IMG_2167

SUPER SMASH BROS!!!! It’s been six years since we’ve seen a new version and this latest one, playable on Wii U and 3DS, did not disappoint. With new characters, like the Wii Fit Trainer and Little Mac, and new levels, including one where Pong starts playing right on the screen, the only thing that could have made it better was if we placed first in our battle and won a Nintendo T-shirt.

After playing Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U, I have concluded that it’s, in a word, awesome (but it still can’t salvage my signature button smashing technique).

First off, here’s a look at the main part of the Nintendo booth, with their most anticipated game taking center stage:

▼ Just look at that giant screen!IMG_2026-2

IMG_2167

Aside from the elevated stage catering to the ridiculously huge screen, Nintendo also set up a bank of Wii U consoles in front of and behind each giant Nintendo-character-clad pillar, allowing four gamers to face off against each other in two Super Smash Bros. battles.

Nintendo panorama

▼ Mario was holding down the fort, watching over the dozens of players simultaneously playing Smash Bros. IMG_2170-2

As you might expect, there was a huge mob of people crowded around each console, pushing closer and closer to the screen for their chance to play the newest version of a classic. From the outside, it looked like utter chaos, completely devoid of any sort of orderly line. But once you immersed yourself in the madness, you realized it was just good old fashion living room rules, everyone keeping tabs on who was there first and reprimanding those who stepped up to the controller out of turn.

▼ A group of four choosing their players (unfortunately, Pac-Man did not make an appearance on this demo).
IMG_2164

▼ Little Mac, Mario, Mega Man, and the Wii Fit Trainer duking it out.
The Wii Fit Trainer did more yoga poses than actual fighting, proving it to be “the silly choice to make your friends laugh” and not a serious contender.IMG_2190-2

▼ The Wii U chillin’ out as we use GameCube controllers to smash each other.IMG_2179

▼ Check out some footage of Super Smash Bros. gameplay (skip to 00:21 if you’re not interested in the Nintendo booth)

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U reminded me of the good old days spent grappling with the three-pronged N64 controller, playing as Kirby because I always got knocked off the side and desperately had to use his sucking power to bring me back. Nurturing the same basic principle, but adding in new characters and new stages, it gives you plenty to feel nostalgic about, but also get excited for. It’s so good, it makes me want to buy a Wii U…almost.

***BONUS***

Nintendo also had their Amiibo interactive action figures on display, which are promised to work with Super Smash Bros. Take a look!

IMG_2265

IMG_2260

IMG_2254

IMG_2256

IMG_2259

IMG_2273

IMG_2271

IMG_2275

IMG_2268

All photos and video © RocketNews24/Khoa Dinh