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Now, armed with a copy of Edge my knowledge gained from you lot for months, I can finally write my analysis of Nintendoís GameCube. Warning, this post contains material that may shock you, namely me saying good things about Nintendo.
The games:
I have to say, although they may sound good (although not to my taste), I feel let down by Nintendo, especially after all the hype. The best game on the GameCube appears to be Super Monkey Ball, but thatís coming to the PS2 as well so it doesnít really count. Next then is Luigiís Mansion. Iíll deal with graphical standard later, but apart from that this game doesnít seem to be of Nintendo quality. Edge only gave it 8/10, same as they gave to SSX and TimeSplitters. That means itís a very good game but somehow, worse than expected. I agree itís a very novel idea and its come along in leaps and bounds since its E3 incarnation, but it still seems very repetitive, even with differences between rooms aside. Waverace likewise, good but expected more. Now, Zelda. Zelda Zelda Zelda. What can I say about Zelda? Ooh, well. Of course Iíd heard about its cel-shaded makeover and ěcartoonyî look. However, the only screenshots Iíd seen were Upwireís less than clear offerings. They could never prepare me for what I saw in Edge. I thought Fur Fighters was cartoony; this is an interactive loony tune! Donít get me wrong, Iím sure its an excellent game, its just Iím not sure how sensible the new look it is. I know for certain if I had a choice between a 128bit OOT and its current look, Iíd choose the former. I canít see any benefits to this at all; it must only succeed in putting off some gamers, mainly older gamers and particularly PlayStation defectors.
The graphics:
Screen shots on a monitor always look better than print, Iíve always known this. Seeing as Iíve only ever seen GC screenshots from the Internet and PS2 shots from magazines, I thought that currently the graphical standard of the GC was higher than the PS2, for now. Of course, graphics donít make games, but what I say in Edge was quote surprising. I can now honestly make a comparison between GC and PS2 graphics: Theyíre the same. Iíve seen absolutely nothing that hasnít already been equalled on the PS2, and that includes Resident Evil. Think about it: This latest incarnation features the same pre-rendered backgrounds of the original. Theyíve obviously got some sort of shadow map on them but nevertheless theyíre still static. Therefore, the GCís capacity of 6-12 million polys minus lighting is being focused almost entirely on character models so naturally it looks stunning. Although it is without a doubt the best looking game Iíve ever seen itís not technically brilliant and nothing that the PS2 or Xbox are incapable of. Other games Iíve seen are Luigiís Mansion and Pikmin, which both feature decent character models and nice textures, but not fantastic lighting effects. Monkey Ball likewise, SMB:M I havenít seen and Waverace I have to see in action.
My reaction:
As you know Iíve been a bit sceptical of the GameCube. Iíve always been unimpressed and Iím still unimpressed. Nothingís changed really. Iím not saying itís not good, it just doesnít hold the same wow factor the PS2 has for me. Iíve never liked (most of) Nintendoís games and from future prospects I doubt I ever will. I can see how it will appeal to some but not to me. In my eyes, Nintendo have completely the wrong attitude, but then people have said the same of the PS2. I guess, as always, itís down to personal preference. If a Ninty and a Sonyphile both said "My console's better than yours" they'd both be right because from both their points of view, both their consoles are better.
And with that, Iíll finish.
The games:
I have to say, although they may sound good (although not to my taste), I feel let down by Nintendo, especially after all the hype. The best game on the GameCube appears to be Super Monkey Ball, but thatís coming to the PS2 as well so it doesnít really count. Next then is Luigiís Mansion. Iíll deal with graphical standard later, but apart from that this game doesnít seem to be of Nintendo quality. Edge only gave it 8/10, same as they gave to SSX and TimeSplitters. That means itís a very good game but somehow, worse than expected. I agree itís a very novel idea and its come along in leaps and bounds since its E3 incarnation, but it still seems very repetitive, even with differences between rooms aside. Waverace likewise, good but expected more. Now, Zelda. Zelda Zelda Zelda. What can I say about Zelda? Ooh, well. Of course Iíd heard about its cel-shaded makeover and ěcartoonyî look. However, the only screenshots Iíd seen were Upwireís less than clear offerings. They could never prepare me for what I saw in Edge. I thought Fur Fighters was cartoony; this is an interactive loony tune! Donít get me wrong, Iím sure its an excellent game, its just Iím not sure how sensible the new look it is. I know for certain if I had a choice between a 128bit OOT and its current look, Iíd choose the former. I canít see any benefits to this at all; it must only succeed in putting off some gamers, mainly older gamers and particularly PlayStation defectors.
The graphics:
Screen shots on a monitor always look better than print, Iíve always known this. Seeing as Iíve only ever seen GC screenshots from the Internet and PS2 shots from magazines, I thought that currently the graphical standard of the GC was higher than the PS2, for now. Of course, graphics donít make games, but what I say in Edge was quote surprising. I can now honestly make a comparison between GC and PS2 graphics: Theyíre the same. Iíve seen absolutely nothing that hasnít already been equalled on the PS2, and that includes Resident Evil. Think about it: This latest incarnation features the same pre-rendered backgrounds of the original. Theyíve obviously got some sort of shadow map on them but nevertheless theyíre still static. Therefore, the GCís capacity of 6-12 million polys minus lighting is being focused almost entirely on character models so naturally it looks stunning. Although it is without a doubt the best looking game Iíve ever seen itís not technically brilliant and nothing that the PS2 or Xbox are incapable of. Other games Iíve seen are Luigiís Mansion and Pikmin, which both feature decent character models and nice textures, but not fantastic lighting effects. Monkey Ball likewise, SMB:M I havenít seen and Waverace I have to see in action.
My reaction:
As you know Iíve been a bit sceptical of the GameCube. Iíve always been unimpressed and Iím still unimpressed. Nothingís changed really. Iím not saying itís not good, it just doesnít hold the same wow factor the PS2 has for me. Iíve never liked (most of) Nintendoís games and from future prospects I doubt I ever will. I can see how it will appeal to some but not to me. In my eyes, Nintendo have completely the wrong attitude, but then people have said the same of the PS2. I guess, as always, itís down to personal preference. If a Ninty and a Sonyphile both said "My console's better than yours" they'd both be right because from both their points of view, both their consoles are better.
And with that, Iíll finish.
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Turbonutter wrote:
> But don't forget, the graphics won't get much better than they are now, at least
> not as much as the PS2 is going to get. Put it this way: The GamCube's graphics
> may get, say, 15% better. However, the PS2 will get maybe 60% better as
> developers learn how to unlock its full potential.
The GameCube development kits use a renderer simular to openGL. It is easy to work for because the developer could just say 'when mario hit by projectile 33 use motion blur' but they can also go in deep if they want to unlock a full potencial, much greater than the PS2!
The GameCube will be easy for 3rd party begining companys but companys like RARE will be able to go right down to the roots of the GameCube and unlock the door!
LONG LIVE GAMECUBE!
> But don't forget, the graphics won't get much better than they are now, at least
> not as much as the PS2 is going to get. Put it this way: The GamCube's graphics
> may get, say, 15% better. However, the PS2 will get maybe 60% better as
> developers learn how to unlock its full potential.
The GameCube development kits use a renderer simular to openGL. It is easy to work for because the developer could just say 'when mario hit by projectile 33 use motion blur' but they can also go in deep if they want to unlock a full potencial, much greater than the PS2!
The GameCube will be easy for 3rd party begining companys but companys like RARE will be able to go right down to the roots of the GameCube and unlock the door!
LONG LIVE GAMECUBE!
erm not beinbg funny but you should be comparing the early nintendo games with the EARLY ps2 games. Because it is the early games where developers are only just getting to grips with the power. Secondly you cannot compare screenshots you have to compare rolling screen movies. And finally if you want proof of the ps2's inferior technology...A leading Sony geezer told the FT that due to Xbox and GC having superior technology, the ps3 might be released within the next 2 years in order to compete. Game Over PS2.
Ive played all three consoles GameCube, Xbox and PS2.
To be fair the Xbox pad is way to awkward to use and the Gamecubes pad is great in comparison. Its a bit of a cross between the N64 and normal Playstation pad, which is a good thing.
Unfortunately the games available arent anything special on either system, the Xbox is PC port central and the GAmeCube has yet to reach its potential.
The only thing that the X box has going for it is Piracy. As its PC based Pirates will have no trouble getting around its inner workings (after all its Microsoft code!). As for its DVD player, well that counts for nothing in America where a DVD stand alone unit can be bought for $88 at Wallmart. Meaning a GameCube and a DVD player brought separately is cheaper than the Xbox.
Ultimately no system yet is clearly the winner.
In conclusion the race will be tight in the US, but seeing that the price of the PS2 is the same in the US as the UK I would recommend UK game enthusiasts to buy Sony now.
Theres little point waiting six months for the Xbox or GameCube when your only going to be charged more than the Americans are paying for these machines that theyre getting in the next 2 weeks.
Buy Sony, Buy the PS2
New Jimmy, reporting from the USA
To be fair the Xbox pad is way to awkward to use and the Gamecubes pad is great in comparison. Its a bit of a cross between the N64 and normal Playstation pad, which is a good thing.
Unfortunately the games available arent anything special on either system, the Xbox is PC port central and the GAmeCube has yet to reach its potential.
The only thing that the X box has going for it is Piracy. As its PC based Pirates will have no trouble getting around its inner workings (after all its Microsoft code!). As for its DVD player, well that counts for nothing in America where a DVD stand alone unit can be bought for $88 at Wallmart. Meaning a GameCube and a DVD player brought separately is cheaper than the Xbox.
Ultimately no system yet is clearly the winner.
In conclusion the race will be tight in the US, but seeing that the price of the PS2 is the same in the US as the UK I would recommend UK game enthusiasts to buy Sony now.
Theres little point waiting six months for the Xbox or GameCube when your only going to be charged more than the Americans are paying for these machines that theyre getting in the next 2 weeks.
Buy Sony, Buy the PS2
New Jimmy, reporting from the USA
Mr Nutter go back 2 GAD wins to mine and read the post admittedly Luigi's mansio although novel and fun was only squeezed in between projects so what ya expect Smash Brothers and Pikmin coming out in japan about now will change all that as they will both storm the charts.
As for Zelda why cartoony well unlike a certain rival company keeping it the same just so it will sell isn't on nintendo's agenda no sir e bob it will defiantly make a refershing and original experience a brand new zelda experience which shigsy loves to acchieve.
As for Zelda why cartoony well unlike a certain rival company keeping it the same just so it will sell isn't on nintendo's agenda no sir e bob it will defiantly make a refershing and original experience a brand new zelda experience which shigsy loves to acchieve.
Shocktrooper wrote:
> On the subject of processors, I know the GameCube is faster, or more powerful
> with something like 405 mhz compared to PS2s 360 mhz,
Nah you've got it slightly wrong there, Gamecube is higher at '485 mhz'. But not to worry though.
Congrats Turbonutter on the win!
> On the subject of processors, I know the GameCube is faster, or more powerful
> with something like 405 mhz compared to PS2s 360 mhz,
Nah you've got it slightly wrong there, Gamecube is higher at '485 mhz'. But not to worry though.
Congrats Turbonutter on the win!
>it's just GT2 with nicer graphics...
Sonic
Gah, I really can't be bothered to argue with this totally untrue statement, mainly because I've had to so many times before.
And I completely agree with TBN, which doesn't really make much of a change. {:) Congrats on the win mate.
Sonic
Gah, I really can't be bothered to argue with this totally untrue statement, mainly because I've had to so many times before.
And I completely agree with TBN, which doesn't really make much of a change. {:) Congrats on the win mate.
ExG3 is more advanced on the GameCube, partly because it's a longer development schedule, but mostly because it's obvious can't be bothered to get 4 player out of the PS2. If games like DOA2, Quake 3, TimeSplitters, etc... can manage it, I'm certain ExG3 can do too.
Sonic, many many games on the PS2 have got 8 from Edge.
On the subject of processors, I know the GameCube is faster, or more powerful with something like 405 mhz compared to PS2s 360 mhz, which is why some games are slightly more advanced on the GameCube than they would be on the PS2. Take Extreme G3 for example. 4 player option on the GC - only 2 players on the PS2.
Anywho, to clear this polygon per second stuff that Wookie was waffling on about and filling your minds with false information. Nintendo were being truthful when it came down to releasing info on their console's specs when they said that it could do from 6 - 12 million a sec. The PS2 could supposedly do about 60 million. This is where it's not entirely accurate. The PS2 can't in fact to that, well, not yet, anyway. 60 million it could do with NO textures, lighting effects, background - anything in fact; only, when all these in-game effects ARE added - the polygon per second figure drops dramatically to about 12 million polygons per second. It's the same with the X-box. Apparantly, it can do about 120 million, when actually, in-game it does about 15 million; still faster, but not entirely accurate figures. So what I'm saying is that Nintendo were being honest when they said the GameCube could do 6-12, they could of easily said 60 million per second, too! S
Sorry about all that blabbering, but it is the truth. I'm sure one day the PS2 could get up to 60 million ploygons per second - but for now, those figures were and still are extremely misleading.
Good-old honest Nintendo, ay? :D
SHOCKY
Anywho, to clear this polygon per second stuff that Wookie was waffling on about and filling your minds with false information. Nintendo were being truthful when it came down to releasing info on their console's specs when they said that it could do from 6 - 12 million a sec. The PS2 could supposedly do about 60 million. This is where it's not entirely accurate. The PS2 can't in fact to that, well, not yet, anyway. 60 million it could do with NO textures, lighting effects, background - anything in fact; only, when all these in-game effects ARE added - the polygon per second figure drops dramatically to about 12 million polygons per second. It's the same with the X-box. Apparantly, it can do about 120 million, when actually, in-game it does about 15 million; still faster, but not entirely accurate figures. So what I'm saying is that Nintendo were being honest when they said the GameCube could do 6-12, they could of easily said 60 million per second, too! S
Sorry about all that blabbering, but it is the truth. I'm sure one day the PS2 could get up to 60 million ploygons per second - but for now, those figures were and still are extremely misleading.
Good-old honest Nintendo, ay? :D
SHOCKY
I think you may have mistaken Edge's reviewing system...
10/10 is almost never given. This is a near perfect game that breaks through the barriers of the genre, and sets a new, original and innovative benchmark in the gaming scene.
9/10 is still a must have. Although the game is not perfect (well, how many are?), it's still a definate must have for anyone with the console.
So, 8/10 is still extremely high. Not a killer app, but still extremely high quality none-the-less. Did anyone really think Super Monkey Ball- what is essentially a puzzle game- would get any more than this? After all, it's got a score higher than any other puzzle game that I can remember edge reviewing.
Oh, and for those of you interested, 5/10 is a perfectly average game... it has nothing wrong with it, but adds nothing new to already bought and played game ideas.... which is why GT3 got a 6/10... it's just GT2 with nicer graphics...
Sonic
10/10 is almost never given. This is a near perfect game that breaks through the barriers of the genre, and sets a new, original and innovative benchmark in the gaming scene.
9/10 is still a must have. Although the game is not perfect (well, how many are?), it's still a definate must have for anyone with the console.
So, 8/10 is still extremely high. Not a killer app, but still extremely high quality none-the-less. Did anyone really think Super Monkey Ball- what is essentially a puzzle game- would get any more than this? After all, it's got a score higher than any other puzzle game that I can remember edge reviewing.
Oh, and for those of you interested, 5/10 is a perfectly average game... it has nothing wrong with it, but adds nothing new to already bought and played game ideas.... which is why GT3 got a 6/10... it's just GT2 with nicer graphics...
Sonic
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