The long-form platforming Adventure mode mixed things up, while the gauntlet-style All-Star mode tested the skills of all who dared challenge it. Now, Nintendo knew they had something special on their hands and sped things up while greatly expanding the roster from eight to 26 and throwing in nearly 30 stages.
Melee succeeded it in 2002 and brought the series to the Gamecube with more hype. The fighter-lean system wound up with one of the greatest fighters of all-time on it. Like Goldeneye on that very same platform, word of mouth spread and the game quickly became a destination for anyone with an N64. The series began in 1999 on the N64 and was such a low profile release that its Japanese release would just get a quick mention in passing in EGM, while advertising was limited to print. This hasn’t been due to a compelling plot, but because it went from being a side game that flew under the radar to become one of gaming’s biggest and most revered franchises. series has had one of the most interesting stories in gaming.