Super Smash Bros. Melee - T
Common Sense Note
Parents should know that this is a fighting game, plain and simple. Be prepared for plenty of non-stop violence (hitting, punching, kicking, as well as using special weapons, such as arrows and bombs). However, there is no blood or gore, and when characters are beaten they just fall from the screen.
Families who buy this title might want to talk about the characters featured in this game, from Mario to Fox from the Star Fox series. Ask them: Did you realize these are Nintendo characters? How does including these characters help promote other Nintendo products?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kimberly Reyes
SUPER SMASH BROS. MELEE, the sequel to the popular Nintendo 64 Super Smash Bros. game, includes everything good about the first game -- characters, fighting style, frenetic pace -- and add cool new unlockable characters, beautiful scenery and much more.
This is not a new game -- it's been around since 2001 -- but its lovable characters, simple structure, and wide skill range gives it a lasting appeal.
The game accomodates from one to four players, providing plenty of gaming options. Choosing from Nintendo characters like Mario or Pichaku, you fight head-to-head in colorful Nintendo-game-themed arenas for prizes and advancement, or just go wild in no-holds-barred melee mode. In stadium mode, players partake in a home run contest (hitting a sandbag character as far as possible), take target practice, and fight in varied melee fighting scenarios against the CPU. This is propably the best mode for single players because there are actual tasks and goals -- not just a one-on-one face-off against the computer.
Of course, as with its predecessor and all good fighting games, there are plenty of unlockable characters like Dr. Mario, Pichu and Luigi -- and many of the characters come in mini, giant, and even invisible variations, providing players with even more possible fighting combinations.
Each character has strengths and weaknessess. When playing with DonkeyKong, for example, players will find his over-the-top power attacks a riot, and his combinations easy to learn. But his speed is a major liability. Players will enjoy experimenting with different characters -- and learning that might doesn't always make right.
Even adults will have to spend time mastering complicated moves like Luigi's airplane spin or Zelda's midair flame attack. Luckily, skill and luck go hand in hand, making it fun for kids of all ages and experience levels. You never know when a spaceship may come out of the background to interfere with your fight, or an object with the power to heal -- like a heart container -- may appear for your use, impacting the outcome. Also, games can be tweaked to give certain players an advantage (when playing in all out melee mode, you have one player going up against three other players, or give certain characters more lives).
It's worth noting that the game has had a fantastic graphic facelift since the Nintendo 64 version. Samus' and Bowsers fire attacks look like they are popping out of the screen and Mute City is so incredibly saturated in colors that players can't help to stop fighting and admire when playing for the first time.
All in all, Super Smash Bros Melee will certainly raise the volume of the room as players scream at the TV in elation, frustration, and shock.
Rate It!
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ViolenceThis is a fighting game but there is no blood or gore. Defeated characters fall from the screen. |
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Social BehaviorThis game is all about fighting to win, but some of the best fighters are female. |
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CommercialismCharacters and backgrounds from other games. |
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Educational ValueReinforces what kids learn in martial arts classes: It's more about style and technique than just brute force, and practice makes perfect. |
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