Pros: Visuals, Gameplay, Replay Value
Cons: Musical tracks are to soft, camera pans out to far
The bottom line: Own a Gamecube? Then you know what to do.....GO OUT AND BUY THIS GAME!
.:Super Smash Bros. Melee:.


_.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.The Essentials._.-._.-._.-._.-._-

System: GC
Players:1-4
Genre: Action (Action)
ESRB Rating: “T” for Teen


_.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.The Details._.-._.-._.-._.-._-._.

- Sequel to the N64 game, Super Smash Bros.
- Enhanced single player mode
- Unlock able characters and levels


_.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.The Review._.-._.-._.-._.-._-._

Ever since the original Super Smash Bros. was released on the N64, I always wanted more of what the game had to offer. The characters were well known, the gameplay was solid, and the replay value went through the roof. So after what seemed like years in the making, the sequel to Super Smash Bros. was finally released. Super Smash Bros. Melee picks up where the last one left, making it a fine purchase for the Nintendo GC.

.:Graphics:(9/10):.

The characters, if you couldn’t tell, are all based from classic Nintendo games, some dating back from the old NES days. Characters such as Mario, Link, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Pikachu, and over a dozen more characters return in SSMB:M with a Vass improvement when compared to the N64 version. From the get-go, you’ll notice how the characters carry a much more realistic appearance compared to the blocky models used in the original game. Lighting as well as the animations is top notch. Plus other small touches such as the facial expressions, which range from glee to rage, really add character to the…. well, characters. The outfits themselves are those you’ve seen before from link’s whitey tightie stockings, to Mario’s blue, denim overalls. The textures while unnoticeable during actual game play; are extremely polished and realistic once the action is paused as you zoom in to notice Bowser’s leather-like scales or Jiggly Puff’s cotton candy, reflective hue. Subsequently, some may consider the character models in SSMB:M to be nothing more of a minor improvement; however, I completely disagree considering the fact not much can be done to alter the appearance when dealing with classic Nintendo characters. The increased polygon account along with precise lighting and facial animations make the characters appear to be as you last saw them as…except for Link, oh dear god, what the hell went wrong there? Any who.

The game’s levels, as you guessed, are based on those you experienced viewing in the. older Nintendo games which feature SSMB:M’s characters in. Hyrule Castle, Donkey Kong’s jungle, Princess Toadstool’s castle, and many more. Some levels go as far back to the Mr. Game and Watch levels. Majority of the levels look better then the original ones considering some weren’t seen since the SNES days. What’s really impressive though is that all the stages are interactive with the characters. Some range from climbing on platforms to dodging a full circuit of F-Zero like vehicles. No two levels carry the same design or interface resulting in a lot of variety when playing with friends.

Other noticeable graphical touches involve those you’ll experience when using one of the games numerous items. Like I mentioned before, the lighting for the in-game characters are done quite well, but it isn’t until you pick up the armor add-on will you really notice what the GC is capable considering you character will be encased in chrome. Plus the invisibility item allows your character to become completely transparent, which has to be seen in motion to be appreciated.

Overall, the game’s visuals are pretty solid. Compared to the original SSMB’s roster, the GC version blows it away. The environments as well, are much more detailed then before, leaving much more to be explored. My only complaint though is that the characters appear to small majority of the time that is a shame since majority of the detail put into the characters aren’t noticed until you zoom in. Still, other then that, the game is a visual treat.

.:Control:(8/10):.

The control scheme in SSMB:M is complex at first, and reason being because the face buttons on the Gamecube controller is placed in a oddly matter. I am not trying to insult the design of the controller, but let’s face, for fighting games, it is difficult to perform certain moves since one button is larger then the others while two of them are shaped as jelly beans, leaving the last one underneath them all. However with enough time and experience put into the game, they should become more user friendly.

The L and R shoulder buttons act as your shield for the game and with the combination of the “A” button (or by holding “Z” and “A” together), allow you to grab your opponent for a punishing throw. The “A” button allows you to you use your standard attacks. “B” lets you perform a special move. The control stick allows your character to move as well as jump, with “X” and “Y” as alternatives. D-pad activates your taunts, which to be honest are somewhat useless considering they don’t affect the game play. C Stick activates the smash attacks as well as controlling the camera. Finally, the Start button as you would guess, pauses the game.

The gameplay sounds basic, and some may go as far as labeling as easy, but it’s far from it. You and three other opponents compete in a free-for-all or team battle (depending on your choice of match) where the object of game is to knock your opponent(s) of the stage by any means possible. By doing this you’ll perform a number of melee attacks on your opponent(s) as their damage percentage increases. When you or your opponent(s) reach over a 100%, they are then capable of being knocked off the level due to the fact your melee attacks cause more damage. Now there are ways to get the upper hand. By picking up the numerous items randomly scattered around the level, such as health packs or weapons (short and long range), you’ll be given the upper hand. The way to come out as the winner is by being the last person standing. However the way you plan to do this is entirely up to you.

.:Sound:(7/10):.

Well, the game’s musical tracks are nothing to brag about. While they do suit the theme of the game quite well with a light beat mixture of techno and soft rock; much similar to the Power Stone tracks. Nevertheless, each stage does have it’s own unique musical track, which like I said, does suit the theme no matter what the level may be.

The sound effects though are really well done. A touch of realism goes into the sound effects such as a-bomb exploding, the crack of the bat sounding off, or the impact heard while smacking your opponent. However, while that is fine and all, what really impressed me is how the original sound effects are used in the previous Nintendo games in SSMB:M.. For example, you’ll notice the classic “klunk!” heard when a koopa shell makes contact with a character, or how the classic Mario Bro’s invincibility tune is activated once you pick up the 5 pointed star. The combination of new and old sound effects may seem odd on paper, but it really makes the game work once in action.

Still, what stands out the most are the characters reactions to what’s going on in the game. You’ll hear your character grunt and yell when performing a devastating technique on an opponent. Hearing your character cry in pain from being defeated is great because of the exaggerated tone in their voice. I found myself laughing from it because some characters actually sound as if they are climaxing during an orgasm. Plus if your victorious enough to knock over numerous enemies, then you’ll hear a crowd chant your name repeatedly; however, while this is a great touch to the game, it’s the only time you’ll ever hear a crowd become part of the game. It would have been great to hear them boo or gasp from a certain situation, but sadly enough all they are capable of doing is chant your name continuously until you either get knocked off yourself or wait for the audience to stop.

.:Replay Value:(10/10):.

Now if it’s one thing that SSB:M does perfectly right, it’s the replay value. Now I know your thinking, “didn’t the single player mode on the N64 suck though? What’s different about this one?” Well, yes the N64 single player mode did suck hard, but don’t worry, I guarantee you the single player mode in SSB:M does things right. For starters, in the single player mode alone, your given the option of choose between up to four great modes. The regular match, event match, stadium, and training modes.

The regular match mode allows you to choose between the classic and adventure missions. In classic mode, you’ll battle selected enemies in a level based theme while also clearing special bonus stages. The adventure mode is a mixture of the VS. battles and side scrolling action where the goal is to clear the level ASAP so you can advance to the next level.

The event match presents you to take on certain situations that take place on various stages. There is no certain order in which they need to be completed, leaving all of them to be available from the get-go.

Stadium contains numerous special mini games that will require talent and skill to complete, being you follow the given rules. While there are only three games to choose from (Target test, home-run contest, multi-man melee) they do hold records earned by the players who have completed the mini games successfully and within the time rnge.

Training mode allows you to polish your skills and/or timing by competing against the CPU in a match where there are no health bars, allowing you to spend as much time as you need to work on your character.

Now those were the single player modes, and while they offer a lot of replay value and variety, it’s the multiplayer modes that makes SSB:M such a great and unique game. Whither it is with friends or not, you should be able to still get the most out of the following game modes: Melee, Tournament Melee, and Special Melee.

Melee mode is the basic free-for-all/team battle type of game where you and three other opponents fight for sake of becoming victorious. As I mentioned before, the way to do this is by knocking your opponent off the ledge the number of times until time runs out or they are out of lives.

Tournament mode is much similar to the Melee mode except now there will be a number of teams or members all going against each other until there is one tem remaining. What’s great about this mode though is that you don’t have to complete the entire thing at once. You’ll be able to save and load any game that’s still in progress until it’s completed.

Special melee is where you’ll play pre-programmed games that were designed to add a challenge to the game. Some of the modes may be as simple as the Camera Mode where you’ll be able to use a controller plugged in the fourth socket to take pictures of the in game action. However, other modes such as the Super Sudden Death Mode have it so everyone’s health begins at 300 percent.

So as you can tell, there is much to do in SSB:M. Single player or multiplayer, there are numerous modes and options to go through so no two games are alike. Plus, being able to customize your games and unlock hidden characters and levels, you’ll be spending months trying to complete everything.





_.-._.-._.-._.-._.-._.The Verdict._.-._.-._.-._.-._-._

Graphics:(9/10)
+ Very detailed characters along with eye catching levels
- Camera pans out to far

Control:(8/10)
+ With experience, the game handles like a dream
- Complex at first, and the controller design is to odd.

Sound:(7/10)
+ Humorous sound effects
- Musical tracks are hardly noticeable at times

Replay Value:(10/10)
+ You’ll be playing this game for months end
- If you have no friends (shame), you might get tired of the CPU


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9 out of ten
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_.-._.-._.-._.-._.-.The Alternatives.-._.-._.-._.-._-._

1.) Powerstone 2 - ”If your gonna own one party game this year, make sure it's Power Stone 2. - *****

2.) Bomberman Tournament - ”It's times like these when you feel great owning a Game Boy Advance.” - *****


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This review is in association with Chromekiller’s Write-Off. I eagerly suggest that you, the readers, take the time to view the other particpant’s Write-Off related reviews.

Participants:
ChromeKiller
jeremy1456
pavona21
pearl-drum-man
Rock_On
ss3goku33 (me)