another point to add

it seems like they've given more characters ways to reflect items. But then of course there were the items that you couldn't reflect, like the star rod. They make items a central part of the game. I always loved getting the homerun bat. It would scare my friends. The best part was, I'd typically get them to worry so much about getting homerun, I'd throw it at them all the time.

now certain items I like to take off, such as the invincible star, or the hammer, because I think it detracts from the wonderful battle that's going on and just makes people run away.

oh, and I play all stages, and most items, and I still always win. It also made me become good with multiple different characters.

THE JACKEL