The minute the N64 released Super Smash Bros, the indie gaming world has been obsessed with recreating that experience. Gamers decided that Smash was the only standard for party brawling and nothing else would suffice. How do the clones rank compared to their idol?
D-Rank
Brawlout
Brawlout is a very competent SSB clone, but that doesn’t keep it from being one of the most vanilla experiences on the list. The game strips the original formula of its collectibles, story, and super moves, focusing on an online experience for professionals. The fighter selection has to be the most disappointing, with 10 original characters and 15 unlockable costume changes for each. Unlocking a costume change is not adding to the roster, but Brawlout treats it as if it is. Due to the minimal level selection, the limited moves for each character, and the low replay value, there are very few reasons to stick around.
C-Rank
Cartoon Network’s Punch Time Explosion XL
PTEXL tried to fill the gigantic shoes of Super Smash Bros Brawl, which single-handedly dominated the Wii. Using the Cartoon Network license, an epic single-player story mode, fun gadgets, and super moves, PTEXL was going for the throne. But, at the end of the day, the iconic feel of Super Smash Bros and the attention to detail made this game feel flat. PTEXL also failed to produce as much content as Brawl, lowering the game’s replay value. However, it is still a fun romp, and it gave hope to those who owned a PS3 and an Xbox 360.
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl
The first NASB tread the same ground as Cartoon Network, but it focused more on the online pro gamers. The fighting format is solid, and the character selection is a treat, making this game competent. Unfortunately, the single-player and party modes are thin. NASB hoped to create an alternative to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate that would be equally loved by eSports enthusiasts, but they forgot to make it fun for casual players.
B-Rank
Slap City
Slap City has no right to feel this good with the amount of obscurity from this indie developer. The fighting mechanics feel incredibly smooth, and the ease of play outshines Super Smash Bros Melee. Ludosity made a very simple fighter with a few short single-player modes, but the core gameplay and aesthetics keep this game fresh. Most likely, the very few Steam and Switch fans who own this are trying to keep this game alive.
Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2
Nickelodeon isn’t dead yet, and the All-Star Brawl 2 is an improvement in every way. The single-player adds a rogue-like campaign, while the brawl mode adds a team fighting mechanic. The number of fighters has increased, though I am not sure why they removed some of the old characters from the first game. Seriously, how did Nigel Thornberry make the cut, but Oblina didn’t? The inclusion of ultimate moves and more items increases the fighting mechanics. It all comes down to whether you like the character selection, but ASB2 is a fully fleshed game.
A-Rank
Brawlhalla
You might think I am crazy for putting a Pay-to-Unlock game with no single-player modes in the A-tier, but listen to my reasoning. Brawlhalla is the only game on this list that took the old formula and turned it into a very successful weapon-grabbing mechanic that makes each character worth exploring. No other game on this list took a chance to innovate the fighting mechanics. The game is unashamedly multiplayer, putting its focus on skill, level design, and combat. And since the game has been around since the early days of the PS4, the online community is still strong. The game is constantly updating new modes and tournaments, so there are always new reasons to play it. For $40, you can unlock all the original fighters, but you will need to pay separately for each celebrity fighter (No John Cena for free).
Rivals of Aether
This was a tough decision to put Rivals of Aether in the A-tier. The game doesn’t have the most fighters, modes, or content of any of the offerings. What makes ROA an exceptional and addictive title is the responsive controls and superior management of the fighting mechanics. While this game looks like a 16-bit classic, it feels so balanced, tight, and satisfying to play. And if that is not enough, the Steam workshop created hundreds of extra characters to use in battle. OA positions itself as a game engine that goes beyond its original form, yet still feels fun to play without any mods.
Unfortunately, critics agree that the sequel doesn’t live up to the original.
Special Mention
Kung Fu Panda Showdown of Legendary Legends
Kung Fu Panda SOLL is impossible to find for PC, and I don’t think it is worth my money to get the PS3 version. All I can say is this game tried very hard to be an accessible, cartoony smash fighter, but couldn’t get anywhere close to its goal. There might be fun to be had here, and I am not saying you will regret your purchase, but I have read enough negative reviews to keep away from this game. But, if your Super Smash Bros clone must have Jack Black narrating the story in the intro, then this game is worth your $20 used.