Super Smash Bros. Melee

Download Super Smash Bros. Melee and experience the ultimate crossover fighting game! Choose from iconic Nintendo characters, battle in dynamic arenas, and prove you're the best in this action-packed classic. Smash your way to victory and play now!
a game by Nintendo
Platform: GameCube
Editor Rating: 8.5/10, based on 4 reviews, 3 reviews are shown
User Rating: 7.1/10 - 74 votes
Rate this game:
See also: Download Fighting Games, Games Like Gang Beasts, Super Smash Games
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Melee

Overview

Since the release of Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64 in 1999, fans haven't been able to get enough. With its impressive multiplayer capabilities, combining a solid balance between characters and an intuitive control system, over five million copies ended up being sold. When any game can put up those kinds of numbers, a sequel is usually placed in the pipeline and Super Smash Bros. is no different.

One issue that all developers must battle when generating a sequel is finding the balance between differentiating their new creation from the original and not losing the essence that generated its initial success. Nintendo has managed to do just that, not only by keeping the essence of the original intact, but also drastically improving weaker areas, adding immense amounts of single player options and other extras. These options are more then just filler and none come across as extra options to merely fill space. What you'll find are challenging and interesting modes of gameplay, from a new adventure option to an updated classic mode to an event mode where different scenarios are staged for you to complete. Chances are Super Smash Bros. Melee will have similar success to it's predecessor and as you'll see, Nintendo once again proves its ability to generate top quality games.

Gameplay, Controls, Interface

To start, most of the new improvements come in the form of single player options, where the adventure mode is the largest standout. Here there'll be a mix of regular battles and side scrolling mini adventures, taking you through some of the more famous games from Nintendo. Games like Super Mario Bros., F-Zero, and Metroid all have worlds recreated for the side scrolling mini adventures while other favorites like Donkey Kong and Zelda make appearances as regular battles with the backdrops from their respective games.

The side scrolling levels in particular are extremely entertaining as significant attention was paid to detail, creating a realistic atmosphere for the recreations of these old classics. You'll also notice that besides trying to reach the end of a level, other obstacles must be overcome like defeating world appropriate opponents before progress can be made. Once the end is reached or opponent is defeated, a debriefing of the level is given with coins and points awarded. The points given also create some interest as they'll be handed out and subtracted for a variety of reasons. While using the same move repeatedly or standing in once place may take points away, having multiple knockouts or grabbing plenty of objects may add points. The sheer amount of scenarios that cause point additions and subtractions help keep the game fresh and add extra entertainment value.

Besides the Adventure mode another option called Event Match was added. Here different matches are set up often with more requirements then just defeating an opponent. There may be time limits, only Pokemon balls may cause damage, or you may have to protect a princess for a specific amount of time to complete the level. In addition, some levels also force you to use specific characters to finish. For example, one level requires Yoshi to protect an egg while being attacked by three other opponents and although Yoshi isn't usually the character of choice, you're forced to successfully use him to pass this level. There are also up to fifty different levels that can be selected, but most aren't available until the previous levels are completed. For the most part, each level is fairly challenging with some being defeated quickly and others taking a larger number of attempts. The place where this really stretches the game farther is requiring certain characters to be used. Now players who mainly use one or two characters will get exposed to other characters, possibly generating more interest.

If the classic single player game in the previous version was more to your liking, you won't be disappointed as it makes a return appearance. For those not familiar, it's set up like old Street Fighter games where you progress up a ladder as each opponent is defeated. In addition, bonus stages are also included to break the battles up. Unlike the Street Fighter games, here your opponents vary from battling single opponents to multiple opponents and even team fighting is included. Random backgrounds are also implemented to keep the mode from becoming stagnate.

As if that wasn't enough single player options, there are other less involved selections. For instance, there is a home run contest where characters try to smash a sandbag the farthest distance, target tests are available where targets are destroyed while not falling off the screen, and a multi-man melee is possible where up to 100 opponents are fought. Although not overly exciting by themselves, they do increase the longevity of the game and are great additions to the other options.

Besides the large variety of options, most gamers will be happy to know the control system is as solid as before. With an intuitive layout, it doesn't take long to become comfortable and effective. The control stick moves and jumps, the left and right buttons shield the character or grab when combined with the A button, while the C stick zooms the camera in single player mode and performs smash attacks in multiplayer modes. The B button performs special attacks unique to each character, the A button performs standard attacks, and the Y and X buttons also jump. With that being the basic control structure, it's the simplistic format that stands out. Don't be concerned with the number of button combinations, however, as it's implemented extremely well and is arguably one of the best control systems around.

Multiplayer

Not leaving out what brought Super Smash Bros. most of its success the first time, the multiplayer capabilities are as strong as ever. With similar gameplay as before, this promises to set new standards for multiplayer games. In addition, there are a variety of different ways to play, from regular melee to Tournament to special melees, it'll be quite some time before you're ready for something else. There are even options in the special melees where super sudden death matches are fought with all players starting out with 300% damage or giant melees where all players fight giant-sized.

Graphics

Although the gameplay and options may have been drastically improved, if the graphics don't hold their own, the game could have been a disappointment. This isn't the case however, as a high level of detail and creativity was involved in its remake. There are backgrounds and screen scrolling boards that do a great job of grabbing the essence of these classic games and the special effects like explosions are impressive and eye catching. Overall, it's on target with expected graphics for next generation systems and they should meet most expectations.

Audio

Without a doubt, the sound brings the game together. With Super Mario or Zelda themes especially, they really increase the enjoyment while playing. Other sound effects are also impressive and help to immerse you in the game. For instance, when Donkey Kong is hitting the ground, it creates a sound with enough bass to pop the fillings from your teeth.

Bottom Line

For any person who grew up playing these classic Nintendo games, there is going to be little reason they wouldn't enjoy this. With solid gameplay, numerous options, and loads of extras, most will find their money well spent. Even the graphics and audio are impressive, leaving little to be desired. Fans not traditionally interested in fighting games would be hard-pressed to paass this one up.

Download Super Smash Bros. Melee

GameCube

System requirements:

  • PC compatible
  • Operating systems: Windows 10/Windows 8/Windows 7/2000/Vista/WinXP

Game Reviews

All the characters from your favorite Nintendo games come together in one wonderful journey in the world of gaming - Super Smash Bros. Melee. Different characters have gathered for several types of tournaments, and it's up to you to decide who will defeat the entire motley crew.

Fight with Familiars

Up to four completely different characters fight in a limited ring, where only the one who falls outside the ring loses. No more life stripe, characters fly away to knockout if they take a certain percentage of damage. The maximum damage that can be dealt to a character is 999%. Flying out of the zone is affected by the opponent's weight and height. If, for example, Zelda and Pikachu collide in a fight, it is easier to knock Pikachu down.

Modes for variety

The game doesn't just have a fighting game mode. All fans of the Mario series know, Nintendo doesn't make games with only one mode. Check out the other game modes and hurry through them all:

  • Classic - Opponents are chosen randomly and only one life is given for a five-minute match. The game is played in stages, and one life bar remains for all rounds.
  • Adventure - the player chooses the difficulty level and the number of life hearts that will be with him throughout the game. However, lost hearts can be bought for coins, but will lose a large number of points. At the end of the adventure, the player is greeted by a Giant Bowser.
  • Match of the Stars - Fight all twenty-five characters in the game with only one life to spare, which is not regenerative. The match has no time limit and only allows you to use three heart boxes for healing.
9

Mario, Link, Zelda, Pokémon, and more characters await you in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Fight multiple enemies with only one heart in your chest, play with friends in multiplayer, and show off your fighting skills in practice.

Super Smash Bros. Melee is a fantastic fighting game, released exclusively for the Nintendo Gamecube in 2001. Like the first game, on Nintendo 64, Melee gives players a rowdy and explosive fighting experience with tons of their favorite characters. Featuring a roster of Nintendo icons like Mario, Peach, Yoshi, Link, and more, you'll smash through some of your favorite characters in stunning side-scrolling battles. With a plethora of exciting game modes for both solo and group play, timeless gameplay, and some satisfying unlockable content, Super Smash Bros Melee is an infinitely replayable adventure.

Main Game Features

  • Up to four-player multiplayer battles
  • Over 20 unique characters to choose from
  • Fun mix of iconic Nintendo characters and stages

Game Modes

Super Smash Bros Melee includes an excellent selection of game modes for both solo players and competitive groups. On the single-player side, gamers can enjoy the brand new Adventure mode, taking you through 12 exciting stages, complete with boss battles and exciting mini-games. Those looking for a more pure fighting experience can try out Classic Mode, which pits your chosen character against a classic arcade ladder of opponents. There are also over 50 fights to complete in Event Mode, each one representing a fun concept or moment in the Nintendo universe. You'll battle against Bowser while playing as Mario, fight off an army of Kirbys and Yoshis, and even do battle against the cast of The Legend Of Zelda. Multiplayer matches can be modified to your desire, allowing you to team up with friends, compete in a free-for-all, or even battle against AI-controlled opponents.

Gameplay

While Super Smash Bros Melee is easily one of the best fighting games of all time, it plays like no other fighting game before it. Instead of a standard life bar, players' health is represented by a percentage, which goes up in numerical value as they take damage. The higher their damage percentage is, the further they'll get hit when attacked. The ultimate goal of each match is to smash your opponent off the stage, which usually requires some significant walloping. The result is an experience that feels like a mix between classic fighting games like Street Fighter and a sidescrolling adventure like Super Mario Bros. Each character has a unique set of skills and moves, based on their personality and respective game-genre. For example, Link uses his iconic Master Sword, bombs, and other items to damage opponents, while Kirby can suck up enemies and use their powers against them.

In total, there are 25 unique characters to play as, but only a handful are available to choose from at the start. The rest of the characters must be unlocked through normal play, usually by completing a set of objectives such as fighting in a certain amount of matches or defeating a designated number of opponents. There are also over 250 collectible trophies to earn, which are similarly rewarded by completing various objectives throughout the game. These trophies are modeled after classic Nintendo characters from all sorts of popular games, so you're guaranteed to see at least one of your favorites.

Conclusion

By expanding upon the core gameplay of the original game and adding in a significant amount of content, Super Smash Bros Melee ends up being one of the best fighting games there is. The interesting combination of fighting and platforming provides for some cool strategies, while the impressive roster ensures you'll never grow tired of playing as the same character.

10

The amount of gameplay modes is commendable, with a great smattering of options whether you're playing alone or with friends. For fans of fighting games and the Nintendo brand in general, Super Smash Bros Melee is a rare treat that stays fun for hundreds of hours.

Pros:

  • Excellent variety of game modes
  • Rich combat system with lots of different strategies
  • Simple enough for newcomers to easily join in

Cons:

  • Some characters feel overpowered
  • Unlocking certain characters takes a long time

Snapshots and Media

GameCube Screenshots