There are just a few video game franchises in existence today that garner true excitement and anticipation from both fans and media outlets alike months before their scheduled release. Franchises like Mario and Zelda tend to attract a lot of attention due to their histories and reputations of quality. Metroid too has a devoted fanbase, and the interest in every new Pokemon game is as notable now as it ever was. But there is only one series that borrows characters and elements from every one of the aforementioned properties in order to forge an identity that has kept discussion and speculation rampant ever since its unveiling. That series' name is Super Smash Bros. And Brawl, the latest title in the franchise, has finally arrived, riding a wave of hype driven by the popularity of every other notable property Nintendo has ever created.

While anticipation alone is no guarantee of quality, a quick survey of the menu system attests to the sheer volume of content that Brawl has to offer. The characters, stages, and modes are immediately abundant. The gameplay itself has remained largely intact since the last offering, which should please fans that are looking for something bigger but doesn't stray far from the qualities that got it there. Besides some minor additions that prove largely beneficial to gameplay and help to enhance the overall experience, Super Smash Bros. Brawl essentially plays similar to both of its predecessors. Players choose a game mode from among the many options available in either single player or multiplayer format, and then select one character from a vast roster of Nintendo favorites. Old familiar standbys including Mario, Link, Pikachu and Samus are joined by newcomers such as Meta Knight, Pit, Olimar, and Diddy Kong. Though some of the fighters must be unlocked before they can be used, the final roster includes 35 different characters, most of which have a unique feel and a fun set of moves. Also brand new to the franchise are the addition of playable third-party characters. This time around players are treated to Solid Snake of Metal Gear fame and Sonic the Hedgehog, as well.

Despite all of the new additions, this is still very much the same Smash Bros. you're used to.

Despite that the many available modes of play serve to change up the rules and restrictions in a number of ways, the basic battle in Super Smash Bros. Brawl involves between two and four combatants duking it out on one of the games many thematic stages. Similar to other fighting games, the objective of any given match is to beat on your opponent using speed, strategy, and a knowledge for moves and combos to attain victory. On the flipside, victory is not achieved simply by damaging an opponent with attacks. As the damage dealt to an opponent increases, they become more susceptible to being launched off of a level. Points are then scored when an opponent is knocked far enough out of a stage and is unable to recover through the use of double jumps and other maneuvers.

Each fighter has an arsenal of four unique special moves as well as a modest supply of standard attacks that can be altered by aiming and flicking the thumbstick to perform strong and "smash" attacks. Smash attacks are named for their power and ability to launch opponents off the map, and are a key component in every battle. Additionally, the stages themselves are often littered with dangerous hazards or other unique characteristics while a large variety of items will drop from the sky for use. Among the available items are laser swords, banana peels, hammers and baseball bats. Pokeballs also return and release a random Pokemon which will assist you against your opponents. Also new and in a similar vein is the addition of Assist Trophies, which summon a variety of non-playable characters that span throughout Nintendo's rich history.

Perhaps the most substantial new addition to the basic fighting comes in the way of the Smash Ball. Smash Balls appear as rainbow colored spheres and float around the battle arena until a character manages to inflict enough damage to it that it is destroyed. The player who successfully destroys the Smash Ball is then allowed to use a character-unique Final Smash to unleash a new form of destruction on the opposition. Every Final Smash operates somewhat differently, and determining which character has the most useful one is a matter for debate. The incentive for retrieving the Smash Ball is intense no matter what character you choose though, and this element adds a great new dynamic to matches.

The new stages are all quite fun to fight in.

While the true heart of Super Smash Bros. Brawl comes in the way of the multiplayer experience, Nintendo has done a serviceable job of creating a game that offers content to those who wish to take it solo as well. For single players, there are quite a variety of modes available, some with more lasting appeal than others. First on the list comes Classic mode which simply involves playing through each of 12 stages. Some stages are as simple as defeating a single opponent, while others change things up a bit by introducing a giant or metal version of an enemy or forcing you into a team match. While fun for brief periods, the Classic mode holds little long term value on its own and isn't worth the effort of playing through with every single character.

The Event mode introduced in Super Smash Bros. Melee also returns to provide a few hours of distraction. Events, of which there are 41 in total, are comprised of small single-objective challenges that progress in difficulty as you work your way down the list. Events can be played through repeatedly for faster times and higher scores, and there are a few instances of truly unique and creative objectives. Most of the time however, you simply end up beating on an opponent or opponents in the same standard manner until you clear them from the stage. Like Classic Mode, the Event Mode won't keep players occupied for long, though its inclusion is welcome in that it offers unlockable stages and music tracks which at least provide a reason to keep playing.