Super Smash Bros for Wii U Review: Success!

3 of 3

Online Play

The online servers went live on launch day, meaning I could finally get my hands on the action then. 4 players maximum are supported online, with you and up to one extra local player available to take on the world’s eager opponents. For Fun mode is a lot more laid back in terms of gameplay, with items and most stages available each to play from. Randomness and chaos are appreciated, and Win/Loss ratio records are not kept. It also means that Nintendo’s strict online policies go into effect, including bans for targeting one player only in 4 player Smash, disconnection prior to losses, etc. I get that they’re trying to lock down on griefing, but the babying of its fans to the point where playing for fun is actually more restrictive than “For Glory” is perplexing.

Super Smash Bros for Wii U was designed to be played on the Gamecube Controller.

It’s really in For Glory where you want to spend your time, as it’s the perfect setting to play Super Smash Bros for Wii U like the fighting game many want it to be. 1v1, 2v2 or free for all in 4 players; whichever way you want to settle it in Smash, each plays outstandingly well at launch. I first had issues every 5 matches with stutters, however after moving my Wii U unit closer to my router (it had been playing very far from it previously) most connectivity problems went away. With so many online-heavy titles not ready for their release dates this holiday, to see Nintendo nail their online play in a game that’s so dependent on offline multiplayer is a sight for sore eyes.

I found that 2-Stock online matches is the best fit in a non-tournament setting (with tournaments explored in post-launch content updates) of Smash play. Its 5 minute time limit will rarely be pressed, but still allows for players to play as defensively as they wish. Our metagame/competitive review will be released hopefully by the end of the week, which will go more into these aspects on the Wii U. That said, there’s no better way to either get in and out with someone who wipes the floor with you or trade unspoken match agreements, where the best 2 out of 3, 3 out of 5 are essentially agreed upon with an unspoken vow.

What I love most about the online Smash community at launch is just how varied it is. Over time, we may start to see a lot more Rosalinas and fewer Olimars, yet right now people are pretty talented with a wide collection of characters. This is likely due to the month and a half advanced time with playing the 3DS version (that I stayed away from to keep a fresh perspective for the Wii U version), although there’s no perceived skew towards Little Mac that I heard so much of going into play. It speaks to the roster balance I spoke of earlier, confirming my suspicions in a spectacular fashion.

Playing To The Pad

Whenever you can find a Gamecube Adaptor for the Wii U, make sure to pick it up immediately, as Super Smash Bros for Wii U was designed to be played on the Gamecube Controller. Whether you’re a C-stick flicker, X or Y-button jumper or both, the layout of the control scheme best fits the Early 2000’s controller of choice. While the Wii U GamePad and the Wii U Pro Controller will suffice (after changing the button layout to a more ergonomic and comfortable selection), the design of the buttons on these Smash-branded controllers play so well into the gameplay mechanics.

Super Smash Bros is easily the greatest game the Wii U has produced to date.

The new Gamecube controller handles exactly the same as the old controller. The stick movement is deliberate and firm, complete with precision that holds up over hours upon hours of play. Plus, the new controller has a longer cord than the original Gamecube first-party controllers, meaning that playing 8-player Smash with two adaptors is a lot more feasible now than just using the classics. It’s a lot of money to throw down for a controller port that essentially works for just one title, but if you’re going into playing Smash with the idea that you’ll be enjoying hundreds upon hundreds of hours of play (like I expect to), it’s well worth the investment.

Super Smash Bros for Wii U Review: Success!

By Daniel George | Nov 19, 2014

Online Play

Playing To The Pad

Final Verdict