Nintendo Gamecube

THE NINTENDO GAMECUBE

If you’re reading this, it probably means you’re looking to buy a new console. Well, the Nintendo GameCube, my favourite console, would be a brilliant choice. And the reason being? Well, that’s what I’m going to try to explain throughout this topic. In brief, the GameCube has a fantastic selection of exclusive, semi-exclusive and multi-format games available and planned, including Nintendo’s classics. Combine that with a powerful console, and an obsession for quality gaming, and you’re only close to what the GameCube can achieve. Let’s take a closer look.

GAMES

Ah, by far the most important factor when choosing a console. Games are what really make a machine, and the GameCube is in no way lacking in this department. In fact, it has arguably the best games on any console, what with Nintendo’s originality, innovation and loyalty to their customers when it comes to quality games. Examples of such titles can be found in popular franchises such as Mario, Donkey Kong, The Legend Of Zelda and Metroid to name but a few. These and more will all have their next generation counterparts, with some already out or shaping up nicely (think ‘Super Mario Sunshine’ and ‘Metroid Prime’).

However, even Nintendo can’t single handedly support the GameCube, and without some good second and third parties, then things would start looking rather miserable for the ‘Cube. Luckily, many companies have confirmed exclusive GameCube games and franchises. CAPCOM have promised six exclusive ‘Resident Evil’ titles, plus one-offs such as ‘Project Devil’ (a ‘Devil May Cry’ style game) and NAMCO have started work on a futuristic space shoot ‘em up – the next in the StarFox series. That’s just two companies among many (including SEGA) that have confirmed exclusive titles to make the GameCube’s future all the more promising.

Enough about the future, though – how about the present? Well, believe it or not, after only being out just under seven months, the GameCube has an extremely impressive back catalogue to rival other consoles that have had considerable head starts.

ACTION

Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron 2 – 9/10.
Critically acclaimed, fantastic graphics with addictive and speedy gameplay, this is a must for Star Wars fans and haters alike.

Super Smash Bros. Melee – 9/10.
Nintendo’s unique twist on the beat ‘em up genre sees their all-star line up going into battle against each other, in a brilliantly faced paced game for the ‘Cube.

Resident Evil – 9/10.
This atmospheric and terrifying action game involves solving puzzles, using tactics and of course, fighting zombies. Not for the younger player.

Eternal Darkness: Sanity’s Requiem – 9/10.
The survival horror genre continues with Nintendo’s own twist. Take the role of Alexandra Rovias and battle against all kinds of horrors to stay sane.

TimeSplitters 2 – 9/10.
Easily the best First Person Shooter on the GameCube to date, and fortunately for ‘Cube owners, this is the best version for all three consoles. Excellent fun.

Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast – 9/10.
This brilliant blend of puzzles and first person shooting should please any gamer, and with it’s perfect recreation of the Star Wars universe, it’s a must for ‘Cube owners.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars – 8/10.
Adding to the growing list of quality Star Wars GameCube titles, this intense shooter will have adrenaline pumping throughout your body – a fast paced and great game.

Die Hard: Vendetta – 8/10.
With a story so alive that you’ll begin to know the characters personally, and such quick and fun gameplay, this exclusive GameCube FPS performs brilliantly.

Medal Of Honour: Frontline – 8/10.
New and improved for GameCube, with an added multiplayer mode, this game is one of the best first person shooters available, capturing the essence of the war perfectly.

Bloody Roar Extreme – 8/10.
Cel Damage – 7/10.
Spider-Man – 7/10.
James Bond 007 in Agent Under Fire – 7/10.
Turok Evolution – 7/10.

ADVENTURE & PLATFORM

Super Mario Sunshine – 10/10.
Nintendo’s latest in the franchise and genre they created. Guide Mario through a massively innovative and fun adventure in the best platformer on any console.

Star Fox Adventures: Dinosaur Planet – 9/10.
This joint gaming project between Nintendo and Rare takes the playability of Zelda games and turns it into a highly enjoyable and massive GameCube adventure.

Luigi’s Mansion – 8/10.
One of the few games Luigi has to himself certainly makes a great impression in this original and ghost filled game. Great fun.

Ty The Tasmanian Tiger – 7/10.
Bomberman Heroes – 7/10.
Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath Of Cortex – 7/10.

DRIVING & RACING

Burnout – 9/10.
High adrenaline races at breakneck speed can only mean one thing – a must have game! Where some games are realistic, Burnout is just pure fun.

Wave Race: Blue Storm – 8/10.
Nintendo’s thrilling water racer boasts brilliant graphics and gameplay, so sophisticated that the tide and weather effects are incorporated into the experience.

Driven – 8/10.
Extreme-G 3 – 8/10.
Smuggler’s Run: Warzones – 8/10.
Dark Summit – 7/10.
Spy Hunter – 7/10.
SSX Tricky – 7/10.
F1 2002 – 7/10.
MX Superfly – 7/10.
Freekstyle – 7/10.
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 – 7/10.
Pro Rally – 7/10.

PUZZLE

Mario Party 4 – 9/10.
Nintendo’s fantastic series for multiplayer and now single player makes it’s first GameCube experience – and boy, does it shine!

Eggo Mania – 8/10.
The first of many puzzle games on the ‘Cube sets the trend in this highly recommended and addictive puzzle game. A spin on the genre and games.

Worms Blast – 7/10.
ZooCube – 7/10.

ROLE-PLAYING GAME

Lost Kingdoms – 7/10.
This GameCube exclusive is the first of a whole line of quality RPG titles, and makes a good start. It’s a unique twist on the genre, what with its original ‘card’ setup.

SIMULATION

A couple of decidedly average ones (Doshin The Giant and Top Gun: Combat Zones), but apart from that, nothing yet.

SPORTS

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4 – 9/10.
This does exactly what its predecessor did and so much more – and that can’t be a bad thing. Staying true to the series, this is brilliant, addictive fun.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 – 9/10.
The extreme sports king returns in this highly playable sequel for the GameCube. Spanning many in depth levels – this has gameplay to die for.

Rocky – 9/10.
A comprehensive simulation, to say the least. This captures the atmosphere of the great ‘Rocky’ films, and combines it with slick, fun gameplay.

International Superstar Soccer 2 – 8/10.
The GameCube’s leading football game combines realism with such addictive fun it could challenge arcade titles. For others, see Sega Soccer Slam and FIFA 2003.

NBA Street – 8/10.
NBA Courtside 2002 – 8/10.
Red Card 8/10.
Madden NFL 2003 – 8/10.
Beach Spikers – 8/10.
Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer – 8/10.
FIFA 2003 – 8/10.
Sega Soccer Slam – 8/10.
Mat Hoffman’s Pro BMX 2 – 8/10.
NHL Hitz 2002 – 7/10.
Aggressive Inline – 7/10.
NHL Hitz 2003 – 7/10.
Disney Sports Football – 7/10.
Ace Golf – 7/10.

STRATEGY

Super Monkey Ball – 8/10.
Fast paced, frantic and surprisingly fun strategy action in the form of monkeys in balls navigating their way around various courses, with mini-games, of course.

Pikmin – 8/10.
Winner of many awards for originality and innovation, Pikmin stars Captain Olimar, and you must aid him in his adventure to repair his ship.

[Just a quick note - these are the official scores, I didn’t just make them up. They were taken from Nintendo Official Magazine where 10/10 is Gaming Perfection, 9/10 is Almost Perfect, 8/10 is Highly Recommended, 7/10 is Good and 6/10 is Average. I’ve only listed the above average games.]

And Still To Come:

ACTION

Metroid Prime
IGN’s highest scoring game (9.8/10) ever and possibly the best first person shooter of all time, Metroid Prime is set to impress when it blasts onto GameCube.

StarFox
This futuristic space shooter from NAMCO sees Fox McCloud battling it out once again from the cockpit of his speedy and highly armoured Arwing.

Splinter Cell
A stealth ‘em up to blow the likes of Metal Gear Solid away, Splinter Cell’s ‘Cube debut features all new elements of sneaking and fun.

Resident Evil 0
Along with Resident Evil 4, this isn’t just a remake – it’s an entirely new game. New story line, characters and gameplay elements make this a must for horror fans.

Resident Evil 2
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis
Resident Evil 4
Resident Evil: Code Veronica
Star Wars: Bounty Hunter
True Crime: Streets Of LA
The Matrix
RTX Red Rock
James Bond 007: Nightfire
Gladius
Largo Winch: Empire Under Threat
Project BG&E
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Reign Of Fire
XIII
Blood Omen 2
Ikaruga
Hunter: The Reckoning
Godzilla: Destroy All Monsters Melee
Project Devil
Bloodrayne
Muscle Champ: Muscle Island Challenge
Batman: Dark Tomorrow
StarCraft: Ghost
The Sum Of All Fears
Driver 3
Onimusha 2
Onimusha 3
Gundam: Treasure Battle
Mega Man: Battle Network EXE
The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers
X-Men: Wolverines Revenge
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin
Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse
Minority Report
Conflict: Desert Storm

ADVENTURE & PLATFORM

The Legend of Zelda GC
The highly acclaimed action and adventure series returns with it’s unique cel shaded technique and gameplay elements that reek of Nintendo quality.

Animal Crossing
Nintendo’s own reality gaming series compliments others in the genre (Harvest Moon) while adding new things too – making for a highly addictive and fun experience.

Donkey Kong
So Rare have gone, but that doesn’t mean the end of Donkey Kong! Nintendo have always been kings of platformers, and this game will be no exception.

Sonic Adventure 3
SEGA’s epic Sonic series continues it’s exclusive GameCube run with the third instalment which looks set to be a fantastically fast paced platformer.

The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time [GC Remake]
Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life
Wario World
Sonic Mega Collection
Dragon's Lair 3D
Vexx
The Hobbit
Dr. Muto
Haven: Call Of The King
Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets
Lupin the 3rd: Lost Treasure from the Sea
Pac-Man World
Galleon
Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc
Disney’s Donald Duck
Chibirobobo

DRIVING & RACING

F-Zero GC
Nintendo’s futuristic racer gets its GameCube version, and it’s going to be a blast. Expect a high octane and thrilling racer.

1080: Avalanche
Snowboarding at it’s finest. Combining realism with great arcade play, this series never fails to impress with it’s excellent graphics and ‘boarding thrills.

Burnout 2: Point Of Impact
The gaming world’s premier street racer returns on GameCube to much critical acclaim. Just don’t blink, or you’ll miss it.

Rally Championship
Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions
Shaun Murray’s Pro Wakeboarder
Rally Fusion: Race of Champions
Colin McRae Rally 3
Big Air Freestyle
Micro Machines
Big Mutha Truckers
Nascar Thunder 2003

PUZZLE

Disney Party
If this is anything like Mario Party 4, which it should be, then we’re in for a treat. With a line up no-one can call boring, this should be very impressive.

Mr Driller: Drill Land
Monopoly Party
Zapper
Stage Debut

ROLE PLAYING GAME

Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicle
On top of future ‘Final Fantasy’s, this game will be exclusive to the ‘Cube, and made by the original creator of FF, which can’t be a bad thing.

Phantasy Star Online: Episode 1
This classic online game will be revamped in time for the GameCube’s excellent online service. Expect frantic and fun RPG battles.

Final Fantasy
Phantasy Star Online: Episode 2
Skies Of Arcadia
Yu-Gi-Oh! Falsebound Kingdom
Eternal Arcadia Legend
Lost Kingdoms 2
Summoner 2
Baldur’s Gate: Dark Alliance
Shaman King: Soul Fight

SIMULATION

Cubivore
This interesting combination of puzzle solving and action will maintain the trend for original ‘Cube games in the coming months.

Battle Bots

SPORTS

Mario Kart
This was great on the N64, so just think of what it’ll be like on GameCube! Fantastic one and multi-player racing returns once again.

Mario Golf
One of the greatest golfing games ever, its N64 version was great, and with a GC sequel, the series of spin-offs looks very bright indeed.

Mario Tennis
This, in fact, was the only impressive tennis game ever made, what with its brilliant pick up and play feel. This should be amazing.

Pro Evolution Soccer 2
Easily the greatest football series ever made comes to the GameCube in its new improved version – should be a blast!

Captain Tsubusa: Golden Generation Challenge
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2003
Black and Bruised
Knockout Kings 2003
Madden NFL 2003
Def Jam Vendetta

STRATEGY

Super Monkey Ball 2
Quirky, unique action returns in the sequel that will blow away the original – a hard thing to do. A game for interesting and fun gamers.

Risk

The majority of the games listed above will be out by the end of the year, and are tipped to be very good. Combine that with the fairly large amount I’ve missed and the games that haven’t been featured in magazines yet and you’ve got a huge amount of quality titles on your hands by Christmas. What’s so impressive isn’t the quantity though – it’s the variety. Nintendo have always been about catering the most possible people and with the wide selection of titles out and coming soon, you can see they’ve achieved that once again with the GameCube.

PERIPHERALS

The controller’s the best ever designed in my opinion and will fit into your hand snugly. It caters for all sizes of hands, no matter what some people will say, and features superb left and right analogue shoulder buttons that are useful in driving games, for example, as an accelerator. Though the D-Pad’s a little small, most games are programmed to overcome this minor problem, and you’ll soon get used to it. All the buttons are the right sizes and in the correct, easy to reach positions, making it the perfect controller for almost anything. The analogue sticks are offset, which is best for first person shooters and each one has precise accuracy. It really is a great controller, designed only with games and the player in mind. And now, you can choose between two. The normal one, and a cordless one, named ‘Wavebird’. This uses radio waves to enable the player to experience gaming without the hassle of cables and wires tangling, restricting or getting tripped over.

The memory cards are great, eliminate the need for a pricey hard drive and you can also take saved data over to a mate’s house – something a hard drive won’t do. You can pick up a Memory Card 59 that stores around 15-20 game saves, a Memory Card 251 that stores around 50 game saves or some unofficial ones that’ll just go on forever. On top of all that there are some other fantastic add-ons. Pro Logic II, III, 5.1 and the rest are all available and are great sound systems that can really enhance your gaming experience. Aswell as this, there are steering wheels and pedals, portable screens and more that you can buy. What a selection!

Don’t forget, on top of the official peripherals, there’s a whole host of unofficial extras you could buy. Some have extra features, or are cheaper, and are there to give the gamer the best choice possible. Also, if you go on Nintendo’s Official UK site (http://www.nintendo-europe.com/), and register your GameCube and games, you’ll get ‘stars’. Collect enough of these, and you’ll be able to trade them in for official peripherals or games. Now that’s customer loyalty and value!

POWER

If that extremely impressive list of games hasn’t convinced you, you either can’t read, or are into the technical side of things, too. Well don’t worry – the GameCube has done extremely well for itself in that area. Nintendo have designed it so it’s exactly as powerful as it needs to be, and rivals the other consoles at the same time. Don’t be fooled if you hear that the PS2 and X-Box are superior, because it’s just not true.

The GameCube can push more polygons (more polygons equate to better graphics) than the PS2 and is about even with the X-Box. It’s also got a quicker processor speed and as Nintendo use a different kind to the PS2 and X-Box, it works out to be even faster. As I’ve said above though, the GameCube is as powerful as it needs to be, and it can pull off special effects that the other consoles cannot, thanks to it’s unique design. For a more in depth description and comparison of the consoles technically, I find that the following site is the best:

http://cube.totalgames.net/features/feat​uresfull2.epml? (space) features2.REF=15&newsFormat.REF=9&featur​eType.REF=1

FUTURE

Online gaming’s looking very promising for Nintendo, as it’s out already in Japan and America with its first releases on the shelves and the promise of more soon – so you can expect Europe to follow suit early next year. If you want to get hooked up to the internet, and utilise Nintendo’s brilliant service, the GameCube has been designed so that people who can’t get broadband can buy a 56K modem for just half the price – something the other consoles haven’t thought of. Price wise, you’re looking at about a £20.00 modem [broadband or 56K] with no hard drive or installation necessary. Monthly and yearly fees are sketchy for over here, but it’s going to be either free, £6.00 a month, £40.00 a year or £100.00 a year if what rumours suggest is correct. Fortunately, the 56K service will be half the price of the broadband one, and you’ll get a handy headset instead of a keyboard for communication with other gamers when playing. Whatever happens, Nintendo have online gaming wrapped up.

On top of internet services, Nintendo may have other things planned for the future. There’s a big announcement that’s been hinted at for Christmas, and rumours of a company buyout. Personally, I’d love to see them buy out CAPCOM, and with their recent friendship and confirmation of many exclusives, it’s not unlikely. And don’t forget, Nintendo will always continue to create great, original and innovative games in the future – which is really the most important thing.

Critics have been optimistic on the GameCube’s future too. It’s tipped that the X-Box will fail, and the GameCube may catch up with the PS2, so you won’t be feeling short-changed in a year or so’s time. So you see, all that plus the usual tricks Nintendo have up their sleeves adds up to a must buy console with a brilliant future. Trust me, there’s a lot of life and potential left in that box of wonders.

PRICE & VALUE

Luckily, Nintendo designed the GameCube with the gamer and games in mind, which means value for money every time, be it the console, the peripherals or games. In other words, with the Nintendo GameCube, you get what you pay for – and it’s a lot. For a mere £129.99 (significantly less than it’s two competitors), you get access to arguably the best selection of games and an amazingly powerful machine. On top of that, if you shop around, you can find games for around £34.99 - £10.00 less than the RRP of games for the X-Box and PS2!

So what about extras? Well, the other consoles may have DVD capabilities, but you pay extra for that – something Nintendo didn’t want happening. It’s hardly worth it either - to utilise the DVD capabilities of the X-Box, you must purchase a £20.00 add-on, and the PS2’s DVD player is rather poor, so really, it’s not a very worthwhile feature.

The X-Box may have a hard drive, but once again, this unnecessarily increases the price of the console. With the GameCube, there’s the option of buying a Memory Card 59 which is around £9.99, or a Memory Card 251 that’s about £14.99. Both are great value, and you may never need another card again. They also come cheaper than the PS2 and X-Box’s alternatives.

With controllers, it’s worth noting they’re a couple of quid less than the other consoles and with four controller ports, no pricey add-on for four-way multiplayer games is needed, and with so many great multiplayer and party games available, this is a vital feature.

CONCLUSION

So there you have it - the facts about the GameCube. Whether you buy one or not is up to you, it’s down to personal opinion after all. I do hope, however, that I’ve given you enough information about the games, peripherals, power, future and price to make an informed decision. Whatever console you buy this Christmas, make sure it’s the best one, and if you decide on the ‘Cube, then you won’t be disappointed :).

Thanks for reading,
Maverick42.