A New Foe has Appeared: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 

Introduction: Let's get into another legendary Nintendo game: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate! When the Switch first launched, I played this game with my friends all the time. While I drifted away from it for a while, I recently picked it up again and have some thoughts to share!

Game Title: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate        Publisher: Nintendo 

Year: 2018                                                        ESRB Rating: E10+

Platform: Nintendo Switch                             Genre: Competitive Fighting and Platform Game

Fun Factor: Let's start by addressing the boredom factor: there really isn't one. If you're someone who gets tired of fighting and combat-style gameplay, then this game might not be for you. Smash Bros. excels in its incredible combat-focused gameplay, packed with flashy moves and effects that keep the adrenaline pumping. The fun factor is at the core of this game. The variety of characters, moves, stages, and possibilities makes the game feel rich and exciting. Players can embody their favorite Nintendo characters and truly immerse themselves in the gameplay.

Learning Curve: The learning curve, admittedly, could be seen as a drawback of the game. The controls can be complex for newcomers, and it may take several games to become comfortable with the gameplay or memorize all the moves. Sometimes, even I forget which button to press for a specific move I want to execute. However, this complexity doesn't detract from the gameplay experience. Even if you haven't mastered every move, you can still look impressive trying. So yes, the learning curve can be steep initially, but once you grasp it, you're set. There are no hidden moves or secrets that unfairly disadvantage players once they've familiarized themselves with the game.

Graphics: The graphics in this game are truly revolutionary for a Nintendo Switch title. The cutscenes are breathtaking, with incredible detail that makes the opening sequence feel like a cinematic experience. The game's layout is thoughtful and well-executed, from the title screen to the action scenes, delivering solid graphics throughout. However, the mix of characters from diverse game genres can initially clash in style, which might be a bit jarring for newcomers. Yet, this diversity ultimately enhances the game's appeal. Each character is uniquely designed, with movements that bring them to life in a magical, almost anime-like way. The combat animations are precise and well-crafted, contributing to the game's cinematic feel.

Audio: The audio experience in this game is truly exceptional. The opening music is powerful and masterfully crafted, resonating deep within you. Each character boasts iconic voice lines that add fluidity and dynamic sound to the gameplay, evoking a nostalgic charm, especially for those characters from our childhoods. 

When a new opponent appears for you to face, the chosen players engage in a duel, accompanied by music that sets a compelling tone, creating anticipation for an epic battle. The animations for every move are solid, complemented by outstanding audio design. Every grunt and stomp enhances the immersive experience, making you feel truly connected with your character. 

Controls: As mentioned earlier regarding the learning curve, mastering the controls requires focused attention. Each button on the controller serves a unique function for the character you're playing, so memorizing the right combos is crucial for executing optimal moves. Compared to other Mario Nintendo games, these controls are more intricate, but this complexity adds depth and dynamism to the gameplay.

Personally, I find the controls to be well-constructed without any awkwardness, though others may have encountered issues in the past. When I returned to the game, I initially forgot some controls, but muscle memory kicked in and helped me win several matches against my friends. It's best to practice and move around rather than overanalyze the controls; this approach accelerates memorization.

This emphasis on learning through experience aligns with my preference for games that prioritize a "show-don't-tell" approach. Just dive in, play, and enjoy the game without overthinking it.

Story: The story is a delightful addition, although not essential to the gameplay itself. Primarily, the game revolves around battling friends or CPUs in arena-style matches on platforms. Despite the audience not necessarily asking for a story, the game presents an impressive narrative. Alongside the core multiplayer content, there's a side gameplay mode that delves into the game's lore.

In this storyline, colossal hand-like beings invade the world of beloved characters, turning them evil. Only Kirby manages to escape, and it's up to him, guided by the player, to win battles, rescue favorite characters, and defeat these ominous foes. The story is straightforward yet provides genuine motivation to save cherished characters. It proved especially compelling when my friends weren't available to play.

For those who enjoy a structured, level-based gaming experience, this game offers that alongside its favored combat-oriented gameplay.

Characters: Let's dive into the characters, where do I even start? The main game boasts an impressive roster of 74 characters, not including DLCs or purchasable extras. Each character hails from their own iconic game, making them equally memorable in their own right. Players often have their favorites, and this game caters to every type of player through its diverse character selection.

Every character brings a positive and enjoyable gameplay experience, even the villainous ones. Personally, my main choices are Kirby and Ridley, basic, I know, but I can't help but love them. It's this personal connection that elevates the game's appeal. Whether you favor a character from another beloved game, you can play as them here, showcasing the game's celebration of iconic characters.

Each character is meticulously detailed with unique animations, models, moves, sounds, platforms, and weapons, adding to the game's overall richness and immersion. 

Level Design: It's exciting that each character also brings along a themed map from their own respective games, making gameplay incredibly enjoyable. With a plethora of maps available, many follow a familiar format of four platforms for players to battle on, yet each offers unique twists. Some feature side-scrolling action, moving platforms, and backgrounds that occasionally launch attacks, introducing distinct challenges. Every map showcases a style that complements its associated character, enhancing the game's dynamism and enjoyment. These varied environments not only add complexity to the already challenging and enjoyable gameplay but also provide opportunities for discovery and strategy. To collect all the characters, you have to battle characters controlled by the system to add them to your roster adding a leveling-up aspect, rewarding players with more characters as they enhance their skills.

Changes: Honestly, I wouldn't change much about the game. The animations, gameplay, art style, music, and characters are all exceptionally well-crafted. The addition of a lore-driven story alongside the competitive combat gameplay adds depth and richness to the experience. If I had to suggest an improvement, it would be to make additional characters, like DLCs, available for free rather than as paid content. For instance, I'd love to try out Minecraft Steve in Smash Bros., but I hesitate to pay extra for a character I might only use occasionally. Once you've purchased the main game, that should ideally be the only purchase necessary.

Recommendation: I wholeheartedly recommend this game. Its fast-paced competitive nature ensures a thrilling experience, packed with more content than you might expect. Whether battling friends or CPUs, there's something here for everyone. That said, if you prefer peaceful games over action-packed ones, this might not be your cup of tea, it can be intense for gentler souls, and that's totally okay; play what you enjoy. For those who do give it a try, this game challenges your skills and reaction times, making you a more adept gamer. Plus, it's a visual treat to witness characters from different universes duking it out. How often do you see Pac-Man fighting Samus, it is so fun and random. It's both entertaining and a testament to the game's imaginative concept of uniting beloved video game icons.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder: The Evolution Continued

Introduction: Continuing from my discussion of Super Mario 64, I decided to stick with the Mario theme and somewhat compare it to the newest Mario addition. I got Super Mario Bros. Wonder a few months after its release on Switch and played through the first few worlds of levels. Just a few days ago, I resumed my gameplay and completed a few more worlds.

Game Title: Super Mario Bros. Wonder                         Publisher: Nintendo

Year: 2023                                                                       ESRB Rating: E for everyone 

Platform: Nintendo Switch Console                              Genre: 2D Platformer 

Fun Factor: Overall, the game is very fun to play. I have played a lot of Mario platformers in the past, and this game definitely fits that criteria. There are many new elements introduced in this game that make it very unique and exciting. Ironically, the only boring factor for me was that it was too easy. This is not because I have gotten better at platformers; I play some old Mario games over again for fun and can still see the challenge level being vastly different. My main guess is that this game is targeted at a younger audience, but at the same time, when I was that younger audience, the Mario games back then felt more mature in a way. They made certain areas so easy and obvious that sometimes it feels a little insulting. I just recently replayed Super Mario 64 and struggled with a lot of puzzles, which made solving them much more rewarding. However, with this newer iteration, I feel underwhelmed at times. It is still very well-made and very fun, but there are definitely some critiques I have in mind.

Learning Curve: For the most part, it is really easy to get used to the new elements of the game. After all, the controls essentially barely change from game to game. The use of new power-ups may make you take a step back for a moment, but after a minute or so, you pretty much have it down pat. If you have played any other Mario platformer, there isn’t too much new content to learn. Even if you haven’t played a Mario game before, it is still easy to understand how to play.

Graphics: Now, this is an element of gameplay where this game shines. A lot of 2D Mario platformers can only work with so much detail given the smaller screen space and the fact that it is in 2D. However, the revolutionary factor of this game is how greatly the graphics have improved. The use of the foreground and background in some levels, the more expressive characters, and the more 3D-like appearance of everything all contribute to this improvement. It is truly magical what Nintendo did with this concept. I would say what this game is best known for is its newer and more expressive graphics. The characters certainly do seem more alive now that they have more than two expressions. It makes the game feel more real and lovable. For this genre of games, I would say Super Mario Wonder hit it out of the park, showcasing a true standalone uniqueness not seen in other 2D platformers.

Audio: Audio is another great aspect of the game that has improved drastically compared to its past iterations. The characters make more expressive noises, and there is much more music and sound effects, all culminating in making the game sound more alive than ever before. That first level when you encounter the singing piranha plants certainly shocks you at the beginning and sets a true statement that this game is unlike any other. It definitely is more whimsical and playful than past Mario games as well, making me question the younger target audience factor again. Overall, the audio sounds amazing, though I do wish certain iconic sounds from past games were still included.

Controls: The controls, similar to the learning curve, are very easy to understand and learn quickly. However, the constant reminders of how to play and which buttons to use, even in later levels, can be quite annoying. In a more pessimistic opinion, it feels as though the game sometimes thinks we cannot play the game we've already been playing for hours. Certain new mechanics freshen up the old style of gameplay, such as the introduction of badges. As you beat levels, you can collect badges, and when equipped, you have access to different moves. Personally, the parachute cap badge is the one I use most. Some badges, however, feel redundant, but I suppose that depends on the type of player you are. As usual with most Nintendo games, the controls are on par with the times. There are little to no wonky controls or glitches, and the drift problem seems to be going away as well. I suspect that certain software updates are how that problem is being solved in the first place.

Story: Ironically, for once, the story is technically different from past Mario platformer games. Princess Peach is no longer the damsel in distress but is now a playable character. In this story, Bowser is still the big bad, but he gets an interesting makeover by becoming a battleship. You travel to a neighboring kingdom and meet Prince Florian with all your friends. Suddenly Bowser appears to steal the power of the land through mysterious wonder seeds and wonder flowers that apparently power everything in the kingdom. You team up with the prince, help other flower citizens along the way, and collect wonder seeds by beating levels until you can fight and defeat Bowser. Then all the power is restored, and it's happily ever after. The game reaches its goal by making a family-friendly story that everyone can get into and have fun playing. Turning your brain off for a simple, fun story like this has always been a Mario tradition perfect for everyone.

Characters: Finally! After so long, there's another game where you can play my favorite character, Yoshi! However, all the Yoshi characters are in easy mode, taking no damage and making the game less fun at times. I'm disappointed that my favorite green dinosaur is in a way taken away from me once more. It is refreshing to finally get to play more characters, though. I don't think there are many Mario games other than Mario Party and Mario Kart where you can play so many different characters. You have Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Daisy; yellow, blue, and pink Toads; green, yellow, red, and blue Yoshis; and Nabbit. I adore the selection, but I wish you could turn off easy mode for the characters because I love playing as Yoshi but want to play in the normal setting. So, I opt for Luigi instead. Still, it's nice knowing I have more options now and much more fun seeing all these characters in action. How often do you see Daisy do anything in a main Mario game? It is all quite exciting.

Level Design: At first glance, the level design is like any other Mario platformer with enemies, checkpoints, powerups, pipes, the final flag, and bosses. However, the addition of wonder seeds and wonder flowers adds a whole new aspect to the game. Around the halfway point of every level, you can find a wonder flower, and when you activate it, it turns the whole level practically into a new one. Each version of this is drastically different, from causing a stampede of Bulrushes to run after you, to levels that turn you into a ball of slime or a Goomba. This really makes the game unique and exciting in many new ways.

Changes: Yes, there are quite a few changes I would add to the game. First off, the Bowser levels should not be this easy. That one level where you jump over a conveyor belt to press a button to stop the Bowser machine took me two seconds to finish. Second, what happened to the variation in boss levels? The Koopalings would have been a wonderful addition to this game, giving the boss fights much more variation and excitement and potentially adding a challenge. I am not sure how most others feel about this game, but it was way too easy for me and got boring quickly because of it. I still haven't finished the game, not because it's difficult, but because it feels unfulfilling. The game is fun and going in a great artistic direction, but the actual gameplay challenge could use some work. Third, this is completely my opinion: I really don't like the talking flowers. The first time I heard one talk, I thought I was hearing things. Generally, there isn't much talking in Mario games, so this really caught me off guard. I understand they are supposed to be fun, supportive, and whimsical, but to me, they are just creepy. It might be because they all sound the same. When you give something that many speaking roles and that much sentience, you should give it more variation. It feels like flower clones are going to secretly take over my game. I don't truly know why I don't like them; they are just really uncanny to me for them to be in a Mario game.

Recommendation: I would recommend this game to those who might just be starting out with platformers. It is definitely a great starter game for this genre. I would also recommend this game to any die-hard Nintendo fans; despite my criticisms, it still is a fabulous Mario game added to the long line of Mario 2D platformers. The only downside is the challenge aspect, but other than that, this is a solid game. It may not be my favorite, but it is definitely worth trying out to see if you like it. It’s fun, delightful, and overall a great addition to the Mario lineup of games.

The Revolutionary Evolution of Super Mario

The Revolutionary Evolution of Super Mario 64

Introduction: For the past few days, I have replayed the game Super Mario 64 on my Nintendo Switch. At the time when this game came out in 1996, it was revolutionary for Mario games because of its new 3D format. Given that the game is turning 28 this year in 2024, I decided it is a good time to dissect this game through my own observations. This will be done through my personal opinions under certain categories that feel relevant. I personally have been a long fan of Nintendo Mario games, and looking back on a game I fondly remember playing as a kid, I believe will be quite refreshing.

Game Title: Super Mario 64                                                      Publisher: Nintendo 

Year: 1996                                                                                  ESRB Rating: E for everyone 

Platforms: The Nintendo 64 (Original 1996)                            Genre: 3D Platformer    

                   The iQue Player (Chinese port 1996 1997 2003)

                   Wii and Wii U (Virtual Console 2015)    

                   Nintendo DS (Remake 2004)

                   Nintendo Switch (Included with Super Mario 3D All-Stars 2020)

 

Side Note: I am writing about this game because I really want to appreciate it as much as I appreciated the Nintendo DS version from my childhood. After I got the game on my Nintendo Switch, I was disappointed to discover all the differences between the two versions, especially since I can't play as Yoshi, who is my favorite Mario character. I haven't touched the game for the past few years since it came out in 2020. I hope after playing it more thoroughly and writing about it here, I can see how great this game is.

Fun Factor: Let's begin with how fun the game is. The base game is pretty much the same across all versions, so I knew I was going to enjoy the game in some way. The platforms can be difficult at times which makes beating each level all the more rewarding. Figuring out secret levels, moves, and even a secret star bunny, made the game feel refreshing and fun. The only boring side of it is how tedious some levels can be. However, if you are a pro at platformers, I doubt you would feel such a way. Overall I didn't feel bored in any way, but this is not the same as feeling frustrated with some aspects of the game. 

Learning Curve: I had forgotten how frustrating learning all the controls can be. Despite playing for nearly a whole day, I still struggled at times with certain moves. In the beginning, it is easy to understand and the learning curve isn't that bad, but when more difficult levels come into play, that's a different story. Also, the game isn't always a figure-it-out-yourself kind of game. I hope you enjoy a lot of reading at random times about how certain controls work. These tidbits of information can be scattered amongst nearly the whole game in the form of readable signs. If you ignore the signs telling you how to play, it makes it a lot more difficult. This may be a more personal opinion, but I am more of a show-don't-tell kind of person. Reading signs everywhere isn't my preference for games.

Graphics: Under today's standards, there wouldn't be anything to talk about as far as graphics go, however, when this game came out it was revolutionary. All other Mario games before it were only in 2D, this 3D Mario game was the first of its kind. So compared to other 3D games, it blended right in. It was a first for the Mario series, but not the first 3D game overall. This is simply what all other games of its kind looked like at the time. The creators did their best with what they were given and it truly shows that they cared for each and every one of their games. If blocky, pixilated, soulless characters can steal the hearts of many, it only proves how great this game was. 

Audio: Audio is a complicated topic. Before writing this, I researched how others feel about it. Since some areas in the game, like outside the castle, have no music, it can seem unsettling to some. I usually focus on gameplay, so I didn't notice this until someone else mentioned it. The community is split between finding the audio nostalgic or eerie. I rather like the sound design; it's iconic of its time, and I can identify every noise in the game. There's a variety of sound effects, and the music perfectly sets each level. Many sounds were creatively sourced, like the baby penguin's steps sounding like a car horn. From Bowser's sinister music to the iconic Bob-omb level tune, I find it unforgettable. However, the sound design can be annoyingly repetitive at times, such as when the baby penguin won't stop yelling as you return it to its mother.

Controls: The controls adapted well to the new 3D format, and the creators did a great job with what they had. However, no game has made me want to bash my head through a wall more. Characters sometimes fall off platforms as if everything is made of ice, and certain controls can be janky and unreliable. While it was challenging to create effective controls for this format, the frustration is a lot to handle, especially at harder levels. The camera controls are the most aggravating, often seeming like the game doesn't want you to see what you're doing. Despite this, the variety of moves is impressive, and discovering new jumps is exciting. Figuring out the controls can be fun, but their reliability is a significant downside.

Story: The story is a standard Mario game story. Princess Peach is taken by Bowser and we play as Mario to defeat him. The new aspect of this story is collecting stars to unlock levels and doors. Which does make the game feel different and exciting. Trying to collect every star is difficult but addictive. Other than being repetitive like every other Mario game, I would say the story is very simple to understand for engagement, and the addictive nature of each level makes you always want to play more. 

Characters: The characters are the same as always. You play as Mario, the hero ready to save the princess. Princess Peach is the standard damsel in distress, and Bowser is the typical villain. They leave Mario more simple so that everyone can embody themselves as the main character. A cute addition I noticed is Mario falling asleep and talking about spaghetti if you leave the game idle, which is adorable. The game offers little backstory, and you navigate the levels mostly alone, except for a few side characters like the helpful pink Bob-ombs with their cannons. I was disappointed you can't play as Yoshi in this version, as he's my favorite character. He can fly for a bit and is a cool green dinosaur. At least I think he is a dinosaur. However, Mario is as always the hero of the day. 

Level Design: The level design in this 3D realm is amazing, showcasing the creators' creativity. The levels are well-made and unique, but the wonky controls can make some platforms challenging. Each level's mechanics are varied, keeping gameplay fresh and exciting. Finding secret spaces and courses, whether intentionally or by accident, is rewarding and fun. Puzzle levels make you feel clever, and difficult platforming levels make you feel skilled. The randomness of the levels is both exciting and disorienting, making you question if they belong to the same game. The creators address this with a creative, Alice in Wonderland-inspired painting mechanic. Levels feature puzzles, platforms, bosses, enemies, or randomness, with a learning curve that gets steeper. For instance, you enter each course by jumping into a painting in the castle. In the Wet-Dry World course, you can only get to certain areas by raising the water level. However, no matter what I did I couldn't raise the water to the highest level. Apparently, the only way to achieve the highest water level is by jumping really high into the painting. This mechanic is not used at any other time in the game. It took me way too long to figure that out. The level design is very creative but can also be quite convoluted. 

Changes: If I had to choose a few changes to the game, then it would be how Lakitu works with the camera angles. Not being able to see what you are doing makes the game very difficult at times. As well as some more reliable controls would be a nice change. Finally, I would change up the final boss fights with Bowser. Every fight in this game is exactly the same. The first time I played Super Mario 64 I thought you would have to damage Bowser three times, like every other Mario game, but you only have to damage him once in this game. His levels before fighting him are quite challenging and exciting, but the actual battle feels more lackluster. Now if this change did happen where they made Bowser more difficult and unique each time you fight him, then I would suggest maybe a checkpoint before entering the fight, as I know adding all that difficulty can be challenging for some people. 

Recommendation: I would definitely recommend this game to others. It was practically my most favorite game from my childhood. The nostalgia is palpable. Although today people might be put off by the graphics, this game is a true classic and that should shine through anyone's initial negative thoughts. If you want to curl up with a simple yet addictive game after a long day, then this game is perfect for you. I know, because that's exactly what it is to me. So matter what happens in life, I'll always have Mario to save the day.