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  1. Games
  2. Fighting
  3. Super Smash Bros
  4. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (2014)

Dont worry--Super Smash Bros. Wii U plays just like you expect

News
By Henry Gilbert published 11 June 2014

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

The punch of nostalgia

The punch of nostalgia

I arrived at Nintendos booth just a couple minutes before E3 opened, which afforded the chance to see the area fill up as fast as Smash Bros. biggest fans rushed to the area at the start of the show. The many demo stations had dozens of people camped out, waiting for a few rounds with the first playable version of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. And I have to think those fanboys and girls were satisfied, because the demo plays exactly like Smash Bros. veterans expect.

I battled through three brief rounds, all in time limit matches. I tried out new characters in the first two rounds, lacing up Little Macs gloves in the Dr. Wily stage ripped straight from Mega Man 2. It was a lively fight, and my skills didnt feel too rusty--no doubt it helps that I played on a GameCube controller. Mac is quick and packs a few powerful charge attacks, like a mini-Donkey Kong (though not as tough). My second round was spent as the Wii Fit Trainer, whose moves look more in sync with a yoga instructor than a martial artist. Theres an extra feeling of accomplishment from knocking folks off the screen with the graceful movements of a fitness expert.

Then came the final round. The Nintendo representative mentioned that the winner of the round would get a free t-shirt, which isnt an incentive for me, but it certainly was for my opponents. Everyone switched to their most familiar characters (Mario in my case), and gave it their all. As I played with my goto character, on a GameCube controller no less, I realized the core of this series was truly unchanged. And thats the best news me, and the fanboys that surrounded me, couldve heard.

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
Zero Suit Samus dominated at the Smash tournament Nintendo hosted

Zero Suit Samus dominated at the Smash tournament Nintendo hosted

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Page 2 of 8
The Yellow Devil is tough to avoid in the Mega Man stage

The Yellow Devil is tough to avoid in the Mega Man stage

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This kind of sisterly competition is inspiring

This kind of sisterly competition is inspiring

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Greninja's Final Smash is a real treat to see in person

Greninja's Final Smash is a real treat to see in person

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Any character in the game can become a Tanooki now (even Mega Man)

Any character in the game can become a Tanooki now (even Mega Man)

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Page 6 of 8
The Fire Bar is my new favorite weapon

The Fire Bar is my new favorite weapon

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One hammer can still make a world of difference in battle

One hammer can still make a world of difference in battle

Page 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
CATEGORIES
Wii-u Platforms Nintendo
Henry Gilbert
Henry Gilbert
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Henry Gilbert is a former GamesRadar+ Editor, having spent seven years at the site helping to navigate our readers through the PS3 and Xbox 360 generation. Henry is now following another passion of his besides video games, working as the producer and podcast cohost of the popular Talking Simpsons and What a Cartoon podcasts. 

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