Luceo Magazine Presents, a Holy Judgements Inc. Production:
Super Smash Bros. Melee: THE REVIEW
First off, there are only 2 words that describe Super Smash Bros. Melee for the Nintendo GameCube: “Un” and “believable.” As you probably know, Super Smash Bros. Melee is the long-awaited sequel to the original Super Smash Bros. that debuted on April 26, 1999 for the Nintendo 64. Melee stands as a shining star in the video game universe and proves that Nintendo still has what it takes to satisfy its gamers.
First of all, the game play is superb. From the moment you pick up the controller, you can jump right into the fray. The game’s action moves are based on 3, count em’ 3, buttons. The “X” or “Y” button to jump, the “A” button to attack, and the “B” button to perform the characters’ special moves. You perform different attacks based on which button you press and the direction you push the analog stick. It is very simple to grasp. Bottom line: ANYONE can play this game.
The visuals and graphics in Melee are just phenomenal. The game utilizes the GameCube’s capacity to run 64 million colors in real time environments and it does it exceptionally well, running close to 74 frames per second. Everything was done realistically; from the shadows moving in different lighting environments to the glow on Samus’ armor when she charges her plasma gun. It’s a treat for the eyes.
The levels in the game are stunning. Everything within the levels are fully 3-D rendered with tons of interaction taking place. Example: There are flying ShyGuys in the Yoshi’s Island level that, when hit will drop food items to aid in your percentage recovery. Another example: the falling awnings and speeding cars in the street on Ness’ Onett level. One second you are fighting a slew of Captain Falcons, the next you are smashed by the racing Toronza van, leaving you face down in the pavement. That’s what makes the game so much fun though. Not only do you evade your opponents but you also have to deal with the in-level obstacles.
The music in the game is just wonderful. Nintendo took it upon themselves to fully orchestrate all the music. Have you any idea what it is to hear the Kirby’s Dreamland theme done by a full orchestra? It is pure musical poetry. It is like listening to a Russian opera. This is one thing I could talk about for hours and still not convey how fantastic it is. The music is simply beautiful. You have to hear it for yourselves to fully understand and appreciate what I am talking about.
Last but not least, and this is my favorite part, let’s talk about the characters. Not only have the characters been fully rendered and revamped. But there are more of them. A total of 25: 14 default and 11 secret to be exact. With the 14 default characters, you can play as Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, Pikachu, Ness, Peach, Bowser, Zelda, Captain Falcon, and the Ice Climbers. I would tell you who the 11 secret characters are, but I think you need to find that out on your own, and since I am not a licensed Nintendo employee, I really don’t think that they would appreciate me revealing them. Each character has been given a new special move. Translation: more special moves equals more fun. The characters individual attributes have been greatly enhanced. You thought Fox was fast in the original Smash, just wait until you see the little s.o.b. move now; and Bowser, being the biggest in mass moves like a jar of molasses. There isn’t enough time, or patience on my part, to go into each characters attributes, so let’s just say, it’s ghetto-fabulous what Nintendo did, and leave it at that.
All in all, in this reviewer’s humble opinion, Super Smash Bros. Melee FREAKIN’ ROCKS. Nintendo couldn’t have done a better job. The company in Redmond, Washington has done it again, proving that Nintendo still knows how to make a good game without the extreme violence and gore. I highly recommend this game to, well… everyone.
I give Super Smash Bros. 5 out 5.Rock on Nintendo!!!!
January 2002 | by Brian
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