NES classics remade with the Smash level editor

After our resounding success with the original DK we decided to move straight onto the sequel. And once again, good smashing was had.

How authentic is it?

Not 100% spot on, but more than good enough. There aren't any vines in the level editor, but ladders made a fine functional replacement. We had to skimp on the number of them and the size of the platforms a little too,due to the constraints Brawl puts on the amount of stuff you can stick in a level, but overall we're really happy with the conversion.

How does it play in Brawl?

Very well indeed. The lack of floor space and multitude of ladders adds a whole new arial slant to the game, making fighting all about picking your moment before very carefully unleashing death from above. And if you risk the lower ground, there's a mammoth amount of fun to be had from defending against your attackers with some well-timed mid-air juggling. Fights on this stage look utterly insane, but there's actually quite a lot of tactical play involved. A winner all round then.

David Houghton
Long-time GR+ writer Dave has been gaming with immense dedication ever since he failed dismally at some '80s arcade racer on a childhood day at the seaside (due to being too small to reach the controls without help). These days he's an enigmatic blend of beard-stroking narrative discussion and hard-hitting Psycho Crushers.