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Smash Bros. Brawl delayed: March 9 in US, January 31 in Japan
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Smash_Bros_Brawl_delayed_March_9_in_US_January_31_in_Japan/'; Nintendo of America just sent word that the US version of Smash Bros. Brawl is getting another delay, albeit much shorter than the last one. Instead of February 10, Brawl is now expected to come out one month later on March 9. The reason, according to Nintendo, is that "development is taking slightly longer than expected." The official US Smash Bros site has already been updated to reflect the change, as well as include a brief note of apology.The Japanese SSBB site also notes that Brawl is delayed one week in the region, from January 24 to 31. Europe's release date is still TBA 2008.
CoroCoro magazine reveals Sheik, other obvious additions to Brawl [update]
Some super-blurry pictures of Japanese magazine CoroCoro seem to confirm that Zelda will be able to transform into Sheik via what's being called a "Twilight Change." No doubt this is exactly like her transformation before, but, you know, with the Twilight Princess version of Zelda. It should at least be moderately interesting to see what the edgier Twilight Princess Sheik will look like. Even if we hadn't heard from Aonuma that Sheik would show up, this shouldn't really be a surprise to anyone. Pictured above is the card on which this information was found, which also shows what appears to be Zelda's Final Smash move: Light Arrows. Sadly, the CoroCoro issue also mentions that Snake and Sonic the Hedgehog will be unlockable "secret" characters, even though both characters were revealed on the Dojo and in trailers and everything. All this means is that we have to spend agonizing hours playing as not-Snake. [Update: Reader Sensai brings news that the card actually doesn't specify a down-B move at all for Zelda, leaving Sheik, and the identity of that special move, unconfirmed. What a "mystery!"][Via NeoGAF]
Wal-Mart 'ends' $20 Smash Bros. Brawl pre-orders [update]
[Original headline: "Wal-Mart offers $20 Smash Bros. Brawl pre-orders"]We know, we know. This Wal-Mart listing for Super Smash Bros. Brawl pre-orders at the bargain price of $19.82 is almost certainly a technical error. But, if you're going to buy the game anyway, we figure there can't be any harm in putting your name and two sawbucks down. Worse case scenario, your order gets canceled. Best case: You save $30.That said, there is yet a third possibility that's downright mind-blowing. What if this is the actual price? Can you imagine how that would (continue) to move systems? Can you imagine what a sales juggernaut that would be? Sure, the Wii may not need the extra help, but come on, let us have our fantasy until reality brings it crashing down around us, OK?Update 1: Looks like Wal-Mart is running a major pre-order sale, which also includes reduced prices for upcoming Xbox 360 and PS3 titles.Update 2: Super Smash Bros. pre-order price has been changed to $49.82.[Thanks, Dalibor]
Smash Bros. Brawl's Multi-Man gets online co-op
Smash Bros. Melee's Multi-Man mode, which pitted you against tons of wire frame models was a great way to take out your aggressions, especially if a wire frame model had just beaten you out for the big promotion or the WF Gang was picking on you in school. Smash Bros. Brawl's take on the lengthy battle mode looks to be even more satisfying though, with wire frames replaced by the the much more substantial-sounding Fighting Alloy Team.More exciting is the revelation that a buddy will be able to join you in your campaign against the colorful robots from all the way across the country with online co-op. There's also just regular old two-player, for all the Smash Bros. fanatics' real life friends ... Hey, if you don't use a mode long enough, do you think it will actually get dusty?
Japanese Smash Bros. commercials tease its nearing release
GameTrailers shows three Japanese Super Smash Bros. Brawl commercials made of in-game and animated footage. We know you Smash fans have been shaking since Nintendo pushed back the fighting title; let these clips deliver your Nintendo-fighter fix before the February 10 North America release. (Japan gets it at the end of this month, while other territories have to wait even longer.)Keep your eyes peeled for random Nintendo background characters; that's our favorite game-within-the-game.See the other two videos after the break.
Smash Bros. Brawl gets Coin Launcher, Dragoon, and sharing
A trio of updates to the Smash Bros. Brawl DOJO reveal a handful of new features sure to excite the patient fanbase, while confuse the average gamer. First was yesterday's announcement of the Coin Launcher, a minigame of sorts to collect the game's myriad collectibles. Play matches to earn coins, use coins in the Coin Launcher, collect virtual gewgaws. Excited yet? How about a three-part superpowered rideable dragon, err, Dragoon? You can collect the three pieces during a battle, snag parts from your opponents, and assemble the "legendary Air Ride machine." Once you've got it, that's a one-hit KO. Still not excited? Put down those barbiturates and check this out: some pics of the game's sharing functionality, to blast levels and screenshots to your chums.[Thanks, tipster army!]Read – Coin LauncherRead – DragoonRead – Share
New Smash Bros. Brawl intro video looks amazing
We were watching this intro video to the new Super Smash Bros. Brawl adventure mode "The Subspace Emissary" when something occurred to us: Regardless of your feelings about Wii, if this video doesn't move something inside of you, then you're dead inside. It's as simple as that. It either jams a pickaxe into that carapace you call a heart and finds a deep, rich vein of nostalgia or you're a vampire. A mean vampire.How about the part where the Arwing -- wait, you know what? We don't want to ruin anything for you. Just watch above and discuss below. We'll leave you to it.
Nintendo: no plans for a Kirby Wii title
Despite Kirby's prominent appearance in the Wii's megaton title Smash Smash Bros. Brawl, Nintendo has no plans of giving the little pink vacuum cleaner his own game on the console, according to the UK's Official Nintendo Magazine.In the magazine's Q&A section, Nintendo's official response is: "There are no plans right now for a Kirby game on Wii but there are plenty of Kirby fans out there, so in the meantime look out for Kirby in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Brawl which will be released in 2008."Though Kirby has always been best suited to 2D side-scrolling adventures, we're still a bit disappointed that Nintendo isn't considering any Wii love for the squishy mascot. We can't think of any clever waggle functionality, but wouldn't it just be fun to turn the Wii-mote on its side and let Kirby run free in a 2.5D adventure?[Via Wii Fanboy]
Nintendo has no plans for a Kirby game on the Wii
At least, that's the statement that the UK's Official Nintendo Magazine is giving. When questioned about a possible upcoming Kirby game in the "Ask Nintendo" section of the latest issue, the magazine responded, "There are no plans right now for a Kirby game on Wii but there are plenty of Kirby fans out there, so in the meantime look out for Kirby in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Brawl which will be released in 2008."Well, it doesn't look good, Kirby fans. Hopefully Brawl will be enough to ease some of your cravings for the little pink puffball, but we all know it ain't nothing like the real thing, baby.
Smash Bros. Brawl dated for Europe ... at a 'later date'
Since 'June 2008 or beyond' didn't exactly resonate with European Wii owners, Nintendo has quickly, albeit indirectly revised its update on the European release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. In a statement responding to yesterday's concerns about Brawl missing from a tentative Q1/Q2 release list, Nintendo has said: "All Nintendo software titles launching in Q2 2008 have not been finalized or confirmed to date. Nintendo will communicate on all software titles launching in Q2 2008 for Wii and Nintendo DS at a later date" -- oh, except for Mario Kart Wii, that one's definitely coming Q2.Nintendo can dangle Mario Kart in our faces all its wants, but that won't change the fact that its stance on Brawl in Europe remains as vague as ever. Europe's used to waiting, so c'mon Nintendo, either end it with a swift kick to the dome or just lay the bad news on us.
Smash Bros. Brawl not expected in Europe until Q3 '08
Nintendo hates Europe: Confirmed? It's not the steadfast and ever-lingering sort of hate, but rather that insidious aura which prompts someone to suffocate you with a pillow as soon as you're comfortable enough to share a bed with them. After all, our gaming pals in Europe didn't have to endure entirely ridiculous waits for Metroid Prime 3 or Super Mario Galaxy, and managed to enjoy both excellent titles while they were still fresh in the memories of those on more privileged continents. Even next year's Mario Kart Wii got a spot on Nintendo's latest second quarter release list.Cross-over cartoon violence spectacular, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, was sadly omitted from said list, prompting Videogamer.com to politely ask Nintendo when Europe could expect its arrival. "If the game is not listed on the schedule up until the end of Q2 it is currently not due out until after that time," came the bloodcurdling answer. That places Super Smash Bros. Brawl in June at earliest, roughly four months after the game's American release in February. We hope this is nothing more than a precaution (would another delay surprise anybody?), as we simply cannot comprehend this level of cruelty being inflicted upon Europe intentionally -- and we watch the Royal Variety Performance every year.
Dojo update: Wario-Man
Not all of Brawl's Final Smash moves will be spectacular, screen-filling affairs. Take Wario's, for example. When the yellow and purple one scarfs down some garlic, he turns into (trumpet and clarion calls, please) ... Wario-Man! And even when the transformation is complete, you'll still control him as you normally would.However, by using this particular Smash, you do gain a whole bunch of neat new maneuvers, including a handy sideways-sliding shoulder tackle, and an assortment of midair moves that see the mighty Wario-Man take to the skies. Okay, it's not quite an iceberg that crushes all before it, or the highly destructive flatulence attack we had our fingers crossed for, but we'll still look forward to taking Wario's superhero alter ego out for a spin.%Gallery-10206%%Gallery-6869%
Dojo update: Saki Amamiya to dole out punishment for your sins
No doubt about it: the Assist Trophies announced thus far for Brawl have pretty much rocked. Andross, Little Mac, a Nintendog, Gray Fox, Excitebikers, Samurai Goroh, a Hammer Brother, Mr. Resetti; the sheer randomness of this list delights us, and when it comes to unleashing some Assist Trophy hurt on our opponents, we probably won't know where to start.Today's dojo update has only exacerbated our dilemma. See, it's not so much that we really like Treasure's exquisite N64 game Sin and Punishment (available on the Virtual Console now, as if we needed to remind you). It's more that we unconditionally love it, want to marry it, have its children, and settle down in the 'burbs with it for a life of rosy contentment.Hence, the news that the star of that game, Saki Amamiya, will be an Assist Trophy in Brawl has put us in a right old tizzy. He sounds pretty useful, as well, with his Cannon Sword doubling up as both a sword and a gun, allowing him to slice and shoot his way through whoever's silly enough to get in his way.%Gallery-10206%%Gallery-6869%
Dojo update: Add some color to your Brawl
Being able to switch the color of your fighter is pretty much a given in any Smash Bros. game, and Brawl uses this feature to give us the likes of Fire Mario, Mario as Wario, an albino Donkey Kong, Dark Link, Fusion Suit Samus, and Snake in a variety of fetching camouflage designs. Each character comes with six different variations, which can be toggled on the character select screen. To see more of these, hit the gallery below.%Gallery-10206%%Gallery-6869%
Dojo update: Smart Bomb and Training Mode
Today's dojo update is a "2-for-1" deal, giving us insight into a new game mode and in-game item. First, the new game mode allows players to set up scenarios for training purposes. As you can see above, you control everything right down to the flow of time, allowing you to perfect your craft before stepping into the field of combat with actual opponents. Considering how long it's been since we've played a Smash Bros. game, we're probably going to need this.The new in-game item is the Smart Bomb, which can be used to destroy everyone. Upon launching the item at your opponent, it will detonate and the explosion will steadily grow. As it expands, it traps other combatants into it. But, you have to watch out, because it can also trap you in.%Gallery-10206%%Gallery-6867%Read - Training ModeRead - Smart Bomb
Dojo update: Hang out at Ridley's place
Another day on the dojo and another stage is unveiled. The seventeenth in all. This time it's Norfair, the place called "home" by chief Space Pirate Ridley (already confirmed as a playable character, you may recall, but with the Ice Climbers returning, who knows if this is still the case) from the Metroid games.Once again, there's almost a game within a game here, with fights periodically interrupted by gushing tidal waves of lava that can come from any direction. These wash over the entire level, with only a single safe spot (complete with hatches that close at the sign of danger) remaining untouched. Problem is, there's not exactly a lot of room on your anti-lava platform, so you'll have to scrap it out for a space. A bit like musical chairs then, only with the added risk of getting horrifically burned alive in molten hot goo. We like!%Gallery-6869%
Dojo update: Gray Fox enters the fray
There's a tasty double serving of updates today on the dojo, but the lowdown on Brawl's "Grab and Throw" manoeuver is likely to be overshadowed by the inclusion of a second Metal Gear Solid character.The good news is it's not Raiden (we fear the internets would implode with fanboy vitriol), but Frank Jaeger, a.k.a cyborg ninja Gray Fox, a.k.a That Dude Who Engages In A Totally Badass Battle With Metal Gear REX Only To Get Heroically Stomped. The bad news: he's not playable, but merely an Assist Trophy. Nevertheless, a pretty cool addition.%Gallery-6869%%Gallery-3347%
Dojo update: Fox's Misfortune
Today, the dojo reveals a new Adventure Mode in Fox's Misfortune. Based on the video above, it looks like Fox crashes his Arwing and finds Diddy in trouble with some long, snake-like creature. Of course, being the hero he is, Fox saves Diddy and, we assume, embarks on a quest to do some more good. Honestly, the trailer is great and all, but we have no idea what this mode will consist of.%Gallery-6869%%Gallery-3347%
Wii Warm Up: Best Brawl reveal so far?
As we get closer to (and yet, further from) the release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, there have been many exciting Dojo updates. Perhaps we're jumping the gun here, but what's been your favorite reveal so far? Could it be the addition of a popular blue hedgehog? Perhaps, the stage builder level? Maybe you're excited about the music, or the inclusion of a favorite character as an assist trophy?There's a lot to choose from, but we challenge you to choose one. If you really can't limit yourself, though, don't worry -- we won't hold it against you. We understand these types of decisions can be difficult sometimes.
Nintendo's Perrin Kaplan talks Smash Bros. Brawl delay
Though she's on her way out, Nintendo's VP of marketing Perrin Kaplan still finds some time to speak to MTV's Stephen Totilo regarding all things Nintendo. As history has repeatedly shown us, one of those things inevitably turns out to be the dreaded delay -- though perhaps it's not as dreaded when it comes to the holiday months. It seems Nintendo now joins EA and Capcom in seeing the sales sense in slippage. "And I think we're actually starting to look at the annual calendar differently," said Kaplan, justifying the February release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. "The first two quarters of the year tend to be more quiet. But now we've seen some evidence of sales in that period." Avoiding the jostling of the year-end crowd is but one benefit, with the added development time yielding a game that's "absolutely as perfect as Japan knows it can be." Kaplan, who views the Wii and DS as being a little more integrated into people's (boring) lives, concludes via basketball metaphor that timing isn't necessarily everything. "I think a really good product can be a slam dunk any time of the year." A note of caution to other publishers considering delays: Let's not get carried away now. We don't want February becoming the new November.
