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Super Smash Bros. Melee cube Game Reviews
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Critic Score
Metascore: 92 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.0 out of 10
based on 38 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
based on 233 votes
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Rate this game

The ultimate four-player fighting game with unpredictable action and non-stop animated onslaughts features over 20 characters to choose from, including Mario, Yoshi, Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Captain Falcon, Ice Climber, Ness, Kirby, Pikachu, Fox McCloud and Samus. [Nintendo]

PUBLISHER: Nintendo
DEVELOPER: HAL Laboratory Inc.
GENRE(S): Fighting, Action
PLAYERS: 4
ESRB RATING: T (Teen)
RELEASE DATE: December 3, 2001

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
GamerWeb Nintendo
Nintendo and HAL have done the impossible…improved a game to near perfection...Vintage gaming mixed with modern expectations and gameplay at its best.
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100
XenGamers
Apart from the remarkable gameplay, graphics and sound, SSBM sports enormous replay value.
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100
Nintendo Power
Smash Bros. is known for its deep game play, and Melee is a bottomless pit. [Dec 2001, p.166]
100
EuroGamer
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.
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100
Cinescape
Even if you’re alone, the sheer amount of options, trophy collecting and hidden characters make this game worth playing again and again. It’s easy to learn but incredibly challenging to master and collect all the trophies.
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100
Cloudchaser
It’s a great party game for those in the need of a quick fix, but there’s plenty of depth for those that desire to see it, as evidence in the copious amounts of secrets, strategies, and subtle nuances.
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100
Gaming Age
The amount of detail that has been shoved onto all of the game’s character models is fantastic – some of them it would be hard to differentiate from FMV models.
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100
G4 TV
A showcase of a game. There is so much to do and unlock, both in the single-player and multiplayer modes, that the title can easily eat up dozens of hours of your time.
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97
Gaming Maxx
Overall, a very fun game to play, though a warning goes out to anyone who can get frustrated with games, as this game's difficulty can really frustrate and anger you at times as it had me.
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96
IGN
SSB Melee puts the original to shame with its countless options and longevity. This has become and will likely become one of my favorite GameCube titles of all-time. It's that good.
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95
Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)
It's a long way from the Tekkens of this world, with no complicated combos or tricky special moves to pull off, but under the surface there's a fighting game that requires almost as much skill in its own way, as any of the 'serious' martial arts sims - and is a lot more fun. [NGC]
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95
NintendoWorldReport
The controls are tight and responsive and very well designed. Gameplay is top-notch, with tons of different modes to play though and a multiplayer element that is truly unbeatable. The game will never die, and will remain fresh time and time again.
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95
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Suffice it to say, if the first game made you happy, this jam-packed sequel will make you crap your pants with glee. [Feb 2002, p.160]
95
Gamezilla!
With solid gameplay, numerous options, and loads of extras, most will find their money well spent. Even the graphics and audio are impressive, leaving little to be desired.
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94
GamingTrend
With 25 characters and 29 stages, and only half of that available at start, you have a fighting game you’ll be spending lots of time in. With almost 300 trophies available, you’ll be spending lots of time trying to gather all of them as well.
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93
Game Informer
Melee is wholesome original, and the most rewarding multiplayer experience available for any console. [Feb 2002, p.86]
92
Electric Playground
I have played SSBM every day since I got it and I cannot get enough of this game.
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91
Nintendojo
While the game might not be the greatest single player adventure we’ve seen this year, it very well may be the best multi-player one.
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91
GameCube Europe
Orchestra-style music and finely tuned sound effects liven up the battlefield quite dramatically and are executed extremely well; I just simply love the music for the Pokemon Stadium stage.
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90
Cheat Code Central
Yes, the game still lacks a certain depth, and fighting game fanatics raised on "Soul Calibur," "Virtua Fighter" and "Tekken" should certainly look elsewhere, but fans of Nintendo (and of the first game) will absolutely love what's going on here.
90
All Game Guide
The perfect sequel. It gives us more of what we want while not changing the heart of the gameplay too much.
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90
GameShark
The graphics are great, the sound is great, and gosh darn it if the game is just a blast to play with different quest challenges and various hidden characters to unlock.
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90
Nintendophiles
Almost perfect. Some of the challenges are a bit difficult but they help build your skill level. And although the graphics aren’t stunning they are above adequate for this game, and are still very good.
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90
My Gamer
The game has an enormous amount of charm, and it mixes old school with new school almost seamlessly.
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90
Hot Games
Probably the most fun game out for the Game Cube right now. It's not really a fighting game as much as it is a four-person party brawling game.
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90
GamePro
The most complete multiplayer console package to date--an absurd, wild, and wickedly fun game with lots of variety, unbelievable visuals, and more longevity than most of the gods of Olympus.
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90
Adrenaline Vault
It's a button-masher in the best sense of the term, and even people not normally interested in fighting games should check it out. While its raison d’être is multiplayer, soloists can’t ask much more.
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90
GameSpy
This is one game you won't put down until every technique, option and secret has been revealed.
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90
Gamestyle
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.
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90
Yahoo! Games
Even above and beyond its top multiplayer action, SSB:M's chief asset is its tremendously varied gameplay.
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90
GMR Magazine
A Nintendo fanatic's dream, if only for the exhaustive gallery of collectible Nintendorabilia. [Feb 2003, p.96]
90
Armchair Empire
The only reason SSBM doesn’t achieve gaming nirvana is for two reasons: the variety of arenas isn’t extensive and sometimes the camera pans so far out it reduces your character to the size of an ant. Otherwise, you’re looking at great game.
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90
Total Video Games
Completely rips apart the rulebook, delivering a ‘fun’ fighting game that everyone can play.
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89
GameSpot
Nintendo's spastic tribute to itself stands quite strong as one of the most engaging multiplayer games available for any console platform.
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85
TotalGames.net
Frustrating as it can be, every fight is a spectacle of chaotic gameplay that will have you absorbed.
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83
Game Revolution
While it surely won't appeal to the Tekken heads, it's a great fit for those who swear by Samus and die by Donkey Kong.
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80
Play Magazine
There are so many classic Nintendo cues in Super Smash Bros. Melee, I almost cried. [Feb 2002, p.57]
65
netjak
The camera angles were enigmatic and frustrating. The action on the screen was great when we were fairly close to the fighting, but once scaled out became chaotic. The personal feel of smacking each other around when close was decent and enjoyable; but once the action panned became impersonal and out of touch.
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What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 9.0 (out of 10) based on 233 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

CommandoDude gave it a7:
Speaking from a game viewpoint, this definately impoved over the First super smash. More characters/maps, better graphics, and interesting quirks. Unfortunately, the complex controller of the Nintentdo Gamecube ruined this game for me, the reason why I rate this a 7. Anyone who doesn't mind the Gamecube controller will like this game, anyone who doesn't, well, don't bother.

Jack H. gave it a10:
Believe it or not, but this was my very first game (I was 7). And, not only was it my first game, but it is my favorite game on the Cube to this day. Possibly the best part of the game is that it never gets old. It is just that addictive. If you gave this game less than a 9, you need to see a doctor.

Sam E. gave it a10:
SSBM is the best game I ever played, plus I played it ever since I was 3 or 4. I play it every day. I'm only nine and I can beat lv nines. Its a enertaining game too. I wish I got some cheats though. But that dosn't matter. Well thats it, keep up the good work nitendo.

Cody R. gave it a10:
This is a phenomenal game! It's a fast paced fighter with loads of depth. as of 2/28/08 I still find the graphics to be superb (look at big blue!) With an immense roster and greatly detailed stages this game is a must!

Brian yehhhh gave it a10:
People that dont like the game just suck at it and have nobody to play with. Its a great game and has been since its release.

seth f gave it a10:
This is the best damn game in the world and should be on the video game awards even tho it is a very old game but nothing beats this game not even halo 3 and yes a just burent halo 3

Mike G gave it a0:
Overrated crap. No storyline involvement at all. It's hack and slash gameplay is horribly repetitive, and the game relies on this battle system. The gaming world is a horrible place for this game to be rated at even a B level.

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