Arguments over which games and installations of game brands are the best for competition are bound to pop up amongst any group of avid gamers. It’s because of this aspect of the gaming community that the Nintendo brand’s game development skills has, as one can imagine, been the source of some of the fiercest arguments. The most recent debate among serious gamers has been over which of the Nintendo brand Brawl style games is better: Melee or Super Smash Bros 4.
When it comes to community and support, both of these games have a tremendous amount. With each game receiving equal and incredibly high rankings of 92/100 on Metacritic, it’s no surprise that they’re the two games being hotly debated. The multi-player combat is similar in each game, as is the general bracket-style layout of the competitive gaming tournaments for either teams or individuals. With so many similarities, the debates, some believe, come down to splitting hairs or simple matters of opinion. However, there are several key differences between the two.
One of the most profound differences between Super Smash Bros 4 (or SSB4, as it’s commonly abbreviated) and Melee are the characters available as fighters. While Melee sported 26 playable characters, SSB4 boasts 49, giving players many more playstyles to master and counter other characters.
Another commonly cited difference is the presence of advanced techniques or tactics. Melee’s engine is much different than SSB4’s, as are the game physics, which allow for some advantageous maneuvers for skilled players with many hours of practice. SSB4, meanwhile, offers an environment that’s easy to learn, but difficult to master.
Perhaps the most important difference between the games is the presence of online competitive support in SSB4, as well as its availability on the Nintendo 3DS, both of which Melee lacks. These features could create a much wider adoption and awareness of SSB4 as compared to Melee, ultimately leading to a larger community and, as such, a larger competitive base.
While the debate rages on, and points to both sides are counter argued, validated, supported, and challenged, many feel that SSB4 might come out on top. Even Forbes has pointed to its nearly unprecedented 9.4/10 launch day ratings as proof that it’s the superior game. Despite the arguments for and against either game, one thing remains true: the Nintendo brand has produced some of the greatest games of all time, including those sought after by competitive gamers with its Smash Bros series. The debate between which game – Super Smash Brothers 4 or Melee – will reign supreme in the serious gaming world stands as proof.
