Super Smash Bros. Melee
Introduction
When the Nintendo GameCube launched, it needed a flagship title that could demonstrate the hardware's jump in power while offering endless replayability. Enter Super Smash Bros. Melee, often referred to by its community as SSBM or simply Melee. As the highly anticipated sequel to the Nintendo 64's breakout hit, it didn't just meet expectations—it shattered them. By refining the platform fighter subgenre, Nintendo and HAL Laboratory created a title that appealed to both casual party-goers and hardcore technical players. Whether you know it as Dairantou Smash Brothers DX or by its western moniker, the game remains a cornerstone of gaming culture. Its unique blend of high-speed action and beloved characters makes it one of the most enduring titles in the history of the medium, maintaining a presence in the competitive scene decades after its initial debut.
Story & Setting
While fighting games are not typically known for deep narratives, the world of Super Smash Bros. Melee—or Dairantou Smash Brothers DX in its native Japan—is built on a charming and surreal foundation. The game posits that the iconic characters are actually trophies brought to life within a vast, imaginative sandbox. This setting allows the game to pull from decades of Nintendo history without needing a complex plot explanation. The Adventure Mode takes players on a journey through various thematic worlds, from the mushroom-filled hills of the Mushroom Kingdom to the high-tech sci-fi corridors of Zebes. This narrative framing, often linked to the name Great Fray Smash Brothers Deluxe in certain historical contexts, emphasizes the toy box nature of the franchise where any hero can face off against any villain in a celebration of gaming history.
Gameplay
The core gameplay of Melee is where the title truly shines, evolving significantly from the first installment. The mechanics revolve around knockback physics: instead of a health bar, players have a damage percentage. The higher the percentage, the further they fly when hit. This installment added pivotal mechanics such as air dodging, side-special attacks, and a more robust physics engine. The roster was expanded significantly, retaining all original fighters and adding legends like Bowser, Princess Peach, and Zelda. Most notably, it introduced Marth and Roy from the Fire Emblem series; at the time, no Fire Emblem games had been released outside Japan, making their inclusion a gamble that paid off immensely. While the multiplayer mode is the primary focus, offering custom rules and frantic four-player battles, the single-player content is robust. From the Classic Mode ladder to All-Star Mode and the Target Test, there is a wealth of variety that keeps the gameplay loop fresh and engaging for all skill levels.
Super Smash Bros. Melee was developed specifically to showcase the power and unique controller layout of its hardware. This game was released on several platforms, including the Nintendo GameCube in various regions.
Legacy
The legacy of Super Smash Bros. Melee, or Dairantou Smash Brothers Deluxe as some fans recognize it, cannot be overstated. It became the best-selling game on the GameCube, moving over seven million units. Even decades later, the competitive scene remains incredibly active, with players mastering advanced techniques like wavedashing and L-canceling. Its influence is seen in every subsequent entry in the series, but many purists still consider it the peak of the franchise's technical depth. The game’s ability to bridge the gap between a fun party game and a high-stakes esport is a testament to its near-perfect mechanical design and the charm of its presentation.
Fun Facts
- Melee was developed in only 13 months, which is a remarkably short timeframe for a game of its complexity.
- The inclusion of Marth and Roy was so popular in the West that Nintendo decided to start localizing the Fire Emblem series for global audiences.
- Mr. Game & Watch, representing Nintendo's earliest portable gaming history, appears as a hidden unlockable character.
- The game features an extensive Trophy Gallery with hundreds of 3D models and descriptions of Nintendo lore.
- Mewtwo was a highly anticipated addition and required twenty hours of VS. Mode play to unlock naturally.
