Never mind all the options. I now know the best way to control “Super Smash Bros. Brawl.”
Back in June of last year Masahiro Sakurai announced that there would be four separate ways to control the game.
That should have made every gamer happy, but it begged the question - which was the right one for me? Hopefully I can offer some help.
One of the biggest concerns about “Super Smash Bros. Brawl” coming out on the Wii was the control set-up. The Wii basically throws everything you know about controls out the window. But precision and accuracy are as vital to the “Smash Bros.” franchise as punching and kicking, and if they didn’t translate well to the newest edition, there was no way it would be successful. Hopefully one of Nintendo’s four different control schemes could float our boats.
That being said, there are no motion controls. That’s really the best thing I can say about the controller combination situation. While it might have been cool to simulate Peach actually punching Mario in the face with your own hands, it just doesn’t make sense for the speed of this game.
In order to help everyone out I put each controller through its paces, and hopefully my experience will offer you some guidance when you finally get your hands on the game this Sunday.
I used each controller combination to (attempt to) run through Classic Mode and here are my findings:
Wii Remote and Nunchuck
(Controls: A: Attack, B: Special, C: Jump, Z: Shield, Thumbstick + A: Smash)
After playing “Wii Sports” boxing it seems like this two-handed control scheme would be perfect for a fighting game. However, without motion controls it doesn’t translate too well.
The punch, kick, block and smash attacks were all fairly easy to pull off using this controller set. However, it seemed like whenever I held down the A button it was like I was pressing turbo. I rapidly started punching over and over again.
I also had a tough time pulling off a double-jump using the thumbstick, which, is a vital part of “Smash Bros.” and had detrimental effects to my performance.
I was left feeling like this was the “cheapest” control scheme, and while it may be great for beginners, it’s wholly unnatural for seasoned veterans. Lastly, at no point in the game do you use a pointer for anything, even at certain instances in the game where it would seem 100% natural (I’ll leave those spoilers out), and that basically blew my mind, invalidating this control scheme.
CORRECTION: A few readers noted something I had overlooked. There are motion controls for the Nunchuk/Wiimote combination, but they aren’t set as the default. You can place you smash attacks on the Wii Remote shake, but you have to manually turn them on via the controller configuration menu (this is mentioned in small print on the controller description page of the manual). However, it doesn’t help the scheme much. It’s very likely that you’ll end up focusing more on shaking the controller to perform your smashes (which you can’t charge when shaking) instead of trying to land all your attacks. I tried it, and it has not convinced me to change my rankings.
Wii Remote Sideways
(Controls: A: Taunt, B:Shield, 1: Special, 2: Attack, 1 + 2: Smash)
The easiest control scheme to pick-up and play is also surprisingly good. The “Smash Bros.” team managed to optimize what was a seven-button, dual analog Gamecube controller down to four button experience.
The punch and kick end up on the 1 and 2 buttons, with smash attacks being 1 + 2 in you desired direction. Simple and easy. While the D-pad may be a bit small for most adult thumbs, it is something that is really easy to look past simply based on the convenience of this controller. There’s no extra cords, nothing to plug in, and no additional purchases - it just works.
Gamecube Controller
(Controls: X, Y: Jump, A: Attack, B: Special, C Stick: Smash)
Otherwise known as “Old Faithful.” If you were really into “Melee” there really shouldn’t be any other choice than the GameCube controller… and a Wavebird at that.
It’s pretty much just as you remember it, and once you get your hands on the game, it’ll feel like 2001 all over again. No matter how you look at it, this control scheme is one of the best, simply because there is room to map everything to its own button.
However, if you are new to the “Smash” scene, and perhaps new to video games altogether (this is for all you first-time console-owners out there), you may have some problems. First of all, you might not be able to find one in stores. It’s not impossible, but it won’t be as easy as just grabbing your Wii controller.
Also, if the Wii is the first time you have played video games in years (or ever), you may be a bit intimidated by the number of buttons you’re dealing with. It’s easy to overcome, it just takes some time.
Classic Controller (Watch a demonstration by our own Stephen Totilo)
(Controls: x, y: Jump, a: Special, b: Attack, Right Analog: Smash)
I had high hopes for the Classic Controller. It’s basically the bastard child of the SNES and Gamecube controllers, so it should work really well. For the most part it does.
The analog sticks on every Nintendo-produced controller have always seemed loose and that holds very true for the Classic Controller. Also, while the layout does work well, it still bothers me that the Classic Controller needs to be tethered to the Wii remote. It just feels like, after using the other controls, this one seems okay, but doesn’t really optimize play too much. While it isn’t the ideal candidate, it is basically comparable to the GameCube controller.
At least it works.
NES Controller
My highest hopes have been dashed. I was hoping that, using the RetroZone RetroPort (a controller converter that plugs in via the Gamecube controller port) that I would be able to play “Smash” using an NES controller - the product of some kind of twisted nostalgia gone wrong. Alas, it didn’t work.
While I was able to plug in the controller and navigate around the menus easily, I was not able to map any movement to the “GameCube” (read RetroZone-enabled NES controller’s) D-pad. Even with the program’s high level of controller customization, you can’t place movement on the D-pad. You can map jump, but that’s it. I’m pretty sure I just died a little inside.
Another problem with an NES controller is that you really only have two buttons to work with, and, unlike the Wii Remote turned sideways, you can’t map moves to combo buttons on the GameCube’s A and B buttons. That, combined with the fact that only the GameCube’s C-stick is allowed to house smash moves, that means no smash attacks for the NES controller.
Only use this controller if you’re up for the ultimate challenge, where you can’t even move your character around the stage. You can only jump.
SNES Controller
Sadly, the SNES controller has the same problems as the NES controller. It does afford you the option to map more moves to the X, Y, L, and R, buttons, but none of them help you move. It’s odd that the game doesn’t allow you to switch the movement off the thumbstick, onto the D-pad. Also, one other little oddity in terms of controller customization is that you can’t un-assign buttons, meaning that every button is going to do something, no matter what. Weird.
So, what is the best option? Here are my official MTV Multilayer “Super Smash Bros. Brawl” controller rankings:
- Wii Controller Turned Sideways
- GameCube Controller
- Classic Controller
- Wii Remote With Nunchuck
- SNES
- NES
March 6th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
The Wii Remote at number one? Are you kidding? For anyone who wants to play smash to it’s fullest, the Gamecube controller is really the only way to play.
March 6th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
first
March 6th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Thank you for taking the time to write all this important information. Now i know i ‘ll play with the gamecube controller, in only 2-3 more days.
March 6th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Oh my god thanks, i would use the gamecube controller but come the wii remote is used gor the wii and “melee” i bombed it to hard with the gamecube controller so ill try something new. and then try the Gamecube control
March 6th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
So the Super NES controller hooked to a converter doesn’t work. How about the official Nintendo Wii SNES/SFC controller offered in Japan to Club Nintendo folks?
March 6th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
No ur second jerk.
Yeah wtf!? Wii-remote first place?! It has no freaking stick! GC-controler beats all. Is anything is second it should be Wii-remote+nunckau och CC. NES and SNES shouldent be on the list cause they didnt even work right.
March 6th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
no, Im pretty sure thats not the order he ranked them in, thats just the order he decided to play through them in. gc controller still reigns supreme
March 6th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Very unprofessional review. It doesn’t mention the fact that you can CUSTOMIZE the controls, so all the whining about how pressing some of the buttons feels awkward are completely useless.
Also, the article straight-out LIES about motion controls. There ARE motion controls for the Wii+nunchuck combo.
March 6th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
wiimote first = instant discredibility
March 6th, 2008 at 7:52 pm
yeah, i was fairly certain i had read that waving the wiimote resulted in a smash attack?
either way, i’m rather surprised and gladd to see the wiimote on it’s side up top…i’ve been interested in that setup.
March 6th, 2008 at 8:35 pm
you are a ?*$ to say that you should use the wii remote.
GAMECUBE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 6th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
why doesnt everyone stop bitching, he just did you all a favor, if you dont like it, dont read!!
March 6th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I love how none of the people who are getting so friggin angry at him probley haven’t even play it yet and they have such strong oppinions!
I think they should really at least try it before all this bitching…
And finally, IT’S JUST HIS OWN FRIGIN TAKE ON IT! I MEAN GOD! IT’S NOT LIKE HE SAID THIS IS THE OFFICIAL ONLY WAY THAT THEY CAN ONLY BE RANKED!
March 6th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Do you not understand all this means nothing >
March 6th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
OK, so I think this needs some clarifying.
First of all, that is, in fact the way I ranked the controls, when I did that ranking I had everyone that would be playing “Smash” in mind, not just the returning fans of the series. If you have been playing the GameCube version for 6+ years now, then you should absolutely stick with a controller that you know and love. I think the GameCube controller is a great way to play both “Melee” and “Brawl,” I just thought that the Wii Remote was a great take on the control scheme and should be ranked number one. One other thing you have to understand is that I grew up (very much like many of you did) playing “Street Fighter II” and “Mortal Kombat” on a SNES controller (that very one in the picture actually), and, for a 2D fighter, those controls were great. Really, I highly suggest you try the Wii Remote before writing it off. Also, please take into consideration that I factored in the convienance of it as well - wireless, you’re already using it to start the game - in addition to the actual controlling of the game.
And lastly, I did take into consideration the customization of the controllers, I really just don’t undertstand what 007JB is talking about.
March 6th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Is it Sunday yet? I haven’t played Smash Bros since my N64. I’m dying for this new addition!!! :-S
Thanks for the review. I’m going to *attempt* to find a GC controller to add to my options.
Happy Smashing!
March 6th, 2008 at 11:30 pm
The Gamecube controller isnt the “only” way to play. The Wiimote+Nunchuck works just fine. Also take jumping off the analog stick and leave it just to the C button. Works alot better, and easier for up smash attacks.
And the way everything is layed out like shown, your fingers are on every function needed. That and there’s motion smash attacks if you want to turn em on.
March 7th, 2008 at 12:58 am
jason cipriano this has got to be one of the most helpful things i have read about brawl and a great idea to test them all and rank them. I am looking forward to trying brawl with the sideways Wiimote but as a melee fan i’ll stick with the GAMECUBE!!!!!!!
cheers
March 7th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Nice review Jason. I’ve been playing smash since the beginning, I’m glad they’ll be a control method that wont intimidate new players. I’m going to give the wii-mote turned side ways to my friends/family who haven’t played this. I may even use it just for fun.
March 7th, 2008 at 1:46 am
wow, your a idiot reviewer. Go kill yourself
March 7th, 2008 at 2:25 am
wow “THE JOHN” yor a imatoor fife yer olt. go ortside adn paly om ur swing
Nice review. I’ll try all the controls (’cept cc, not much point when I’ve got a cube) but I reckon I’ll stick with my purple friend with the analogue stick.
March 7th, 2008 at 6:58 am
I was actually looking forward to trying the game with the Wiimote sideways, my girlfriend isn’t gonna even try anything that isn’t the GC controller. She’s better than me, btw, so we’ll see.
March 7th, 2008 at 7:36 am
Great review. Cant understand all the Cube controller elitism though - for a console that encourages innovation and something new in general, it seems that people eschew what should be considered the main element of control for this system. Interesting opinions, but give it a go 1st people……
March 7th, 2008 at 9:44 am
this is just an opinioin every body no need to get angry over it. I mean we are all different even though almost everybody loves the GC controler over the others
March 7th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Um, guys, I don’t have a gamecube controller, rather than buy some gc controllers it would be more cost effective to buy more wii controllers, could u please tell me if i should use the nunchuck and wiimo or just the wiimo?
Thanks,
Sherlock
March 7th, 2008 at 11:38 am
Wii remote sideways sounds like the best way. If I wanted to play with the GC controller, I’d dig out Melee from the closet while I’m in there getting the controller. Can you mix and match control schemes for multiplayer? For instance, I only have two remotes, but have four GC controllers. Can I play four-player with two GC controllers and two Wii remotes?
March 7th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Yall are so ucking retarded, if you wanted to play wit the gc controller so much why not just buy a GAMECUBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GO WIIMOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 7th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
@ Chad
Yeah, you can mix and match control schemes… it really just comes down to the preference of whos playing.
March 7th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
wow ppl ppl save your tears for when i beat you guys better watch out to
sleepers
March 7th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
“I also had a tough time pulling off a double-jump using the thumbstick, which, is a vital part of ‘Smash Bros.’ and had detrimental effects to my performance.”
Then you said, “I was left feeling like this was the “cheapest” control scheme, and while it may be great for beginners, it’s wholly unnatural for seasoned veterans.”
Are you KIDDING me? How do you think you can talk trash about anything when you’re clearly NOT a “seasoned veteran.” No one good, nor bad, uses the thumbstick to jump as often as you claim it to be. You talk trash about a control scheme with invalid points thinking you’re good. No offense guy, but you are quite ignorant…
March 7th, 2008 at 10:17 pm
i thinks its a good review very nice, im only going to use the gc controller because like most of us we have played melee and loved it. and some of u shut up, its his oppipion so get a life.
March 8th, 2008 at 1:11 am
OH MY GOD! I CANNOT BELIEVE HOW DUMB YOU ARE!
seriously, I just found out a while ago that there would be four different control schemes for brawl, so I googled smash bros. brawl control schemes, just to see if I could figure out how they would work because I couldn’t imagine it. Imagine my surprise when I found this page WITH THE DUMBEST REVIEW EVERY PUBLISHED. HOW DARE YOU GIVE ME EXACTLY WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR!!!! I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WOULDN’T AUTOMATICALLY RANK GC CONTROLLER FIRST, YOU SHOULDN’T EVEN NEED TO PLAY THE OTHER ONES!!!!! thank god I’m on the internet with my real identity hidden so i can be a ucking A$$HOLE to anyone with a different opinion than my biased b.s.
but seriously folks, all this guy did was give us a heads up of what to expect, anyone (including me) who takes the time to read, let alone comment on, a blog like this is at least part nerd. you need to get off your high horse and start treating people with more respect.
Thank you for letting us in on the control schemes, I sincerely appreciate your time and effort, regardless of whether or not I will agree with your rankings.
“Honey, are you coming to bed?”
“Not now! this is IMPORTANT!”
“what is?”
“Someone is WRONG on the internet!”
March 8th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
I have played Super Smash Bros. on the N64 and I have played Super Smash Bros Melee for 6 years on the gamecube. The control scheme is getting really OLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think that the wiimote with the nunchuck or the classic controler is the best bet if you want a new expericence when KIcking your bothers ass in Brawl!!!
March 8th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Thank you for your wonderful review! It was exactly what I was looking for, and I absolutely loved your bits about the NES and SNES controllers. I’m sorry you have to wade through all of the overly-biased, -emotional, and egregiously-spelled comments. To think that these people are complaining about something they’ve never tried!
I was worried that, since I recently got rid of my Gamecube, its controllers, etc., I’d be left in the dust when it came to Brawl. I didn’t want to have to run out and spend $20 on a “classic controller” just to play this game. But, luckily, I found your review. I don’t care if the Gamecube controller worked great with Melee and still works great with the Wii; I just wanted to know if I could play this well with nothing but a Wiimote. Looks like I’ll be fine and heading up to Wal-Mart in about 3.5 hours!
Once again, thank you for your comprehensive review! Keep up the good work!
March 8th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
ok honeslty, you all need to cool your jets, this guys just doin a review for wat he thinks of the schemes, but haha well, i think the GC is the best one, but for using it for so long, its the best, but i think i wanna try something new, and if i dont like the other ways, ill stick with the gamecube one, but i think im gonna try and get used to the sideways one so i dont have to go back to the gc one tho its good, so yea i guess thats all. im stoked for this game, its gonna be tite
March 9th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Wiimote at first? Damn dude, I knew everyone has their own opinion, but that is some bad taste. Besides the NES pad, the Wiimote is the crappiest way to play.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:11 am
i will try the wiimote sideways 2nite to test it…. shock that its #1.
March 10th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Hey guys,
ok clearly we all have preferences, what’s with being such losers and screaming about things? Ever talked to a human in real life before? Act the same way here.
Anyway, I understand people being AGAINST the GC controller, but the simple fact is there are TWO kinds of Wii games- Wii-specific games (made to take advantage of the motion controllers) and Games that play on the Wii (”old school” controlled). Clearly this game works best when you are in full control. Using the motion control disables the ability to charge up, which is part of the smash control.
This game clearly falls under the “Game that plays on Wii” category. You can play any way you want, but best will be with the GC controller.
I do find it odd thought that the reviewer pretty much states the GC controller is the best… and then puts the sideways Wiimote at #1 even though it can’t be mapped completely…!?
March 11th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Ok well i got the game, FRIKIN AWESOME might i add, but i think the gc is still the best, but the wii remote sideways isnt too bad actually, i thot it might suck, it takes some getting used to, but it aint to bad, thats for sure, so yea, if u dont have the game then…………GET IT, UR MISSING OUT! i think its the biggest smash hit ever to come out for the wii, so yea, later brawlers
March 13th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I agree with Jason Cipriano - likely because come from a very similar pedigree.
Growing up playing both SF2 and MK2 on the SNES has left me virtually unable to play 2-D fighters using an analog stick to control movement. When using analog controls, I’m left with a feeling of imprecision that, in turn, translates quite clearly on-screen. Why HAL did not implement further controller customization that allots for remapping character movement to the digital cross pad on both the Wii Classic Controller and the Gamecube Controller is beyond me… A sad oversight indeed.
April 25th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Come on the wii remote turned sideways as #1
are you kidding me.
Seriously if you truly want to experience the wii console and super smash bros brawl to the max
your going to want to play with the wii remote and nun chuck to experience the true power of gaming
so what it may take a little more practice but it is really quiet easy
and besides it adds a whole new level to gaming and you can never get tired of that