Super Smash Bros Melee Specs

Normally, Nintendo contract players such as Mario, Pikachu, Link, DonkeyKong, Bowser, and Kirby are generally happy and well-mannered, but in SuperSmash Bros. Melee, the pleasantries get thrown out and the gloves (exceptfor Mario's) come off. This update of the N64 favorite features these and othervideo game icons in furious, yet utterly absurd fisticuffs that usually make fora smashing good time. Just make sure you have at least one human opponent topound on. Starting off with 14 characters (an additional 11 are waiting to be unlocked),the game has a pretty standard premise--let Nintendo's stars beat on each otheruntil the timer runs out. However, a lot of emphasis is put on knockingopponents off ledges while avoiding the same fate. In typical Nintendo manner,there are quite a few power-ups to assist you in the melee. The actual combatisn't as intricate as in other fighting games; however, the ultra-cartoonylayout of the many, many arenas sometimes adds a strategic element not usuallyfound in similar titles. Super Smash Bros. Melee's strength lays in the mayhem created infour-player fights. The camera does an excellent job of positioning itself so allcombatants are constantly visible. Also, Melee sports some of the bestvisuals seen in a Nintendo product. All the characters are highly detailed, andthe movements of each are smoothly infused with personality. Donkey Kong lumbersand Princess Peach fights with grace. As the multiplayer mode is the key reason for this game's existence, thesingle-player mode is decidedly weak. The game features an adventure mode that playssomewhat like an old-school, side-scrolling Mario game. Sadly, despite its goodlooks, its gameplay is rather uninspired. This game is clearly at its best whenthere are two or more players with controllers in their hands. --MarkBrooksPros:Fantastic graphics and sound keep the action upbeat Many new characters and other goodies to unlock Cons:Single-player experience is comparatively weak Too cute for a few folks Adventure mode is boring