Super Smash Bros. Brawl

 Wii
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2230 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,944 out of 2230
  2. Mixed: 161 out of 2230
  3. Negative: 125 out of 2230
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  1. turbo_dweeb
    Aug 24, 2023
    7
    this game is great for the soul purpouse of the extras like the coin shooting game, the giant roster of trophies, and the subspace emmisary. the only issue is that the balancing is off in numerous ways while also failing to follow up on the tight and swift combat of melee... i just think that this game gets worse with time while melee ages like gold.
  2. StavrosGR12
    May 15, 2023
    7
    The story mode is perfect but the game is an 7 because of Meta Knight and tripping
  3. VSLazer360
    Feb 15, 2023
    7
    Super Smash Bros Brawl was the first Smash game I played. it marked the beginning of my love for the Super Smash Bros series and piqued my interest into the competitive scene of which I am now a part of. It's nostalgic as all get out and I have fond memories of intense 1v1 fights between my brother to see who was better or blasting through the Subspace Emissary on a snow day when I wasSuper Smash Bros Brawl was the first Smash game I played. it marked the beginning of my love for the Super Smash Bros series and piqued my interest into the competitive scene of which I am now a part of. It's nostalgic as all get out and I have fond memories of intense 1v1 fights between my brother to see who was better or blasting through the Subspace Emissary on a snow day when I was home from school. I truly cannot thank this game enough for all the childhood memories I have with it and how it impacted my life, but man is this game flawed. Nintendo intentionally sabotaging the game's movement speed to discourage true competitive play also hurts casual play severely, I can never go back to the molasses slow gameplay of Brawl after playing games as smooth as Melee or Ultimate. Furthermore, while the story mode is really cool I think it's heavily carried by the cutscenes and the story it tells and not the actual gameplay of it. If I wanted to play a side scroller where every enemy that hits you does an insane amount of knockback and just are incredibly annoying to fight, I'd play a Mega-Man game. While Brawl was certainly revolutionary and a big part of my childhood, I can still see a lot of its flaws through my rose-tinted glasses.… Expand
  4. Sonic12403
    Mar 29, 2021
    5
    It is the weakest in the Super Smash Bros. series, but Brawl has a ton of effort and fan service for not only Nintendo fans, but video game fans as a whole.
  5. TheCraftingZomb
    Jun 22, 2019
    7
    To say it short, this is my least liked Smash Bros. game. It had an amazing graphic enhancement compared to melee and introduced characters that were unthinkable to join the smash roster such as Solid Snake and Sonic. A mechanic was added to only this game which was tripping. Tripping made the game less fun because you might be winning but then you trip and the other person gets a goodTo say it short, this is my least liked Smash Bros. game. It had an amazing graphic enhancement compared to melee and introduced characters that were unthinkable to join the smash roster such as Solid Snake and Sonic. A mechanic was added to only this game which was tripping. Tripping made the game less fun because you might be winning but then you trip and the other person gets a good combo making him/her take the lead. Overall Brawl felt slower than melee making competitive smash mostly still take place on Melee.… Expand
  6. CalebTV
    Dec 21, 2018
    7
    This game has the worst gameplay of smash bros, other than the first one. But for that game it at least makes sense since it is the first in the franchise. It is slow and many mechanics in this game suck like tripping. Subspace emmisary is a boring slog, people only like it because of the cutscenes. The reason this has a 7 is because it, as always has great multiplayer. There is no pointThis game has the worst gameplay of smash bros, other than the first one. But for that game it at least makes sense since it is the first in the franchise. It is slow and many mechanics in this game suck like tripping. Subspace emmisary is a boring slog, people only like it because of the cutscenes. The reason this has a 7 is because it, as always has great multiplayer. There is no point in revisiting this game, although I would recommend it for younger kids. The roster was also great at the time.… Expand
  7. BeboFett
    Dec 19, 2018
    7
    A game that alone isn't so recommended, since its adventure mode is unattractive. The MultiPlayers will always be fun, it's a Smash, but it doesn't reach the quality of Melee.
  8. ashketchum
    Feb 25, 2018
    7
    Brawl is a good game, but too often feels like some extra content added to melee. This should be played as a multiplayer game whenever possible. The single player, though it isn't bad, is a pain to trudge through at times, due to generic enemies, slow movement of characters, and a control scheme that doesn't feel right in the Subspace Emissary. However, it has updated graphics over melee,Brawl is a good game, but too often feels like some extra content added to melee. This should be played as a multiplayer game whenever possible. The single player, though it isn't bad, is a pain to trudge through at times, due to generic enemies, slow movement of characters, and a control scheme that doesn't feel right in the Subspace Emissary. However, it has updated graphics over melee, with some interesting character additions, like Pokemon Trainer and Sonic. A well-designed game, but it feels like it some areas could have been better.… Expand
  9. aditya1101
    Jan 26, 2018
    6
    I know it’s hip to hate on brawl, but the more I get into the other smash games, the more I realize how boring it is to play or watch brawl. It’s a game that rewards really formulaic and uninteresting play, and no matter how many subspace emissaries you add, that just really holds this game back.
  10. bellonman
    Mar 12, 2017
    6
    This game was a huge disappointment and a huge step down from it's predecessors. The game is slow and the controls are clunky. Character selection is vast, but lacks balance between the characters. Still fun with a group, but just doesn't give me the same feeling i got from melee and smash 64.
  11. GaryFaulkDoesIt
    Jul 31, 2016
    7
    This game was kind of up in the air compared to Melee, but it was still a very solid game overall. The new engine does wreak havoc on the usefulness of some characters and there are many ways in which this is the game where the series started losing its old "arcade charm", it is still an enjoyable game.

    The best part of the game, however, is the single player mode. The Subspace Emissary    This game was kind of up in the air compared to Melee, but it was still a very solid game overall. The new engine does wreak havoc on the usefulness of some characters and there are many ways in which this is the game where the series started losing its old "arcade charm", it is still an enjoyable game.

    The best part of the game, however, is the single player mode. The Subspace Emissary is an extremely ambitious and interesting concept and practically a fantasy of anyone who grew up with Nintendo games. There were some issues with the writing of the mode's story, however it still remained very fun and cool.    … Expand
  12. Jollyjoe1000
    Nov 22, 2015
    7
    I will be honest, this game was great and enjoyable when I got it for my birthday, but looking back on it,the graphics are not good, and the character roster is not good in variety.
  13. FireRedRuby
    Sep 12, 2015
    7
    As the game that came after Melee, Brawl is an insult to the series *trips*
    -No directional air-dodging is by far the worst change from Melee in my opinion because not only does it take away wave-dashing, but even worse, it makes air-dodging spammable and it becomes way too easy to survive bad situations (especially with some characters having over-powered recoveries), which only further    As the game that came after Melee, Brawl is an insult to the series *trips*
    -No directional air-dodging is by far the worst change from Melee in my opinion because not only does it take away wave-dashing, but even worse, it makes air-dodging spammable and it becomes way too easy to survive bad situations (especially with some characters having over-powered recoveries), which only further drags out the shallow gameplay.
    -The characters are NOT balanced btw, the movesets on newer characters feel uninspired and boring.
    -I believe that the true geniuses behind the Smash Bros. series were the guys from HAL Laboratories and certainly NOT Sakurai. As just a generic fighter however, and NOT as a Smash Bros. game, this game is pretty fun.    … Expand
  14. camperuno
    Sep 8, 2014
    7
    the game has a pretty good rooster besides the op Meta knight and Ike. Subspace is really good especially when played in coop mode. The game is considerably slower than Melee and it can be painful to watch slow 1 v 1 matches. Overall this game will not disappoint if you are a hardcore fan you should already have this game but if you aren't it is a pretty solid game
  15. yennachan
    Mar 21, 2014
    7
    I'll keep it short and simple. I love the Single player mode and the new characters but, the mechanics in the game is kind of bad and feels rushed. Has flaws but not too bad.
  16. PringleDringus
    Dec 16, 2013
    7
    As a stand-alone game, Brawl is great. But as a sequel to Melee, the gameplay isn't nearly as fast or fun. Can be a fun party game with the right crowd. Worth buying, but not for 50 bucks.
  17. noob_saibot
    May 3, 2013
    7
    Brawl or Melee?
    I pick this too some many people say that is a lot of CLONES on this game that I can understand like Fox, Falco, Wolf, Captain Falcon, Ganondorf, Lucas, Ness but the truth is they was clones on Melee too Brawl is just smooth to a crisp movement Melee was slow in this way.
    Ok the good parts: nice list of people I love it I use Wolf or random nice list of levels some    Brawl or Melee?
    I pick this too some many people say that is a lot of CLONES on this game that I can understand like Fox, Falco, Wolf, Captain Falcon, Ganondorf, Lucas, Ness but the truth is they was clones on Melee too Brawl is just smooth to a crisp movement Melee was slow in this way.

    Ok the good parts:
    nice list of people I love it I use Wolf or random
    nice list of levels some new some old ones from Melee game
    good controls for a gamecube one I never tired the will mote and stuff
    good story mode too I guess it's not perfect but it's a start
    great for muli-player sessions I take this to my friend's and we have a blast on it for hours

    Cons:
    is the online is crap at times I know many people say it so I SAY IT AGAIN, when on online playing with random people I was hoping it would find them quick, well it don't half the time due to possible of the LAG the lag in this game kills the game so badly that it is unplayable you have found people but then you lose connection at the last second then gonna need to get more players to join again this is tedius at times I had the problem a lot mostly when you find two people it will not search anymore or it will take a long time to do so and when you waiting I used to like the music in the background but now it drives me crazy it just repeats the same sounds over and over
    you can't change anything in Brawl too in online game with anyone only 2 minutes well I think that is really to short, you can't even add them too on friends list too

    Well I hoped you liked the review remember not all games is bad and if so it can improve every problem has a solution but to Brawl online they is non you can't stolve it simple a matter of waiting    … Expand
  18. PillowChew
    Jul 2, 2012
    5
    Ill give this game a meh, the game is fun, I'd admit that, but there are too many characters that outclass others, Plus, there are final smashes that are useful, while other are useless as crap. Nintendo needs to do some huge balance changes.
  19. rubin
    Apr 5, 2012
    6
    This was my first Smash Bros. game and... I wasn't impressed. If you don't own a classic controller you're pretty much screwed, as the controls on Wiimote are some of the worst I have ever seen. The graphics and music are very nice, but the constant flashes and explosions HURT the eyes so much that I had to take a break every 1 hour of gameplay. Nevertheless, I played through the entireThis was my first Smash Bros. game and... I wasn't impressed. If you don't own a classic controller you're pretty much screwed, as the controls on Wiimote are some of the worst I have ever seen. The graphics and music are very nice, but the constant flashes and explosions HURT the eyes so much that I had to take a break every 1 hour of gameplay. Nevertheless, I played through the entire single player mode and it was rather average. It is a sort-off platformer game where you unlock different characters and collect stuff like stickers. Multiplayer *might* be better, but I personally didn't manage to get out much of it. Online has been completely empty every time I went on, while playing locally with my brother got old very fast (mostly due to the fact that one of us had to use the dreaded Wii Remote). Simply not worth the money, sorry.… Expand
  20. RuneScapian
    Jan 29, 2012
    5
    Although this game is great for both casual and hardcore gamers, don't expect great things from this game. One of the major drawbacks is the incredibly inbalanced character roster. I'd take a balanced roster over a large roster anyday. The replay value is "meh". The music can be boring, and the stage creator isn't worth trying. Although there is some replay value, this game is not reallyAlthough this game is great for both casual and hardcore gamers, don't expect great things from this game. One of the major drawbacks is the incredibly inbalanced character roster. I'd take a balanced roster over a large roster anyday. The replay value is "meh". The music can be boring, and the stage creator isn't worth trying. Although there is some replay value, this game is not really worth your money at all unless you're a Nintendo/Smash Bros. fan.… Expand
  21. Ztride
    Jan 20, 2012
    6
    Apart from the fact that the game features lots of great nintendo & co characters, maps and music, there isn't really much that this game has to offer. Mediocre gameplay and combat, below average visuals (as with the majority of wii games) and a terrible singleplayer campaign.
  22. Zero2k
    Dec 25, 2011
    6
    The multi-player experience is undeniably one of the best you'll ever battle online opponents or friends with. The rest of the game, although challenging, does not prove to have the same level of enjoyment
  23. Cazssbguy
    Jul 11, 2011
    7
    As an SSB Melee fanatic, Brawl was disappointing. At the same time, I can appreciate that Brawl was aimed at an audience who desired less complexity and more balance. However, character balance is arguably worse than it was in Melee. I've never seen such effort put into making characters either suck, or be overpowered. The gameplay itself is rather slow but does have its fun moments.As an SSB Melee fanatic, Brawl was disappointing. At the same time, I can appreciate that Brawl was aimed at an audience who desired less complexity and more balance. However, character balance is arguably worse than it was in Melee. I've never seen such effort put into making characters either suck, or be overpowered. The gameplay itself is rather slow but does have its fun moments. However, Brawl is only fun with items and with around 3 to 4 people. Overall, Brawl is indeed a decent game, but needed more effort put into different places.… Expand
  24. GamerLucario101
    Jul 9, 2011
    5
    I have to say it's an astonishingly magnificent work of art, but I got bored almost as soon as I finished everything in about a month or less. I just don't feel it's any better than most other games released on the wii. Unless you have some friends over, this game is a total disappointment (and don't even try to compete online).
  25. oblivion2011
    Jul 3, 2011
    7
    What killed this game was the Wi-Fi. It was the number one reason why I decided to buy the game (aside from what already made this game a great hit). And it just TOTALLY killed the score. Sorry SSB fans, but this one factor leaves me disappointed.
  26. JRcade
    Nov 15, 2010
    6
    I believe the game is getting forgiven too easily. Fun game? Yes. Re-playability? Long. But how much of that time will you actually enjoy it? The addition of a story mode extends gameplay and is primary to anything else. However once completing the story your playtime will soon degrade into random matches, and challenges that can all be completed as well. This is TRULY a multiplayer title;I believe the game is getting forgiven too easily. Fun game? Yes. Re-playability? Long. But how much of that time will you actually enjoy it? The addition of a story mode extends gameplay and is primary to anything else. However once completing the story your playtime will soon degrade into random matches, and challenges that can all be completed as well. This is TRULY a multiplayer title; I cannot find myself playing this game unless friends are with me, so being a loner will cost you. If your one for repetition to a slight change, then by all means this is your game. Otherwise you'll eventually tire of singular like experience and choose something else.… Expand
  27. AngryEddy
    Sep 22, 2010
    7
    I reviewed this game for gaminghunks.biz and I like the charac ters most but some of the levels are ok. I think there should be more competitibe online competitions so that players can win prizes like towels and dishwashers maybe then this game will really take off? I dont know how you feel about the inclusion of Solid Snake but I never like Devil May Cry anyway the game had too manyI reviewed this game for gaminghunks.biz and I like the charac ters most but some of the levels are ok. I think there should be more competitibe online competitions so that players can win prizes like towels and dishwashers maybe then this game will really take off? I dont know how you feel about the inclusion of Solid Snake but I never like Devil May Cry anyway the game had too many enemies and was difficult to win against. The worst bit on Devil May Cry was when you had to defeat the big spider, I never find his week spot. Oh well I guess they will remove him from the next game.

    Also the music is bad.    … Expand
  28. Review9
    Aug 23, 2010
    5
    Brawl to be me is just a crappy version of melee, i traded in brawl and i still have a crap load of fun playing the game cube classic. I give brawl a 5.8.
  29. Requiem1160
    Sep 22, 2009
    5
    Overated. The SSE was crap, the character roster was a desperate failure - Sonic really enrages me for that freaking 'B' move, the Classic mode didn't have what SSBM had - for some strange reason, Stage Editor sucked - harshly, the mini-game concerning Coins and Trophies was a total failure, then there's the fact that whenever you sign-in to Wi-Fi, you get those Overated. The SSE was crap, the character roster was a desperate failure - Sonic really enrages me for that freaking 'B' move, the Classic mode didn't have what SSBM had - for some strange reason, Stage Editor sucked - harshly, the mini-game concerning Coins and Trophies was a total failure, then there's the fact that whenever you sign-in to Wi-Fi, you get those annoying failures of screenshots and maps and that it takes a good 5-10 minutes to find someone to play with, and when they're losing they quit. All the time. The only real good thing was the Music.… Expand
  30. EricBollinger
    Aug 23, 2009
    5
    This is a good game. I liked it when I rented it, but when I finally bought it, I just got bored too quickly. The story mode is nice and long, but the actual story is just to ridiculous to follow, and the maze level is plain stupid. I like the variety of characters, but some just seem to be complete fan service (I mean, seriously, Wolf?) The fighting is very fun, but if you aren'tThis is a good game. I liked it when I rented it, but when I finally bought it, I just got bored too quickly. The story mode is nice and long, but the actual story is just to ridiculous to follow, and the maze level is plain stupid. I like the variety of characters, but some just seem to be complete fan service (I mean, seriously, Wolf?) The fighting is very fun, but if you aren't playing local multiplayer, it just gets monotonous. Don't get me wrong, this is NOT a bad game, it's just I can't really recommend it.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Best Wii Game of 2008
1
#1 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
1
#1 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
93

Universal acclaim - based on 81 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 80 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 81
  3. Negative: 0 out of 81
  1. Thunderbolt
    100
    Brawl is easily the most fun I’ve had on a Wii, and could be the most fun I’ve had with a game in ages. It’s just that good. There is just so much to do, and so many different and refreshing things added that it would be a crime not to at least take a look.
    Read full review
  2. Nintendo Power
    100
    Rarely has any title delivered so much amazing action, such a wide variety of modes, and so many hours of value. It doesn't get any better than this. [Mar 2008, p.82]
  3. Gameplayer
    100
    It’s obvious that developer Game Arts have put a painstaking amount of effort into creating this game and every time we play it we’re discovering new Nintendo references which bring back a rush of nostalgia. Brawl’s chaotic multiplayer sessions are some of the best to be had on the system, plus there are plenty of challenges and modes to amuse those ‘friend-impaired’ individuals out there as well. It’s a no-brainer, every serious Nintendo fan out there should score themselves a copy of this game, invite some friends/victims around, and have a smashing good time.
    Read full review
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