I have written before on what I call transcendent video games. I am here to write a more in depth ode to one of these games, in honor of my moving to Chicago, and yet another rebirth in that game of games: Super Smash Brothers Melee.
What makes Super Smash Brothers unique? What characteristics make it the greatest fighting game of all time, in a different class then even such legendary games as Street Fighter 2 and Mortal Kombat?
The subtleties are the key. Different moves, combinations of moves different levels, the ability to use items, and the relative strengths and weaknesses of the varying characters allow the smash connoisseur to continually develop and fine tune his craft, always altering strategies, and working to improve on specific facts of the game, be it defense, Smash attacks, use of projectiles, or survival tactics. Execution in Smash is similar to playing a musical instrument: you can work on your straight chops (ability to execute your fundamental moves as fast as possible,) you can work on playing more complex and difficult pieces of music (more complex moves and combinations with higher risk-reward,) or you can work on rhythm and timbre, the way in which you view yourself within your surroundings as part of a fluid and dynamic movement. Within this movement, the ability to express oneself creatively is unlimited. Truly great Smash is artistic.
Of course, Smash is about Art…and hurting people. While there is no goal to a piece of music, there is a goal to Smash, win the game. Deal damage. Knock people out. The balance between artistic expression and individual or team goals blends with Smash as well as any other competition, with the possible exception of basketball. One can focus on victories or artistic expression by playing the game without victory conditions.
Like all great competitions, Smash also provides a forum to humiliate and taunt your opponent, as well as develop synergy with a teammate to make you better in tandem then you can be by yourself. The litany of characters with different moves and styles allows each individual to develop his or her own relationship with the game and its characters. Some are specialists such as myself who has formed an undying bond with Link, as I am drawn to the values of heroism he represents which I look to find in myself. Some of us are drawn to several characters looking to represent the masculine, the feminine, the strong,and the crafty parts of our personality such as Stuart K Lim, and his diverse array of characters: Fox, Peach, Jigglypuff, Donkey Kong, and the Ice Climbers. Others of us choose our characters as representations of the evil in every man’s soul, looking to express our darker side, as with Taylor Peterson and his infatuation with Marth.
Most importantly, Smash brings people together, while allowing one to relax, engage the mind, and forget the stresses and suffering that is regular life. Like my favorite pieces of music, I will be able to play Smash again and again without tiring or succumbing to boredom; at least until the version for Nintendo Revolution comes out.
# posted by Marmaniac @ 11:25 AM
