The smashing continues.

So I got my hands on a code for Super Smash Bros. for 3DS, and downloaded the demo. This game is visually appealing, and quite fun to boot. I had no true expectations going into this game, so once I get to play it, I took note to a few things. This will prepare you if you don’t manage to get a code by 09/19/14.

Controls
Super Smash Bros. for 3DS is going to feel awkward to anyone that’s played a game in the Smash Bros. franchise right off the bat. While the actual button functions are the same, you won’t feel the same using the 3DS. X/Y are still jump, while A is for normal/Smash attacks and B is for special attacks. R is shield while L functions like the Z button did for a direct grab function. Where the face buttons are positioned, however, makes it feel somewhat uncomfortable. While this is just a demo, I’m sure you can make adjustments to your layout in the full version. So a fair warning to casual and competitive players alike on that one. The circle pad seemed fine to me, and I personally had no problems moving around freely with it.

Speed
The game play has the standard Smash Bros. feel to it. For those used to Brawl, this game not only looks, but feels faster. For those used to Melee, it’s still not as fast, but it should be fine. 64 players should be rather familiar with the speed, however. At least in my opinion. The game is definitely fast enough to keep people occupied for all skill levels. It’s also fun to look at when not playing.

Combat
Now we get to the meat of things. It doesn’t feel stiff, but it’s different from what you’re used to. Spacing and how you move are very important to throwing out attacks. Being accurate, which is something Brawl players are used to, is essential. There are a few little tricks of the trade that competitive players know that still exist. I don’t want to lose people with technical terms, so I won’t mention them. Some moves auto cancel while others don’t. This means that throwing out the right move at the right time is even more important in this game. Characters are still somewhat floaty, which makes them rather difficult to KO.

Characters
The characters you are allowed to use are Mario, Link, Mega Man, Villager, and Pikachu. You can do 1v1 or a FFA on Battlefield in “Normal” or “For Glory” mode. All of the characters are fun to use, and while the 3 veterans shouldn’t feel -too- different, the 2 newcomers may feel strange. Mega Man takes some getting used to as his Neutral A attacks are the same on the ground as they are in the air. You get to fire 3 rounds from his megabuster at a clip. The rest of his moves are nods to the iconic series’ Robot Masters, and each are quite different in functionality. While he’s a very different character, fans shouldn’t feel discouraged. Give him some time, and I’m sure you’ll feel right at home.

Then you have the surprise addition of Villager. His/Her moves will definitely take some getting used to. While Villager is definitely more odd than Mega Man by far, it doesn’t make the character any less entertaining. The Down B move, comes in 3 phases. Planting, watering, and chopping down. The side B rocket can either be ridden or just fired. This makes for good offensive/defensive capabilities and recovery uses. The 3 veterans have some of their moves’ properties changed, but generally remain untouched from their Brawl versions.

Other Game Play Facets
I personally enjoy Battlefield’s layout, especially the Brawl version, which thankfully we get. The “Normal” mode gives you that, along with a host of items to choose from and make plenty of chaos with. From someone who never cared about items from the series’ inception, these are loads of fun.

A personal favorite of mine is the Gust Bellows. With this item you can throw whirlwinds at people. It also is a powerful physical item allowing you to charge and swing just like the Home Run Bat. Another one that I found interesting was the Beehive. Think any cartoon you’ve ever watched and use your imagination on that. The Fire Bar is also pretty cool, and I love the Home Run Bat’s new design. There’s a ton more to play around with, as well.

There really isn’t much to say about the “For Glory” mode. I still feel it’s Sakurai’s attempt at poking fun at the competitive aspect of the game. In my opinion, which I don’t spout openly much, it’s a poor mechanic that takes away the level along with the items.  Battlefield is a great level without the randomness, and for it to be like Final Destination is pretty pointless. I guess technically, you get two stages that way for the demo, though. Still, it’s pretty fun to be able to switch it up on the demo.

All in all, I feel that once everyone gets their hands on the full game, it will really take off. The 3DS version is Smash Bros. on the go. There’s nothing wrong at all with that. I’ve already spent more time playing this demo than I have anything else in the past month. Even with the Wii U version coming out in the winter some time, it should hold it’s own, regardless.

Keep an eye out for once the full game is release. I’ll not only leave my thoughts on the game, but also what the first Major tournament for the game will be like. As always, happy gaming, and be sure to hit me up in the comments or on Twitter @truetempestt.