Editing Super Smash Bros. Brawl in competitive play
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{{ArticleIcons|ssbb=y|competitive=y}} | {{ArticleIcons|ssbb=y|competitive=y}} | ||
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' in competitive play}} | |||
''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'''s competitive scene started soon after its release, following the popularity of its [[Melee|predecessor]]. Before ''Brawl's'' North American release, [[Nintendo]] held [ | ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'''s competitive scene started soon after its release, following the popularity of its [[Melee|predecessor]]. Before ''Brawl's'' North American release, [[Nintendo]] held [http://www.nintendo.com/corp/ssbb_official_rules.html promotional tournaments] across the United States, although they were played on the default 2-minute timer with [[item]]s on. | ||
Players immediately noticed the many changes made in ''Brawl,'' with ''Melee'' veterans such as {{Sm|Mew2King}} initially being [http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/516492-super-smash-bros-melee/41341001 highly critical] of the game. Nevertheless, ''Brawl'' would go on to have an eventful competitive scene. | Players immediately noticed the many changes made in ''Brawl,'' with ''Melee'' veterans such as {{Sm|Mew2King}} initially being [http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/516492-super-smash-bros-melee/41341001 highly critical] of the game. Nevertheless, ''Brawl'' would go on to have an eventful competitive scene. | ||
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''Brawl''{{'}}s release resulted in a temporary drop-off of ''Melee'' tournament activity, as the ''Smash'' scene largely shifted its focus to ''Brawl'' for most of 2008. Many ''Melee'' players, including {{Sm|Mew2King}}, {{Sm|Azen}}, {{Sm|Ken}}, and {{Sm|Chillin}}, actively played ''Brawl'' during its early competitive life. The game, however, was heavily criticized for its radically different gameplay mechanics; many ''Melee'' players disliked the game's slower and floatier gameplay, the ability to act out of hitstun (largely removing potential true [[combo]]s), and the introduction of random [[tripping]]. The removal of [[wavedashing]] and the diminished power of [[edgeguarding]] led many community members to perceive the game as lacking in competitive depth. Because of these criticisms, most ''Melee'' veterans dropped ''Brawl'' and returned to playing the older game once its tournament activity picked up again in 2009. The ''Brawl'' community consisted mostly of newer players who had just entered the competitive scene. ''Brawl'''s activity eventually died down a bit after the initial-release hype in 2008, but still maintained large entrants at its events in 2009. | ''Brawl''{{'}}s release resulted in a temporary drop-off of ''Melee'' tournament activity, as the ''Smash'' scene largely shifted its focus to ''Brawl'' for most of 2008. Many ''Melee'' players, including {{Sm|Mew2King}}, {{Sm|Azen}}, {{Sm|Ken}}, and {{Sm|Chillin}}, actively played ''Brawl'' during its early competitive life. The game, however, was heavily criticized for its radically different gameplay mechanics; many ''Melee'' players disliked the game's slower and floatier gameplay, the ability to act out of hitstun (largely removing potential true [[combo]]s), and the introduction of random [[tripping]]. The removal of [[wavedashing]] and the diminished power of [[edgeguarding]] led many community members to perceive the game as lacking in competitive depth. Because of these criticisms, most ''Melee'' veterans dropped ''Brawl'' and returned to playing the older game once its tournament activity picked up again in 2009. The ''Brawl'' community consisted mostly of newer players who had just entered the competitive scene. ''Brawl'''s activity eventually died down a bit after the initial-release hype in 2008, but still maintained large entrants at its events in 2009. | ||
{{SSBB|Meta Knight}} and {{SSBB|Snake}} were considered the best characters in the game, and dominated early competitive ''Brawl'', placing high at many tournaments; it was not uncommon to see the top eight players of a tournament all using the two characters. Meta Knight in particular was seen as | {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} and {{SSBB|Snake}} were considered the best characters in the game, and dominated early competitive ''Brawl'', placing high at many tournaments; it was not uncommon to see the top eight players of a tournament all using the two characters. Meta Knight in particular was seen as [[broken|overpowered]] by many players, as his unrivaled attack speed and edgeguarding ability could overwhelm most foes. He was considered so powerful that the community debated whether or not to ban him, but since it was still too early in the [[metagame]] to make big decisions, the [[Smash Back Room]] decided by vote to leave him alone. | ||
{{Sm|Mew2King}} was known as the strongest ''Brawl'' player in its early lifetime, placing 1st at almost every large tournament he attended with his {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}. {{Sm|Ally}} rose to fame as one of his few potential challengers, as he defeated him at both [[Apex 2009]] and [[GENESIS]]. | {{Sm|Mew2King}} was known as the strongest ''Brawl'' player in its early lifetime, placing 1st at almost every large tournament he attended with his {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}. {{Sm|Ally}} rose to fame as one of his few potential challengers, as he defeated him at both [[Apex 2009]] and [[GENESIS]]. | ||
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==2011-2013: Post-MLG== | ==2011-2013: Post-MLG== | ||
[[File: | [[File:OCEANvsM2KApex2012.png|thumb|right|300px|OCEAN defeats Mew2King in ''Brawl'' singles]] | ||
Following the MLG era, ''Brawl'' activity largely centered on the scene's grassroots tournaments, particularly [[Apex]]. The advent of streaming groups such as [[CLASH Tournaments]] allowed for high-definition footage of ''Brawl'' sets, featuring high-quality, professional commentary for the first time in ''Smash'' tournaments. The [[Tristate Area]], as the home of Apex and CLASH Tournaments, became the most active and publicized region in the United States, and the unofficial center of the ''Brawl'' community. | Following the MLG era, ''Brawl'' activity largely centered on the scene's grassroots tournaments, particularly [[Apex]]. The advent of streaming groups such as [[CLASH Tournaments]] allowed for high-definition footage of ''Brawl'' sets, featuring high-quality, professional commentary for the first time in ''Smash'' tournaments. The [[Tristate Area]], as the home of Apex and CLASH Tournaments, became the most active and publicized region in the United States, and the unofficial center of the ''Brawl'' community. | ||
{{Sm|Mew2King}} lost his status as the undisputed best ''Brawl'' player, as he was unable to win a national throughout 2012 and 2013, and notably had more inconsistent placings throughout 2011 at regionals and nationals in comparison to {{Sm|Ally}}. He was notorious for frequently getting upset by perceived lower-skilled players, most notably by {{Sm|OCEAN}} at [[Apex 2012]] and {{Sm|Salem}} at [[Apex 2013]]. Players such as {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|ESAM}}, {{Sm|Otori}}, and {{Sm|ZeRo}}, with their dominance at American events, began to compete in the race for the title of best ''Brawl'' player. Salem became particularly famous for his victory at Apex 2013, where he defeated players such as Otori and Mew2King using {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}, a character widely considered below the threshold for a top tier character; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBGffJfBkd0 his grand finals set] vs. Mew2King has become one of the most famous sets in ''Brawl'''s history. | {{Sm|Mew2King}} lost his status as the undisputed best ''Brawl'' player, as he was unable to win a national throughout 2012 and 2013, and notably had more inconsistent placings throughout 2011 at regionals and nationals in comparison to {{Sm|Ally}}. He was notorious for frequently getting upset by perceived lower-skilled players, most notably by {{Sm|OCEAN}} at [[Apex 2012]] and {{Sm|Salem}} at [[Apex 2013]]. Players such as {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|ESAM}}, {{Sm|Otori}}, and {{Sm|ZeRo}}, with their dominance at American events, began to compete in the race for the title of best ''Brawl'' player. Salem became particularly famous for his victory at Apex 2013, where he defeated players such as Otori and Mew2King using {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}, a character widely considered below the threshold for a top tier character; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBGffJfBkd0 his grand finals set] vs. Mew2King has become one of the most famous sets in ''Brawl'''s history. | ||
While Snake eventually fell on the tier list and lost his former dominance, Meta Knight's presence in the metagame only continued to grow. as he continued to fill the top spots in tournaments. More debates on Meta Knight's legality waged, as players complained that he was over-centralizing the game. This culminated in the [[Unity Ruleset Committee]] banning Meta Knight by vote in September 2011, taking effect in January 2012; this was lifted in April as the Committee disbanded, and it was once again up to tournament directors to decide whether to ban the character. Meta Knight was commonly banned in regions such as the [[Midwest]] and [[Texas]], but remained legal in the [[Tristate Area]] | While Snake eventually fell on the tier list and lost his former dominance, Meta Knight's presence in the metagame only continued to grow. as he continued to fill the top spots in tournaments. More debates on Meta Knight's legality waged, as players complained that he was over-centralizing the game. This culminated in the [[Unity Ruleset Committee]] banning Meta Knight by vote in September 2011, taking effect in January 2012; this was lifted in April as the Committee disbanded, and it was once again up to tournament directors to decide whether to ban the character. Meta Knight was commonly banned in regions such as the [[Midwest]] and [[Texas]], but remained legal in the [[Tristate Area]], the strongest, most active, and most prominent region in the world. The dual Meta Knight ban in doubles, though, became widespread, as this was seen as less extreme, while still permitting Meta Knight players to participate in these events. | ||
Besides Meta Knight's continued dominance, the {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}} also rose on the tier and list and became prominent in the ''Brawl'' metagame. These characters were criticized for creating a slow, campy, and defensive-based gameplay that was considered boring to watch. The Ice Climbers were particularly detested for their "cheap" and "overpowered" [[zero-to-death]] [[chain grab]]s on every other character, ruining the tournament environment for both opponents and spectators. Many players claimed that the Ice Climbers ruined competitive ''Brawl'' even more than Meta Knight did. | Besides Meta Knight's continued dominance, the {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}} also rose on the tier and list and became prominent in the ''Brawl'' metagame. These characters were criticized for creating a slow, campy, and defensive-based gameplay that was considered boring to watch. The Ice Climbers were particularly detested for their "cheap" and "overpowered" [[zero-to-death]] [[chain grab]]s on every other character, ruining the tournament environment for both opponents and spectators. Many players claimed that the Ice Climbers ruined competitive ''Brawl'' even more than Meta Knight did. | ||
==2014-present: Decline== | ==2014-present: Decline== | ||
Following ''Melee''{{'}}s resounding success at [[EVO 2013]], and ''Brawl''{{'}}s shift towards a more unpopular defensive and campy gameplay, tournament activity underwent a significant decline, as many newer players shifted to the more popular ''Melee'' or the ''Brawl'' mod [[Project M]]. ''Melee'' and PM's entrant numbers outclassed ''Brawl''{{'}}s at every large event, and nationals that were formerly centered on ''Brawl'', such as [[Apex 2014]] and [[SKTAR 3]], became dominated by the other, faster-paced ''Smash'' games, while the ''Brawl'' events in comparison remained small, | Following ''Melee''{{'}}s resounding success at [[EVO 2013]], and ''Brawl''{{'}}s shift towards a more unpopular defensive and campy gameplay, tournament activity underwent a significant decline, as many newer players shifted to the more popular ''Melee'' or the ''Brawl'' mod [[Project M]]. ''Melee'' and PM's entrant numbers outclassed ''Brawl''{{'}}s at every large event, and nationals that were formerly centered on ''Brawl'', such as [[Apex 2014]] and [[SKTAR 3]], became dominated by the other, faster-paced ''Smash'' games, while the ''Brawl'' events in comparison remained small, and turnout was significantly lower than expected. With the expected release of the newer ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' in late 2014, ''Brawl'' players realized that the game's competitive lifespan was nearing an end, and following ''Smash 4'''s release, ''Brawl'' activity disappeared almost entirely, as the vast majority of the ''Brawl'' playerbase shifted to the latest [[Wii U]] title. | ||
Unlike | Unlike ''[[Smash 64]]'', which maintains a small but thriving community, ''Brawl'' has become completely replaced by ''Smash 4'', which has been more well-received for its increased [[hitstun]], allowing for more [[combo]]s, and the removal of random [[tripping]]. While ''Melee'' and ''Smash 4'' are only continuing to grow, ''Brawl'' is now largely nonexistent at locals, as it suffers from a lack of competitive interest. ''Brawl'' is occasionally featured at supermajors, such as [[Super Smash Con]], but even then, it is largely relegated to a side event and is rarely taken seriously; its entrants largely consist of ''Smash 4'' and ''Melee'' players who formerly played the game, looking to make additional money or simply have fun in a casual manner. A few attempts, such as the hosting of [[Revival of Brawl]], have been made to bring the game back into the competitive spotlight, as with the ''Melee'' scene in 2009, but these endeavors have been unsuccessful, attracting limited interest from both players and viewers. | ||
[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1098411010/smash-3-super-smash-bros-brawl-wii-u-documentary ''Smash 3''], a documentary on competitive ''Brawl'', is currently in development. | |||
==Criticisms of competitive ''Brawl''== | ==Criticisms of competitive ''Brawl''== | ||
''Brawl''{{'}}s mixed competitive reputation is the result of reactions to the numerous key changes to the gameplay that were altered from ''Melee'', as well as the introduction of various new mechanics that are seen to hurt its competitive viability overall. | ''Brawl''{{'}}s mixed competitive reputation is the result of reactions to the numerous key changes to the gameplay that were altered from ''Melee'', as well as the introduction of various new mechanics that are seen to hurt its competitive viability overall. | ||
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===Game speed=== | ===Game speed=== | ||
The lack of combos, along with lower falling speeds, the removal of [[dash dancing]] and [[wavedashing]], and lower movement options in general, has promoted a more defensive gameplay; protective options have also become much stronger, as [[powershielding]] gained a larger timing window and the [[air dodge]] can now be used without the player becoming [[helpless]]. Since combos are not guaranteed, there is a higher risk and lower reward of [[approach]]ing and initiating an attack than in ''Melee'', and waiting and shielding is often a safer option | The lack of combos, along with lower falling speeds, the removal of [[dash dancing]] and [[wavedashing]], and lower movement options in general, has promoted a more defensive gameplay; protective options have also become much stronger, as [[powershielding]] gained a larger timing window and the [[air dodge]] can now be used without the player becoming [[helpless]]. Since combos are not guaranteed, there is a higher risk and lower reward of [[approach]]ing and initiating an attack than in ''Melee'', and waiting and shielding is often a safer option that aggressively attacking. This has promoted a heavily [[camp]]-based gameplay and has caused the game to become much slower-paced than ''Melee''. Both games traditionally operate under an 8-minute time limit, but it is extremely rare for a 4-stock ''Melee'' match to go to time, while this frequently occurred in 3-stock ''Brawl'' sets. | ||
Players and spectators have generally felt that this makes the game "boring", harming its competitive scene. In an attempt to improve the game's spectator appeal, some newer tournaments, such as [[Get On My Level 2014]] and [[Glitch 2]], have introduced 1-stock and 2-stock rulesets to speed up gameplay. While generally more positively regarded among spectators, competitive players generally feel that shorter matches hurt the game's competitive depth, making [[self-destruct]]s and other mistakes more punishing and giving players less time to adapt to their opponent during the set. | |||
===Roster balance=== | ===Roster balance=== | ||
The case could be made that all of the games in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series have issues with roster balance, but ''Brawl'' is notorious for having a very poorly balanced cast. Newcomer {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} is one of the few characters in the game with true combos, and his numerous jumps and nearly limitless recovery make him powerful both offensively and defensively. | The case could be made that all of the games in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series have issues with roster balance, but ''Brawl'' is notorious for having a very poorly balanced cast. Newcomer {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} is one of the few characters in the game with true combos, and his numerous jumps and nearly limitless recovery make him powerful both offensively and defensively. His attack speed is also unrivaled among the game's roster, allowing him to pressure and overwhelm slower characters. Because of his strengths, Meta Knight became the most used character in competitive ''Brawl''. Multiple Meta Knights finishing in the top places of ''Brawl'' tournaments is common, and some have complained that the omnipresence of Meta Knight and the lack of viable characters has made the game's scene less interesting to watch. | ||
The {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}' zero-to-death chain grabs have also been criticized for being overpowered, uninteresting to watch, and requiring little skill to use effectively, and many players believe that they are cheap and "ruin" the game, in a similar manner to [[wobbling]] in ''Melee''. Wobbling, however, is not seen as an overpowered tactic, as it is much more difficult for the Ice Climbers to land a grab in the faster-paced, more aggressive ''Melee'', but due to ''Brawl''{{'}}s defensive nature, Ice Climbers players have been able to land grabs with ease. Because of their strength, the Ice Climbers are ranked second on the tier list below Meta Knight. | The {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}' zero-to-death chain grabs have also been criticized for being overpowered, uninteresting to watch, and requiring little skill to use effectively, and many players believe that they are cheap and "ruin" the game, in a similar manner to [[wobbling]] in ''Melee''. Wobbling, however, is not seen as an overpowered tactic, as it is much more difficult for the Ice Climbers to land a grab in the faster-paced, more aggressive ''Melee'', but due to ''Brawl''{{'}}s defensive nature, Ice Climbers players have been able to land grabs with ease. Because of their strength, the Ice Climbers are ranked second on the tier list below Meta Knight. | ||
Due to his perceived | Due to his perceived broken-ness, Meta Knight has been frequently been banned from tournament play, especially in regions such as [[Texas]], leading to a greater diversity of characters earning top placings in MK-banned tournaments. The [[Unity Ruleset]] even attempted to implement a Meta Knight ban across the entire United States in early 2012, but this was met with resistance in many areas of the country, most notoriously in the [[Tristate Area]], home to both [[Apex]], the largest ''Brawl'' tournament series, and several of the world's strongest Meta Knight players. As a result of Tristate's opposition to the ruling, the nationwide ban soon collapsed, and after the ban was lifted, tournament organizers were once again free to ban Meta Knight at their discretion; Meta Knight remained legal at Apex, [[SKTAR]], and most other prominent ''Brawl'' tournaments for the rest of its popular competitive life. | ||
Many players have also supported a ban of the Ice Climbers in tournaments as well. While this almost never occurred during ''Brawl''{{'}}s competitive lifetime, it became common following the release of ''Smash 4'', with several of the few ''Brawl'' tournaments still hosted choosing to ban both Meta Knight and the Ice Climbers. | Many players have also supported a ban of the Ice Climbers in tournaments as well. While this almost never occurred during ''Brawl''{{'}}s competitive lifetime, it became common following the release of ''Smash 4'', with several of the few ''Brawl'' tournaments still hosted choosing to ban both Meta Knight and the Ice Climbers. | ||
===Other criticisms=== | ===Other criticisms=== | ||
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==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Super Smash Bros. 64 in competitive play]] | *[[Super Smash Bros. 64 in competitive play]] | ||
*[[Super Smash Bros. Melee in competitive play]] | *[[Super Smash Bros. Melee in competitive play]] | ||
*[[Super Smash Bros. 4 in competitive play]] | *[[Super Smash Bros. 4 in competitive play]] | ||
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl]] | [[Category:Super Smash Bros. Brawl]] | ||
[[Category:Competitive play]] | [[Category:Competitive play]] |