I haven't had as much luck with online. I tried two matches and they both ended early due to connection troubles. I was trying at 11PM EST, probably peak time, but still.
As for the game, now that I've played a bunch, I can say I really like this version. I'm honestly a bit overwhelmed by learning all of the new characters and stages (I mostly don't remember the Brawl stuff, so this is double-learning), but it'll come. I've at least gotten to the point where I am used to the the controls, and have shaken much of the rust off w/ my Pikachu main.
Other thoughts: - I much prefer to play this game on my wife's XL. The normal 3DS just feels too small for Smash. - I actually prefer the standard button layout. I immediately went in and flipped the controls around, but kept messing it up. The standard layout felt more intuitive. I didn't think playing 4 or 5 matches of the demo would lock me into that, but apparently my mind has already decided.
So I changed the controls to what I thought would be better, and it wasn't. It turns out the default is the best configuration I can come up with, but is still awkward.
Also, it's hard for me on the DS because I use the d-pad exclusively for just about everything. This is the first game that is forcing me to use the analog thingy, and it's not good. I keep going back to the d-pad, which does taunts and shit.
I am still going to play the ever-loving shit out of this game on 3DS, but the experience has just made me desperate for a Wii U release date. The game is so solid! I just want it on a big screen with a Wavebird in my hands.
I gave up hope that the Wii U version would be out before Extra Life. Was really hoping to fill out a 32-person tournament bracket like we used to do in college on Melee. I did download Project M though.
There are so many modes, I don't even know where to start. Sticking with classic and going through every character.
I'm the opposite. I went straight online and ignored all the single player stuff. The online is pretty funny too, depending on which mode. I've had some pretty funny 4 player team games. One game we were both Sammus and proceed to throw our opponents away and spam them with charge beams. It was funny because we kind of just fell into that rhythm together. So we kept doing it the whole game. I think you sort of make your own fun in this, to some extent. Playing with strangers, you can only communicate with body language.
I've had 2 laggy games of online, 2 games that ended due to connection problem, and about 10 unsuccessful attempts to even get into a game.
For diving into the game, I suggest using the challenge wall as your guide. Do a little bit of everything, maybe with your most comfortable characters, to unlock all of the squares on that wall. You have to do it any to unlock the Game & Watch stage, so might as well focus on it now and let it show you around the game. Once you have finished that, do a little bit of training and a classic mode run with each character.
Online requires a great internet connection on both ends. I've found For Glory, 1 on 1 matches are the only chance to have a particularly lagless match if you're not fighting with friends. My brother and I had several mostly lag-free matches online, but we're not too far away from each other and have good internet.
The controls definitely could be more customizable, but the default really is the best way for it to work, which is why it's set that way. The devs know what they're doing. Once we have the Wii U version, playing with the GC Controller or Wii U Pro Controller will be the best way to play.
But it seems like the competitive scene likes this game a lot. It doesn't have the slow hand-holding of Brawl, while having a lot more variety than Melee. Characters on the whole seem more balanced, with less standing out as really great.
If you're lost on what to do when getting in, I recommend playing Classic and Smash Run. Smash Run will get you a lot of the same unlocks as Classic, but it's essentially City Trial from Kirby Air Ride. Pretty fun.
I'm super terrible too, but I really think I'm having trouble with the controls of Smash brothers on the 3ds.. Also the regular 3ds's controls causes my hand some pain...
I couldn't handle the default controls. I use: A - Jump, B - Attack, Y - Special, X - Grab, R - Shield.
Puts the two most used actions on A and B, and allows a nice little "pincer" motion if you want to shield grab (hold R, then press X to grab out of shield).
Played with a friend for about an hour last night. Basically lag free, as far as I could tell.
The worst thing about this game? Not being able to change item frequency! It's either raining death, or there is nothing. Why take away the frequency button? So STUPID.
Comments
As for the game, now that I've played a bunch, I can say I really like this version. I'm honestly a bit overwhelmed by learning all of the new characters and stages (I mostly don't remember the Brawl stuff, so this is double-learning), but it'll come. I've at least gotten to the point where I am used to the the controls, and have shaken much of the rust off w/ my Pikachu main.
Other thoughts:
- I much prefer to play this game on my wife's XL. The normal 3DS just feels too small for Smash.
- I actually prefer the standard button layout. I immediately went in and flipped the controls around, but kept messing it up. The standard layout felt more intuitive. I didn't think playing 4 or 5 matches of the demo would lock me into that, but apparently my mind has already decided.
Also, it's hard for me on the DS because I use the d-pad exclusively for just about everything. This is the first game that is forcing me to use the analog thingy, and it's not good. I keep going back to the d-pad, which does taunts and shit.
I gave up hope that the Wii U version would be out before Extra Life. Was really hoping to fill out a 32-person tournament bracket like we used to do in college on Melee. I did download Project M though.
For diving into the game, I suggest using the challenge wall as your guide. Do a little bit of everything, maybe with your most comfortable characters, to unlock all of the squares on that wall. You have to do it any to unlock the Game & Watch stage, so might as well focus on it now and let it show you around the game. Once you have finished that, do a little bit of training and a classic mode run with each character.
The controls definitely could be more customizable, but the default really is the best way for it to work, which is why it's set that way. The devs know what they're doing. Once we have the Wii U version, playing with the GC Controller or Wii U Pro Controller will be the best way to play.
But it seems like the competitive scene likes this game a lot. It doesn't have the slow hand-holding of Brawl, while having a lot more variety than Melee. Characters on the whole seem more balanced, with less standing out as really great.
If you're lost on what to do when getting in, I recommend playing Classic and Smash Run. Smash Run will get you a lot of the same unlocks as Classic, but it's essentially City Trial from Kirby Air Ride. Pretty fun.
I use: A - Jump, B - Attack, Y - Special, X - Grab, R - Shield.
Puts the two most used actions on A and B, and allows a nice little "pincer" motion if you want to shield grab (hold R, then press X to grab out of shield).
Played with a friend for about an hour last night. Basically lag free, as far as I could tell.
The worst thing about this game? Not being able to change item frequency! It's either raining death, or there is nothing. Why take away the frequency button? So STUPID.
I'm sure people liked items... on LOW...
Also, Smash on 3DS is a lot of fun. Love Lil Mac, Bowser, Mario/Dr. Mario.