It is a very safe comment to make that Super Smash Bros.: Melee (SSB:M) is a must own title for the GameCube. It is even easier to see why it sold so well, especially considering when it was released for the system and how there really wasn't much competition for it.

Even today I would argue that there is barely any competition for this game since I feel calling SSB:M 'just a fighting game' is just like calling Grand Theft Auto 3, 'just another action game'. True, at the heart of the code, it is very much a fighting game, however, great strides were taken in the second incarnation of the game to make it so much more than just the standard sequel that we are generally accustomed to. I would also like to include that even though it seems that a lot of people love this game, (including myself), I can easily see how people could downright despise this title with every molecule in their gaming thumbs.

Super Smash Bros.: Melee is the sequel to the surprise hit on the Nintendo 64, Super Smash Bros. The original game was a straight forward tournament fighter. You fought, you won, you moved on until you reached the big boss. The game threw a few twists in the mix with bonus stages and such, but it was pretty much cut and dry. The charm of the original title laid within the fact that you were able to beat the hell out of Pikachu or embarrass the hell out of someone while kicking their ass with the all-mighty pink, puff ball, Kirby. There is something to be said about that, and it's all good.

Naturally, Nintendo wanted a sequel to Super Smash Bros. and so did the gamers. I personally felt that the original game wore a bit thin unless you had a steady supply of people willing to play the game with you. For the sequel, Melee, I dare anyone to say the game is thin. HAL Labs took great pleasure apparently in dishing out an extra gargantuan serving of game here. The single player features alone are enough to boggle your mind. Not only is the standard tournament mode present, but they included a whole other "Adventure" mode which twists the tournament into classic style 2-D fight fest, with locations inspired by classic Nintendo games, such as the Mushroom Kingdom. Sure, rated as a stand alone platformer they would get trashed, but as a bonus to a fighting game? It is just an incredibly nice touch to the title that did not even have to be done. It's always nice to see a developer go above and beyond the call of duty. First of all, they beefed up the roster to a whopping 25 characters and even more stages to fight on. If that wasn't enough, there are also 50 unlockable and challenging, 'gimmick' matches called Event Matches that provide all kinds of interesting twists on the basic game. Some of these Event Matches will make you want to pull your hair out, that is for sure. Even the most seasoned SSB vets will at least stumble on a few of them. In addition, there is a subsection of the game dedicated to "trophies". Basically, these are little tokens that can be picked up sometimes in adventure mode, won by completing certain tasks or simply by winning them from the trophy slot machine that is fueled by earned coins during the game. These trophies are a nice little touch, providing a 3-D model of the item or character along with a little background story or history. With almost 300 of these things, you have your work cut out for you. Throw in some bonus games like the Home Run Derby and a detailed practice mode, and you have yourself one hell of a steal for your $49.99.

So we have established that there is an ass-load to do in the game and we all know that if it plays bad, it's not worth trying to unlock anything. The gameplay is frantic yet tight. Some people will be able to get away with being a button masher, but only for so long. There is a surprising amount of depth in the title. I even scoffed at the suggestion of serious depth at first, but was quickly schooled trying to hack my way through the upper levels of the Event Matches. While it is simple to get into and play, there are a lot of advanced techniques to be employed, such as the dodging system alone which will warrant some serious practice. The timing of Smash Attacks as well as mastering throws will also take some time. Overall, the control scheme works very well and it is tailored perfectly to the GameCube controller, which wouldn't normally lend itself all too well to standard fighting games.

Graphically, the game is pretty nice. Being an earlier GameCube release you can be sure that it doesn't tax the system as well as it could, however I doubt anyone could complain. The character models are perfect. They look spectacular and move without any hitches. The game's framerate never stutters, which impressed me due to the complexity of some of the matches. There is a LOT going on when you have 4 players trying to kill each other on screen. To just the character animations to all of the background and item effects, everything looks great. Some of the backgrounds leave a little to be desired, but overall there is nothing to complain about. The graphics are colorful, playful and completely fit the mood of the game.

The sound in the game is also a real joy. Orchestrated remixes of all of your favorite classic gaming tunes give this game a real boost in the aural department. Sound effects never overwhelm a match and no character seems overly annoying when they are chatting away.

With all of the good, there has to be some bad, right? Despite what many people will claim, this game just isn't for everyone. Even with my love for the game I have to admit to having some problems which may ruin the experience for some. For instance, the point system. While being creative, it tends to lend itself easily to confusion. You can earn points for staying in the middle of the screen, using a certain item to KO an opponent, or by simply running instead of walking. Due to the huge amount of odd bonuses, close matches can be decided in very off the wall ways. I have had many matches were we simply had to wait for the winner screen since we had no idea at all who won. This will annoy some people. Another thing that makes this game not for everyone is the game itself. It is a frantic fighting game with things happening all over the place. It shouldn't be assumed that just because this game is from Nintendo and features all kinds of classic characters that it will be loved by all. Some people will just despise the way the game is played. It's not a traditional fighter and breaks most, if not all of the rules. While being fresh and fun for some, it will be confusing and irksome to others. If you thought Powerstone was an abomination for Capcom to produce, don't even bother with Super Smash Bros.: Melee. I have also heard some complaints about how difficult it is to get some of the trophies, but that is minor and does not effect the game itself in any real way.

In the end, however, SSB:M is a worthy purchase for most people. It is fun, frantic, looks and sounds incredible and is pretty damn original. People who enjoyed the original on the N64 will lose their mind on this one and those who never played the first have no reason to look back. The only thing that scares me now is the prospect of the next game. Expectations will really be high for the next title, and it may be hard to meet those goals. But that something for another day. SSB:M is easily a reason to own a GameCube, or at least be happy that you own one. If you are looking for something fun, different and won't be dominated in one sitting, then look no further.