Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Fighting, Platform
- Platforms: Nintendo GameCube
- Developers: HAL Laboratory
- Publishers: Gradiente, Nintendo
Super Smash Bros. Melee: The Ultimate Nintendo Crossover
Released in 2001 for the Nintendo GameCube, Super Smash Bros. Melee is the second installment in the Super Smash Bros. series and one of the most beloved fighting games of all time. It builds on the success of the original game with a faster pace, more characters, and new gameplay mechanics.
Gameplay
Super Smash Bros. Melee is a four-player fighting game in which players control characters from various Nintendo franchises, including Mario, Link, Pikachu, and Fox McCloud. The goal of the game is to knock your opponents off the stage. Players can do this by using a variety of attacks, including punches, kicks, and special moves.
Melee introduces several new gameplay mechanics that were not present in the original game. These include:
- L-canceling: A technique that allows players to cancel the landing lag of their aerial attacks, making them safer and more combo-able.
- Wavedashing: A technique that allows players to slide along the ground quickly, making them more difficult to hit.
- Shield grabbing: A technique that allows players to grab their opponents while they are shielding, opening them up to a follow-up attack.
These new mechanics add a new level of depth and complexity to the game, making it one of the most technical and competitive fighting games ever made.
Characters
Super Smash Bros. Melee features a roster of 25 playable characters, all of whom return from the original game. In addition, Melee adds 10 new characters to the roster, including:
- Dr. Mario
- Roy
- Marth
- Young Link
- Ganondorf
- Mewtwo
- Pichu
- Falco
- Luigi
- Ness
These new characters add a variety of new playstyles to the game, making it even more diverse and replayable.
Stages
Super Smash Bros. Melee features a total of 29 stages, including 15 returning stages from the original game and 14 new stages. The new stages are all unique and varied, and they offer a wide range of different environments to fight in.
Single-Player Modes
In addition to its multiplayer modes, Super Smash Bros. Melee also offers a number of single-player modes. These modes include:
- Classic Mode: A single-player mode in which players fight through a series of battles against computer-controlled opponents.
- Adventure Mode: A single-player mode in which players explore a world map and fight against various enemies.
- Target Test: A single-player mode in which players practice their aiming and timing by shooting targets.
- Home-Run Contest: A single-player mode in which players try to hit a sandbag as far as possible.
These single-player modes offer a variety of different challenges and rewards, and they can help players to improve their skills.
Multiplayer Modes
Super Smash Bros. Melee is best known for its multiplayer modes. The game supports up to four players, and it can be played on any of the game’s stages. There are a variety of different multiplayer modes to choose from, including:
- Stock Mode: A mode in which players have a limited number of lives and the last player standing wins.
- Time Mode: A mode in which players fight for a set amount of time and the player with the most points at the end wins.
- Sudden Death Mode: A mode in which players fight until one player is knocked out.
Melee’s multiplayer modes are chaotic and unpredictable, and they offer a lot of replayability. The game is perfect for parties and get-togethers, and it is one of the most popular multiplayer games of all time.
Legacy
Super Smash Bros. Melee is one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful fighting games of all time. It has sold over 7 million copies worldwide, and it is considered by many to be the best game in the Super Smash Bros. series. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, iconic characters, and endless replayability have made it a favorite among Nintendo fans for over 20 years.
Melee has also had a major impact on the competitive fighting game scene. The game’s technical depth and complex mechanics have made it one of the most popular games for competitive play. Melee tournaments are held all over the world, and the game has a thriving community of professional players.
Super Smash Bros. Melee is a truly special game. It is a love letter to Nintendo’s history, and it is one of the most fun and replayable fighting games ever made. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive pro, Melee is a game that you won’t want to miss.
Review Score
9.5/10