Nintendo built its reputation on family-friendly entertainment, but its most successful game currently simply requires kicking the crap out of all contenders; It's every iconic mascot -- Kirby, Link, Pikachu, Sonic... even Fire Emblem's Ike and Metal Gear's Solid Snake -- for himself in this PG-13 ode to spastic, four-man scuffles. But Super Smash Bros.^® Brawl's juvenile trappings and cartoon aesthetic belie a shockingly deep combat system and near-infinite replay value. After going hands-on, you'll queue up for a crack at new solo adventures and, more importantly, must-see multiplayer scraps, which make this sequel to the GameCube best-seller an instant dorm room classic.

Armed with bows, blades and head-stomping assaults, you bound around galaxy-cruising starships or ancient floating fortresses, busting pastel-hued heads with increasingly powerful combos. The more you boost damage meters using gloved fist, electricity-spitting attack, or beam sword, the further rivals fly. The setup isn't intellectually stimulating -- knock opponents out of arenas to remain the last corporate shill standing -- but between mid-air saves, throws, dodges and devastating charged attacks, each scenario is shockingly involved. Even skeptics will be convinced after freefalling victims execute terrifying, last-minute lasso saves or land sudden coups by jacking firecracker launchers and comically oversized mallets.

The excitement level doesn't waver. From a catchy, story-driven single-player mode to frantic online showdowns, momentum-shifting bonuses and user-made, Internet-distributable screenshots/replays, satisfaction is guaranteed. Regardless of how you prefer to play -- using the Wii remote sideways, the nunchuk attachment, classic or GameCube controller -- by round 200 you'll be ready to throw the fight. But keep swinging to discover boundless extras, from hidden songs to collectible trophies and custom stage-building tools that make this prepubescent bruiser a TKO.