Melee was the only game last generation that I consistently played often throughout the entire generation. From getting a Gamecube and a used copy of Melee in my early times at high school until recently, Melee was a common thing for my friends and I to kill time with. It was the only game that really all of my friends (except two) enjoyed, no matter their background (and I had a decent amount of friends that did no gaming at all), and everyone was willing to play a game almost any time. I don't think I could have gotten that out of any other multiplayer game in my library. I have fond memories of setting up two televisions and two Gamecubes and having 8 people (even girls
) battle it out over pizza. It's really no wonder to me why Melee was the best selling Gamecube game.I thought I should write some stuff about it now that I've gotten my hands on Brawl. I haven't explored a lot of the game, as some of the language barrier is prohibitive. I haven't tried playing online and I haven't tried the level editor.
Basically, if you loved Melee, you will love Brawl. It's basically more of the same thing you got with Melee. It's definitely not as big of a gap as the N64 version to Melee was. But what has been added seems like essentials for Melee die-hards like me.
As far as characters go, the new characters are Diddy Kong (Donkey Kong series), Ike (Fire Emblem series), King Dedede (Kirby series), Lucario (Pokemon series), Lucas (Mother/Earthbound series), Meta Knight (Kirby series), Pikmin & Olimar (Pikmin series), Pit (Kid Icarus), Pokemon Trainer, R.O.B. (from the original NES release), Solid Snake (Metal Gear Solid series), Sonic The Hedgehog, Wario (Mario series), Wolf (Star Fox series), and Zero Suit Samus (Metroid series).
Dr. Mario, Mewtwo, Pichu, Roy, and Young Link have been removed. From what I hear (I have not yet unlocked him), Lucario functions just like Mewtwo, so hopefully that appeases Mewtwo die-hards. Young Link is really not gone, he has been replaced by "Toon Link," which is the cel-shaded Wind Waker Link. I will miss Dr. Mario, as I really enjoyed him as a heavier Mario. Pichu had no place in Melee to begin with in my opinion. Ike replaces Roy, so Roy users should be fine with that.
As for the controls: it's hard to tell that this is even a Wii game. There's none of the usual point-and-click menus that are on other Wii games. You can control the game with a Gamecube controller just like Melee, with no problem. So serious Smash Bros. players will not be disappointed in the controls area. Alternatively, you can use the Classic controller (works just like the Gamecube setup, but slightly less comfortable IMO), the Wiimote+Nunchuk (works quite well, and is similar to a Gamecube controller, but I am trying to get used to the two controller halves not being stuck together), or you can use the Wiimote turned on its side. Surprisingly enough, using the Wiimote on its side is not actually that bad. If you are not a serious player, and you're just playing casually, you won't have any problem playing like this. It won't be frustrating, it won't be a roadblock in your gameplay. But if you are a serious player, then you'll want to go with a Gamecube controller or a Wiimote+Nunchuk, IMO. You can also customize the buttons how you like them now as well.
There's a much larger level selection now, too. And now there's a pretty cool sounding level editor, but like I said, I didn't get to try it out. I usually play on the plainest levels with no items if I'm playing competitively--I don't like the levels and items to get in the way. The Pictochat level is perfectly plain I believe, and from the start of the game you have items options. You don't have to unlock that.
The gameplay is exactly what you would expect from a Smash Bros. game. It feels pretty much just like Smash Bros. Melee.
The new storyline mode is basically a very expanded version of the adventure mode from Melee. It's definitely an improvement over the old adventure mode, but like the adventure mode, it's not something special or memorable. Maybe I will like it more when I have an English version. You will probably play through it once and enjoy it, but not write home about it.
Solid Snake is slower than I expected him to me, and I'm sorta disappointed with him. He fits in awkwardly. Keep in mind I've only been playing for about 2 days now, and I should probably take the opportunity to learn more with him. He is definitely an interesting character, and I'm not ruling him out yet. The potential is there.
Sonic, on the other hand, performs much better than I expected him to. He is very, very fast, as you would expect. But his moves aren't bad either, and I thought they would be. I've only been playing with him for a little while (just unlocked), so I can't give more insight into him. If you like fast, this may be your character. I will consider making him my character of choice.
Pokemon Trainer is interesting as well. As you play with him, you get to switch between Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard. Squirtle is quick but weak, Charizard as slow but powerful, and Ivysaur is balanced between them. This is how all Smash Bros. characters are, but now you get all three packages in one player choice.
My previous character of choice was Young Link, and I haven't unlocked Toon Link yet. The methods I've found online to unlock him haven't worked for me so far, so I'm frustrated and I want my character back!
My overall verdict is buy. If you play Melee a lot, you should pick up Brawl to expand the game you love. If you don't have Melee and you're interested in Smash Bros., you should definitely pick up Brawl. If you enjoy Melee but you aren't die-hard, you may just want to stick with what you already own. Brawl is great, but its new features are not a deal-breaker.
Basically, Brawl is a Melee Plus, or perhaps Melee Pro. You're getting the exact same Melee game but online play, an expanded adventure mode, a level editor, more characters (including some interesting ones like Sonic and Snake), more levels, more items, and overall more customization. Another perk is that my friends and I have more controllers now as well. Between our Gamecube and Wii controllers, I don't think we'll as easily find ourselves in a situation where a player has to sit out because of a lack of controllers. The core gameplay has not changed much, though, so casual Smash Bros. players might just want to stick with Melee or wait until Brawl becomes cheaper.
