Super Smash Bros. Melee is a chaotic, high-octane fighting game that throws iconic Nintendo characters into explosive battles. The gameplay is lightning fast and surprisingly deep, with intricate mechanics like wavedashing that reward dedicated players. Melee boasts a vast roster, addictive multiplayer, and numerous modes, offering endless amounts of fun. With its vibrant visuals and smooth performance, it set the standard for platform fighters and is considered a timeless classic by many.
Played again at my local shop had a much better time
Fun, but overhyped. Single player is a slog and the controls are iffy.
When I was younger, I never got why so many people stuck with this game when Brawl and eventually Smash 4 & Ultimate would come to have so many more characters and much more content. But one day I started playing the game with a more serious effort, and it clicked. No Smash game has ever gotten even half as fun as this one in terms of movement, feel, and general competition. Melee is so unbelievably fun on a competitive and even casual level. I don't have much else to say, as every praise this game could receive has already been sung to the high heavens at this point.
Accidentally the GOAT of Smash Bros. fighting games because the skill ceiling is mind-bogglingly high. For us mere mortals, it's an improvement in every way on the N64 predecessor but mostly superseded by later entries. That said, if I had a Gamecube handy, I'd still go back and play this on occasion.
Unlocking some characters is ass but the game itself is fun.