
Score: 9/10
-
Gaming Trend (Griffin Dunn)
Score: 9.5/10
-
GamesRadar (Lucas Sullivan)
Score: 3/5
-
Escapist (Jim Sterling)
Score: 9/10
-
Game Informer (Jeff Cork)
Score: 9.3/10
-
Are the reviews about what you were expecting to see for a new installment in a beloved franchise? Or were you, like Game Informer’s Jeff Cork, highly skeptical that Nintendo could translate the rambunctious fun of Super Smash Bros. over to a handheld platform? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS will be officially available in North America next Friday, October 3. A Wii U version is expected to release in November.
