Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Sora Nintendo January 31, 2008
Share on Bluesky
Rating8.5

User Rating

1 ratings

93

Metacritic

92

OpenCritic

Mighty

87

IGDB

1

Players

92MIGHTY

OpenCritic Score

149
Reviews
97%
Recommend
93
Top Critics Avg

Score Distribution

90-100
16
80-89
0
70-79
0
60-69
0
50-59
0
<50
0

"I've used phrases that evoke the monumental achievement that is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate a few times in this review and I can assure you it's not hyperbolic. Despite that a lot of the old content isn't as hard-hitting the second, third, fourth, or even fifth time around, the fact that it's all here, and in a manageable file size, is more than enough. After this (and Geno/Waluigi DLC) Sakurai can rest easy."

Finding live streams...

About Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Super Smash Bros. Brawl arrived on the Wii in January 2008 as the third main entry in Nintendo's crossover fighting franchise. Developed by Sora Ltd and published by Nintendo, this title expands the roster significantly while keeping the core battle mechanics that defined its predecessors. Players select characters from various Nintendo universes to compete in high-speed brawls where the goal is simply to knock opponents off the stage rather than deplete a health bar. The game launched exclusively on the Wii console and introduced new features like Final Smashes and an extensive single-player campaign. It remains a defining title for the system and a staple for competitive play among friends.

Gameplay

You spawn into a stage with other fighters and smash them until they fly off the screen. Damage accumulates as a percentage meter, making characters easier to launch the higher the number gets. Battles end when players run out of stocks or have the highest knockback resistance after time runs out. This installment adds Final Smashes, which are powerful cinematic attacks triggered by filling a special gauge during combat. The single-player mode, The Subspace Emissary, shifts genres entirely into a side-scrolling platformer where you explore levels, collect items, and fight bosses alongside allies. Online play was limited to local multiplayer or split-screen setups on the Wii, focusing on chaotic four-person brawls or co-op runs through the adventure story.

What Players Think

The data shows this title is a heavyweight hit with serious players. Metacritic holds it at 93 out of 100 while IGDB lists an average score of 86.6 based on 576 user ratings. Community feedback highlights two main vibes: Competitive, which received three votes, and Intense, with one vote suggesting the local multiplayer gets heated quickly. Completion rates for The Subspace Emissary vary wildly depending on how many characters players unlock, but the average playtime hovers around forty hours for those chasing 100% completion including all trophies and challenges. Review snippets from the platform emphasize the massive roster size and the sheer polish of the physics engine that makes every hit feel impactful.

PlayPile's Take

Buy this if you own a Wii and want one of the best local multiplayer experiences available. The price is no longer an issue since it is a second-hand market find, but the value remains high given the achievement count and unlockables. It suits groups who want fast rounds without complex combos but still appreciate deep mechanics. Not every game survives the years this well, yet Brawl maintains a dedicated player base years later. The Subspace Emissary offers a solid single-player hook that stands on its own merits even if it feels disconnected from the main brawl mode. Grab a copy and test your skills against friends in a room full of noise.

Game Modes

Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative, Split screen

IGDB Rating

86.6

RAWG Rating

4.3

Deals

Finding deals...

Videos

3

Gameplay Video

Trailer

Screenshots

8

Community Moods

Achievements

Loading achievements...

Similar Games

Finding similar games...

Buzzing on Bluesky

Checking Bluesky...