Super Smash Bros. Melee

ReleasedNov 21, 2001

Nintendo GameCube

About

A crossover platform fighting game featuring characters from Nintendo franchises including Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Star Fox, Pokémon, and Fire Emblem. Unlike traditional fighters, the goal is to knock opponents off the stage rather than deplete a health bar. Damage accumulates as a percentage, increasing the distance a character is launched when hit. Players use simple one-button inputs combined with joystick directions to execute moves. The game supports up to four players simultaneously and includes various single-player modes alongside its multiplayer focus. Its fast-paced, aggressive gameplay fostered a long-running competitive esports scene that persisted well beyond the game's original lifespan.

Developer: HAL Laboratory
Publisher: Nintendo, Gradiente
Genres: Fighting, Platform
Themes: Action
Modes: Single player, Multiplayer, Co-operative
Perspective: Side view
Age ratings: ESRB T, CLASSIND 14, PEGI 3, GRAC ALL, CERO A, ACB PG, USK 12
Time to beat: 300 h completionist
IGDB rating: 94 / 100 (1,112 ratings)
Also known as: Melee, Great Fray Smash Brothers Deluxe, Dairantou Smash Brothers DX, SSBM, Dairantou Smash Brothers Deluxe

Release dates

Release dates by platform
Platform	Release
Nintendo GameCube	Nov 21, 2001 · JapanDec 3, 2001 · North AmericaMay 24, 2002 · EuropeMay 31, 2002 · AustraliaAug 23, 2002 · Brazil2002 · BrazilJanuary 2003 · North America