"It's an essential game for Wii owners..."
Owners of the previous games will instantly recognise the changes that have befallen on the physics of the Smash Bros. universe. Melee's simplistic physics have been replaced by physics that actually make sense. All heavyweight characters will now actually be a lot heavier and lightweight will actually be lighter. Unfortunately, most people complain about this change, which is quite distressing, because I believe that this makes the game more challenging and fun.
The game provides you with a vaster roster. Characters that have been long forgotten in the Nintendo world have returned. Pit from Kid Icarus, for example, is one of the most highly praised characters that have returned in this game and people take joy in actually using him in the game (well, I don't, I'd rather Lucas). Olimar from Pikmin, though not forgotten, appears in this game as well as a playable character. Quite a joy having the little fellow around. Even third-party characters Snake and Sonic are great to use.
There is a story mode (or rather, an "Adventure Mode" according to the game) called the "Subspace Emissary". It's an interesting part of the game, as you go deeper into the world of Smash Bros, not the worlds that all the other characters belong in, as in Melee's Adventure Mode. The plot of the Subspace Emissary is that the Ancient Minister is placing bombs where ever he will go, consume the land, the ocean and the sky in the darkness. But they all lead to the Subspace, a world that is filled with sorrow and despair. It's up to the characters of Nintendo (or, at least, the characters in the game) to save the world of Smash Bros.! But they don't know the evil that they will come up against…
Multiplayer is still a blast. Alone or with friends. Unlike Melee, the deaths in Brawl are a lot more hilarious and humiliating than before. It is the greatest multiplayer experience on the Wii, let alone any console in existence. Addicting as hell and still a prime experience to this very day. The stages are given so much life, no matter how dark or colourful they are.
Speaking of stages, you get to create your own stages in this game. It's so fun to make your own stages. From conveyor belts to ladders to statues, you'll never run out of ideas for stages. It's so unfortunate how you can really use them in online play.
Online Play is really, really disappointing. It's a horrible lag-fest. Unlike Mario Kart Wii, there is no Continental Mode, so it's hard to find people within your country or continent easily. Luckily, you have Friend Codes, but it could still lag. No matter what you do.
I haven't even said anything about the game's music yet! Lord, why should that be left out? The music breathes all life into the game. You can find hard rock to orchestrated masterpieces. The 200+ songs will sweep you off the ground. Without it, the game would be quite dull (despite how good it already is).
The game also introduces something that is quite rare in recent games – timed demos of old games. They're called "Masterpieces" and they are all well deserving of that title. From games ranging to Super Mario Bros. to Super Metroid to Ocarina of Time, you'll never get bored of them. However, since they're timed, you won't get far with them, but they're the closest thing you'll get for a demo on the Wii.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl is the Wii's best multiplayer game and it's always been tried to be overtaken by another multiplayer game (most from Nintendo themselves). Not liked this would be incredible foolish. It's an essential game for Wii owners and if you don't have it, you're missing out on a lot.