Super Smash Bros. Melee
Reviewed by Chris Adams
I, and many others, have been awaiting the arriving of the sequel to
the almighty Super Smash Bros. The first was one of the best fighting
games for the N64, and the second promised to be even better. Still,
there were the doubters, and the sequel of any game usually couldn't
compare to the original. Fortunately, when the game was shipped, all
those doubts were cast away in a blur of graphics, sound and fun. It
goes beyond the hype. This may very well be the best Mario/Zelda/Kirby
game for a while on the Game Cube.
Graphics: 10 out of 10
Oohhh, so pretty. Very pleasing to look at, and oh so flashy at that. The
explosions are some of the best, and the character models are great too.
Although the facial expressions aren't as noticeable as the last game, they
are realistic and natural. I really liked Mario and Luigi's outfits. You can
see the individual stitches on their overalls!
Music and Sound: 9 out of 10
Excellent music and sound, with a few exceptions. Some of the character
voices, like Ness, shouldn't have been changed from the original. Music
is nice, but maybe the best is the Brinstar tunes. You have to listen to
understand how good it is.
Game Challenge: 10 out of 10
The learning curve is nicely set depending on the type of game and the
level of difficulty. Very easy is good for beginners, and the teams that
you fight from time to time may seem easy, but this is made up with
their numbers. Balanced difficulty all around, but some may find
Normal level too hard.
Game Play-Fun: 10 out of 10
Great 1 player, but even better with some of your friends and a couple
of extra controllers! The trophies are a good addition, which can be
earned by playing the standard one-player game or the toy machine
(Lottery) in which the chance of you getting a new trophy is increased
by the coins you bet, and the single player events are just like what you
and your friends made up on the original, but with some cool extras,
like Pokemon battles with Pikachu (Only way to damage him is with
Pokemon) to 128 mini Marios. Guaranteed to keep you entertained for
a long time.
Rumble: 10 out of 10
With the Game Cube's built-in rumble, it adds to the fun! The controller
shakes when you run, land or get hit, and even during some of the
cinematics. Just makes it feel so real.
Frustration
Not much to make me mad, just some times if you didn't get enough
coins in the game and you lose, you can't continue.
Replayability: 10 out of 10
This has so many extras, you'll be burning the midnight oil looking
just for the trophies, let alone getting the hidden characters.
Game Value: 10 out of 10
If you have friends with extra controllers, invite them over and have
a blast in Melee. If you don't, this is inspiration to get out and meet
people. Otherwise, lock yourself in a room with a T.V. and prepare to
have fun for a LONG time.