Published by: Nintendo Developed by: Nintendo / Game Arts Genre: Fighting Number of Players: 1-4 Release Date: US: March 9, 2008 Japan: January 30, 2008 Europe: TBA 2008 Australia: TBA 2008 MSRP: $49.99 Super Smash Bros Brawl Snake vs Mario The 3D fighter, developed by Nintendo, Sora and Game Arts, is always at the tip-top of GameStats' most wanted list and these days it's also the most popular game on IGN thanks to readers like you. It's not difficult to understand why, either -- after all, the anticipated Wii brawler represents the culmination of Nintendo's beloved franchise; more characters, stages and options than ever before, not to mention enhanced graphics and addictive online-compatible multiplayer modes to boot. So now that we've vacationed 24 hours with the title, can we definitely say that the final experience is worth the wait? You better believe it. Obviously, we'll be slamming the site with Brawl related content over the next several weeks. Today, though, we're kicking off with our initial impressions of the fighting experience, as well some thoughts on our favorite characters thus far. Brawl begins with a cinematic opening which introduces many of the trademark characters in the game. The quality of the render is pristine and the orchestrated music that accompanies helps set up the mood of the experience. Once you click over to the main menu, you are given several choices, including Group, Solo, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, Vault, Options and Data. Interestingly, the interface is completely incompatible with the Wii remote's infrared pointer; rather, if you choose to play Brawl with the peripheral, you hold it classic style and use the D-Pad to navigate. (Amazingly, you can't even shoot at the end credits using infrared, which is unfortunate.) The different menu selectables aren't hard to follow, but we'll elaborate all the same. Group is designed for local multiplayer matches. Pick your characters, choose a stadium and have at it. Solo represents t...