Super Smash Bros. Melee

* Even solo brawlers will be entertained in a beefed-up single-player mode which includes dozens of difficult Event Match scenarios.

As you might guess, the most striking aspect of Super Smash Bros. Melee is its incredible visuals. Mario's overalls are detailed down to the rivets, and Princess Peach's dress flutters in the breeze with amazing realism. Special attacks take full advantage of Nintendo GameCube's potential for spectacular lighting effects, and there is no slow-down whatsoever even when the screen fills up with swarming Unown Pokémon.

If you're worried that Super Smash Bros. Melee might stray too far from the gameplay mechanics found in the original Smash Bros., stop stressing. The basic premise (which in our opinion neared perfection) is the same. Characters duke it out in interactive environments, using special attacks and various items to knock each other into the abyss. Some new defensive techniques add an even deeper level of complexity to the combat.

New to Melee is the ability to dodge attacks and projectiles. All characters can execute a mid-air dodge, or lean away from danger while standing on the ground. Also, you can catch most thrown items by pressing the A Button just before the object hits your fighter. All characters can execute a move similar to Fox's reflector shield by pressing the shield button just before a projectile hits.