Personally, I have always thought the concept of the Super Smash Bros. games was a bit odd. Pitting Nintendo characters from various franchises against each other in a fighting game? Maybe it’s because I grew up with the standard fighting games; you know Street Fighters, Mortal Kombats, Tekkens, and Virtua Fighters. But after picking this game up, I have found out that Super Smash Bros. Melee has a lot more than fighting to offer. Perhaps if dueling Nintendo characters is not your thing, then you might want to read on to find out what else the game has to offer. The game’s standard matches are essentially button mashing to defeat the computer. Consequently, this leads to a very simple series of matches against the computer. You are given three lives to get through all of the matches, which shouldn’t be too hard for most people. I found the game’s Adventure mode to be much more interesting, as it has you taking one of the game’s numerous characters through several levels. The levels are all very creative, and it never feels like you are going through the same place over again, unless of course you are indeed replaying the level. While most fighting games offer a standard arcade matches and training modes, Super Smash Bros. Melee has more to offer for the single player experience. The game features a number of event matches, which place you in specific situations instead of straight out brawls. As a result, you might find yourself in a difficult situation, either being severely handicapped or overwhelmed by other fighters. Event mode also lets you control legendary confrontations, such as Mario versus Koopa. Coupled with the event mode, the game also offers a stadium mode, which is comprised of the game’s mini games. The variety of these games is astounding and most of them are truly addicting. Whether destroying targets, hitting home runs, or battling an insane amount of enemies, there is certainly something here for everyone. The game also features additional options than the standard fighting game for multiplayer bouts as well. Most noticeably, the game features an option for four players to go head to head. This is extremely well done, and can lead to one crazy night of gaming with a group of friends. To see four of Nintendo’s classic characters pounding each other in hopes of victory is a sight to be seen. Players can also compete in a tournament mode, which allows for up to sixty-four players. Between this and four player fights, this may be some of the best party games I have ever played. Since the fighting is simple and easy to pick up, anyone can join in and remain hooked for the duration of the evening. Not many games can boast that. The game’s multiplayer also you to fight in various special matches. These matches will handicap one or both of the players in various different ways. This helps to effectively even out the playing field for newcomers that happen to be fighting seasoned veterans. I found it quite challenging to fight an opponent who could jump all over the multi-tiered environments, while I was left grounded. The game also lets you customize your own handicaps if you don’t find a match that interests you. It’s been a long time since I have played a fighting game that allows you to cripple experienced opponents in so many different ways. The game also involves a substantial amount of collecting, if that is your thing. There are numerous hidden characters to be unlocked, which require radically different methods of unearthing. Players can also collect various trophies for accomplishing the game’s feats. There are literally hundreds of things to find in this game, which will keep collectors busy for a substantial amount of time. And when you have found something, you have the option of viewing it from the main menu. You can look and read about each of your trophies, look at snapshots you took during fights, watch movies, and look at records. The sheer amount of things there are to do in this game is just astounding. Thankfully, the game looks excellent as well. The characters all look great in 3D, and the fighting animations are as smooth as can be. But the real star of the show is the game’s backgrounds, which are filled with life. You will see tons of things moving about and even have entire environments explode, leaving you with all new terrain. Being able to play in each character’s environment is quite enjoyable, and it adds a fresh feel to every fight. Battling on a moving, swaying aircraft or over a pit of molten lava can bring new meaning to environmental hazards. Additionally, the game’s CG sequences are also astounding. I can’t wait until the day that Nintendo makes there characters look as good as they do in this game’s cinemas. Each background features its game’s respected soundtrack, bringing together quite a retro look back at what Nintendo has given the gaming community. While the Zelda and Mario themes have also been some of my all-time favorites, it’s nice to hear some of the other game’s music make the soundtrack. Overall, this is one of the better soundtracks I have ever heard in a game. Unfortunately, there is not that much worth mentioning in the game’s sound department besides the sound. The game’s sound effects are simply average, leaving something to be desired. I know that there isn’t much to jumping and hitting, but I find it hard to believe that Nintendo can’t put together something crazy and original. Nintendo has really outdone themselves with Super Smash Bros. Melee. They have put together what is easily the most accessible and fun fighting game for parties. While the fighting engine lacks any real depth, the game makes up for it in variety. I don’t think that there are many gamers out there that won’t find something to like in this game. While the concept is weird, and was weird on the Nintendo 64’s version, it somehow comes together. I recommend that anyone with a GameCube pick this one up, especially if you have any friends that even remotely like video games.
Have to say best all around game ever! My friend Wes purchsed Smash Bros the day it hit shelves and we have been playing it ever since! Over two years nad still playing the same game every time we meet. Sounds lame? We... Read Full Review
If you have a gamecube, 3 friends, and nothing to do... You probably don't have a copy of Super Smash Brothers Melee. Maybe because you are an IDIOT!! After all this time you don't have a copy??? Unbelievable!!!! This ga... Read Full Review
