What happens when you take a bunch of classic characters and pit them against each other in a beat’em up style game set on simple platformed levels? Yes Super Smash Brothers! It’s very clear to see when you start playing CNPTEXL (yes it’s a very long name) that they’ve borrowed/taken/copied heavily from Nintendo’s own all-star brawler, but I think that’s what actually attracted me to buy the game. The question is, how does is shape up compared to Smash Bros?
The gameplay is exactly what you’d expect of such a similar style game. Buttons commands are simple with a direction + the X button (On the Xbox 360) determining what special attack your character does and direction + A button for standard attacks (holding A to charge for Smash attack style power hit). You can jump/double jump and even block/roll in exactly the same manner as SSB. The only problem I can find is that it doesn’t feel quite as fluid and sometimes you’ll be left standing still when you want to make an attack. This doesn’t happen all the time though or even ruin the experience of the fight, it’s just a minor issue that would’ve been nice to patch over.
The game contains a fairly decent length story mode. In which you taking control of various Cartoon Network characters must fight your way through various themed worlds. The game ends with quite an easy boss fight and rewards you with a host of characters that cannot be purchased in the game’s store. Speaking of the store, there’s a hole heap of extras you can purchase with your in-game earnt currency. Video clips (from classic shows), extra costumes/levels and characters all await a player who is willing to put in the play time. I only wish there were more Videos available, as the ones on offer are really good and leave you wanting more.
Once you’ve got hold of the characters you (and your friends) want it’s time to hit the local multiplayer modes. There’s no online option available, but with SSBB I learnt that’s not always a bad thing (what with the Wii’s awful connectivity). Basically this mode is where you’ll probably spend the most time (just like in SSB). You can set various rules (mainly how the winner is decided) and use the levels/characters you’ve unlocked/purchased from the store to once again settle age old arguments of ‘who would win in a fight between….’. You’ll probably latch onto a favorite character quite quickly, but even then trying out the others is still an interesting reward for your time. I noticed certain characters have been created around SSB’s character move-sets. The most noticeable being Samurai Jack. He’s basically a complete copy of the Fire Emblem characters right down to the counter attack special move.
CNPTE:XL is certainly a fun title. Probably more worth the budget price that is was launched at (in the UK) then a full priced title, but fun all the same. There’s the same great concept as SSB at it’s core, but with just a bit more polish it could’ve stood out as an excellent title. ‘The bottom line’ so to speak is you’ll probably give this game a try if you love the SSB series, but don’t currently own a Nintendo console (or are waiting for a SSB game to be released on a certain handheld….). I loved the ‘all-star’ cast of Cartoon Network characters (although DeeDee as a playable character would’ve been nice) and enjoyed my time playing against others on the multiplayer mode. If you’ve got a love for CN characters or SSB style beat’em ups you’ll probably enjoy this game.
My score: 3.5/5 – not without it’s flaws, but an enjoyable title to play with your friends and think about how sweet the next Smash Bros will be.
SirMime 
I need this, NOW. Sadly can’t afford it with Halo 4 special ed. likely coming out in the not too distant future.