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refereelarry's Super Smash Brothers (N64)
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| [February 20, 2008 07:44:53 PM]
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Gameplay #2:
After revisiting SSB, I discovered some basic elements that it lacks in comparison to conventional games on the N64. There is a limited narrative in single player and really does nothing to tell a story or give a background context to the game. There is little flow in terms of level transition because the game is set up in a series or individual battles that one plays on a limited playing field.
On a positive note, there is much possibility for both quick matches and long, tense battles. Depending on the skill level of the players involved and the characters chosen, battles can range in their difficulty and length. CPU characters are an interesting addition to the game. Their availability adds opportunity for play in multiplayer mode when there is a lack of available human players, or one just wants to brush up on his/her skills. I always had fun trying to battle a pair of high-level computer players in “versus” on my own.
Design:
Upon playing SSB for an extended period of time, I came to realize the complexity of the gameplay. It is clearly a game of emergence and requires the honing of skills in order to beat an experienced player. Each available character has a set of skills and moves that can be used in a variety of situations. Timing is essential when play gets competitive. Certain moves in the game are useful in certain level locations or in the context of various skill combos. One has to think on the spot while planning and executing their next move. On a competitive level this all occurs very quickly.
It is amazing to me how flawless the game is in terms of character-move interactivity. There is a priority system for characters’ moves and how they react to each other. For example, one character’s sword might have priority over another’s grab attack. This develops each character’s unique skill set and sets up strengths and weaknesses. The balance that is achieved despite this complexity is amazing. One can learn all of this in the game and even invent their own approach to utilizing skills. This raises replay value tremendously; the fun never ends with this game.
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| [February 20, 2008 07:44:35 PM]
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Summary:
Super Smash Bros. (SSB) for the Nintendo 64 is a landmark in console multiplayer. With a simple yet innovative game concept, SSB is the definition of Emergence gameplay as the player hones his/her skills to beat their opponent.
Gameplay #1:
There are a few different game modes in SSB including a mode for 1 person and a mode for multiple players. The most commonly played game type is “versus” which involves multiple people battling against each other and trying to stay alive while throwing opponents off the edge of the map. One scores a point by being responsible for the death of an opponent and loses a point when they themselves are thrown off the edge.
Within the “versus” menu, one can select the type of match to be played. There are three variations that include: Time, Stock and Team. The Time game type sets a time limit to the match and whoever has the most points at the end of the battle wins. Stock assigns each player a certain number of lives and the last one standing wins- time is not a factor. A team battle is one of the previous game types (selected by the player) but instead of free-for-all, where all players battle each other, teams are selected and players fight against an opposing pair.
This game is very fun to play. Every battle is different and hard to predict. The atmosphere created by SSB is fun and exciting. I played for a long time testing the variety of characters and levels available. One unlocks new characters after advancing in 1 player mode, which are available to use in multiplayer mode. I had a great time trying to learn all of the characters’ moves and their effects in the game.
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