[Shadow Fox]

Originally posted by The Strangler
Well, I've had my Gamecube for 5 days now and I'm ready to spout off my opinions on it.

The System: Very nice. Light, small, qiet and with power to spare. The controllers aren't that great, and the triggers are downright awful, but then again I'm used to the XBox controller. I picked me up a Mad Catz so its ALLLLLLL good. Memory cards suck. I'm so used to the ease of a hard drive that memory cards seem passe.

Don't forget that playcube adapter-thingy that lets you use PS2 or Xbox controllers on your GCN. Great for fighting games and whatnot, though I prefer my third party joystick alot more...

The Games:

Metroid - I don't see what the big stink is. It looks great, plays pretty good but has virtually no story. The level design is artfully made but with little innovation or originality in layout. Don't get me wrong, it is a fun game, but I wouldn't give it anywhere near the score that IGN did. I'd give it a 8.6.

"No originality in layout"?? What other game has a seamless, contiuous world with no loading screens? I guess it was simple for you to find every item in the game too, due to this "lack of originality in layout"...

Only reason why I'm pissed about that remark is that MP DIFFERS SO MUCH from your run-of-the-mill FPS or action game. Not living up to your hype I can understand, but lack of orginality? Please. Name another game that allows you to change form on the fly to solve puzzles in first and third person. I'd love to see some good examples of wall/bomb jumping on another console too (not to be confused with UT's rocket jumping).

Also the story in Metroid Prime is just as flat as Splinter Cell's...you find out the bulk of the story by reading tidbits along the way (log scans and data sticks, respectively). So yeah, I can agree that the FORCED STORY (if one), is kinda bland, but the plot is there, and is very deep if you just LOOK.

Wrestlemania X8 - I payed $9 for this game used, and I want my F**KING MONEY BACK and $20 bucks more for tthe time I wasted playing it. THQ needs to take that s**t to the PS2. Awful graphics, awful animations and awful controls. Awful. 0.0

I dunno about the 0.0, but I too bought this game and I still think it stinks. However, reversals and specials are cool; nothing like an over-exaggerated Rock Bottom or Stunner to give you a good laugh, lol...

Def Jam - Decent wrestling game with good graphics and animations. Needs improvement but its a solid grappler, even if it falls far short of AKI's previous greatness. 7.9

Def Jam isn't without it's quirks, that's for sure, but on terms of pure gameplay and execution, it truly is the best next-gen wrestler by far, IMO.

Eternal Darkness - SWEEEEEEEEET. Great game with a great story. You feel like your playing a H.P. Lovecraft story, and trust me the whole story is a straight rip of Lovecraft, but done so well its more of a homage. Very original with the flashbacks mixed with puzzle solving and detective work. Excellent game and genuinely freaky. 9.2

To agree, this is the best M-rated game I've ever played, and for once the game is mature through and through, not some slap-together violence or swearing to nab the rating. This game truly cannot be understood, nor appreciated by kids/teens as well as adults, period.

Overall I'm happy with my purchase. Can anyone recommend a role playing game for the Gamecube besides Skies of Arcadia? I'm jonesing for some turned based tactical goodness.

Summoner: A Goddess Reborn is actually quite good, and while I've only played it on the DC, Evolution Worlds is OK if you're just looking for some good turn-based action with an above-average story. I also recommend Baulder's Gate for those needing a semi-D&D fix.

And for those hating on Rune (Lost Kingdoms), this game is really for niche, hardcore players- since the first game was nothing about story. Instead the game was based on it's battle engine, which is insanely addictive. I wouldn't call the game cheap either, because for some reason From Software decided to hide the GCN's true abilities in bonus stages/sidequests, where you find bumpmapped sanddunes, surreal waterfall graphics, and even more hidden cards with monsters that consume more than 2/3 of the screen in battle.

While I don't recommend Rune to the mainstream gamer, those looking for a change of pace should at least rent it. Rune II supposedly has a much better graphics engine, and a deep storyline full of spoken dialogue, so Lost Kingdoms II is also a good bet for GCN-owners, along with the obvious Tales of Symphonia, Golden Sun, and Final Fantasy games.

And just to join the ranks of everyone else here- BUY THE DAMN ZELDA GAME ALREADY!!!

-Official Ninja of [coming soon]...