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• It features a whole new set of characters, and some hidden ones for you to unlock
• Create your own matches in the new Tournament Mode
• New AI and smoother animation makes for a better game
• Buy trophies of classic Nintendo characters such as Pit & Mach Rider

Editorial Review:

Super Smash Brothers Melee is a great fighting game where you put your favorite Nintendo characters against each other, to find out who's the toughest of them all!

Normally, Nintendo contract players such as Mario, Pikachu, Link, Donkey Kong, Bowser, and Kirby are generally happy and well-mannered, but in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the pleasantries get thrown out and the gloves (except for Mario's) come off. This update of the N64 favorite features these and other video game icons in furious, yet utterly absurd fisticuffs that usually make for a smashing good time. Just make sure you have at least one human opponent to pound on.

Starting off with 14 characters (an additional 11 are waiting to be unlocked), the game has a pretty standard premise--let Nintendo's stars beat on each other until the timer runs out. However, a lot of emphasis is put on knocking opponents off ledges while avoiding the same fate. In typical Nintendo manner, there are quite a few power-ups to assist you in the melee. The actual combat isn't as intricate as in other fighting games; however, the ultra-cartoony layout of the many, many arenas sometimes adds a strategic element not usually found in similar titles.

Super Smash Bros. Melee's strength lays in the mayhem created in four-player fights. The camera does an excellent job of positioning itself so all combatants are constantly visible. Also, Melee sports some of the best visuals seen in a Nintendo product. All the characters are highly detailed, and the movements of each are smoothly infused with personality. Donkey Kong lumbers and Princess Peach fights with grace.

As the multiplayer mode is the key reason for this game's existence, the single-player mode is decidedly weak. The game features an adventure mode that plays somewhat like an old-school, side-scrolling Mario game. Sadly, despite its good looks, its gameplay is rather uninspired. This game is clearly at its best when there are two or more players with controllers in their hands. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• Fantastic graphics and sound keep the action upbeat
• Many new characters and other goodies to unlock

Cons:

• Single-player experience is comparatively weak
• Too cute for a few folks
• Adventure mode is boring

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

• Super Smash Bros
  This game is fun. Great when you are looking for a two player. Its nice you can battle each other or team up against others. Not bad by yourself either.

• An Amazing Fighting Game with the Characters from Nintendo!
  Simply amazing. I can think of no two words that describe this Gamecube title better than that. As a sequel to the N64 smash hit, Super Smash Brothers, this game improves in every way over that title. From the graphics to the sound effects, SSBM is a solid hit to purchase if you still own a Gamecube. And for those Wii owners out there, why not own this to go with Super Smash Brothers Brawl? It would compliment it nicely on your gaming shelf.
  I recently acquired another Gamecube, and this was one of the... more info

• Super Smash brothers
  The game arrived in a timely manner and even though it didn't have the instructions my son knew how to play. It was in excellent condition.

• It's freakin Super Smash Bros!
  Donate hours of your life to this extremely fun game. Go for single player adventures, unlock levels with special matches, or battle with combinations of friends & computers. It's a must-have for Gamecube.
  Oh, and just a note: After fighting 2995 matches, you'll get an awesome message saying something like: "You completed your 2,995th match. That means you spent a penny on each one. Was it worth it?"

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