Crossing multiple universes and alternate dimensions, the most popular of Nintendo's characters grace this bare-knuckle Pak. The eight superstars are Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox McCloud and Pikachu. This awesome lineup will answer age-old questions of the characters' comparative strengths, and the idea of a battle between Donkey Kong and Pikachu is downright hilarious. Each character has a specific 3D fighting arena, with power ups and obstacles scattered throughout the areas. Two to four players can fight simultaneously on the same screen, or one player can battle through the tournament ladder to reach a secret boss at the summit.
Yes, they actually did it. They actually made a fighting game where Nintendo characters beat the living daylights out of each other. But don't jump to incredible conclusions yet. Don't think that Nintendo have suddenly thrown their cute image out the window and allowed Mario to decapitate Yoshi, or think that the N64 has it's answer to Tekken. In truth, Super Smash Bros isn't really a proper fighter. The main point of the game is to push your opponent off the platform that makes up the stage (kind of like sumo wrestling without the "big-boned" people). The more damage you have, the further away you fly when hit. Characters have a double-jump which helps them get back on the stage, as well as special moves. It's all wonderfully simplistic, really. Special moves are accomplished by holding up or down and pressing B, or just pressing B. Simple, easy to pick up, but most importantly-fun.
What is really good about Super Smash Bros is the range of Nintendo characters. It isn't just the Mario series - Link, Samus, Pikachu, Kirby and even Captain Falcon from F-Zero are included in the game, and they are very true to their real counterparts. Mario has his fireball and Link has bombs, a hookshot and the Master Sword.
This IS a Nintendo game, after all, so don't expect to see blood. You can't beat an opponent's life down until they die, and all hits are accompanied by a bowling sound of pins being knocked over (whoever came up with that idea needs some serious examining "upstairs"). And after each fight, the characters tastefully applaud the winner (presumably because if they don't, he'll beat them up all over again). There are problems though. Although the one player mode has some exclusive characters and interesting variations, it is rather short and easy. Also, like F-Zero X, the game has skimped a bit on graphic detail to provide a smooth framerate.
The real fun comes from the multiplayer mode. Take four people, take your favourite (or most hated) characters, and the all-out brawl that ensues is excellent. Overall though, Super Smash Bros is a very good game. It's not a Tekken, but it is fun and has a long life through the insanely great four player mode. And who can resist beating up Pikachu?