Brawlout Review (Switch eShop)

The small roster of fighters is its biggest drawback to me. I think it has 8 with 10 alternates that change things slightly with some new moves. The developers will be adding more fighters to the game in time. And I'm sure they'll patch in other improvements.

The most exciting part of this article is the word "Guacamelee." I'd love to see a port.

With a few updates and additions it's sounds like this could be pretty special.

I was hoping it would actually control/play a bit more like a Street Fighter, Tekken or Virtua Fighter (but just with the 4-players possible at once and platforms in the levels and stuff), based on an interview I read, but I think it's basically still just Smash in that regard. This is a shame for me personally because the one thing I never really liked about Smash is the unintuitive and illogical controls/moves as I see them (stuff often isn't consistent with the specific moves you're doing and buttons and directions you're pressing on the controller a lot of the time. Or at least that's how it feels to me. In that regard, games like Street Fighter, Tekken and Virtua Fighter make far more logical sense and are way more intuitive and satisfying imo. You have a few punches and kicks assigned to the key buttons, maybe a guard too, and all inputs, be it pressing a single direction at the same time or the same button a few times in a row or whatever, basically just result in variations on that simple rule. The punch button is punch and the kick button is kick and even the specials are nearly always just a super version of some kind of punch or kick type move and they almost all move and flow in the overall direction you are pressing too. It all just makes sense and feels right to me).

But I see no problem with a smaller roster of characters personally. I mean, I never once thought the roster in the original Street Fighter II was to small, that only had 8 characters (and once it got passed around 16 I thought it was a bit too many personally), and I'm not going to change that view now just because a bunch of other fighters now have extremely bloated character rosters (as cool as it is to see all those beloved characters in a fighter like Smash).

This game looks decent for those who are desperate for smash on the Switch. I'll stick with my 3ds version though.

@iLikeUrAttitude - I started thinking that same way till I started digging into the game's tech.

Apparently they took away your defensive moves in the game, no block or grappling. Essentially that alone changes how you would approach your opponents, it definitely has the ability to stand on its own in what is a pretty dry genre. And a perfect time for the dev team to gain game awareness as well. With no Smash in sight and the purchasing power of Switch owners, this can take off pretty well.

I like Smash Bros but without that rich history of Nintendo characters there isn't much pull for me towards this game. It's a bit like having a karting game that's not Mario Kart. I'm not saying these copies can't play just as well if not better but I play Smash to play as those Nintendo characters, to unlock those old Nintendo tracks and stages and to collect those old character trophies and sadly that won't work for me with characters I have no attachment to

@kepsux You & me both.

@carlos82 Yeah, I can understand that. But I do think it is possible for a new game to achieve something similar with brand new characters so long as they're really well designed, are very appealing in their design, feel great to control and the game is just really brilliant all-round too. I mean, Street Fighter 2's roster were all pretty much unknowns at one point, but the game and characters were so awesome, both in terms of design and gameplay, that they became beloved in and of their own right. So I think a brand new fighter could still achieve that in this day and age too. Dunno if that's Brawlout but it appears to have a pretty solid foundation imo so there's a chance if could grow into that if it's not that now. The characters to me are a bit like those in Skylanders: I never personally loved any of the character designs really, something about their specific look just didn't truly appeal to be me (unlike almost all of Nintendo's characters or the fighters in Street Fighter 2 or Disney's characters or the Dragon Ball Z fighters or the Marvel superheroes and that kind of thing), but a whole load of younger and even some older gamers totally fell in love with them, so there's a chance that could happen here similarly, so long as the game keeps getting updates, with a few more characters too, and hopefully grows into a really great fighter all-round.

I hope they can get some more indie characters into the game; get some Shovel Knight, Shantae, Yooka-Laylee, Bloodstained Girl, etc. That’d be great.

@carlos82 I think you've hit the nail on the head there. As an avid fan of Smash Bros.' mechanics, I'd've thought that I'd instantly gravitate to Smash clones such as this and RoA. Problem is, a huge part of what makes SSB so great is that it's filled to the brim with video game history, something that I'm afraid can't be topped.

SSB is about bringing established video game characters into a new world, the world that is Smash. It's the game that lets your playground discussions as a kid come into fruition. It's for that reason that I hold off on these clones (which may be to my disadvantage), but there's already so many other games to play with such little time!

I’ve alaays loved Smash since 1999 but I’ve been a bit more casual about it in terms of how I’m used to enjoying it. It’s best with friend and and family around with items going and fun stages to play on with familiar characters in a way that everyone can have fun without having to be a super fast teaching expert. Not sure this is quite what I’m wanting personally.

@impurekind It’s funny how tastes can be so different. What you don’t like about smash and like about other fighting games is exactly what I love about smash controls and hate about other fighting games. Combos and too many button press options is a huge turn off for me and why I don’t like most fighting games. That’s why Smash is so great. They keep it nice and simple with a, b, and the directions. If it ever got more conplicated than that I’d be done with the series. I’m glad they don’t adopt games like street fighter, soul caliber, mortal kombat, tekken, etc style controls. Would ruin what separates it from the fighter crowd imho.

Sounds better than expected. Bothers me that there's no blocking, though. It makes the experience different, but seems like it limits strategies.

@AG_Awesome I have to agree. As much as I loved Street Fighter, Killer Instinct, etc. I could never get good enough at thumb rolls to play well. Smash has been my fighting game ever since.

I would be more interested if all of the characters were from other small franchises... Shovel Knight, Shantae, Yooka-Laylee, etc.

I know that would be difficult to get everyone on-board, but it would be awesome.

I doubt I will play this, but I hope it does well.

Sounds worth it for $20. Should scratch that smash Bros it. These type of games are perfect for a quick match or two while on a short commute or break.

@impurekind I know what you're saying and was thinking something similar as I was typing it but when you think back to Street Fighter 2, it wasn't trying to be another game but to push the boundaries of what fighters had achieved. Then so did Mortal Kombat using gore and Killer Instinct with combos. Yet this seems like a clone in almost every way, from its title to the character reveals/screens and obviously the gameplay. I'm sure I'll contradict myself on this subject if I haven't already but it's how I feel about this title.

@carlos82 Yeah, I totally get what you are saying here too. And you're actually right. It will be interesting to see if it ends up winning a lot of people over or not with what it is.

But yeah, boy would it be cool to see a new fighter that did totally break the mold and kinda redefine the genre, or at least set its own largely unique template, in the way games like Street Fighter 2, Mortal Kombat, Virtua Fighter and even Killer Instinct did back in the day. Although, it is probably a lot harder to do that now than it was back in the days when the genre really was first forming and defining itself. I look back on those early fighting game days with very fond memories.

@SLIGEACH_EIRE I heard it takes awhile to unlock those characters, so I wouldn't bet on using them quickly without grinding.

Great to see companies inspired by Nintendo giants, but not enough for me personally to spend the money.

@AG_Awesome It's interesting because I actually find Smash far more complicated than something like Street Fighter 2 or Tekken. SF2 and Tekken are really just move, punch and kick, and everything else is a variation of that simple concept (even blocking is just moving backwards when someone is attacking). And there being three punches and kicks in SF2 doesn't make it any more complicated for me either since I only ever use two of each on the SNES controller anyway and just stick to the face buttons (soft and hard punch and soft and hard kick), so I can play the entire game with just my two thumbs and that is all. Smash on the other hand requires using the control stick, face buttons, shoulder buttons, and even the C-Buttons too. And for me it often also doesn't really make logical sense what pressing one or more of those commands is going to do, some attacks really don't seem to reflect the action I'm doing on the controller at all, so the game never became fully intuitive and natural to me. I guess it's about how you look at things: I like few things to worry about in the first place but that allow you to do a lot via learning and using various logical combinations and directions of those few things, but I find it hard to get into controls that ask me to use multiple buttons in different locations on the controller and also try to remember sets of moves that across tens of different characters don't appear to me to be fully consistent or logical a lot of the time. But, much like you, a lot of people really do seem to love the way Smash does things, so obviously it has its fans. To me it always felt like a bit of a button masher and slightly clunky whenever I played it, much like I think Super Mario Kart is a bit more luck based than F-Zero, which I personally think is a far more true skill based game with no randomness in weapons or rubber-banding or the chance of being taken out by a totally unfair blue shell just because you played well enough to make it into first place.

@impurekind I think they're just different. I find traditional 2D fighters much harder to get into. Smash and SF4 were the only two that I ever really got into competitively, but I always though the beauty of Smash was that it was simple enough for brand new players to jump in and have fun. You didn't have to be any good. I never really got that feeling with SF. Granted, it is a little more simple than many other fighters, but just like Smash, at the higher levels, the games are very nuanced and difficult to play perfectly.

Paco is my main dude on this because like Machamp proves in "Pokkén Tournament" four arms are better than two, but I am looking forward to test out Juan.

@roadrunner343 Are you newer to fighters or did you start playing them way back in the day when the likes of SF2 first appeared? Because I wonder if maybe looking at something like SF5 today next to Smash is where it could seem like SF is a more complicated game, especially with all the new crap they've added to it since the likes of the original SF2 and SF2 Turbo (the best of all the SF games imo) first appeared on the scene.

When I talk of making a Smash game that plays more like Street Fighter 2 I'm actually really just thinking of making it as simple as having the direction control for movement and using 2-4 face buttons for very obvious (self-explanatory) kicks and punches and basically no other controls beyond that, and with all the other special moves and stuff coming from simply using those controls in various combinations or directional sequences to achieve any other attacks. The idea, to me, is that it would be exceptionally simple to pick up the game from the get-go--it's just move and a few very obvious and easily understandable attacks (so beginners could pick it up and play and have fun within literally seconds)--but it's hard to truly master the game and learn all of the stuff that turns you into a true master. At least that's how I think about it anyway.

@gloom you nailed it with that 7/10 prediction! Nicely done! Can I know what lead you to that prediction?

@impurekind A little bit of both. I played SF2 and MvC in the arcades back in the day. I also played a lot of Tekken 1-3 on the Playstation. After that, I pretty much played Smash exclusively. I played a bit of SF4, and most recently played SF5 a bit, but certainly not nearly as much as I did Smash. I'm by no means a fighter expert, I'm a filthy casual now, but I do still enjoy most genres. My competitive Melee days are behind me =)

EDIT: Of course, lack of time contributes to the problem. I don't think there's anyway I could play and enjoy Tekken today, because I don't have the free time I did back when playing on the PS. I need a bit more instant gratification. I think the only reason I can still somewhat enjoy the newer Street Fighters is because they still feel familiar to me from the old days. Smash is the perfect fit for me. Easy to pick up and play, easy to get other friends involved, but still amazing complex if you want to dedicate the time to it.

@roadrunner343 When it comes to modern fighters I'm a total casual, but I do love some of the classics from back in the day.

It's so weird because I honestly don't find Smash easy to pick up and play, certainly not with all the various controls/buttons I have to get used to right out the gate (the control stick, face buttons, shoulder buttons, and even the c-stick), or any intuitive/reliable understanding of what I'm doing and what each button and move is going to do instinctively (particularly across different characters). I feel like the basics of Smash have a much higher learning curve and entry point that something like Street Fighter--especially if I want to feel like I'm genuinely doing more than just button bashing and playing based on luck more than anything else--and I've never got to a point where Smash didn't just feel like a bit of a clunky (moving with an analog stick just never feels very precise or immediately responsive to me) button basher and slight luck-fest personally. It's why I just can't get into it--and I really want to because of how much I love all the Nintendo characters and stuff.

I quite like the art direction. Looks like it could scratch that smash itch, if only for a little while.

@holygeez03 - it's probably why they opt for a few. They want their game to be known for what it is, but not a promotional platform for Indie Smash.

@Paraka
Maybe... but Indie Smash would be awesome and much more appealing to me than Generic Smash.

@holygeez03 - For you as the consumer, but as the developer they probably doesn't see it the same way. I mean, I find it more endearing they are trying their hand with the genre without the crutch of being everyone else's billboard.

I mean, this is the only genre that gets such a rapport for it. Whereas traditional fighting games have had crossover mania type games but no one holds them over the likes of Guilty Gear, Blazblu and others. Every "arena fighter" game immediately gets the moniker of Smash Clone right out the gate and is compared as such simply for not having that rich billboarding history.

Pretty sure that leaves a bitter taste for any developer trying to attempt the genre on its own two legs.

I will give Brawlout a chance if theres other special guess than Hyper light drifter. Im a fan of the drifter but just him its not enough for me. Theres dozen and more choice for new characters.

I admit, overall what draws me to SSB is the cast and their history, then comes the absolute chaos of characters trying to survive items, stage hazards, and each other. For a time, I got into the competitive scene around Melee after owning a handful of people in SSB64 as I could adjust to its style far better than I could games like SF, MvC, Tekken, etc., though I dabbled in those games. After a while, I got put off by the wavedashing mechanic, and I regressed out of the competitive SSB scene returning more to a "fun chaos for all" style of play-- Y'know, for laughs, trash talking, and elbowing your friends while enjoying the nostalgia. I see Brawlout as an homage to those lightning fast reflex days of SSBM, yet, I kind of like the fact that it'll likely have a very tiny fanbase which may give me a reason to still play it on the backburner. I can't relate to a lot of the characters, and for those that had games, I haven't played them... but if I can get past that, I'm sure there's still a competitive good time to be had in this game.

@Paraka I might agree, except they included two characters from other franchises.

@holygeez03 - Having guest stars is different than making everything about everyone else, though.

Soul Caliber 4 never became Star Wars Lightsaber Battles cause three characters were in it from the franchise. Brawlout and Smash having a few external characters is no different.

EDIT: I am not necessarily defending this game particularly, namely the genre in its entirety has this stigma we're discussing.

Can anyone speak to how it does stat tracking? Does it use an initials system? Does it track PvP activity ala Melee (not Brawl)? This is make or break for me.

Thanks in advance! And thanks for the continuing top-notch service, NintendoLife staffers.

Definitely looking forward to playing Brawlout. I do feel bad for games like this because they get classified as clones of something greater opposed to just being defined by the play style. 2d fighters aren't classified as street fighter clones. And while smash in theory may be easier to learn with the simple button layout it's most certainly more difficult in the sense of jumping into the action. No one can just jump into smash and button mash their way to victory, those that try usually run off the stage. The concept of returning to the stage is difficult for many especially when using characters with difficult recoveries like a mess. I always suggest beginners start with someone like Kirby. I do hope some more established indie characters are added over time I think it can definitely add more star power and longevity to the game.

Wish they had more guest characters.

Though I enjoy the game, I do have to say it still needs more work. The roster of characters seems good though and if only they would give each a unique storyline, that would make the game at least worthwhile. Catering to multiplayer is one thing but lacking anything in the single player aspect will not make player return to this game. There's a reason I enjoy games like King of Fighters, Tekken, BlazBlue, and Mortal Kombat over games like Street Fighter, Virtua Fighter, and Super Smash Bros. cause those offer superb single player story mode and a ton of excellent unlockable secrets. In a fighting game you need to find ways for your audience to connect to your characters, if the player finds nothing special about a particular character, they won't stick around.

I am not surprised by the 7/10 here, in fact I think that was probably pretty generous. I had a lot of interest in this game, I was checking out all kinds of feedback for the PC version and watching people play the Switch version, and the reviews for the Switch version are what really did it for me.

The game is basically just the competitive part of Smash, which is a pretty small part of the games. You don't have any of the fun elements that makes the series stand out.

@retro_player_22 - I feel that is part of Brawlout's downfall is they cloned their own characters a few times. Essentially spreading what made them unique and "click" with the player across a handful of characters.

Very tempted, hope they iron out the hiccups mentioned in a patch. Probably an unpopular opinion but a smaller roster is a good thing IMHO especially if theyre balanced enough. Will grab a copy soon.

Just picked this up. Really, really nice presentation and some cool original characters. The intermittent frame drops are a bit of an issue though, not had any break a match so far but they can be jarring. I hope they focus on patching this.

I hope they continue to add more characters, original and a few more guests, and stages too. There's a nice selection though so if they didn't it wouldn't be terrible. A mode with items wouldn't go amiss either.

But overall I'm impressed, it feels tight and fun to play. It borrows heavily from Smash but still feels it's own thing.

@thaantman It's pretty hard to avoid calling this a Smash clone when even the developers themselves stated that it is essentially a Smash clone, and have been selling it on that notion.

I mean just look at it, you have to be really going out of your way to call it anything else.

I love the Smash style of gameplay, and I don't mind its formula being cloned. I mean, almost every 2D fighter started out cloning Street Fighter and most 3D fighters started out cloning Virtua Fighter before evolving.

What turns me off of this game is the character design...none of them seem remotely appealing to me. For me fighting games are as much about character design as they are about controls and competitiveness, etc. A bunch of banal animals and mutants don't engage me at all.

This is the kind of game I'm having a bit of trouble playing with joy cons, can't get that precise movement as with pro controller or such. I'm going to try Gamecube controller at home.

This game has been promising so far. Wavedashing works fun and I like the movesets characters have. Rivals of Aether is better but this is a good choice for Switch owners.

Tempted, but I'm still wondering what happened to Pocket Rumble?!?!?!?!?!?!

@PuppyToucher Partly a lucky guess. From the quality of the photos I could already tell that a lot of work has been put into this title HOWEVER looking at the $20 price tag I assumed that there would be a few draw backs... so not quality like an 8/10+ but not 6/10 or under either... lol

With that said I’m so happy that I was right. The budget price should be well worth the purchase (for me anyway) for Smash fans. I can’t wait to get home to play!

Really torn about this one. Big fighter fan, esp. Killer Instinct, Marvel vs series, and Injustice. Love combos in fighters- wonder how the hd rumble is?

I just wish it got more indie characters.

I like Juan and Drifter, but some Steamworld, Runner, and shovel knight characters would make this a day one for me. Much like Runbow

Sounds like a half baked knock off item if you ask me. Part of the appeal for SSB for the casual fighting game players like me, is the All-Star cast. This game doesn't have that. And part of the appeal of SSB for hardcore fighting game players is that crystal smooth performance. This game doesn't have that.

All this game sounds like it has, is that we got it on Switch before we get SSB-Switch.

The Sm4sh port announcement is inevitable by now, and yet it's taking too long.
I want a fusion of both versions to play on the go, with a MK8D-esque inclusion of all DLC.

@SM4SHshorts @impurekind @carlos82
Personally I think it’s just unfortunate for these Smash clones that the whole genre was created by SSB (hence the denomination “Smash clones“).
Aside from the fact that gameplay-wise it’d be objectively hard to top Smash, even if they try to differentiate themselves by shaking up the formula probably there would still be something “off”, and that is exactly the roster.
The thing is we associate this whole gameplay template with an “all-star” roster template, because the first and most notable series to adopt the former also adopted the latter right out of the gate.
Hence the existence of PS All-Star Vs. and the general indifference towards Smash clones based on the roster (which I’m not bashing by the way, I feel that way as well); and the same, to a degree, applies to Mario Kart, too.

So ultimately what diffentiates Smash from (for example) SFII, is the fact the former carved its own niche in the genre and set extremely high standards for both gameplay quality and recognizability of its roster, making it very difficult for anyone to follow in its footsteps with such high expectations; the latter, instead, raised the bar in an already existing genre, and the success it obtained made its characters iconic.

If Shovel Knight gets involved then this game will be the ultimate indie brawler. I hope it happens. crosses fingers

I hope the Smash Bros. fan boys will give this game a chance as it looks pretty good! I personally do not like this type of game and never really understood it (yes I did try several times to like it), but this one seems to be a good alternative for a good price! Some people prefer to buy the same game on 3 different consoles instead of buying a new game...

@clvr All good points.

So there is no block but are there evades or rolling like in smash?

@retro_player_22 So this game has no real single player (story) mode campaign of any sort? Just regular CPU battles and that's it?

Then I'll pass....

I don’t think a Smash Bros style game with OCs is impossible to pull off, but said roster of OCs has to be exceptional, like overwatch’s for example even though it’s an entirely different game.