Super Smash Bros. saw its release on the Virtual Console today. It marks the Nintendo Wii’s 500th game download.

I can’t make heads or tails about how I feel about this game on the Virtual Console. On one end of the spectrum, I played this game for thousands of hours on the ol’ N64, and I’m afraid that it won’t be the same with a different controller. I mean, the Gamecube, and Wii tried mimicking the success of this legendary title unsuccessfully. There was something about the N64 that put it above all the others.

I guess it was the cold hard physics that just seemed perfect. Example: Captain Falcon winning 90% of equally timed hits, but then he couldn’t jump worth a damn, and was close range. But I also assume that the N64 controller, while being a faulty device, had its appeal and contributed to how perfect the game was.

Going off on a tangent really quick, I just want to mention another reason I believe this one was better than Melee or Brawl. I believe that it had something to do with the simplicity, you could easily wrap your head around all the characters and familiarize yourself with all their moves. Not just for playing all the characters, but to fight against them as well. Unconsciously, I feel this was something everyone appreciated, having their brains turn into sleeper strategy boxes. Pikachu (You) vs. Captain Falcon: don’t get above or below him, and especially don’t stay on the ground next to him. Bait him, and then lightning charge until he’s weak enough to buck him.

I’d also like to mention this game had the best television commercial that I’d ever seen.

In either case it’s nice to see one of the best games ever released for the N64 making its way to the easy access that is the Virtual Console.

Super Smash Bros.™