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Okay, Super Smash Bros. 3DS was fun and I'm glad I spent my money for it, but if that game never came out first, I probably wouldn't have bought it. After all, we now are able to play the "full version", Super Smash Bros. for the Wii U.

There isn't much difference between the 3DS and the Wii U, but the game seems to run a little smoother in the Wii U version and those of us who are trained in the ways of using the GameCube controller will feel at home. The game advertised that it is somewhere between the speed of Melee and Brawl, but I feel like it still isn't up to the old speed of Melee. However it is considerably faster than Brawl. After playing both the 3DS and Wii U version, I felt like both could have just been one game together but since they were set on getting us our first handheld Smash, they had to make sure that both were worth getting. However, the value of the Wii U version far outweighs the 3DS.

The cast of characters are the same as they are in the 3DS version so do not expect secret console exclusives. The stages are geared more to the games that appeared on the Nintendo home consoles with a surprisingly well balanced mix of new and old stages. Each one is very fun to play and there isn't any stages that are bad like the 3DS' Paper Mario stage. Because the system can support larger stages, expansive stages like Melee's Temple and the new Palutena's Temple are huge. In fact the latter is even bigger than Pork City! Overall, this version of Smash 4 is loaded with the essentials that makes the series fun. Additionally, thanks to the system strength, online battles are much better, though it rarely will have hiccups. Thankfully since the entire game is being generated from a single console, local multiplayer never lags at all and that is something I'm grateful for.

Like I mentioned in my 3DS review, this game is really the "Full Version". There are tons of features that weren't in the 3DS version like Special Battles, Event Matches, and the future Tournament Mode as free DLC. Although there is no Smash Run, we get Smash Tour, a Fortune Street/Mario Party cross over game. While it is fun and shakes up your usual smash fights, it is just as frustrating to play like Mario Party, so expect a few more friendships to end. However, the biggest reveal of the game comes from a new way to play Smash mode. Too often had I found myself being the 5th wheel and I had to wait to play when I used to play with my friends. Now, there is the brand new 8 Player Smash. That's right, you can have a total of 8 people participating in Smash mode! However, it does limit the stages you can pick, but overall that isn't a problem really. Fights are even more hectic now as you'll see tons fireballs, endless amounts of sword slashes, and constant Falcon Punches. Lastly is the Amiibo function which is sort of hit and miss. It does provide you with a "partner" character that you can personally train, but in the end, it isn't necessary. Personally, I do enjoy the training part, but i don't feel like it adds too much. Nevertheless I will not dissuade people from trying it.

The soundtrack is sublime, adding many tracks you've known and loved from Brawl and Melee while adding a vast array of smooth and catchy tunes to the stages. With over 500 songs in game, you'll certainly find a song or twenty that you enjoyed. I know I have

Nonny's Verdict: 9.5/10. I must say that I'm impressed that, compared to Brawl which spent five years developing, the Wii U, developed in only two, continues to polish the series and it keeps on getting better. As with all other iterations of Smash, it is a must buy for any Wii U owner and if you want a good starting Wii U game, Smash for Wii U is a great first buy or only buy.

Nonny's Tips: If you are searching for alternate moves or Mii outfits, Classic and Smash Tour are great ways to grind them. You'll need to do some challenges to unlock the rest though.