I've been playing this game nonstop for the past day and a half. I can't believe that something has gotten me away from Guitar Hero, Rock Band and Halo. This game is that good. It's been a while since I put in my Smash Bros. game for the Gamecube , but I totally forgot how addictive this Nintendo beat-em-up is.

The newest Smash Bros. game features the easy pick up and play control mechanics that made the previous two installments some of the biggest selling games for the big “N.” Anyone can pick up the game and feel like they're actually doing well (and on some occasions, win!). The neat thing about the new installment is that it caters to how YOU want to control the game. It features many different set ups: play with the Wii-mote like a NES controller, play with the nunchuck and Wii-mote, play with the Gamecube controller or play with the “Classic SNES” style controller (that's the one I like the best). The “A” and “B” buttons in conjunction with the d-pad are used for the attacks, while there are other buttons or movements designated for jumping and a “super smash” attack that will knock weakened opponents out of the screen.

The game modes are vast with this installment as well. You have the classic solo mode where you can just fight through 12 or so characters and reach the final “hand” boss (and hopefully unlock some stuff on the way). If you don't feel like that mode, you can enter the “stadium” mode to play some different styles of games or the “events” mode to play challenges that gradually get tougher as you progress.

Still bored? Ok, well, it's time to try the adventure mode entitled “The Subspace Emissary.” Follow all your favourite characters as they try and defeat the evil Nintendo baddies throughout this fun side-scroller that's blended with the fight mechanics of brawl. The unlockable stickers, trophies and CGI cut scenes are more than enough reasons to tackle this quest.

Don't like playing with yourself? Well, then you're in luck because you and up to three other people can play Smash Bros! Have no friends? Thank Nintendo because they've actually put this edition online via Wi-Fi! You can play against total strangers or people that you've added with your Wii friend code. I think this is the only part of the game were Nintendo dropped the ball.Yes, I can see that they wanted the “family” aspect of this game to shine through, but not to include letting you see who you're playing, not having leaderboards, no voice chat or lobbies kills the community vibe that so many die hard Smash Bros. players are looking for.

Not to end on any negativity, Super Smash Bros. Brawl will have you going back over and over again for all the unlockables. Completists will find probably over 100 hours of game play while the casual gamers will enjoy the 12-minute, pick up and play solo mode. Nintendo nostalgia freaks like myself will spend hours just reading the information about the games and its characters that are included. Did I mention that “Metal Gear's” Snake and Sonic from “Sonic the Hedgehog” are unlockable? This game rules and is totally worth the $50.