Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 77 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 76 out of 77
  2. Negative: 0 out of 77
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Dec 4, 2014
    70
    The core mechanic from the original game is still there, but it feels more refined and polished than before. Though the amiibo integration feels like an after-thought it's still a fun party game to play with your friends.
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2127 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Nov 21, 2014
    10
    Amazing game, may even be the first time a smash game gets a goty award as it is filled with content a ton of new modes and characters( 8Amazing game, may even be the first time a smash game gets a goty award as it is filled with content a ton of new modes and characters( 8 player smash is awesome) and stages. It is truly a next gen game.
    I think everyone knew this would be hit with awesome review scores however the real test is how much it helps the wii u, and I hope it helps it a lot
    Full Review »
  2. Nov 22, 2014
    3
    First we had “Super Smash. Bros.” Then we had “Melee.” Then it was “Brawl.” And now, it’s “4.” Or, “WiiU.” Take your pick.

    Unfortunately,
    First we had “Super Smash. Bros.” Then we had “Melee.” Then it was “Brawl.” And now, it’s “4.” Or, “WiiU.” Take your pick.

    Unfortunately, the lack of creativity in the title reflects a lack of creativity in the game, too. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this is the weakest of the Smash Bros. series.

    In a nutshell, here’s why (with more elaboration below):

    1) No new Adventure Mode
    2) Old modes aren’t as fun
    3) Worst replay value of the series
    4) Way too gimmicky
    5) “Brawl 2.0” would’ve been an appropriate title

    1) First and most glaringly, there is no Adventure Mode like there has been in the past two games. The closest you get to an Adventure Mode is the “Smash Tour,” which is a super confusing game board that culminates in a regular Smash Bros. match anyway. Without that Adventure Mode, I feel like I’m meaninglessly playing the game over and over without any kind of real direction. Instead of slowly learning how characters work and unlocking players as the story goes on, the game starts with most of the characters already unlocked and you’re just supposed to play endless matchups until you get the hang of each character.

    2) As you would expect it to, Smash 4 offers most of the same game modes that its predecessors have. Except, this version has not only failed to build upon previous versions, but actually takes a step backward. Classic mode is clunky and awkward: why can’t I just go through a lineup of matches like in past versions? Adventure mode is okay (and I like the concept of fighting characters in reverse chronological order), but I still think Brawl takes the cake on this one.

    3) Saying that a Smash Bros. title has poor replay value is not what you would expect, but that’s what you get here. Part of this is because there’s no Adventure Mode. But mainly, this is because there are so many tedious events to do with each character – like home run challenge, endless smash, cruel smash, etc. – that there is no way I am going to set a record for each individual character as I have in Melee and Brawl.

    4) Throughout the game, you’re collecting these power-ups that are supposed to power-up your “create your own” character. The problem is, I have no interest in creating a character and having them get powered up. This is Smash Bros., not an RPG. Unless I’m playing an Adventure Mode (and not against other people), I want an even match every time. The thought that some obsessive player is currently focusing on powering up his character, and can someday play against me and have a huge advantage because of all the equipment they’ve found, is a very disheartening one. I feel that too much time was spent on gimmicks like these and not enough was spent on actual gameplay.

    5) The worst part about this game is that it’s basically another “Brawl” and not much else. They’ve taken away a few of the better characters (like Snake and Ice Climbers) and replaced them with 14 new characters. Except, most of those characters are minor revisions to other characters. (Seriously… “Dark Pit” couldn’t have just been a different skin of “Pit?”) Of all the new characters, I was only excited about 5 of them.

    The levels are perhaps the most disappointing part of this game. 21 of these game’s levels are identical versions of past games. Listen, everyone likes retro and to see new versions of old levels re-appear, but this shouldn’t be the emphasis. There are only 25 new levels, and keeping in mind that “new” often just means a platform with a new background. I would say there’s only about a dozen truly “new” levels being offered here.

    That’s not to say there wasn’t effort put into the game. The game is polished and doesn’t lag (unless you’re online), and the 8-player smash option is a great improvement. I am very pleased with the additions of Pac-Man, Mega Man, Little Mac, Duck Hunt, and the bosses that appear on some stages. Also, the Event Mode seems to be the best of the all the Smashes so far.

    Otherwise though, I just feel like all the effort was put into the wrong places. Here I am, on Day 2 of owning this game, and I’ve already lost interest in playing it much more because I’ve already unlocked all the characters and have just a couple stages left to unlock.

    So, go ahead and click “this review wasn’t helpful," but I am thoroughly disappointed with this title. I plan to return to Hyrule Warriors as soon as the new DLC is released this coming week, and maybe even sooner.
    Full Review »
  3. Nov 21, 2014
    10
    Gaming is about having fun. That is what Super Smash Bros. for Wii U delivers, unlike a lot of other major game releases this year, which haveGaming is about having fun. That is what Super Smash Bros. for Wii U delivers, unlike a lot of other major game releases this year, which have been major disappointments this year. Smash Wii U is a breath of fresh air, and there is so much to do that I know i'll get hundreds of hours out of the game. Full Review »