Kotaku: dojo dump

Dojo Dump: Smash Bros. Dojo Returns!

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 19:30:00 MDT

Welcome back, Smash Bros. Dojo! We were wondering if you were going to do anything to commemorate the European launch of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. We absolutely love it when you do these "Snapshots Galore" posts, because we need more images of Donkey Kong in a spotted diaper floating around our brains.

Sadly, we think the "return" of the Smash Bros. Dojo will be very short lived and that it will be some time before we see another update to the site. Our European friends who have expertly avoided spoilers up until this point will want to steer clear of this latest update, as unlockable characters abound.

Snapshots Galore #3 [Smash Bros. Dojo - thanks, Kiriphii!]

Dojo Dump: Soft Focus

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 15:20:00 MDT

It's funny how much I have written about Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The Wii fighter has stolen a few hours of my life, but you might be shocked to learn how little I've played of the final retail copy. Pre-release? Hours! The full-fledged game? Embarrassingly little. It's just that the Wii is quite frequently powered down or *gasp* not hooked up at all. In my defense, I have eight consoles fighting for receiver hook ups.

Perhaps I should squeeze some Brawl time in this weekend, get some of those unlockable stages I hear the kids are into. This week at the Smash Bros. Dojo, Sakurai and crew talk about a few more precious hidden characters, plus talk about post-completion goodies. It's all in the Dump!

Monday: Beat the Subspace Emissary campaign yet? If not you won't be playing in the Boss Battles stadium.
Tuesday: The second pink puffball you'll play in Brawl is the unlockable Jigglypuff. Such a pretty voice.
Wednesday: Unlockable stage Hanenbow is from the Nintendo DS non-game Electroplankton. It's weird.
Thursday: Character Roll Call is less of an attendance survey and more of a point and shoot mini-game. Maybe you'll find Sheik's Special Moves a bit more rewarding.
Friday: Another hidden character, this time it's Toon Link who doesn't quite look... right without being properly cel-shaded.

Dojo Dump: ???? ???? ????!

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:20:35 MDT

Now that Super Smash Bros. Brawl has shipped in both Japan and North America, expect there to be nothing but spoiler-filled content at the official site. Sure, it's probably all old hat to you—and certainly can't match last week's update—but if you want to take a look at some fabulous Assist Trophy art, make sure to check out what the Smash Bros. Dojo had to offer. Me? I'm gonna go play Brawl!

Monday: Secret character Mr. Game & Watch returns, attacking with nothing but the best Game & Watch attacks.
Tuesday: Mr. Game & Watch's stage, Flat Zone 2, has its own soundtrack in Game & Watch: Flat Zone 2.
Wednesday: A few Hidden Masterpieces are scattered throughout the game, essentially slightly different demos of NES and SNES games.
Thursday: Details on a few of the Secret Melee Stages are added. I used to be really good at the original F-Zero, perfecting my Death Wind I lap times for hours on end.
Friday: Some of the Latecomer Assist Trophies come from titles like Custom Robo Arena, Advance Wars and Daigasso! Band Brothers. Yay for fan service!

Dojo Dump: A Show Of Hands

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:20:37 MST

We're just ten days away from Super Smash Bros. Brawl's arrival in North America. Our friends in PAL territories may have a bit of a wait ahead of them, unless they choose to pick up a Wii FreeLoader and potentially forgo online play, but it's almost here over... here. Can you smell the excitement?! I wonder what I'll do with my Fridays without the comfort of the Dojo Dump. Anyway... This week at the official site, there's one spoilerific character reveal and one hidden stage that slipped past my personal radar. I'm still trying to wrap my noodle around this Master Hand business. The Dump is just after this...

Monday: This one's a bit wild. The Dojo gives in-depth details on Master Hand and Crazy Hand. If I were ever given a nickname, I'd hope it's not "Crazy Hand."
Tuesday: You know, Pikachu and Samus (regular suit version) have Special Moves too. Why not learn a thing or two?
Wednesday: Collector obsessives will want to pay close attention to the Clear Percentage in the Subspace Emissary campaign.
Thursday: Oh no! Unlockable character spoilers! This one is the dashing Pokémon Lucario.
Friday: Spear Pillar is a Pokémon thing that I don't understand. I got as afar as "it's a stage" and then got lost.

Dojo Dump: Zero Suit Friday

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:20:00 MST

Hey, did you hear? Super Smash Bros. Brawl sold about a bazillion copies in Japan in its debut week. 820,000 is a bazillion, right? With all those copies out there, you're sure to run into some spoilers eventually, if you haven't already gorged on every Brawl detail leaked from before the Japanese release. Still, we'll do our best to keep it spoiler free, but I can't speak for the commenters. This week's additions to the official Smash Bros. web site includes a profile on one hidden character, a bunch of assist trophies and one character's Final Smash. I think you can guess who it is. If not, make your way to the rest of the Dojo Dump and catch up.

Monday: F-Zero fans will probably love the Port Town Aero Dive stage. Getting smashed by hover cars? Notsomuch.
Tuesday: Hey another stage! Final Destination is clearly the simplest, though.
Wednesday: A whole mess of Assist Trophies get the once over, including some faves like the Metroid and.... Tingle?
Thursday: Look out it's a hidden character known here as ?????.
Friday: Oh my, it's Zero Suit Samus' Final Smash! The Dojo also has a video on the game's Enemies and Allies featuring the hidden character "revealed" the day before.

Dojo Dump: Enter The Spoiler Era

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:00:00 MST

This week has been a rocky road for those looking for an unspoiled Super Smash Bros. Brawl experience. Just prior to the game's official release in Japan, the full details of Brawl's roster, its bosses, its numerous stages were all revealed by those who got their hands on it early. Even on the official Brawl web site, the Smash Bros. Dojo, producer Masahiro Sakurai has begun to reveal the game's hidden fighters. If you're the least bit concerned about that, it's time to move into the bunker.

But for those looking to relish in every detail, every screen shot, every word from Sakurai, savor the Dojo Dump. We've only got two more months together.

Monday: The Vault is for obsessive collector types, like yours truly, who like to pore over their virtual stuff. Time in the Vault is time you'll want on your death bed!
Tuesday: For an exhaustive list of the initially available tunes in Brawl, check out First Song in My Music
Wednesday: For a straight up primer on the Brawl portion of the game, read up.
Thursday: Sakurai warns about Future Updates, which should last for the next two months and feature plenty of spoiler-filled info. An Intro Movie that helps explain the numerous game modes is added.
Friday: The first official unlockable character is profiled. If you want to know who that is, click the ?????.

Dojo Dump Surprise: Smash Bros. Adds Virtual Console Demos

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:30:00 MST

It would appear that the Smash Bros. Dojo still has a few secrets squirreled away. With the Japanese release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl just days away, we weren't expecting something on the level of Masterpieces to squeak out. Masterpieces, you see, gives Wii gamers the opportunity to play demo versions of classic NES, SNES and Nintendo 64 games, Virtual Console titles that just so happen to feature characters from the Brawl roster. Project lead Masahiro Sakurai hints that even more titles are buried within, a very cool feature.

The rest of the week features some nice little surprises, from details on well-known fighters, to newish Pokémon, to brand new stages. If you aren't caught up on your Super Smash Bros. Brawl news, we suggest you spend a few minutes with this week's Dojo Dump.

Monday: Zelda's Final Smash is a light arrow. Seems painful. Not as painful as having hearts blasted at your ass, but we're still wincing.
Tuesday: Manaphy the precious Pokémon with a switcheroo power should mix things up.
Wednesday: I love the Mushroomy Kingdom. You should, too. If you're not feeling it, maybe the Super Mario Bros. Ground Theme remix will get you in the mood.
Thursday: Want to watch someone else play Brawl? Test Battle: Tokyo vs. Kyoto is all the envious video you need.
Friday: We already discussed Masterpieces up top. Not a bad way to sell more VC releases, Nintendo.

Dojo Dump: Treating Post Delay Stress Disorder

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:20:00 MST

Now that the ugliness of Super Smash Bros. Brawl's official delay is behind us, we can move on to the good stuff. Sure, we may be waiting another month for our Kirby versus Snake battles, but that only means more Smash Bros. Dojo updates and an extended lifeline for the Dojo Dump. Yay! This week, the Dojo focused on the newly revealed Olimar and Pikmin brawler, while eking out the minimal amount of updates.

For more info on all things Pikmin, stickers and Sheik, make the jump for the Dojo Dump.

Monday: Challenges bring the hammer down, making items unattainable through normal means within your reach.
Tuesday: The Pikmin-themed battle arena is known as Distant Planet. It's all "om nom nom nom."
Wednesday: Zelda's second form, Sheik, returns as a playable fighter. Makes me feel weird.
Thursday: Pikmin & Olimar's Final Smash is a blast. Ungh.
Friday: Looks like stickers won't just satisfy the collector obsession within, they'll make fighting the Subspace Emissary a bit easier. Or so says the entry on Sticker Power-Ups.

Dojo Dump: Return Of The Dojo

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:00:24 MST

After an insufferable business week that saw the release of zero new information bit about Super Smash Bros. Brawl due to holiday, the Smash Bros Dojo and our weekly wrap up on the matter have returned. The Dojo's return was met with a surprising new addition to the roster of brawlers, space adventurer Olimar of Pikmin fame, who will pluck his partners out of the ground to use as weapons in the heat of battle. We also get a look at Snake's Final Smash, which seems to be the most unique we've seen so far.

Enough chitchat! We've been without for a whole Friday, so on with the Dojo Dump!

Monday: Melee Stages get an update, with details on Yoshi's Island, Brinstar from Metroid, Corneria from Starfox and even more.
Tuesday: The Dojo details Stadium Multi-Man Brawl featuring the Fighting Alloy Team and co-op play. There's even Wi-Fi Connection support!
Wednesday: New characters! Pikmin and Olimar join the fray. The Pikmin World Map remix provides a nice soundtrack while reading this news.
Thursday: Snake's Final Smash involves a rope ladder, a helicopter and a grenade launcher. This is the one hidden character I'm looking forward to most.
Friday: Pikmin and Olimar's special moves are profiled, explaining how Olimar with rely on Pikmin plucking for just about everything.

Dojo Dump: Super Sonic Racing

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 15:20:57 MST

We're going to start with the bad news. There will be no updates to the Smash Bros. Dojo next week and, in turn, no Dojo Dump next Friday. The lazy bums at Nintendo are taking a week off to rest comfortably in hammocks or possibly scrounge up fresh content from Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the official site. At least this week contains some gems, some of which we've already covered. We get a fresh look at personal favorite Wario and a healthy dose of Sonic the Hedgehog, who I wouldn't mind never hearing from again. The rest? Well, it's mostly filler. On with the Dump!

Monday: Take a look Wario's overalls. You might prefer these over his WarioWare biker duds.
Tuesday: Sonic's Final Smash makes him into a golden god. For more of the hedgehog, listen to the Angel Island Zone theme remix.
Wednesday: Collection obsessives will want to learn more about Trophy Stands and how they're used.
Thursday: Looking to earn more trophies (and stickers)? You'll have to try your luck at Coin Launcher a simple shooting game.
Friday: The Dragoon item is detailed as is info on how to Share your data with Smash Bros. Friends. Good times.

We'll see you in a fortnight!

Dojo Dump: What's The Hell Is Wrong With Kirby?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 15:20:28 MST

What? What the hell is going on that screen shot, you may be wondering. Don't fret, it will all be revealed in this week's Dojo Dump! In addition to new modes, items and stages, this week provides arguably the best look at Kirby in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Kirby with a beard. Kirby with a ponytail. Kirby performing an unsettling move in which Mario is vacuumed into the puffball's gaping maw. Get ready to shudder as you make your way to the Dump!

Monday: Remember the single player Special Events feature? Well, now you can play in pairs with Co-op Events. The Dojo says it's perfect for couples! L-O-L!
Tuesday: Hey! Listen! Listen to Porky's Theme from Mother. Then check out the Frigate Orpheon, another Metroid-themed stage. Looks less painful than Norfair.
Wednesday: Another item, the Team Healer, does pretty much what you'd expect it to in Team Battle mode.
Thursday: An update on Kirby's Special Moves provides frightening insight into what that little pink puffball is capable of. Cannot be unseen.
Friday: A movie of the Subspace Emissary adventure mode mission is added.

Clock watchers may want to note that, as of this weekend, the North American release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl is just 50 days away. Woooo!

Dojo Dump: Your Lovely Assistants

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 15:20:00 MST

This week's additions to the Smash Bros. Dojo show that there is still some fresh content kicking around the Super Smash Bros. Brawl warehouse. A pair of new Assist Trophies were revealed this week, as was another Pokémon, and a confirmed stage from Mario Kart helped in breaking up the rather jejune updates involving menu screens. It may be an unpopular choice with some, but this associate editor certainly won't shed any tears over Waluigi's second string appearance in the Wii brawler.

I'm going to change into my casual cardigan and sneakers before we do this week's Dojo Dump. Won't you join me?

Monday: Bonsly, the sturdy bonsai tree doppleganger from Pokémon gets the once over. Too cute.
Tuesday: Have more than four players in the room? Help solve disputes with who's got next via the Rotation feature.
Wednesday: Music from the NES action game Ice Climber is added for your previewing pleasure. Options, including a welcome BGM test, are listed in detail.
Thursday: The Mario Circuit stage is officially shown off. It's very shy guy friendly.
Friday: New assist trophies Waluigi and Stafy are revealed. You don't know Stafy? Get thee to an importer, posthaste!

Dojo Dump: Pokemon X

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:20:00 MST

One has to wonder if Sakurai and team are growing tired, at this point, of providing daily updates to the Smash Bros. Dojo. The game was supposed to have been released by now and there's seemingly little left to be revealed. Most of the characters have had their move sets, specials and Final Smashes detailed and we haven't had a new character reveal since the middle of October. They're troopers, though, and soldier on through another work week of what's new in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. We're given another week of nitty-gritty details, with a gaggle of Pokemon, more online gameplay specifics and even some X. What's X? The answer, and hints about more hidden characters, lies beneath.

On with the Dojo Dump!

Monday: Pointers on how to create a Friend List, via Friend Codes, natch, are added.
Tuesday: A list of ten Returning Pokemon makes for a colorful update.
Wednesday: Music from X, a Japan-only Game Boy game, and the rather fluffy Battle for the Smash Ball gives humpday something to hump about.
Thursday: King Dedede's Final Smash is nothing short of a Waddle Dee infestation. Sickening.
Friday: No friends? You can play With Anyone, in this case, in Basic Brawl mode.

Friday's update also mentions more, as yet unrevealed, hidden characters being available through the single-player Adventure Mode. The Dojo team worries that those who play in online mode will have things spoiled for them. Perhaps Nintendo still have a few more veterans and newcomers left to reveal...

Dojo Dump: Sin, Punishment & Final Smashes

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 15:30:00 MST

This week's additions to the Smash Bros. Dojo include more detail depth from some of the game's non-marquee characters. Lucas, Ice Climbers, Saki Amimiya, anyone? Not exactly household names for Nintendo. But who cares? This is Super Smash Bros. Brawl and it's for the hardcore fan. Of note is this week's detail on costume changes. Don't miss Solid Snake's stylish alternate colorways, including a sexy cheetah print! The Dojo Dump is right after this.

Monday: The Ice Climbers' Final Smash is just the tip of iceberg this week. :(
Tuesday: Suck? Training mode is for you. It's option-tastic. The Smart Bomb item is also given its own update.
Wednesday: For fashionable SSBB fans, you'll want to check out all your options in Color Changes. Snake in safari camo?! OK!
Thursday: Saki Amamiya from Sin & Punishment joins the roster as an Assist Trophy.
Friday: Charged Special Moves are detailed. This is pure house cleaning stuff. But Lucas' Final Smash is the PK Starstorm and it's nuts! I was hoping for something involving his cowlick, frankly.

Dojo Dump: It's Handicapable

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:20:00 MST

Why focus on the least impressive aspect of this week's batch of updates to the Smash Bros. Dojo, the Handicap option, for the title? To set the bar low, as the weekly dose of Super Smash Bros. Brawl news features some solid stuff. In addition to the newly announced Spectator mode, which is kind of like Smash Bros TV with a bit of wagering thrown in, there's new music, new moves and even a focus on taunts. Taunts give you a chance to see the SSBB line-up in rarely seen poses. Oh, look. It's Zero Suit Samus...

The Dojo Dump will be back after this short link.

Monday: Ike's Final Smash is officially profiled. Great Aether!
Tuesday: Each character in Super Smash Bros. Brawl has three different taunts. They run from flamboyant to dramatic to humorous. Hey, it's the cardboard box!
Wednesday: Handicapping options return. It's not very exciting, but should provide some challenge for vets versus noobs.
Thursday: An arranged track from Kirby Super Star, titled "Meta Knight's Revenge" is added, as are Meta Knight's special moves.
Friday: Spectator mode is profiled. We wrote about it earlier today.

Too bad that Spectator mode is totally anonymous. I suppose that Nintendo doesn't want to subject the kids to foul language or characters named "clOWNp3nis", but it would have been cool to see online Brawlers real names.

Dojo Dump: Crazy Like A Fox

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 15:20:51 MST

This week's worth of updates at the official Smash Bros. Dojo is nothing short of a delicious info smoothie, only soured lightly by the reminder that Metroid's famous Norfair location makes for an insufferable level. We're introduced to only one new character, but it's a fairly substantial one, despite that he's only an Assist Trophy. I'm staying on the positive tip, so I won't whine about the lack of pics of you-know-who. I've simply got a pair of thumbs up and sore cheeks from the week-long smile. The Dojo Dump is below...

Monday: The boldly operatic Fire Emblem theme, remixed and totally Latinized has been uploaded, complete with lyrics. A new clip, titled "Fox's Misfortune" features Diddy Kong, Fox McCloud and a pocket monster I won't pretend I know the name of.
Tuesday: Items from previous installments, such as the beam sword and fire flower, are listed. Welcome back, Freezie!
Wednesday: Wanna know how to grab and throw? Read the site. Metal Gear Solid's Gray Fox is also revealed as an assist trophy. Awesome? Mmm hmm!
Thursday: Lucas has some special moves you probably didn't know about. I'll spend my weekend developing my own "mentally-powered flip kick."
Friday: Norfair? We knew about this stage weeks ago! Sorry Smash Bros. Dojo, but this is not news.

Dojo Dump: In Case You Didn't Feel Like Showing Up

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:20:40 MDT

It was a practical week over at the Smash Bros. Dojo, revealing new game modes, one new stage, a Final Smash and more bottom of the barrel kind of stuff. Sure the new Stage Builder is totally nifty, but another week without Zero Suit Samus pics and the Ice Climber stage? Boring! We live and breathe for earth shattering announcements!

For those who missed out on what went down in the world of Super Smash Bros. Brawl this week, make the click in the direction of the Dojo Dump!

Monday: The new Stage Builder lets you "build" your own "stages." Aren't you happy I do these round ups?
Tuesday: The single player Classic mode is detailed, featuring a GIANT Meta Knight and vague clues about spending your winnings.
Wednesday: The Summit is the frosty stage home to the Ice Climbers. Hey! It's the Balloon Fight fish! Isn't it?
Thursday: Meta Knight's Final Smash goes public. Looks like he's one of those icky "skill" characters.
Friday: A handful of fighters' on-screen appearances are shown, with Solid Snake's and Lucas' arrivals topping the cool charts.

Dojo Dump: Deja Vu Edition

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 15:20:28 MDT

The week in Super Smash Bros. Brawl news wasn't full of bombshell announcements, but it did see some rather curious revelations. From the appearance of King Dedede from the Kirby series and the inclusion of a Nintendo DS themed stage, the week was full of low-key, but high-interest news for fans. You may recognize many of these Dojo Dump items from throughout the week, but a refresher won't hurt will it? One warning, though. This week's Zero Suit Samus pic count is a depressing zero.

We'll find a way to soldier on. To the Dump with you!

Monday: A PictoChat stage is added to the line up
Tuesday: Donkey Kong makes a stand against banana thieves in video form. He's my hero.
Wednesday: Another aspect of the Stadium, the Target Smash is detailed. The replay function is also revealed.
Thursday: King Dedede joins the cast of Brawl! Finally! Wait... who?
Friday: King Dedede's got some special moves, apparently.

Brawl Gets Mega Meta With Pictochat

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:20:13 MDT

Normally, we're not in the business of providing our thoughts on daily Super Smash Bros. Brawl news, for our opinions on, say, Ashley's Theme from WarioWare aren't that strong. However, when Sakurai and team do something as oddball as including a Pictochat themed stage, it simply can't wait until the weekly Dojo Dump rolls around. The arena's spartan appearance is made more magical by the random drawing of stage elements, like wind, platforms and thunderclouds. It even features Wii Channel tunes to really up the self-referentiality.

The only way they can up their meta game at this point is to include Shigeru Miyamoto's bicycle as a playable character. Beyond that, I can't see this game becoming any more packed with fan service.

PictoChat [Smash Bros. Dojo]

Dojo Dump: Pork 'n' Peach

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:30:00 MDT

This week's updates to the Smash Bros. Dojo won't blow you away (no new Zero Suit Samus pics), as its strictly for the hardcore fans. A Mother stage, a new assist trophy and a handful of practical updates make for a rather dry Dojo Dump. I'm starting to wonder how many updates Sakurai and crew will be able to squeeze out of the game now that it's shipping three months later. Hopefully, they have some Zero Suit Samus wallpapers tucked away...

Just think, if you were at E For All right now, you could be playing this game instead of all this icky reading. What's new in the world of Super Smash Bros. Brawl? All this stuff!

Monday: A new stage in New Pork City, courtesy of Mother 3, joins the line up.
Tuesday: One of the Stadium features, the Home Run Contest, features Mario abusing a sandbag. Plenty of sandbag beating modes await you.
Wednesday: Meowth one of the expected Poké Balls appears alongside a tutorial on how to use the Wii Remote.
Thursday: Little Mac is back! The underdog Punch Out!! star is just an Assist Trophy, sadly.
Friday: Peach's peachy Final Smash is officially detailed.

Dojo Dump: Sonic.

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:40:00 MDT

A record week for the Smash Bros. Dojo, with nine action packed updates, including one that confirms months of speculation and should finally settle ages old Genesis versus Super Nintendo debates. On top of that, the number of pictures of Zero Suit Samus added to the Dojo requires your busy hand to count. Having spent a few hours with Super Smash Bros. Brawl in San Francisco over the past two days, I realized wrapping up the weekly Dojo updates has taught me a lot about the game.

The Dojo Dump is right after this.

Monday: Zero Suit Samus shows off her Special Moves. Can I play as Zero Suit Samus without having to do a Final Smash?!
Tuesday: Ashley's Theme music from WarioWare and Kirby's Final Smash are the calm before the storm.
Wednesday: Not sure if you heard but Sonic is in Brawl. Two movies prove it.
Thursday: Even more Sonic details as his Special Moves are revealed.
Friday: Dojo give specifics on taking snapshots with a quick E For All and launch date update.

Dojo Dump: Snaaaaaaaaaaake!

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 15:20:00 MDT

Not sure if I've confessed this before, but I've never really sat down and played a Smash Bros. game. It's true. My only experience with the series has been a handful of hours with the Nintendo 64 original, Super Smash Bros. Just never really got around to it, as I perceived, with great snobbery, the fighting games I did enjoy, Soul Calibur, Street Fighter, as genuine, worthwhile fighters, with Powerstone my fighting guilty pleasure.

This week's series of Super Smash Bros. Brawl updates, however, have made the Wii iteration a day one purchase. Snake's profile and the Shadow Moses Island stage update have sealed the deal. Read on, if you're only keeping up with the weekly Dojo Dump wrap up. It's worth it.

Monday: Mother fans, your Lucas is here.
Tuesday: The best ad campaign for Metal Gear Solid 4, the hero's inclusion in SSBB, is solidified by Snake's fighter profile and the Shadow Moses Island stage update. Do not miss the latter of the two.
Wednesday: Hey! Excitebike! A fantastic assist trophy.
Thursday: Fox's Final Smash is detailed and Shielding & Dodging is discussed. Please note: Zero Suit Samus pics!
Friday: Team is just another word for co-op adventure mode play.

Dojo Dump: Double Final Smash With A Triple

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 15:40:36 MDT

Plenty of variety in this week's edition of the Dojo Dump, but much of it's seemingly "inside baseball." No new characters, but the more recent reveals get some fresh new details. Plus, the Mr. Resetti gag makes it a must see. It may turn out to be one of those "you had to be there" kind of things, but it adds an extra layer of laudable weirdness to the game.

On with the Dump!

Monday: Nintendo ups the ante with an even deeper Trophies mode. Hey, it's Tingle!
Tuesday: Diddy Kong's Final Smash shows he's a handful with a peanut popgun and some rocket barrels.
Wednesday: Mr. Resetti from Animal Crossing is added to the list of Assist Trophies. He lectures apparently.
Thursday: The Pokémon Trainer's Final Smash calls in Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard for a devastating blow. Yup.
Friday: The Tourney mode is teased and it looks extra special.

Snake Inflitrates Smash Bros. Dojo

Mike Fahey — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:30:51 MDT

With every one looking for him at the Tokyo Game Show, Solid Snake has used the diversion to infiltrate Smash Bros. Dojo!! in a series of not one but three updates today. The first update merely introduces the character to the site in standard Dojo fashion. The next gives you a chance to listen to the "Metal Gear Solid: MGS4 Love Theme (Smash Bros. Brawl Version)", composed by Nobuko Toda and arranged by Akihiro Honda, created specially for the game. It's 100% MGS music. Epic, powerful, while at the same time maintaining the haunting, mournful quality unique to the series. Finally we have Snake's special moves, all of which involve our hero using military ordinance to do something horrible to the bad cartoon people. My favorite is the remote-controlled missile, though using the Cypher flying reconnaissance camera to recover from a fall is a nice touch.

Snake's Page On Smash Bros. Dojo!! [Smash Bros. Dojo!!]

Dojo Dump: Respectful To Veterans

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 15:20:18 MDT

Some developers (who shall go unnamed) may have zero respect for our vets, but no one will make that claim about Nintendo. How do I know this? By today's reveal of veteran fighters the Ice Climbers for Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Popo and Nana cap off a week of solid updates that cover a pair of new assistants, one stage and the mystery of Stamina Mega Flower Curry Heavy Slow Angled Brawl. Thanks for checking out this week's Dojo Dump!

Monday: Pokey-man assistant Munchlax profiled as a bit of a pig.
Tuesday: Lyn of Fire Emblem fame shows a bit of thigh along with her assistant skills.
Wednesday: Meta Knight's own stage, the Battleship Halberd, is detailed. Hello, Zero Suit Samus...
Thursday: Want to add bunny ears to your brawler of choice? You need to read up on the Special Brawl option.
Friday: The Ice Climbers return!

Dojo Dump: The Music Man

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:20:33 MDT

While this week's series of updates to the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl web site might not be filled with marquee updates like, say, Sonic the Hedgehog or the boat from Jaws joining the cast of the Nintendo brawler, but it does feature one very cool update. Sure, SSBB may not (as far as we know) feature custom soundtracks, it does feature the "My Music" option which lets players choose the frequency of your favorite classic Nintendo tunes. We'll never grow weary of the classic Super Mario Bros. ditty, but with this new option, we'll be able to pepper in some Mario jams from the past three decades. Nice! Here's the weekly Dojo Dump...

Monday: Video of Pit's Descent and his relation to the Subspace Army are shown.
Tuesday: Diddy Kong's special moves, including the vicious Peanut Popgun are profiled.
Wednesday: Meta Knight, Kirby's nemesis is finally profiled.
Thursday: Mario's special moves are revealed! Oh, crap, it's the F.L.U.D.D. The updated Pokémon Stadium stage is further detailed.
Friday: A music BLOW OUT. The main Super Smash Bros. Brawl theme and Pokémon Stadium theme are added. But the My Music feature might just blow your mind!

Dojo Dump: Worst Week Ever

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 18:20:33 MDT

Thank baby Jesus and the Buddha and Miyamoto himself that I didn't stay up until the wee hours F5ing the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl web site because it was a total snoozer. No new character reveals, not a single picture of Zero Suit Samus, with only WarioWare nods to keep us interested. Get your double cappuccinos handy, prop up your eyelids with matches and try to remain conscious during this week's Dojo Dump.

Monday: The second most exciting update, about Superspice Curry, was really only interesting due to fleeting moments of hunger.
Tuesday: Assist trophy Andross and the Four Special Move Types are revealed starring Meta Knight.
Wednesday: The Pokémon Trainer gets a run down of his Special Moves.
Thursday: The act of Gliding, featuring Pit, is detailed.
Friday: The awesome WarioWare stage is shown confirming that everything WarioWare related is indeed awesome.

Zzzzzz... *mumble* Wuzzat? What the fuck is going on? What are you doing here? Zzzzzz...

Dojo Dump: Diddy, Petey & Yoshi Goodies

Michael McWhertor — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 00:30:45 MDT

This week, we see the seventeenth confirmed character appear, Donkey Kong's half-pint sidekick Diddy Kong. The rest of the stuff is rather mundane, but at least Yoshi's Final Smash get up is good for a laugh and Smash Bros. fans without friends will be gassed to learn more about Super Smash Bros. Brawl's Adventure Mode. On with the Dojo Dump!

Monday: Link's special moves, including the clawshot, boomerang and bombs, are profiled.
Tuesday: A new video featuring the Subspace Army (and R.O.B.!) is added.
Wednesday: Newcomer Diddy Kong is added to the roster.
Thursday: Yoshi's Final Smash show's the dragon sporting wings and K.K. Slider's theme song arrives for your listening pleasure.
Friday: Petey Piranha, the boss from the Subspace Army clip gets a proper run down.

Dojo Dump: Best Week Ever?

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:20:31 MDT

In general, a week's worth of updates to the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl web site peaks with a single character reveal and bottoms out with lame item update. But this week, not only are two characters confirmed, one assist trophy profiled and four shots of Zero Suit Samus added, the Sticker option is revealed. Woohoo! Feels like 1984 again.

Keep on reading for this week's Dojo Dump!

Monday: The Pokémon Trainer is confirmed as a playable fighter. Pokéballs galore.
Tuesday: Devil World's Devil assist trophy seems to point at things. And that's it.
Wednesday: Stickers! Stickers! Stickers!
Thursday: Zero Suit Samus has a special ability, the Tether Recovery! Looks like others will have similar skills.
Friday: Peach is (officially) confirmed as a fighter in SSBB. I'd have preferred the short shorts look.

Good news all around. It's nothing short of amazing how much content is crammed into this game.

Dojo Dump: Franklin Comes Alive!

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 15:20:26 MDT

Wow! What a week of updates over at the Smash Bros. Dojo!! It was so thrilling, so spectacular, so packed with mind-scrambling megatons that it might warrant a third exclamation point!!! Actually, it was dry as dust, with five business days of C-level updates dragging down the site. Outside of Pit's fan-boner of an update, the rest is simply... *yawn* housekeeping. Here's the Dojo Dump!

Monday: The Smoke Ball item is revealed. It doesn't do much.
Tuesday: Fire Emblem rep Ike's special moves are shown, including the "Eruption."
Wednesday: Kid Icarus' re-mixed music from The Underworld is added. A bit flowery for my tastes.
Thursday: Pit's Final Smash is a beautiful sight to behold, with the goddess Palutena and a swarm of Centurions
Friday: The Franklin Badge is revealed to be a projectile deflector! Please do not attempt to protect yourself from gunfire with your own Franklin Badges.

Damn. That Palutena is one foxy bitch. Why can't I meet a nice green haired goddess like that?

Dojo Dump: On Fire!

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 15:20:19 MDT

Another week, another five business days of Super Smash Bros. Brawl marketing in a palatable controlled-news candy shell. This week revealed two critical info bits in the form of a new playable character from the Fire Emblem series and a newly confirmed game mode, an item we discussed earlier today.

But let us dispense with the pleasantries and make our way to the Dojo Dump!

Monday: Donkey Kong's meta Final Smash is revealed. He plays bongo controllers!
Tuesday: The Pitfall, a power item borrowed from Animal Crossing comes into play.
Wednesday: Ike, the game's 14th fighter is lovingly profiled.
Thursday: More Fire Emblem, as the castle stage is partially revealed.
Friday: The Subspace Emissary is disclosed as "a robust side-scrolling action game." Awesome!

Best news? A handful of new shots featuring Samus in her Zero Suit form. OMG HAI 2 U SAMIS!!!1

Dojo Dump: Samus Loses Her Armor

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 16:20:58 MDT

A big, big week on the Zero Suit Samus front. We finally learn that the Metroid hunter doesn't slip into that Zero Suit outfit by choice, but in a slightly creepier fashion. Oh, the erotic fanfics we'll write! The end of the week, however, wraps up with a very strange entry, one that I'm not sure I understand. Who wants to help it explain it to this Smash Bros. newb?

Here's the Dojo Dump for the week of July 23rd!

Monday: The SSBB arrangement of the Star Fox: Space Armada tune is added.
Tuesday: Deoxys a pokey-man item is revealed.
Wednesday: Samus' Final Smash is showcased, explaining how the bounty hunter finds herself armorless. Dreams come true.
Thursday: Finally, Zero Suit Samus is profiled. She has a whip!
Friday: A very mysterious update explaining the rules of This World. Heavy stuff.

Dojo Dump: E3 Edition

Michael McWhertor — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 13:20:08 MDT

Updates to the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl web site may have gotten a little lost in the din of E3 2007, but that doesn't mean we weren't treated to some interesting updates from the Smash Bros. Dojo. In addition to showing a handful of characters in motion for the first time, we were given a look at a new contender, a new assistant, a new stage and much more. This week's Dojo Dump is just fractions of a second away!

Monday: Standard Combos! It's hard to get excited about anything that starts with "standard."
Tuesday: Dr. Wright appears as an Assist Trophy. Who? The dude from the SNES version of SimCity of course! Wait, who?
Wednesday: The long wait for the return of Bumper items, last seen on the N64, is over!
Thursday: Donkey Kong is added to the list of veteran fighters. Why does he insist on wearing that tie?!
Friday: Smashville, the Animal Crossing stage debuts. Awesome!

Dojo Dump: Bowser And His Lovely Assistants

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 16:20:39 MDT

A rather meaty week of updates on the official Super Smash Bros. Brawl site, as new character reveals and gameplay mechanics lead off the week before E3. While the game won't be playable at the expo, we're sure to hear more about who's making the final cut. Now, on with the Dojo Dump!

Monday: Samurai Goro is revealed, moments later to be specified as one of the game's Assist Trophies.
Tuesday: Bowser gets the character profile treatment.
Wednesday: Bowser again. This time, his intimidating Final Smash is detailed. Looks good!
Thursday: The four different control methods are further clarified in Smash Attacks.
Friday: The Bridge of Eldin stage is revealed from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

I wonder what the Smash Bros. Dojo will have in store for us during E3. Something big, I bet.

Hammer Bros, Nintendogs Coming To Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 19:20:28 MDT

The Super Smash Bros. Brawl official web site updated today with a number of new characters, from the Hammer Bros. to Nintendogs puppies to F-Zero racer Samurai Goro. Normally, that would be huge news. Three confirmed characters in one day? Surely worthy of a non-Dojo Dump update. The only problem with that is that none of them are actually playable.

The new additions to the Super Smash Bros. Brawl roster are simply part of the game's Assist Trophy element. Players will be able to utilize these invincible assistants in battle, deploying a random, mystery fighter or, in the case of the Nintendog puppy, provide distraction while you reorient yourself.

Watch for even more characters from throughout the Nintendo universe to make appearances.

Assist Trophies [Smash Bros. Dojo]

Dojo Dump: From Zelda To Wario Farts

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 15:40:16 MDT

Another well-rounded, but largely uninteresting list of additions to the encyclopedia of all things Super Smash Bros. Brawl hit the internet this week, courtesy of the official site. The collective dump of this week's Smash Bros. Dojo updates follows.

Monday: Zelda, the princess in need of constant rescue, returns to fight again.
Tuesday: Another earful of a song selection is added with The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time medley.
Wednesday: Everything you always wanted to know about the banana peel is revealed.
Thursday: Personalized button configuration becomes less of a pain with Names. Hope your name is 4 characters or less!
Friday: Wario's special moves, including the infamous gaseous Wario Waft are put on display.

Anyone wanna place bets on next week's potential character reveal?

Dojo Dump: Final Smashes!

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 17:20:41 MDT

Wow. What a week. Super Smash Bros. Brawl updates that make me... so... very... sleepy. You won't find much meat in here, but you will see some pretty screenshots over at the Smash Bros. Dojo.

Here's the Dojo Dump for this week.

Monday: Link's Final Smash is shown off. It's so... fancy!
Tuesday: Pikachu also gets a Final Smash, Volt Tackle! It's sparkle-rific.
Wednesday: Wario gets the character profile treatment. Just three left.
Thursday: Fox shows his special moves. Yawn. But Zero Suit Samus pic!
Friday: The Lylat Cruiser Pleiades level is shown, promising dramatic space fights.

As stated earlier, plenty of new screenshots abound, so head on over to check out personal favorite Wario in action. Michael McWhertor

Dojo Dump: Samus! Fox! Crates!

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:20:54 MDT

The Super Smash Bros. Brawl news continues to drag along at a snail's pace, justifying the very existence of a weekly, not daily, update for your Wii brawler news. Here's the round up!

Monday: Fox McCloud gets the profile treatment. Sakurai wants to make sure you noticed his costume has been totally updated.
Tuesday: The Yoshi's Island-themed stage is detailed, with shots of the stage throughout the seasons.
Wednesday: More music revealed as "Metroid: Boss Battle Music (Ridley Fight)" is added for your listening pleasure. A "suitable sense of cruelty and tension", says Sakurai. Okay, buddy! Whatever!
Thursday: Actually an update about Super Smash Bros. Brawl's crates and barrels. Sorry, but they don't appear to explode. This game is doomed.
Friday: Metroid hunter Samus Aran is added to the list. Honestly, I'd appreciate more pics of the Zero Suit version.

With just four more officially announced SSBB characters left to profile—Wario, Meta Knight, Solid Snake, Zero Suit Samus—we should start to see more veterans and newcomers appearing soon. Maybe before E3. Any predictions? Michael McWhertor

Dojo Dump: Pokemans Shown To You

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 18:20:25 MDT

Weary of the Super Smash Bros. Brawl daily update of non-news? Well, if you can handle a weekly dose of details on the Sora-developed Wii game, this is all you'll need. The Dojo Dump will collect a week's worth of non-news surrounding SSBB, bundling them into a single post that might be considered newsworthy.

So what happened this week?

Monday: The Yoshi's Story ending theme was added, giving us a new listen to the game's soundtrack.
Tuesday: Sakurai answers the burning question "What Are Poké Balls?", detailing the power up. Several Pokémon are shown, including the giant Groudon.
Wednesday: The Dojo gets Smash Bros. newbies up to speed on how to recover when knocked off a platform. Wins for week's most boring update.
Thursday: Veteran fighters Kirby and Pikachu are profiled.
Friday: Control scheme fears are put to bed and hints at Wii remote-only controls are dropped.

Obviously, we'll keep you up to date on the latest major developments, but expect a quick wrap up of the week's events on Fridays. Michael McWhertor