Nintendo's Gamecube launch title continues the fansastic brawler series with new fighters and truly superb gameplay.
The gameplay is the same as in its predecessor (the original SSB), and if it aint broke, don't fix it! Using simple combinations of the control stick and the A and B buttons, anyone can pick it up and play it.
The game makes it relatively easy to rack up your opponent's damage percentage, and then blast them ofscreen for a kill using the series's trademark "Smash attacks."
From Bowser to hidden characters like Mewtwo, Ganondorf, and even the nostalgic Mr. Game & Watch, Melee will provide hours of fun for players of any age.
No game is complete without a good soundtrack, and Melee sure has one. Depending on what stage you play, you will be serenaded by music from the Legend of Zelda, Super Mario, Donkey Kong, and many, many more.
The multiplayer is excellent. After setting the match parameters, you select your arena and do battle in a 2D field. There's no splitscreen jargon; all fighters are displayed on one screen that widens and shrinks to accomodate the area where the players are, and it lets them know exactly what's going on at all times.
A bit pricey for a GC hit, usually running $30 when it should be $20, it is definitely worth the money. If you don't play SSB Melee, you can't consider yourself a true gamer. There's plenty of extras to collect; trphies with character bios, hidden fighters and options, and plenty of fun to be had as you master the Melee!