Super Smash Bros. Melee

8.9 / 10

Release Date

21 November 2001

Platforms

Nintendo GameCube

Publisher

Nintendo

Developer

HAL Laboratory

01Overview

Super Smash Bros. Melee is a crossover platform fighting game featuring characters from Nintendo franchises including Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Star Fox, Pokémon, and Fire Emblem. Unlike traditional fighting games, the goal is usually to knock opponents beyond the boundaries of the stage rather than deplete a health bar. Damage accumulates as a percentage, increasing how far a fighter is launched when hit. Players combine directional inputs with normal attacks, special moves, grabs, shields, dodges, and aerial attacks. Matches support up to four players and can use stock or time-based rules, with optional items and stage hazards changing how battles unfold. Alongside multiplayer Versus matches, Melee includes several single-player and challenge modes. Classic sends a chosen fighter through a sequence of battles, while Adventure combines fights with platforming sections inspired by different Nintendo series. All-Star challenges players to defeat the full roster with limited recovery between matches. Event Matches provide battles with specific characters, opponents, and rules, while Target Test, Home-Run Contest, Multi-Man Melee, and Training focus on individual skills and challenges.