Matt Keller
30 Nov, 2005
Christmas Buyers Guide - GameCube
GCN Feature | Our recommendations for the GameCube this Christmas.
The GameCube may not be setting the charts on fire, or even have that big a presence at retail, but PALGN recognises that there are still many fans of the purple lunchbox, and thus we've come up with a list of titles that GameCube fans might want to consider picking up this Christmas. While Twilight Princess won't be making the rounds until after April, there's still a few good titles being released on the old Cube. Heck, since the console can be bought so cheaply, why not pick one up for a friend or a relative with a few of the Player's Choice games? Brilliant gaming without denting the wallet.
Resident Evil 4
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: PS2
D: Capcom | P: Capcom
OFLC Rating: MA15+
PALGN REVIEW: 10.0 | BUY NOW: Regular Edition | Limited Edition
The generally hard-assed editorial staff agreed in unison (Almost, anyway - Ed) that Resident Evil 4 was deserving of our first perfect score – a real refreshing change to what was fast becoming a stale series, Resident Evil 4 offers unprecedented levels of control, action and suspense. After surviving the disaster in Raccoon City, Leon S. Kennedy was recruited by a special forces arm of the US government, and assigned to protect the president’s family. Unfortunately, the president’s daughter has been kidnapped by radicals from a southern European village, and it’s up to Leon to get her back.
...
Dancing Stage: Mario Mix
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: NR
D: Konami P: Nintendo
OFLC Rating: G
PALGN REVIEW: NR | BUY NOW: GCN
One of the most popular games in the arcades is Dance Dance Revolution, and Konami and Nintendo have teamed up to bring out a home version of the game featuring music from many of Nintendo’s popular videogames. While DDR veterans will blast through it in a weekend, Mario Mix is a good starting point for DDR beginners to grasp the basics of the game, and develop some rhythm. The game also includes an exercise mode for burning those few extra Christmas calories.
...
LEGO Star Wars
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$69.95 | Also on: PS2, Xbox, PC
D: Traveller’s Tales | P: Eidos
OFLC Rating: G
PALGN REVIEW: 8.0 | BUY NOW: GCN
LEGO Star Wars recreates the most exciting moments of the prequel trilogy of the blockbuster Star Wars films. Go pod racing on Mos Espa, fight in the Clone Wars, fight Darth Maul on Naboo and re-enact Anakin and Obi Wan’s fateful duel on Mustafa. Two players can play co-operatively, so it’s good for more than one child. Once the game is complete, you can replay the entire game using any character you wish, leading to lengthy replay value, which should keep the kids out of your hair for a few extra weeks.
...
Pokemon X.D.: Gale of Darkness
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: NR
D: Genius Sorority | P: Nintendo
OFLC Rating: G
PALGN REVIEW: NR | BUY NOW: GCN
The Pokémon craze has been in full swing for 7 years, and we still haven’t caught ‘em all. Pokémon X.D.: Gale of Darkness is the first fully featured Pokémon RPG for Nintendo GameCube. Following 5 years after the events of Pokémon Colosseum, players take control of a young Pokémon trainer named Michael, who must thwart the evil schemes of the Cipher organisation, who wish to take over the world using Shadow Pokémon. Pokémon X.D.’s lengthy adventure should keep Pokéfans busy for a couple of weeks.
...
From Russia With Love
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$89.95 | Also on: PS2, Xbox
D: EA Los Angeles | P: EA Games
OFLC Rating: M
PALGN REVIEW: NR | BUY NOW: GCN
EA’s James Bond output has been all over the place, from the rather good Nightfire to the despicable Rogue Agent, so hopefully their latest title can bring the goods. Featuring the voice and likeness of Sean Connery as James Bond(albeit just a tad aged since the role), players get to relive the movie that put Bond on the map. All the gadgets, espionage and Bondisms are here, so if you’re a little sick of the campiness of the current James Bond, it might be a little idea to give this one a look.
...
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: NR
D: Intelligent Systems | P: Nintendo
OFLC Rating: M
PALGN Review: NR | BUY NOW: GCN
Fire Emblem’s GameCube debut is a really impressive piece of code, combining the best bits of the Game Boy Advance titles with new and improved graphics and a superb storyline. Fore those who are new to the series, Path of Radiance is an excellent starting point for one of Nintendo’s most illustrious franchises. All of Tellius is torn in a bloody war, and only you have the means to put it to an end. Take command of a band of mercenaries loyal only to you, and guide them to victory against the forces of the Daein kingdom. Test your tactical prowess against mages, monsters and madmen as you command your knights, winged soldiers, pike men, and skin shifters in man-to-man, turn-based combat.
...
Gun
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$49.95 | Also on: PS2, Xbox, PC
D: Neversoft | P: Activision
OFLC Rating: MA15+
PALGN REVIEW: NR | BUY NOW: [url= http://www.gamehead.com.au/product.php?productid=85059&cat=&page=1&partner=palgn]GCN[/url]
Neversoft have stuck closely to Tony Hawk games for the last 6-7 years, and Gun represents their first foray into the genre of the Western. As lone gunman Colton White, a man who’s just lost everything, players get to roam free across Dodge City and participate in high speed horse chases and violent shoot outs. Western fans should take a look, especially since there are not that many other new releases for the GameCube this holiday season.
...
Killer 7
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$79.95 | Also on: PS2
D: Grasshopper Studio | P: Capcom
OFLC Rating: MA15+
PALGN REVIEW: 8.0 | BUY NOW: GCN
Killer 7 isn’t exactly a game for everyone – in fact, we didn’t even know what it was going to be until a few weeks before release. Players take on the role of Harman Smith, a deadly assassin who lives his life as the link between seven very different personalities. Using the abilities of these other assumed identities, Harman tracks down and eliminates people he feels are deserving of death. His latest target; Kun Lan, a man who has just unleashed a wave of evil in the form of Heaven's Smile, a group of violent creatures that ruthlessly kill anything in their path. Not one for the weak of mind or stomach.
...
King Kong
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$99.95 | Also on: PS2, Xbox, PC, PSP, NDS, GBA
D: Ubi Soft | P: Ubi Soft
OFLC Rating: M
PALGN REVIEW: 8.0 | BUY NOW: GCN
The videogame based on famed director Peter Jackson’s version of King Kong promises to deliver unprecedented atmosphere and a level of quality never seem before from movie tie ins. Take control over Jack Driscoll and the great ape himself through the key points of the movie. King Kong is also chock full of extras, including exclusive interviews with Peter Jackson and the cast of the film.
...
Stocking Stuffers:
Super Mario Sunshine
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$49.95 | Also on: NR
D: Nintendo EAD | P: Nintendo
OFLC Rating: G
PALGN Review: NR
There’s been plenty of Mario releases in the last couple of years, but none of them come close to the brilliance of Super Mario Sunshine. Sure, it wasn’t a mind-blowing revolution of graphics and gameplay like Super Mario 64, but the important thing is that Sunshine is fun to play. Many readers and their families are likely to already have a copy of the game, but if you know any Mario fans who don’t, do them a favour and track it down for them. Unfortunately, due to the retail climate surrounding the GameCube, we’ve been unable to source online purchase links for Super Mario Sunshine, but it can still be found on shelves at many brick & mortar stores.
...
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$49.95 | Also on: NR
D: Nintendo EAD | P: Nintendo
OFLC Rating: G
PALGN REVIEW: 9.5
The mouths of the collective Nintendo fanbase dropped when The Wind Waker was first unveiled at Spaceworld 2001, given the video shown just a year earlier. However, when The Wind Waker was released, all scepticism was immediately discarded, and fans got to enjoy one of the most atmospheric Zelda titles to date. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a lengthy adventure this holiday season. Unfortunately, due to the retail climate surrounding the GameCube, we’ve been unable to source online purchase links for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, but it can still be found on shelves at many brick & mortar stores.
...
Super Smash Brothers Melee
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$49.95 | Also on: NR
D: HAL Labs | P: Nintendo
OFLC Rating: G8
PALGN REVIEW: 9.0
Take any one of your favourite Nintendo franchise characters and go head to head against three friends in what may well be the best multiplayer game on the GameCube, if not any console. There’s over 250 trophies to unlock, as well as secret characters and levels – combine this with the fact it’ll be a multiplayer mainstay for years to come, Super Smash Brothers Melee is one title that every GameCube owner must have. Unfortunately, due to the retail climate surrounding the GameCube, we’ve been unable to source online purchase links for Super Smash Bros. Melee, but it can still be found on shelves at many brick & mortar stores.
...
Metroid Prime
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$49.95 | Also on: NR
D: Retro Studios | P: Nintendo
OFLC Rating: M
PALGN REVIEW: 9.5
After staying stagnant for 9 years, Nintendo’s Metroid franchise blasted back to the forefront of the gaming consciousness with the one-two combo of Prime and Fusion. Many fans were sceptical when untested developer Retro Studios was handed Samus, but under the tutelage of Shigeru Miyamoto, the new studio turned out the one of the most atmospheric first person shooters we’ve seen on a console. Unfortunately, due to the retail climate surrounding the GameCube, we’ve been unable to source online purchase links for Metroid Prime, but it can still be found on shelves at many brick & mortar stores.
...
Animal Crossing
Release Date: Out Now
RRP:$49.95 | Also on: NR
D: Nintendo EAD | P: Nintendo EAD
OFLC Rating: G
PALGN REVIEW: 7.5 | BUY NOW: GCN
Though profoundly Japanese in its style and execution, Animal Crossing offers an experiencing that is a relaxing break from the shooting, racing and platforming other games offer. After starting your new life (and racking up a large debt with Tom Nook), players will be able to interact with their village’s many inhabitants, making new friends (or possibly enemies), looking for treasure (including a selection of NES titles), fishing and much more. Animal Crossing is best enjoyed with family, as up to four people can create characters in a single village – you’ll be able to leave notes and presents for each other, and work together to make a town worth calling home.
...
Related Articles:
Loading...
