Welcome everyone to another edition of For What it's Worth, where bargain titles are examined to see if they really are worth your bottom dollar. Tonight we take a look at a classic from the good old days of the Nintendo 64 and the beginning of what is often hailed as one of the best and most well rounded series of fighting games ever. Tonight's review is Super Smash Bros.

The original Smash Bros. on the N64 was the first time that many of Nintendo's top characters were crossed over into one game and with that in mind, it was also the first time that gamers could finally see some of their all time favorite characters face off against one other, making this dream match simulator a huge hit.

But is it a good game? Sure the prospect of having Samus duke it out with Fox MacCloud or Kirby and Pikachu butting heads or even Mario and Donkey Kong settling their feud once in for all, is a fine concept. However, even the best of premises can be K.O.ed (or in this case knocked out of the ring) without the proper execution.

Story: There isn't really one to speak of but that's ok. In a game like this, the action makes up for the lack of story.

Graphics and Design: Sure the game doesn't look as well as its sequels (Melee and Brawl) but you have to remember that this is an N64 title after all. When you keep that in mind, the game itself looks fantastic. The characters and various Nintendo universe locals look great. From the Mushroom Kingdom, Bongo Congo, Hyrule, Dreamland, to the far off spans of space, each location is brimming with it's own unique personality and look absolutely stunning on the 64 bit cartridge.  It does look rather cartoonish but that is all part of the Smash Bros. (and Nintendo as a whole) charm.

Sound: The sound is incredible. From the classic Nintendo tunes to the solid (although limited) voice acting to the old school sound effects, Super Smash Bros. is one of the best sounding games on the N64. Also, you just gotta love that announcer. Some might say he is cheesey and I would have to agree with that. But it just shows that the game doesn't take it self to seriously and I respect that. 

Gameplay: Well the gameplay is similar to other titles in the fighting genre, in the sense that every character has their own trademarks and move sets and the goal is to knock out the opponent. However, there are some key differences that set Smash Bros. apart from other fighters. Like when I say the objective is to knock out your opponent. It is true that it is the objective but rather than knocking your opponent out cold, your supposed to knock them out of the ring. To knock the opponent out of the ring you must wear him down until his health reaches a certain percentage (because the typical health bar has been replaced with a percentage), this being anywhere between 60-90% or higher. Although trying to knock them out when they have reached a percentage of 80 or higher is the most ideal. Another thing that separates this from most of the other fighters of its day is the ability to wander freely around the ring, as well as take advantage of the many Nintendo related power ups that appear on screen (which you will need to smash open boxes to acquire). There is also the odd mini game which occurs after every boss battle. And one last thing. When I said the objective is to knock out your opponent, I should have opponents. Because in some instances you will have to face more than one opponent at a time. Whether it be against friends in multiplayer mode or against a hoard of enemies in the form of a boss battle. In these instances, the last character standing is the winner. 

I guess I should also mention that this isn't necessarily the first "party fighter" to hit the scene. Capcom's Power Stone franchise which has very similar gameplay mechanics, made its grand debut at basically the exact same time that Smash Bros. was released. I guess you can call this a fun fact.

Extra Features: Five single player modes, mini-games, four unlockable characters (Luigi (Super Mario series), Ness (Earthbound/Mother series), Captain Falcon (F-Zero series) and Jigglypuff (Pokemon)) and of course the games main selling point, a multiplayer mode in which up to four people can join in on the action.

Replay Value: The game is still as enjoyable now as it was back in the day. It can provide plenty of hours of gameplay as a party game, as well as kill a decent amount of time for single player campaigns but if you happen to have one of the sequels, than your better off sticking with which ever of the two you happen to have. Although I guess this would be an ideal title for N64 related trips down memory lane.     

Over All Value: Retail Price: $10/1,000 Wii Points (Virtual Console)

                           What it's Worth: $15

The original Super Smash Bros. is a fantastic title and was a very solid start to an excellent series of fighting games but I should say that the sequels are superior and if you wanted the best fighting experience that Nintendo has to offer, I would advise you to go with Melee or Brawl but if you are on a budget or would want to play it safe and test the waters first, than downloading this via the Virtual Console would definitely be a wise investment.

I should say that this serves as a prelude to the upcoming set of reviews I have planned for the month of May. But more will be revealed when the time comes.

Until next time: Happy Hunting

Just for a little extra fun: