Genre: Fighting

Year Released: 2001(Gamecube)

Number of Players: 1 to 4 simultaneously

They're back to fight another battle, this time using the awesome power of Nintendo Gamecube! The action's even more brutal than before with new characters, levels, and modes (including Giant Melee, special scenarios, and a beefed-up 1P mode). Mario characters in the game include Mario, Peach, Yoshi, DK, Bowser, and Dr. mario as a secret character. Smashtastic!

Graphics: What can I say? Breathtaking. The characters sport incredible animation and the attacks and levels look great. No more sprites here. They have to be seen to be believed. Heck, you can even get trophies chronicling Nintendo's past lineup of characters (even Japan-only ones!). PS2 and X-Box, eat your heart out.

Play Control: Now, using an unfamiliar controller is always challenging, but the controls are incredibly simple. Like the original, there's no having to enter a zillion button combos to do a single move. Just press a button and direction on the stick and voila! Your handing out a beating, Smash Bros. style.

Sound: Some of the most awesome music I've heard in any game, by far. Fully orchestrated tracks (and even classic tunes) really liven up the battle. From the classical style of Kirby's Fountain of Dreams to the electric guitar of F-Zero's Mute City, this game is ear candy as well as eye candy.

Challenge: Even if you get all the secrets (and there's tons, by the way), you'll still have tons of challenge trying to thrash the computer, or even better, your buddies. =)

The Bottom Line: An absolute must-play. Even if you're not a fan of the fighting genre, you'll probably be pleasantly surprised at the game's action and amazing variety of play.

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