Super Smash Bros. Melee

 GameCube
User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 1030 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 943 out of 1030
  2. Mixed: 43 out of 1030
  3. Negative: 44 out of 1030
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  1. Joe
    Oct 19, 2002
    9
    If it were not for some of the crappy camera angles this game would of gotten a ten.
  2. Tim-ayJuh-ta-mi
    Jan 25, 2002
    9
    Thankfully, Nintendo left the perfect multi-player aspect of SSB for the n64 alone, and simply tweaked to perfection the single player mode. but i have 2 gripes about Melee. (1)on some of the smaller, more enclosed stages (and there are a good amount of them) the action gets so frenetic that you can't see what the hell is going on. I have been smashed off the stage numerous times Thankfully, Nintendo left the perfect multi-player aspect of SSB for the n64 alone, and simply tweaked to perfection the single player mode. but i have 2 gripes about Melee. (1)on some of the smaller, more enclosed stages (and there are a good amount of them) the action gets so frenetic that you can't see what the hell is going on. I have been smashed off the stage numerous times because i coulden't see where i was. (2) When playing with your friends, a button-masher can easily destroy you, even if you have mastered the tactics and controls. I have tried it myself; just randomly mashing buttons while fighting, and I won by a pretty hefty margin. But Melee has a whole truckload of pluses on it's side. Smooth graphics, responsive controls, an almost satanic amount of play modes and challenges, an even more satanic amount of things for you too unlock (i swear, all those friggin trophies will take twice as long as all the gaps in THPS2), nice music (cept' for that damn DK rap), diverse charcaters, oh... and samus is there, so that's pretty much a reason alone to buy this game). just my 2 copper pieces.… Expand
  3. GregS.
    Jul 27, 2002
    9
    It's bigger, better and badder than the original. Not onloy has the amount of everytihng increased tenfold but signifigant improvements in the single player have been implemented. A must for all gamecube owners!
  4. JasonT.
    Aug 23, 2006
    9
    Don't believe anyone who says this game is childish just because it feature nintendo characters. So what if there's no blood, and the characters are not mature-based fighters from tekken or any other series? This is one of the best fighting game series ever. It's one of the best multiplayer fragfests, and even single player is fun with hours worth of unlockable characters, Don't believe anyone who says this game is childish just because it feature nintendo characters. So what if there's no blood, and the characters are not mature-based fighters from tekken or any other series? This is one of the best fighting game series ever. It's one of the best multiplayer fragfests, and even single player is fun with hours worth of unlockable characters, levels, trophies, minigames, gameplay modes and items. what other fighting game can let you grab a bomb-omb to thro at your opponent when he has the upperhand? Like with Mario Kart, Nintendo takes a genre of games (sports, adventure, racing ,fighting) and adds all of the Nintendo innovation to make that genre even more creative. Nintendo doesn't always mean mature, but it almost always means fun, and SSBM proves that with the best selling game cube game ever.… Expand
  5. MarkT.
    Dec 26, 2003
    9
    Some reviews I have read said this game was for little kids. I guess you didn't catch the T-Rating and the fact that the objective is to Knock Out the opponent, did you? Super Smash Brothers Melee is a great Nintendo fighter featuring Nintendo's famous exclusive characters. (mostly, at least). And these characters are very different from one another and fight differently. And Some reviews I have read said this game was for little kids. I guess you didn't catch the T-Rating and the fact that the objective is to Knock Out the opponent, did you? Super Smash Brothers Melee is a great Nintendo fighter featuring Nintendo's famous exclusive characters. (mostly, at least). And these characters are very different from one another and fight differently. And the enemy A.I. can be adjusted to 9 different levels, too. I loved the insane action and how some many things could happen onscreen without any slowdown. I wished that there was more interacting between backgrounds and characters, however, and that sometimes it gets zoomed out too far. The game also had other "minigame" style gameplay. Event mode was a nice touch, a fun way to unlock characters and cool-but-not-required trophies, but sometimes the difficulty is insanely hard. Luckily this doesn't affect the mainstream game. Super Smash is full of tiny features, from trophies to the Lottery to an index for bonus boints that you get at the end of a battle. This combined with awesome 2-4 player and 1 player that isn't bad either, makes SSB:M a great buy.… Expand
  6. NathanT.
    Nov 11, 2004
    9
    Good game....at first gets boring on one player, BUT this game was made for multi player and thats y i give it the 9. sure it gets repetitive, but there are so many different modes, like super sudden death, and then u can change items to only bombs. it gets crazy fast neways my point is its a very good multiplayer game. not the best single player game so ill stick to my zleda for that....Good game....at first gets boring on one player, BUT this game was made for multi player and thats y i give it the 9. sure it gets repetitive, but there are so many different modes, like super sudden death, and then u can change items to only bombs. it gets crazy fast neways my point is its a very good multiplayer game. not the best single player game so ill stick to my zleda for that.... its a must have for gamecube owners with friends.… Expand
  7. DragonKnightofFinalFantasy
    Nov 27, 2004
    9
    This is a masterpiece of a GC game it is easy to pick up and play it has all your favorite Nintendo characters (well not all of them Wario would've been a nice addition) it has a lot of trophies you'll love to collect. Fun frantic multiplayer is the best thing about SSBM and all the power-ups makes the game even better. It is awesome and fun and frantic yet somewtimes it gets a This is a masterpiece of a GC game it is easy to pick up and play it has all your favorite Nintendo characters (well not all of them Wario would've been a nice addition) it has a lot of trophies you'll love to collect. Fun frantic multiplayer is the best thing about SSBM and all the power-ups makes the game even better. It is awesome and fun and frantic yet somewtimes it gets a little too frantic and you havre no idea what's going on until it's too late. This is a fun game get this now!… Expand
  8. ChrisC.
    Dec 23, 2007
    9
    This is such a great game. It's so much fun that I still play it 6 years later. But that's just the thing that's holding me back from giving it a 10. I'm still playing it 6 years later. It's just so dated, and everything about that game seems tiresome, probably because I just want the new features in Brawl already. Also looking farther into it, the clone This is such a great game. It's so much fun that I still play it 6 years later. But that's just the thing that's holding me back from giving it a 10. I'm still playing it 6 years later. It's just so dated, and everything about that game seems tiresome, probably because I just want the new features in Brawl already. Also looking farther into it, the clone characters really don't do much, and are just wasted space. Also a majority of the stages, while being fun to play on, are just tiresome. Don't get me wrong, it really is an amazing game. I'm just sick of it, all around.… Expand
  9. TheQuietGamer
    Jun 11, 2011
    9
    This may be the most chaotic fighting game of all time, it's hard to see what's going on screen do all the crazy crap that's happening at all times, which makes it all the more fun, not only is it fun to play by yourself but if you get 4 friends together it's even more fun, plus it delivers several blasts from the past like the music, and references to classic games in the stages andThis may be the most chaotic fighting game of all time, it's hard to see what's going on screen do all the crazy crap that's happening at all times, which makes it all the more fun, not only is it fun to play by yourself but if you get 4 friends together it's even more fun, plus it delivers several blasts from the past like the music, and references to classic games in the stages and items, and the characters themselves, and it has tons of cool unlock-ables like characters, and tons of statues which are completely useless but I must have them all, while I do have my complaints like how hard it is to unlock some characters, annoying plat-forming sections in the adventure mode, and the controls are cluttered which really isn't the games fault, it's the controllers, but an option to customize the controls would have been, but in the end this is a fighting game that will have you entertained for many hours still today whether your new to fighting games or not trying to master everything, this is one of the best games on the GameCube, if your a Nintendo fan and have stuck with them throughout the years and haven't played this game you owe it to yourself to buy this game, this is highly recommended, especially for Nintendo fans.… Expand
  10. njdevils17
    Jan 24, 2011
    9
    Just a terrific party game overall. Classic, Adventure, and All-Star mode offer a lot of depth as do the event matches. I had a terrific time unlocking all of the hidden characters and stages. Once you unlock everything, the fun really starts to kick in with multiplayer.

    If you have a few people to play this with, I highly recommend playing it.
  11. duckypwns
    Dec 9, 2011
    9
    Such a fun, fast paced game. Good for just playing with friends, or on a competitive level. I can't really say anything that hasn't already been said a million times. If you want a fighter that will keep you learning new things and getting better for years, play this game.
  12. DWlubu1998
    Jun 28, 2011
    9
    IK this is 2011 and im reviewing a gamecube but why not? So first off graphics are really good for the gamecube time, gameplay is great and action packed especially when playing with a buddy. Story doesnt really make sence but who cares, you can go wrong with all of nintendos best characters in one action packed game.
  13. skeletonking123
    Sep 10, 2011
    9
    One of the greatest Nintendo games, and one of the greatest fighting games ever made. Fantastic graphics for a launch title, great amounts of characters and trophies, and great gameplay and control.
  14. Zegilgamesh
    Dec 30, 2012
    9
    Super Smash Bros. Melee is more fun, has more characters, and has more intuitive gameplay than its predecessor, increasing the replay value ad infinitum.
  15. namDa65
    Jan 17, 2012
    9
    Beautiful game. One of the ultimate games to play when you had friends over back when you were like 14,13. I remember great memories with it. The epitome of brawlers.
  16. 7dogguy
    Mar 3, 2012
    9
    this game kept me busy for 8 years until the new one came out i probably put 1000+ hours into this game its so addicting all the characters that you know and love are in it i dont care its 2012 buy this game
  17. bestbloodyday
    May 22, 2012
    9
    Just as good as the first one but with more characters and possibilities. Is very funny and gives you lots of game play hours. There are also new game modes and they're welcome. On the other side, there is no innovation in the game mechanics.
  18. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    9
    Great game.
  19. RyanA
    Jan 11, 2013
    9
    This game was impressively made in two years from the previous title, Super Smash Bros on the N64, in 1999 and this one 2001. There is many great aspects of this game, and few things I'd complain about, but the one thing that made me give this game a point less would be clones. The move sets for some of the characters seem too similar to others, which was a bit sloppy, considering maybe aThis game was impressively made in two years from the previous title, Super Smash Bros on the N64, in 1999 and this one 2001. There is many great aspects of this game, and few things I'd complain about, but the one thing that made me give this game a point less would be clones. The move sets for some of the characters seem too similar to others, which was a bit sloppy, considering maybe a quarter of the characters have this problem. Overall, 9/10… Expand
  20. FaloRoy
    Feb 2, 2013
    9
    This game is ridiculously fun to play. Controls are very smooth and precise, making the gameplay fast and exciting. It adds a ton of content from the previous game, like trophies and more characters. Single player offers many more modes with an adventure mode, event, and all-star mode. Multiplayer is much more fun with a lot match customization options to play with your friends. I do haveThis game is ridiculously fun to play. Controls are very smooth and precise, making the gameplay fast and exciting. It adds a ton of content from the previous game, like trophies and more characters. Single player offers many more modes with an adventure mode, event, and all-star mode. Multiplayer is much more fun with a lot match customization options to play with your friends. I do have a few gripes with this game, however. The visuals are quite nice, but some of the detailing and scaling in some of the levels is a bit low quality, like how the F-Zero machines in Mute City and Big Blue look exactly like the machines in F-Zero X for the N64. I believe the camera mode was rather poorly done, because the controls are wonky as heck and you really can't access this in the middle of a match (which is what Brawl did and I am thankful for that improvement). I also thought the process of unlocking new characters could be a little tedious, such as having to play in hundreds of VS. matches to get someone like Mr. Game and Watch. Granted, the gameplay is fun so it does render this point pretty moot, but if you're not all that into this game, then you might feel bored by having to do this. Admist these minor problems, the game is still great. It's addicting, accessible, and intense. Great for both the hardcore gamer, but also good for casual gamers who want to try out a fighting game. Those that are scoring this game less than a 5 are simply trolling, or spewing ignorance because this game is too simple in its control scheme. I highly recommend this game for your Gamecube collection, even if you're not really into this sort of game.… Expand
  21. Blakenator
    Jan 19, 2013
    9
    One of the main reasons to own the Gamecube, Melee combines both casual and hardcore elements in its fighting that will inspire players to come back to it for a good time. Characters from many of Nintendo's franchises collide in this epic to help gamers settle age long disputes: "Who would win in a fight: Peach or Samus?"
  22. Jamison12
    Jul 3, 2013
    9
    One of the greatest game sever. It's essentially perfect except after one plays Brawl, the flaws in this game will be noticeable, other than that though, this is a legendary game. SO much fun, and better than the crappy Sony rip off.
  23. Yankeee007
    Oct 19, 2013
    9
    Super smash bros melee is an incredible game with tons of stuff to do It makes the original look thin Tons of unlockables. Even the single player it's deep and filled with stuff to do But the multiplayer is even more cuztomizable 26 characters and 29 stages I recommend you to buy it now
  24. SirKirbyThe4th
    May 26, 2014
    9
    If you don't count Smash Bros. Brawl: Project M: this is the best game in the series. Mostly because of the better combat, less horrible characters (Meaning people are balanced in a good way) & less of a focus on "needing to smash, to kill" like Brawl had.
  25. Sarvaia
    Jan 27, 2014
    9
    This game is so much fun with 4 people. The main down side to this game is the single player, it is not that broad.
    Single player: 7/10
    Multiplayer: 10/10
  26. ItsSDHusker
    Jul 26, 2014
    9
    I only put this down because of the HORRIBLE AI. Its one of the worst in a fighting game ever. Other than that, this was a wonderfully crafted game and deserves to be called the best Super Smash Bros. game ever. If you have a GameCube and don't have Melee, your missing out.
  27. SkyrimGuy935
    Oct 4, 2014
    9
    Aaaaahhhh... so much nostalgia. This game boasts an improved character roster from the original and in my opinion the best gameplay of the three Smash Bros. If you've never played this game and you have a Wii or old dusty GameCube you haven't touched in a year or two, then you NEED to go buy this and PLAY THE SH!T OUT OF IT. This is among the absolute best games that Nintendo has everAaaaahhhh... so much nostalgia. This game boasts an improved character roster from the original and in my opinion the best gameplay of the three Smash Bros. If you've never played this game and you have a Wii or old dusty GameCube you haven't touched in a year or two, then you NEED to go buy this and PLAY THE SH!T OUT OF IT. This is among the absolute best games that Nintendo has ever made, which really says a lot with things like the original Super Mario Bros. and Ocarina of Time.… Expand
  28. TehRap
    Sep 10, 2014
    9
    This game is just fun as heck. A truly amazing game that stands the test of time. It's over TEN years old and it's still phenomenal and I still have a blast playing it.
  29. Squidy
    Sep 10, 2014
    9
    This game is extremely good. There are lots of Nintendo characters you can choose from to beat up using other Nintendo characters. Some of the music is really good and the intro is beautiful. There are a few flaws. The AI kind of sucks in this game. Also there were a couple a characters that were nearly identical to other characters. Some of them didn't even have games outside of Japan.This game is extremely good. There are lots of Nintendo characters you can choose from to beat up using other Nintendo characters. Some of the music is really good and the intro is beautiful. There are a few flaws. The AI kind of sucks in this game. Also there were a couple a characters that were nearly identical to other characters. Some of them didn't even have games outside of Japan. But that is just minor complaints and won't ruin much from your experience. If I were you, try to get this game ASAP.… Expand
  30. Red-Opposom-098
    Dec 9, 2014
    9
    I've only played the game a few times but this is super enjoyable, especially when with 2 or more players. The Graphics are great for a 2001 game. The gameplay is great. This is a most own even though though its over 10 years old.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best GameCube Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2001
1
#1 Most Shared GameCube Game of 2001

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 38
  3. Negative: 0 out of 38
  1. Eurogamer
    100
    An exotic cocktail of entertainment for Nintendo fans, who will slurp up every last drop, and if you want to talk about longevity, I've had this game on import for about six months and I still haven't finished it.
    Read full review
  2. GMR Magazine
    90
    A Nintendo fanatic's dream, if only for the exhaustive gallery of collectible Nintendorabilia. [Feb 2003, p.96]
  3. Gamestyle
    90
    Seeing the ducks from "Duck Hunt" or the 2 dimensional Ice-climbers (also featured as playable characters) will have you praising Nintendo for their kindness in bringing back some long forgotten gaming moments.
    Read full review
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