"Super Smash Bros. Melee" (SSBM), released in 2001 for the Nintendo GameCube, remains one of the most iconic and influential fighting games in history. Directed by Masahiro Sakurai, Melee is the second installment in the "Super Smash Bros." series, following the success of the original "Super Smash Bros." on the Nintendo 64.

What distinguishes Melee from its predecessor—and most fighting games—is its unique blend of characters from various Nintendo franchises and its fast-paced, technical gameplay, which has carved out a lasting place in both casual and competitive gaming communities.

The core gameplay of Melee revolves around players controlling characters from various Nintendo franchises, such as Mario, Link, and Pikachu, and battling it out on various stages. Unlike traditional fighting games, where players deplete their opponents' health bars, Melee uses a percentage system where players accumulate damage as they are hit, making them easier to launch off the stage. The goal is to knock opponents off the stage to score points and win the match.

While Melee was initially designed as a party game, its deep mechanics and high skill ceiling have led to the development of a thriving competitive scene. Competitive Melee players, known as "smashers," compete in tournaments around the world, showcasing their skills in intense one-on-one battles. The competitive scene has produced legendary players like Joseph "Mang0" Marquez, Adam "Armada" Lindgren, and Juan "Hungrybox" DeBiedma, who have become household names in the gaming community.