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Post by Nester the Lark on Jul 9, 2006 11:10:36 GMT -5
TPCGW: LEGO Star Wars from Eidos Interactive/Giant Interactive Entertainment
The Gamecube version of LEGO Star Wars may have been released several months after the PS2, X-Box and PC versions of the game, but better late than never. The surprisingly potent combination of brand names was a hit on all systems thanks to its charisma and clever execution.
The game is, however, known to skew a little young, mainly due to its cuteness and lack of challenge. However, it's still very entertaining, has tons of unlockables, and a fun two-player mode in which the characters can interact with each other.
It covers episodes I, II and III from the Star Wars series, with IV, V and VI set be covered by the sequel coming later this year. Because of the success of the Gamecube version, the sequel will be released at the same time as the other versions. In fact, it's also responsible for the GC port of Tomb Raider: Legends, also appearing later this year.
I certainly don't have a bad feeling about this! Man your LEGOs, and may the force be with you!
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Post by Dances in Undergarments on Jul 9, 2006 21:19:32 GMT -5
I've been waiting for this game to hit the bargain bin with its PS2 and Xbox counterparts.
I'll probably pick up the sequel, though, particularly if it hits in a lull of games.
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Post by Nester the Lark on Jul 16, 2006 12:28:54 GMT -5
TPCGW: Viewtiful Joe from Capcom
VJ is a reminder of why we loved side-scrolling platform games "back in the day." It's fun, creative, and loaded with style. Its hook is the ability to slow time down or speed it up. These are used not only to enhance your attacks, but for solving some interesting puzzles. It's also a very challenging game that will require finesse and dexterity on the higher difficulty settings.
A lot of companies have tried to recapture the "simpler" gaming styles of yesterday, but few actually realize what made those games classics. It's not about the limitation of technology, primitive game designs, or the repetition. Classic games are still fun today because they transcended their limitations. Viewtiful Joe manages to use the classic gaming style as a format while avoiding the trap of being primitive. It's fun, fresh and creative, and it would've been right at home on the NES had the system been able to run it. For any long time Nintendo fan, as well as new fans, it definitely belongs in your 'Cube collection.
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Post by Wildcat on Jul 16, 2006 17:22:50 GMT -5
VJ is a solid beat-em-up/platformer that reinvented the genre very well indeed, for the reasons Corey mentioned. You can probably find the sequel cheaper than the original, too.
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Post by Dances in Undergarments on Jul 16, 2006 22:43:58 GMT -5
Oh hell yes.
Viewtiful Joe is sensational. As is VJ2. Absolutely brilliant games, they are.
And don't forget to mention the best damn voicacting I've seen in any game, ever. DAVISON IS IN THE HOU-OUSE!
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Post by Nester the Lark on Jul 23, 2006 13:25:57 GMT -5
TPCGW: Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader from LucasArts
When the topic of Gamecube launch titles comes up, most people tend to think of Luigi's Mansion. But perhaps Factor 5's Rogue Leader was a more impressive game. The graphics were excellent, featuring some very cool special effects and details (like fighting an AT-AT standing in water, seeing the reflection of the AT-AT on the water, as well as a distorted view of the AT-AT's legs under the surface). Against the X-Box, it really showed off the visual power of the 'Cube.
The music is good, too, (and correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Factor 5 help design the Gamecube's sound system?) recreating the classic John Williams music blended with some very classy original music. The sound, of course, is exactly what you'd expect from a Star Wars game, and the voice acting features Denis Lawson, the original Wedge.
The game, itself, is tough! The missions are varied, and some are quite long. It also takes a while to get used to seeing enemies in the distance. At first, you don't see them at all, but you eventually learn the subtleties of long range combat. Winning gold medals to unlock extra missions is just plain brutal. If you don't like hard games, this isn't for you. But if you have the patience, it's a rewarding experience.
In the midst of the Star Wars prequels, Rogue Leader was one of the few games to come along that was based on the original trilogy, and even followed the storyline. It's a very authentic Star Wars experience. Although I still prefer the sequel, Rebel Strike, Rogue Leader is still a worthy game. Be sure to track it down.
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Post by Nester the Lark on Jul 30, 2006 10:13:16 GMT -5
TPCGW: Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havoc from Ubisoft
Nintendo pretty much defined platform games in both 2D and 3D with its Mario series, and platform games have been prominent on most Nintendo systems. Helping to fill a noticeable void on the Gamecube is Ubisoft's third Rayman game.
Oddly enough, this Rayman game had little-to-no participation from series creator and game design guru Michel Ancel. Still, it's a solid game with beautiful graphics and actual voice-overs, including John Leguizamo as Globox. It also includes that long-forgotten GCN-to-GBA link feature. If you have Rayman 3 for your GBA, hook it up to the 'Cube version and you can unlock bonus levels in the GBA game.
Pick this one up for your 'Cube and it should tide you over until Rayman Raving Rabbids comes out with the Wii later this year.
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Post by Nester the Lark on Aug 6, 2006 16:02:42 GMT -5
TPCGW: Alien Hominidfrom O3 Entertainment This is another one for the old-school, arcade shoot-em-up fans. Alien Hominid owes its formula to the likes of Contra, Gunstar Heroes, and most of all, Metal Slug. It started out as a free flash game and gained popularity. The Gamecube version, however, is not simply a port. It was re-coded from the ground up with new levels and features, making it like more of a sequel. You play as a little, yellow alien who runs around shooting, slicing, and chomping off the heads of government agents who have stolen your spaceship. But you won't be playing this game for the story. It's all about the action. You'll use several different weapons and vehicles in over a dozen levels to accomplish your thumb-spraining mission. There's also a two-player mode. But, as with most classic-style games of this type, you may find it a bit on the short side with its longevity created by a brutal difficulty level. However, you're given plenty of lives and unlimited continues, so if you have the patience for it, you'll find it a worth-while experience. At the very least, give the original flash version a shot. ...Woah! Triple post! Sorry about that.
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Post by Fryguy64 on Aug 6, 2006 16:45:45 GMT -5
Hey dude, have you ever seen me complain about a triple post? ;D I shall now burst into uncontrollable weeping because Alien Hominid never came out on Gamecube over here.
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Saim
Balloon Fighter
Posts: 860
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Post by Saim on Aug 8, 2006 4:11:30 GMT -5
TPCGW: Rayman 3: Hoodlum Havocfrom Ubisoft Nintendo pretty much defined platform games in both 2D and 3D with its Mario series, and platform games have been prominent on most Nintendo systems. Helping to fill a noticeable void on the Gamecube is Ubisoft's third Rayman game. Oddly enough, this Rayman game had little-to-no participation from series creator and game design guru Michel Ancel. Still, it's a solid game with beautiful graphics and actual voice-overs, including John Leguizamo as Globox. It also includes that long-forgotten GCN-to-GBA link feature. If you have Rayman 3 for your GBA, hook it up to the 'Cube version and you can unlock bonus levels in the GBA game. Pick this one up for your 'Cube and it should tide you over until Rayman Raving Rabbids comes out with the Wii later this year. Tide me over? I have my DS games. If you make a 3rd Party DS game of the week or one for Wii, I would definately take it to heart. I would even by some of the games you suggest (I've gotten into third parties now, they aint so bad). I've pretty much abandoned the GCN, except for a few games, because I'm saving up so I can get as many games as possible for tha Wii.
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Post by Nester the Lark on Aug 8, 2006 10:11:50 GMT -5
By "tide you over," I meant with Rayman games. Unless you were talking about Rayman DS.
And I fully intend to retire this thread when the Wii comes out and do a third party Wii games thread. I've even considered doing a one-time third party N64 post.
The whole point of this is to turn on Nintendo fans to more third party games. I'm always happy to know when it's working!
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Post by Fryguy64 on Aug 8, 2006 10:49:37 GMT -5
I would love a third-party post on N64 games!! ;D I'm particularly partial to Buck Bumble!
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Post by Nester the Lark on Aug 8, 2006 18:14:48 GMT -5
I would love a third-party post on N64 games!! ;D I'm particularly partial to Buck Bumble! Right about now it's time to rock with the biggity Buck Bumble!I rented that game once about eight years ago, and that goofy jingle still haunts me. I'll try to compile a list of the best third party N64 games and post that in the coming weeks.
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Post by Wildcat on Aug 8, 2006 23:38:13 GMT -5
Oo, I'd be all over a 3rd Party N64 list. I have several I'd talk about. ^_^
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Post by Dances in Undergarments on Aug 9, 2006 4:33:08 GMT -5
Speaking of 3rd party - I developed a taste for Timesplitters when we played Future Perfect on a friends Xbox all night... but which is a better purchase? Timesplitters 2 or Future Perfect?
I know Corey mentioned Timesplitters 2 before, but he hadn't played either, so has nayone played them and wanna give you're favourite buddy some help?
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