Wii Fanboy poll: Best way to play Brawl?

by David Hinkle { Mar 10th 2008 at 3:00PM }

So, you've had more than 24 hours to play Brawl. You've unlocked several characters, took the fight online and probably spent some time gawking at your trophies. But, the real question lurking in the back of many a fanboy's (and fangirl's) mind is: which control scheme is the best to go with?

Gallery: Super Smash Bros. Brawl

For us, the GameCube (Wavebird) is the be-all, end-all for Brawl. We like the c-stick controls for smashing and we just like the feel of the Wavebird overall. The grip on the analog stick helps a bunch during those frantic sessions. But, perhaps some folks found that the new Wiimote control scheme is the way to go? What about the Classic Controller? Well, let's solve this question, folks!

Tags: classic-controller, controls, nunchuk, smash-bros-brawl, wiimote

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Zark Flargg @ Mar 10th 2008 3:06PM

so far I like the classic controller the best. I did have to remap some of the buttons though.. x & a as jump, b as attack, y as special, and R as grab.. i bought the gamestop wireless gamecube controller specifically for this game, but the joystick is WAY too sensitive

derFunk @ Mar 11th 2008 12:47PM

YES! I did the same thing, and also use it for Animal Crossing - I knew from my Gamecube playing that this would be a possibility, but dang it's just plain AWFUL. I need to find a wavebird (new in box, preferably!)

aeazel @ Mar 10th 2008 3:07PM

I'm finding I actually like the Nunchuck and Wiimote, it allows me to be more relaxed. Most of my friends have been either using GC controllers or the Wiimote by itself, but these are people who generally have not played the Wii and I believe are shy of having two controllers to worry about.

For me, however, the added versatility of changing buttons and learning a new scheme are actually rather fun. Just need to find out which button I prefer for jumping (I hate the control stick jumping). Is it better? I can't really say as yet. Hoping to Brawl some more when I get home from work and see.

ArmorForVictor @ Mar 10th 2008 3:25PM

same here rocking the nunchuck and wiimote and as far as jumping i have it assigned to the z button and my shield to the c button. will post friend code as soon as i finally connect online with it today :)

ArmorForVictor @ Mar 10th 2008 5:23PM

ssbb fc - 0430-7981-8878 currently can't play any random matches as it says i lose connection to other players :(

Don Day @ Mar 10th 2008 3:16PM

I haven't really tried anything other the Wavebird. I disabled control stick jumping and have been pretty happy. I want to try the nunchuck setup. The motion control for smashes intrigues me. If anyone is rocking that setup, are the motion smashes decent?

racecar @ Mar 10th 2008 3:18PM

Probably for the sake of consistency with Melee, I'll stick with the Gamecube controller (picking up my copy tonight). I'm interested in the control scheme of the nunchuck/wiimote combo, though. Wouldn't be bad to do my brawling wirelessly.

-racecar
http://everybodyvotes.blogspot.com

Nar57981 @ Mar 10th 2008 3:18PM

The wiimote and nunchuk would be amazing if they fix one thing: If you turn on the shake smash attack, it's where you're shaking, not the direction of the analog stick. If that was changed, the nunchuk and wiimote would be much better.

samred @ Mar 10th 2008 3:20PM

Wavebird fits like a glove, whereas the nunchuk config is kind of jarring thanks to the button placements--it'd have been much better if they'd allowed hidden options to customize any motion control. Shake the nunchuk to grab an opponent, for example! That would've made sense. Anyway, I love that you can disable the "tap up to jump" control. Wish I could've done that in the last game.

Sean jdahsdka @ Mar 10th 2008 3:22PM

Nunchuck and Wiimote. Probably because I don't own a GC controller or Classic controller.

PhoenixGeek @ Mar 10th 2008 3:25PM

I've been using the Nunchuk control scheme lately, I think the Gamecube controller would probably be easiest but using the Wii Remote + Nunchuk is the most portable. And I have also turned off that cursed tap jump.

MemphisNET @ Mar 10th 2008 3:27PM

I've actually been using the Wiimote by itself and it's not too bad. But I still prefer the WaveBird, but that's because I was still playing SSBM up until Sunday :D

danny. @ Mar 10th 2008 3:38PM

I'm just upset I can't use the Hori stick I bought for this game a couple months ago... Even the classic controller would benefit from a change from analog to D-pad control.

racecar @ Mar 10th 2008 3:53PM

I was wondering about the arcade pads. Thanks for bringing this up!

-racecar
http://everybodyvotes.blogspot.com

danny. @ Mar 10th 2008 5:08PM

Well, someone above said that they changed movement on the classic controller to the d-pad. If you really can do that then I got bad information from someone, and the stick will indeed work. I have the game and the stick, so I just need to try it for myself...

Metayoshi @ Mar 10th 2008 3:39PM

I actually wouldn't mind the Wiimote/Nunchuk scheme if the shake smash was actually LESS sensitive. I found a comfortable button layout for me, but I really use the c-stick a lot with the gamecube controller, so I won't be able to live without shake smashing. The only problem I have is that I habitually have a "wind up/backswing" before I shake the wiimote in a certain direction, so I actually end up doing smashes/aerials that are in the opposite direction to where I want them to me.

the real mii @ Mar 10th 2008 3:40PM

i'm new to smash and liked the NES style wiimote for its simplicty... however i really don't like hitting up to jump, d pad or analog. so i'm thinking of going back to the classic controller and re-mapping some buttons. is it possible to map the basic left and right movement to the d-pad instead of using the analog stick? this combined with a re-mapped jump i think will be the best of both worlds.

stupid @ Mar 10th 2008 4:18PM

I use the classic controller, my brother has a classic and i have 2 extra GameCube controllers for guests. disable control stick jumping and its perfect.

Mike Jenkins @ Mar 10th 2008 3:53PM

Isn't the Gamecube controller widely considered to be one of the worst game controllers of all time? Why is it so popular for SSB?

oOo BioShock oOo @ Mar 10th 2008 3:57PM

Where did you hear this? I actually like it the most.

Player1 @ Mar 10th 2008 3:58PM

Never heard that. The Wavebird is especially loved.

Nigeria @ Mar 10th 2008 4:03PM

The Gamecube controller is horrible. Absolutely the worst controller of the last generation. I don't understand the affection for it. I mean, it doesn't even have a proper D-pad.

Mike Jenkins @ Mar 10th 2008 4:04PM

Back in the last-gen console wars I never heard a good word about the Gamecube controller, and after playing the Gamecube a few times I decided never to buy one because the controller was almost unusable since it was uncomfortable and the buttons were laid out so strangely. I'd heard that the Wavebird somehow improved the feel of the controller but I've played with it a few times and I really fail to see how it's any good. If only I could play Brawl with a 360 controller, that'd make me a happy camper.

John B. @ Mar 10th 2008 4:09PM

Why so much hate for the GC controller? It conforms to your hand so much, its just so comfy to hold...as for the buttons, I actually find them more comfortable than those of the PS2 or Xbox...big soft cushy buttons rather than tiny beady thumb wrecking pieces of plastic. And you can't tell me that the joystick was anything less than the best joystick of the previous generation. Those little ridges for the joystick to lock into are awesome, and the texture on it is great for grip.

Admittedly the C-stick and D-pad were mediocre at best, but most GC games didnt even use those.

Mike Jenkins @ Mar 10th 2008 4:16PM

John, I feel the exact opposite that you do about the controller, it's absolutely atrocious when holding it in your hand, it's less comfortable than any other controller I've used and the joystick is the most annoying joystick of any controller since it really limits your movement to the 8 corners that it locks you into. It's the same on the Nunchuck and I've been considering modding it to round it out for free movement. The buttons on the PS2 and Xbox controllers are so much nicer since they're rounded and are evenly spaced, as opposed to the flat buttons on the Gamecube and the crescent-shaped X and Y buttons that maxe no sense and are hard remember which is which to the occasional Gamecube player.

Mr Khan @ Mar 10th 2008 7:41PM

Wow, I couldn't disagree more. The GC controller (sans the awkward Z button) was far and away the best of last generation. The Dual Shock's left D-pad has always had the worst possible positioning (although symmetry was good). The Xbox controller was just a monstrosity (which they thankfully fixed with the 360, which is a solid controller), as was the DC controller (which the Xbox controller seemed to be very similar to)

Mike Jenkins @ Mar 10th 2008 7:58PM

The D-pad on the PS2 was great but I wish it had been the analog stick there instead of the D-pad (and I still do), both Xbox controllers were great, the "Duke" controller was incredibly comfortable but really big, and the Controlelr S was a much better controller than the Gamecube controller when it comes to comfort and button placement, and I don't understand how anyone could consider the Gamecube controller to be comfortable or logical.

John B. @ Mar 10th 2008 4:05PM

I cant stand anything but my Wavebird, but thats probably because I've been playing SSBM on a Gamecube controller for almost 7 years now (holy crap its been 7 years). I'm sorry, but having Jump assigned to a shoulder button is just something I'll never get used to. I know you can remap the controller, but there just arent enough easily accessible buttons on the Wiimote/nunchuck for it to work for me.

I might try the classic controller later, it seems like it would work very well. But even then, you either use a D-pad or spend the entire game with your thumb stretched out.

ndrooo @ Mar 10th 2008 4:10PM

I've been using the nunchuck controls with down on the d-pad remapped as jump. It works like a charm for me, since down is right above A. I can jump and do areal attacks almost instantly, which helps my meteors. My only problem is that i used to shield with R on the gamecube controller, but i've seen people shielding with L so i guess i have to just get used to it, haha.

CSSHEP @ Mar 10th 2008 4:15PM

I'm using remote and nunchuck; The only major remap I've done is moving the smash attacks to the control pad. Oh and the obligatory disabling of tap jump.

vidGuy @ Mar 10th 2008 4:19PM

I only tried the Remote+Nunchuk setup before quickly jumping under the safety of the Gamecube controller. I'll venture out to try the others eventually, but for now, GC all the way!

rover1013 @ Mar 10th 2008 4:22PM

I like the classic controller, but the stick seems to be more sensitive which prompted me to turn off the 'tap up to jump'. Once I did that I was smooth sailing and actually enjoy it quite a lot.

I've got a couple wavebirds hanging around, but started this one on the classic because I was never really enamored with the gc controller in melee anyway.

itachi18 @ Mar 10th 2008 4:42PM

Is it just me or did the N64 controller feel a lot more comfortable for Smash Bros. The Z placement of the GameCube controller is awful and I hate having to slide through the analog zone to do a (what is supposed to be) quick grab.

I am planning on getting a conversion cable to hook up a 64 controller to the cube port. Call me nostalgic but I can't help feeling that it will give me a better Brawl experience than the WaveBird, which is currently my favorite.

Thread @ Mar 10th 2008 4:44PM

I've been using the Wii remote alone, and it works really well. It's got a very good feel with the jacket on it, plus it has rumble and the characters talk through the speaker when you select them.

Only thing I changed was I switched Grab to "A" and Taunt to "-"; the original setup had Grab as "A+B" (a 'pinching' action), which I had trouble with.

TWOO DEE @ Mar 10th 2008 4:49PM

funnily, i bought two gamecube controllers for this game months ago (new to the series) but immediately tried out the wiimote only as mtv's multiplayer blog ranked that as the top way to brawl. my only problem with it so far is that damn minus key for grabbing but i'm pretty satisfied with it so far. i read mr kahn's comment somewhere on here tho and he stated his remapping for the wiimote and nunchuck combo which i'm really curious about. ideally, i'd like to stick with a wireless setup but after a week or so, if nothing feels right, i guess i'll have to go with the gc controllers.

chagen @ Mar 10th 2008 5:20PM

I didn't like Super Smash Bros. until Brawl. This game rules. I assumed that I would use the Wiimote only - but the Nunchuck+Wiimote has become my clear favorite.

I think this is because I got used to with Galaxy. I don't do any button mapping and am very happy with how well it works.

The comfort of having your hands separate is much preferred to the the intensity of using the GameCube controller. I tried the WaveBird, but felt like it was too complicated.

My four year old boy had played the N64 version one time. I started him on Brawl with the Wiimote and he gave it up for the WaveBird immediately.

My six year old daughter uses the Nunchuck+Wiimote. She didn't even want to try the other control styles.

I guess everyone has their own preferences. Ultimately, I think I'd prefer the N64 controller - but again, the split hands with the Nunchuk feel great.

Mike @ Mar 10th 2008 8:29PM

I must be crazy - I played SSBM on Friday night and wasn't really interested in the game too much. Nevertheless, with all the hype, I picked up Brawl on Sunday and still couldn't get into it (Using the Nunchuck/Wiimote & GC control schemes). Is it possible to not like this game at all? Or should I play it until I like it. I'm considering trading it for No More Heroes. Am I crazy?

Kristian @ Mar 10th 2008 5:24PM

I use the classic controller but with the Nyko adapter.. http://www.nyko.com/nyko/products/?i=112 works awesome. Tried the Wii Remote and Nunchuck but was a bit odd to me. But the classic controller worked flawlessly for me. The adapter just adds a little more weight to it as well and comfort.

stinkbug @ Mar 10th 2008 5:26PM

I've only played Brawl via the Wavebird (I got two of them for $15 apeice last year, woo). I mostly suck at Brawl so I'm gonna stick with the Wavebird for awhile. Eventually I'll try out the nunchunk( and wiimote), although I'd be more stoked about that if I had a wireless nunchunk. That cord annoys me.

stinkbug @ Mar 10th 2008 5:27PM

Oh, also. After getting all 242 coins in SMG, I want to ignore the nunchunk/wiimote combo for awhile.

kansanpoker @ Mar 10th 2008 5:35PM

i perfer the , nunchuck+wiimote , i tried just the wiimote and it was hard for me to do , so today i went out and bought two more nunchucks , so my friends can play with them ,,sence i already had four controlers

Richard @ Mar 10th 2008 5:49PM

for the people that were talking about the bad gamecube controller (wavebird) its not that it was known as the worst controller of all time it was known to be the worst ergonomically for the wrist/hand...it actually caused me to get tendonitis in my wrist from playing so much...=T overall the wiimote + nunchuck has takin sometime to get use to, but seems pretty simplistic and easy to use

Justinjb @ Mar 10th 2008 5:50PM

Why does everyone like the Gamecube controller? It is EIGHT YEARS OLD, PEOPLE!!!! My favorite, even though I'm a Smash veteran, is the simple Wiimote on it's side. I can't stand the Gamecube controller, and the classic feels too wobbly. I'm not even going to mention the horrible-ness of the Wiimote/ Nunchuck combo. It's simply too bad for words.

FantomRedux @ Mar 10th 2008 7:40PM

and? Sideways WiiMote = NES pad, Classic Controller = SNES pad with analogue and 2 more shoulder buttons. I honestly love the GC controller on Melee, and I'm just hoping I've got a job by the time Brawl comes out in the UK T_T

Brawler Deluxe @ Mar 12th 2008 2:44PM

For me, I love the classic controller. It's just so nice to hear the sounds from the wiimote, but I hate the Nunchuk control, because of the annoying need for movement. I wish that My GC wavebird controller had a Speaker, because then I would not have to choose between rumble and a speaker. I would use any of the configurations if there was another button for my right thumb to press. It's not smash without it! The gamecube Controller setup it the kindest to my fingers, and I can't see why people hate the tap jump. It's not super sensitive at all.

sk8tbrdngpetey @ Mar 10th 2008 6:39PM

^^^ why do you care what people like to use. And the wavebird being 8 years old doesn't mean anything. you are basically using a nes controller. THATS OVER 15 YEARS OLD!!!!!

Mr Khan @ Mar 10th 2008 7:43PM

I'm down with the Wiimote n' Nunchuk. I was skeptical when I used it at the launch tourney, but by switching it up so that d-pad down, left, and right all jump, C grabs, and d-pad up grabs, it works like a charm

Takes some getting used to, but a charm nonetheless