Super Smash Bros. Brawl: Adventure Mode Explained

Hey guys! Let's dive into the Super Smash Bros. Brawl story mode, also known as Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary. This mode is a pretty big deal because it's a full-fledged story experience in a Smash Bros. game, which is kind of rare. So, grab your controllers, and let's break down everything you need to know about it!

What is The Subspace Emissary?

The Subspace Emissary is the story mode in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Unlike previous Smash games that focused on arcade-style tournaments, Brawl brought a cinematic story to the table. Think of it as a crossover event where all your favorite Nintendo characters (and some third-party guests!) team up to save the world from a common enemy. The story is told through a series of levels, battles, and cutscenes, making it a unique experience in the Smash Bros. series.

The Story's Premise

The narrative kicks off with a mysterious force known as the Subspace Army, led by the Ancient Minister (who is later revealed to be Ganondorf in disguise). Their goal? To drag the entire world into Subspace, a dark and chaotic dimension. Characters from different franchises, initially at odds, must unite to stop this threat. The story begins with Mario and Kirby teaming up after a Subspace Bomb destroys a stadium during a Smash Bros. tournament. From there, the roster expands as more heroes join the cause, each bringing their unique skills and backstories to the fight against the Subspace Army. As the story progresses, alliances form, betrayals occur, and the stakes get higher, culminating in an epic showdown within Subspace itself.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The Subspace Emissary blends the classic Smash Bros. fighting mechanics with side-scrolling adventure elements. You'll navigate through various environments, battle enemies, solve puzzles, and collect items. Unlike the standard Smash mode, characters have health bars instead of percentage meters. This means you need to be more strategic in your approach, as taking too much damage can lead to a quick defeat. Another unique aspect is the inclusion of enemies specific to the story mode, such as the Primid, Roader, and Shaydas. These enemies add variety to the gameplay and challenge you to adapt your fighting style. Additionally, you can find stickers throughout the adventure, which can be applied to your characters to boost their stats in the story mode. This adds a layer of customization and strategy, as you can tailor your characters to better suit your playstyle or the challenges ahead.

Characters and Team-Ups

One of the coolest aspects of The Subspace Emissary is the character interactions and team-ups. Seeing characters from different franchises working together is a treat for any Nintendo fan. For example, you might see Mario, Link, and Pikachu forming an unlikely alliance to take down a common foe. The story mode features a large cast of playable characters, each with their unique abilities and playstyles. As you progress through the story, you'll unlock new characters and form different teams, allowing you to experiment with various combinations and strategies. Some team-ups are based on existing relationships from their respective games, while others are completely unexpected, leading to some humorous and memorable moments. The dynamic between the characters adds depth to the story and makes the adventure feel more engaging.

Key Features of the Adventure Mode

Alright, let's break down the main features that make The Subspace Emissary stand out. This mode isn't just a tacked-on extra; it's a significant part of the Brawl experience.

Extensive Storyline

First off, the storyline is pretty deep for a Smash Bros. game. It's not just about beating up other Nintendo characters; there's an actual plot with a beginning, middle, and end. You've got villains, heroes, betrayals, and alliances – the whole shebang. The narrative is told through a combination of in-game cutscenes and pre-rendered videos, giving it a cinematic feel. The story begins with individual conflicts and gradually escalates into a global crisis, as the Subspace Army threatens to engulf the world. Along the way, characters from different franchises cross paths, leading to unexpected team-ups and rivalries. The storyline also explores the backstories of some characters, providing deeper insights into their motivations and relationships. The complexity of the storyline sets The Subspace Emissary apart from other fighting game story modes.

Unique Level Design

The levels in The Subspace Emissary are designed specifically for this mode. They're not just re-skinned multiplayer stages. Each level has its own layout, enemies, and challenges. You'll be traversing forests, factories, ancient ruins, and even the inside of a battleship. The level design incorporates elements from various Nintendo franchises, creating a diverse and engaging experience. Some levels require you to solve puzzles, while others focus on platforming or combat. The variety in level design keeps the gameplay fresh and prevents it from becoming repetitive. Additionally, the levels are designed to showcase the abilities of different characters, encouraging you to experiment with the roster and find your favorite playstyle.

Cutscenes and Cinematics

One of the most memorable aspects of The Subspace Emissary is the cutscenes. These aren't just static images with text; they're fully animated scenes that advance the plot and develop the characters. Some of the cutscenes are genuinely epic, showcasing the scale of the conflict and the stakes involved. The cutscenes also add emotional depth to the story, as you witness the characters' struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs. The use of both in-game cutscenes and pre-rendered videos gives the story a cinematic feel, making it more immersive and engaging. The quality of the animation and voice acting (in the Japanese version) is top-notch, further enhancing the storytelling experience. The cutscenes are a crucial part of The Subspace Emissary, elevating it beyond a simple fighting game story mode.

Co-op Play

You don't have to tackle The Subspace Emissary alone. The mode supports co-op play, allowing you and a friend to team up and take on the Subspace Army together. Playing with a friend can make the experience even more enjoyable, as you can coordinate your attacks, revive each other, and share the excitement of the story. Co-op play also adds a new layer of strategy, as you need to communicate and work together to overcome the challenges. Some levels are designed with co-op in mind, requiring you to split up and complete separate tasks before reuniting. Playing through The Subspace Emissary with a friend is a great way to bond and create lasting memories.

Unlockable Characters

As you progress through The Subspace Emissary, you'll unlock new characters to use in both the story mode and the regular Smash mode. Unlocking characters by playing through a story mode is a rewarding experience, as it gives you a sense of accomplishment and encourages you to explore the game's content. Some characters are unlocked automatically as you advance the plot, while others require you to complete specific challenges or find hidden areas. The unlockable characters add replay value to The Subspace Emissary, as you can go back and play through the story with different characters to see how they interact with the events.

How to Play and Progress

So, how do you actually play through The Subspace Emissary? Here’s a breakdown to get you started.

Starting the Adventure

To begin, select The Subspace Emissary from the main menu. You'll be thrown right into the action with an opening cutscene that sets the stage for the adventure. The initial levels focus on Mario and Kirby, introducing you to the basic gameplay mechanics and the main antagonists. As you progress, you'll encounter other characters and form alliances, expanding your roster and opening up new paths. Pay attention to the in-game tutorials, as they provide valuable tips and instructions on how to navigate the levels and defeat the enemies. Don't be afraid to experiment with different characters and strategies, as each one has their unique strengths and weaknesses.

Navigating the World Map

The Subspace Emissary features a world map that connects the different levels. As you complete levels, new paths will open up, allowing you to explore different areas and uncover hidden secrets. The world map also shows the locations of save points, which are essential for saving your progress. Pay attention to the icons on the map, as they indicate the types of levels and the rewards you can obtain. Some paths are blocked until you unlock specific characters or complete certain challenges. Exploring the world map is a crucial part of the adventure, as it allows you to discover new content and progress through the story.

Battling Enemies and Bosses

Throughout your journey, you'll encounter a variety of enemies, ranging from the common Primid to powerful bosses. Each enemy has its own attack patterns and weaknesses, so you'll need to adapt your fighting style to survive. Use your character's special moves and combos to deal damage and avoid getting hit. Pay attention to the environment, as some levels have hazards that can damage you or your enemies. Boss battles are particularly challenging, requiring you to use all your skills and knowledge to defeat them. Learning the boss's attack patterns and exploiting their weaknesses is essential for victory. Don't be afraid to use items to heal or boost your stats, as they can make a big difference in a tough fight.

Collecting Items and Stickers

As you explore the levels, you'll find various items and stickers that can help you on your adventure. Items can heal your character, boost your stats, or provide temporary invincibility. Stickers can be applied to your characters to enhance their abilities in The Subspace Emissary. Experiment with different sticker combinations to find the ones that best suit your playstyle. Some stickers are hidden in secret areas, so be sure to explore every nook and cranny. Collecting items and stickers is a crucial part of the game, as they can give you an edge in battle and help you overcome challenging obstacles.

Saving Your Progress

Make sure to save your progress frequently at the save points scattered throughout the world map. Losing progress can be frustrating, especially after completing a difficult level or defeating a challenging boss. Save points are marked on the map, so you can easily find them. You can also save your progress at any time by pausing the game and selecting the