With the mascot-oriented fighting franchise known for its multiplayer goodness, the presence of additional multiplayer modes, such as online play, are no surprise. However, this marks the first time that a Super Smash Bros. title has allowed more than one player to duke things out across its side-scrolling adventure mode.

Known as The Subspace Emissary, the story-driven mode in Brawl is said to be much improved and far more complex over past single-player offerings in the series.

"People have been kind enough to praise [Smash Bros.] multiplayer, but we've never been able to create a fully fleshed out single-player game," explained game designer Masahiro Sakurai. "This time, though, we've managed to create a complete side-scrolling action game. It's storyline isn't overwrought--it's hastened along by a bunch of quick movies.

"The Adventure mode also emphasizes character development," he added. "You'll see many famous characters persevering under the weight of their personal histories, shouldering their unique burdens...It's really something you won't see anywhere else."

Super Smash Bros. Brawl adventures into stores December 3.