The release of Super Smash Bros on Wii U has been anxiously awaited, even through the launch of the excellent 3DS version of the game. The two titles share similarities, and the handheld edition is certainly full-featured, but there's simply no replacing the traditional Super Smash Bros console experience.
The Wii U version takes that experience to new heights: this is the most comprehensive, well-balanced, and downright fun entry in the series yet. Fan service is present at every turn, and Nintendo has gone the extra mile in packing content and extras into the game.
The fast-paced and entertaining core gameplay is what makes Super Smash Bros successful, to the point where many fans might very well be satisfied if the title only offered regular smash battles against friends and the computer. The Wii U iteration of the game strikes a balance between the gameplay of Melee and Brawl--it's not as quick and tight as Melee, but still not quite as floaty or quirky as Brawl.
The dual-version release of this Super Smash Bros game is a fairly unique scenario, and it does impact the way each title is viewed. The presence of the 3DS version over the past few months can take some of novelty off of the Wii U edition, despite it being a very good game on its own. If you've been playing the handheld game since its October launch, a lot of the Wii U edition's content won't feel new, particularly the roster. Unlocking and experimenting with new characters is one of the most rewarding parts of the series, and it's not as easy to get excited about something you've been playing a version of. That's no fault of the Wii U version itself, though, and make no mistake: everything is more polished visually and controls better compared to the 3DS title--this is the definitive edition of the game. Having a Super Smash Bros game you can take on the road is a first for the series, and the two titles, in a way, scratch different itches.
The 3DS version offers shorter bursts of gameplay, and For Glory online matches can be fairly competitive, while the Wii U version is the best way to play with friends and gives the hardcore fans better control. That's not to diminish the 3DS version, but each have their own place and it's not surprising the Wii U game has more features, better visuals, and superior controls. It's the evolution of Super Smash Bros that fans have been waiting for since the release of Brawl, and is simply one of the year's most fun gaming experiences.
