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Does Smash Bros. Brawl merit a Teen rating?
We've all had a week to "FALCON PUNCH!" our way through the Wii's latest mega-anticipated title, scrambling for an innumerable amount of Smash Balls and mastering our technique with the subtly complex Jigglypuff, but in our excitement, we can't forget that group who is unable to join the Super Smash Bros. Brawl parade -- we speak, of course, of the twelve-and-under crowd, who are excluded from the party due to the game's Teen rating from the ESRB.A blogger for San Jose's Mercury News recently called the mildly restrictive rating into question, claiming that the "crude humor" and "cartoon violence" present in the game is comparable to any number of children's TV shows. While we're usually not ones to disagree with North America's most esteemed game graders, we can't help but see where he's coming from.What do you think about the rating -- is it completely unmerited, or does the game really run the risk of inspiring youngsters to attack one another with trophies and hammers?
Wii Warm Up: The Subspace Emissary
Many of you have been playing Brawl this week, and we've been hearing that the Subspace Emissary is on the "meh" side of the scale. Jason Cipriano over at MTV Multiplayer recently argued, though, that the Subspace Emissary should get its own sequel. Just think about it: A game entirely devoted to a one-player (or co-op) adventure, using some of the most beloved characters in video game history. If the Subspace Emissary had been Sakurai's (or someone else's) whole focus, we'd bet it would be a lot more fine-tuned.So, what say you, readers? Should the Subspace Emissary get its own sequel? Even if you haven't played Brawl yet, do you think something like that would be a good idea? Share your thoughts here, folks.
Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/3-3/9
To most of us, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is old news. The U.S. has had it since last summer, and even Europe has been enjoying the game for a few months now. It only debuted in Japan last week, though, and we were happily surprised to see it make the top five. It only sold 32,000 copies in its first week, but that's still not too shabby for a Metroid game in Japan. Hopefully, the game will have some legs and not plunge off the charts after its first week, like many other first-person shooters tend to do.As for other software, the Wii didn't have too many games in the top thirty -- only eight, in fact -- yet it was still the second most represented gaming system on the charts. With the exception of the aforementioned Metroid and Everyone's General Knowledge Training TV, all the Wiis top games have consistently stuck around for (at least) a few weeks. In other news, Smash Bros. once again failed to take the first place spot. The game beat out last week's chart champ, the new Gundam for the PS2, but fell behind the newly released Yakuza 3.In hardware, the Wii claimed the top spot once again as Japan is clearly so over the Mint Green PSP (that was so five minutes ago). You can check out the hardware and software numbers for last week in Japan after the break -- we recommend that you do so.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl's secret Snake codec taunt
An interesting Super Smash Bros. Brawl secret involving Solid Snake's famous codec can be found after the break.
Gripes and Glees: One week with Smash Bros. Brawl
Oh Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Our blogging super-powers have given us an entire week with your dual-layered, nostalgia-filled awesomeness, where most gamers have only had the past few days. In spite of the nega-review, Brawl still seems to be pure gold in the eyes of most gamers and reviewers. Of course, a game as massive as Brawl is bound that have hidden its imperfections somewhere. So let's go hunting, listing the game's many gleeful points, each followed by a gripe that may have been overlooked in our fanboyish devotion to the franchise. No facet of the game will go untouched here, so be warned that spoilers may abound. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, let's play Gripes and Glees!Glee: The opening cinematic to Brawl is gorgeous as always, and even updates as new characters become unlocked. Gripe: The initial load-screen for the cinematic lasts around ten to fifteen seconds, a wait time normally unheard of in first-party Nintendo titles. The unskippable load time feels even longer due to the lack of music and an almost entirely black screen.
Tons of original Brawl stages are now at your fingertips
One really enjoyable feature in Super Smash Bros. Brawl is the Stage Builder. Not only is it a medium for players to channel some of their creativity, but it's also fun to try out stages that other people have made. There are limits to the stage builder, though. You can't just peruse user-created levels at will -- you're limited to either the ones that Nintendo features, or the ones that your friends send you. Fortunately, IGN has created a web page for users to share and download Brawl levels with ease. For example, if you want to play on the N64 Hyrule Castle stage, just check out this fan recreation. IGN has also provided some helpful directions explaining how to upload a level onto the site and download someone else's to play. Before you head on over and check them out, though, be warned that some of the stage screenshots depict spoiler characters.So, what are some of your favorites?[Thanks, Brent and David!]
Web services allow for easy Brawl stage sharing
Sure, the Super Smash Bros. Brawl stage editor is a great way to extend the value of the game, but it's only really valuable if you and your friend-code friends have the creativity to come up with interesting stages. Those of us with no creative talent and/or no friends are out of luck! Enter the web, which has already filled in some of the stage-sharing holes Nintendo left in the game. IGN's recently launched Smash Bros. supersite already has a selection of over 100 user-created stages that players can download to their SD cards, while the Smash World forums Stage Browser currently has 85 or so stages available. Each site offers picture previews, easy instructions for uploading and a rating system to separate the wheat from the chaff. Now if someone could just hack a way to play these user-created stages in online matches we'd really be in business!Visit - IGN's stage sharing clearinghouseVisit - Smash World Forums stage browser
Error Code 85010: Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection 'Smashed'
Nintendo's chief explanation for Error Code 85010 goes something like: "Ours [sic] servers may be trying to handle an unusually high amount of traffic (especially if you are trying to play online with a recently-released or popular game, or if there is a new Wii system update). Please wait a few hours and try the connection again later." That's an oblique way of stating, simply: You're trying to play Smash Bros., aren't you?Brawl's online component isn't entirely dysfunctional. If you've traded digits, playing 'with friends' is stable, and also permits more than one player from the same Wii to participate. Likewise, Spectator Mode is almost always working if you're the faceless voyeur-type who also likes to spend a little coin (in this case, on arbitrary betting). But when it comes to random brawls 'with anyone,' Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection tends to get, um, stressed. Good luck getting anything more than a few rounds with the sandbag before the service drops you during peak hours -- also known as, 'nights and weekends.'When contacted, Nintendo assured us that its technicians are looking into the problem. See what happens when you hire a pair of plumbers to build your server farm out of warp pipes?[Note: If you've received Error Code 85010 and are unable to establish any kind of online connection, then the problem could be associated with your internet service (dude, dial-up is so not gonna work -- ever) or your router (Wii can be picky). Refer to Nintendo Customer Service for more information.]
Super Smash Bros. Brawl has voice chat ... it's called Xbox Live, PSN, Skype, etc.
The sound of human silence is deafening a mere 48 hours into the online Super Smash Bros. Brawl experience. With some vigorous testing, we've discovered five simple ways to bring the mysteries of voice chat to the Wii. Harnessing the power of other consoles, or a com-pu-ter, the joy of sharing voice while playing online with someone hundreds or thousands of miles away can be experienced by many. Don't forget to check out our list of Brawl friend codes if you need some online buds. Xbox Live: Or as we've come to know it -- Brawl LIVE®. Just set up private chat and off you go. Got more than one friend? Go into a Halo 3 lobby (you do have Halo 3, right?). PSN: Start up a new chat under the "friends" section of the XMB. Invite all the friends you want and wait for them to join. Works and sounds exceptional! USB and Bluetooth compatible. Skype: Set up a conference call. TeamSpeak or Ventrilo: Guilds, clans and other computer types know these services. Perfect for guildies brawling together. Nintendo DS: Use Metroid Prime Hunters or Pokémon Diamond or Pearl. Warning: More inane codes required to pull this option off. There are also homebrew options. Of course, if none of these options are viable, might we suggest using a classic: The phone.
Boston wins Nintendo's Smash Bros. Brawl launch tournament
Representatives from Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York met in NYC for Nintendo's official Smash Bros. Melee Brawl launch tournament. Each of these finalists were going to walk home with a Wii and an insane amount of Best Buy gift monies. The victor, however, would get a brand new TV, sound system, and a customized crystal Wii. Boston's representative took home the gold with a stunning performance with Sheik (see video, above).The Smash competitions went throughout the night, ensuring that patient Best Buy shoppers were treated to some entertainment while they waited for the game's obligatory midnight release. Many New Yorkers, after picking up their copies, rushed to the subway, undoubtedly rushing home to enjoy their spoils.Update: Really -- seriously? Melee? Fixed. Gallery: Smash Bros. Brawl NYC launch tournament
Dojo update: Going waaay back
So, are we all enjoying Brawl? Of course, because I'm a mug and reside in the UK, I'm still waiting for my copy, but as long as you guys are happy and having a hoot, that's all that matters. Seriously, no jealousy here. Really! What, that throbbing vein? Yeah, it's always been there. Go past the break for the usual spoilers while yours truly curls up in the corner and sobs heavily.
MIT catches Brawl fever with newest 'hack'
The students of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are once again showing off their gamer cred with an on-campus prank (or "hack," as those princely nerds like to call it). This time, it's in honor of the release of Smash Bros. Brawl, a modest little Wii title that you may or may not have heard of. The "hackers" hung items and symbols from the game in Lobby 7 of their campus on launch day, including a Pokéball, crate, and Mario's cap.We have to admit that we're a bit disappointed with the simplicity of this gaming prank. Hanging little trinkets is nothing compared to arming and helmeting a statue to resemble Master Chief. While we appreciate the thought, this prank would seem tame at a community college, much less one of the most competitive schools in America. Of course, we're willing to forgive and forget, if MIT's student body can manage to come up with something a little better. You raised the bar yourselves, ladies and gentlemen. Now here's your chance to meet it.
Joystiq's official Super Smash Bros. Brawl friend codes ber-list
Stop walking the streets and asking total strangers if they want to trade Super Smash Bros. Brawl friend codes. Come inside, pull up a chair, and let us serve you with fresh, safe (and hopefully clean) codes all in one spot. Please consider this the place for the Joystiq community to drop their Brawl digits. A couple quick ground rules: All that's required is the Brawl code and not your Wii digits. Please don't post your Wii code. This post is only for Brawl codes. This post is only for Brawl codes, seriously! --Love, Joystiq[Thanks to everyone that requested this post]
Nega-review: Super Smash Bros. Brawl
"Super Smash Bros. Brawl isn't a giant leap forward from Super Smash Bros. Melee." (9) "Repetition is Brawl's ... real crime." (2) The "beat-em-up gameplay [is] relatively unchanged" (3) -- "returning to your stock franchises ... shackles you to old ways." (2) "This game was made for Nintendo fans. ... For the uninterested gamer, it's a curious diversion." (7)"Subspace Emissary is boring. There, we said it." (8) "The storyline itself seems almost randomly compiled – a pieced together jigsaw puzzle of different factions coming together." (1) No, "there's not much rhyme or reason to the plot" (3) -- "it's a narrative mish-mash and bloated as hell." (2) "Most the time, you don't know what's going on. ... We find the complete lack of storytelling disturbing." (8)"As a platformer, [Subspace Emissary] is not great." (2) "The fine-tuned jumping mechanics needed for platformers just aren't built into all of the Brawl characters, and shoehorning fighting game characters into action-adventure side-stories hasn't worked well since Tekken experimented with the same." (9) "Dull level design and unnecessarily tricksy warp door antics" (2) don't help, nor does "a seemingly random placement of Nintendo characters and newly designed enemy fodder." (1) "If this mode were a standalone game, it wouldn't rate very highly." (9) "The Subspace Emissary component ... is simply not as balanced or entertaining as the stages designed for multiple human opponents." (1)
New games this week: Super Smash Bros. Brawl edition
What, are you surprised? The featured game this week is none other than Super Smash Bros. Brawl. We'd almost like to give it to George of the Jungle for going toe-to-toe on the Wii with Smash. Keep on chasing that rainbow, George. If you're in the mood for something a bit less brawly, this week also marks the release of Condemned 2: Revenge of the Zombos Bloodshot. We've got a full list for you right after the break. %Gallery-8530%
Smash Bros. Brawl not working on some Wiis, Nintendo responds
While we're sure most of us would describe Wii fanatics as the most lighthearted of the console enthusiasts, we can only imagine that being forced to wait nearly two years for the most highly anticipated game on your console, only to come home from a midnight launch to discover you cannot extract the frenzied multiplayer mayhem stored on the disc you've purchased might incite one's dander to "get up". Alas, many a brawler-to-be recently found themselves in this lamentable situation, as Super Smash Bros. Brawl has reportedly had performance anxiety in a number of Wii consoles.Nintendo has swiftly replied with a North American repair form, explaining that the double-layer disc can only be read by a squeaky-clean disc drive lens. They implore you not to try to clean said lens on your own, and to send in your crudely adhered Gamecubes to Nintendo HQ for a thorough purging. We're sure they'll get your newly spruced console back to you in a timely manner -- which will likely offer little consolation to a Nintyfan scorned.[Thanks to all the unlucky souls who sent this in. Our thoughts are with you during these trying times.]
Disc errors plague some unlucky Brawlers, Nintendo offers repairs
Did you pop in Brawl early this morning, only to find out that it wouldn't play? You're not the only one. A number of Wii owners on this side of the globe are reporting problems similar to ones seen in Japan -- disc errors, supposedly caused by dirty laser lenses. Since Smash Bros. is the Wii's first game that's on dual-layered DVD, it's extra sensitive to such problems.The good news is that Nintendo will fix the problem for you. The bad news is that it might be a few more weeks before you get to play Brawl ... or any Wii game, for that matter.Nintendo is urging people experiencing this problem to fill in this form and send in their Wiis for repair. They'll be footing the bill for the shipping and repair costs (as they should), so the only thing you'll be losing out on is quality time with your new copy of Brawl.Are any of you affected by this problem? If so, feel free to rant about it here. Just let it all out.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Joystiq live-ish at the U. of Illinois SSBB midnight launch
What started with around five people milling around an Urbana-Champaign, IL Gamestop at 6 p.m. became a throng of about 200 clamoring for the midnight launch of Nintendo's newest fighting extravaganza. But don't take our word for it -- check out our video report from the scene last night.
Wii Warm Up: Brawling
A certain game that you may have heard of was released today, making it almost a holiday of sorts for Nintendo fans in North America. So, tell us: Did you (or will you) pick up Brawl today? If you have it already, what are your initial impressions of the game? Who is the first character you played with? Have you tried playing online yet? If you haven't gotten the game yet (perhaps you're waiting for the game to ship, or maybe you live in a PAL country), feel free to vent your anger and jealousy here, too. Who will be the first character you play with when you get it? And what feature are you most looking forward to?So, use this space to talk about all things Brawl, readers.
This Week in Review: A Smashing Start
Welcome to This Week in Review (formerly This Week in DLC), where we round up all the hands-on impressions and game reviews (including Metareviews) from the Joystiq Network. This week's megaton title should come as no surprise whatsoever.Nintendo Wii First impressions: Super Smash Bros. Brawl Metareview: Super Smash Bros. Brawl Wii Fanboy takes Super Smash Bros. Brawl Wi-Fi for a test drive VC Monday Madness: Super Turrican
