Bonus (mode)

Bonus is a type of Vs. mode match in which the winner is determined by the amount of points they have obtained via Bonuses. It only appears in Super Smash Bros. Melee; it does not return in Brawl due to the game's lack of bonuses.

Gameplay

Technique is the key in this mode. In order to win, the player must use techniques that will give them a bonus, as in the bonuses the player gets in 1 Player mode. Even if the player gets the most KOs in the match, it's possible they will not win. However, KOs aren't completely irrelevant to winning; gaining more KOs will add to their bonus, while falling will subtract. Bonuses like Stale Moves, Quitter, or Bob-Bombs Away! will subtract points from the player's score.

Bonus matches can be widely variable in how they are played; for instance, while a heavily offensive style can lead to higher scores by "KOs" and bonuses such as "Smash King", players can also attempt to get the hefty "Switzerland" bonus by completely refraining from attacking or getting hit, but doing so can be difficult and can cause negative bonuses, such as "Spectator".