Did you read the famitsu review though astro?
What they are so positive about is all the graphical and shine to the eye AND RANDOMNESS. A quote from one of the 4 reviewers was even: "We can really enjoy fighting in a game without relying on skill"
Really to me that review says nothing. It's zoompie that the things they mention are there and it will be fun and awesome every once in a while, but if it is the only way the game can be played then the replay value is killed and it will only last a few months max before you get bored of it.
It's important to remember to hear what the reviewer bases his rating on because you may not agree with him
Edit: Here's the translated review:
"And now, here's the translation of Famitsu's Brawl review, in which it earned a perfect scrore:
Nintendo
January 1, 2008 Sale Date \ 6,800 (sales tax inc.)
Variety Fighter/ Action
You can control tons of characters like Mario and Snake. Up to four players can battle at once. Cooperative mode is added in. Online battles are also possible.
Target Players: Anyone can enjoy this one
Average Play time: That depends on how you play this game
This time single player has tons of content. The adventure mode is quite long and fun. And the story presentation is amazing. As for the fights, with the strong unpredictable factor that comes with final smashes, more than ever we can be excited about matches not being related to skill. The controls and sound are also satisfying. Hats off to Nintendo.
Score: 10 (obviously casual gamer rating who isn't interested in a competetive aspect. His rating doesn't tell us much)
The new unpredictable factor that is the final smash allows us to enjoy an amazing effect and refreshing feel from any character. The fights are even more intense. The single player modes are abundant and a plus. The Fallen angel Adventure mode's movie and action tempo are good and you just forget time while playing. Im highly satisfied with the game.
Score: 10 (Same although the actual review isn't as flavored it shines through.
The powerhouse cast and gimmicks! The dynamic and subtle character movements! The must see final smashes! There are tons of battle stages. The single player mode is also extremely satisfying. There is a stage edit, and you can browse through the detailed information in the game.
Score 10 (YAY! GIMMICKS
Even less flavoured than the previous, but that single gimmick comment shows that he thinks they are fun. And they are, but not if it's all there is and it isn't an optional feature)
The moves of the the all star roster of characters have been polished, and the addicting one player mode has been perfected. With its outstanding graphics and wonderful ambience, Brawl is an epic game in which you can feel the efforts that went into it. Every time you play it, you'll discover something new, and you'll savor both sweet joy and bitter loss when you battle.
Score: 10 (Only review where it's hard to see what type of brawl he's interested in. Since most reviewers are casual gamers i think this guy is siding with the rest)
All in all the only thing we get out of their review is that it has a good single player mode and that the graphic performance looks nice and that it is an awesome "fun and random" game, but we don't get to hear about the type of competetive playing that lasts much longer than the random one.
Thanks to kashikomarima****a and Yoshi (who translated exclusively for BC) for the translations! "