Resident Evil 3: Nemesis

Resident Evil 3: Nemesis Review

This is the next terrifying chapter in the Resident Evil series. You will join Jill Valentine in her attempt to escape a nightmarish city in ruins. You must help her flee from hordes of flesh-eating zombies, hideous mutants, and a relentless new nemesis. You’ll soon discover you must rely on cunning and brute force to stay alive. The game features challenging enemies that come back to life at any time, and a plot that reveals more details of Umbrella Corporation's devious activities.

Gamecube Console Black

Gamecube Console Black Review

Gamecube Console Black Feature

• The 485MHz processor makes loading & starting the games faster than ever -- no more long load times
• The processor creates 6 to 12 million ploygons per second -- no more slowdowns in the middle of the game
• Supports instructions for incredible effects -- your games will be brighter, faster, and more dramatic
• External bandwidth of 3.2GB/sec, for really fast gameplay
• It also includes 64 sound channels -- you'll feel like you're in the game, with the top-quality audio

Though it looks like a toy, don't be fooled: the Nintendo GameCube is a powerful video game console that rightly deserves its place among the other next-generation game systems. In fact, its playful, appealing design and small size (the unit is a not-quite-cubed 6 inches) aren't the only features that set it apart from the others.

For starters, Nintendo has quite clearly made this a game-only machine. It doesn't try to play your CD collection, run your movies, read your e-mail, or store your MP3 files. The company has concentrated its efforts on games. All the prelaunch titles we've seen play smoothly, with bright, fast graphics and great sound. Nintendo says its engineers have removed traditional bottlenecks that have, in the past, slowed down processing. New components designed by IBM and MoSys, as well as a large-capacity secondary memory cache, keep instructions moving through the system's microprocessor (MPU) at peak levels. In English: the GameCube is optimized to push speed up while pushing costs down; hence its position at the lower end of the price spectrum.

The GameCube is the first Nintendo video game system to use a disc-based medium rather than cartridges for its games. Moving the software to disc media generally means lower development costs for the publishers, which, in turn, trickles down to the consumer not only in price, but also in availability and quality, as it's then easier to try out untested game ideas (Pikmin, anyone?). While most other systems likewise have their games stored on discs, the GameCube's 3-inch format is smaller than everyone else's, and is so designed to fit in a shirt pocket as much as to deter would-be software pirates.

Of course, the main advantage of the GameCube is that it's the home field of one of the world's premier game designers: Nintendo. While powerhouses Electronic Arts and Sega make games for all systems (including this one), you can play Nintendo games only on a Nintendo system. And Nintendo, you might recall, has been hitting them out of the park since it started with Donkey Kong. In fact, here's a roll call of characters and series you won't find on the other consoles: Mario, Legend of Zelda, Perfect Dark, Metroid, Kirby, and, of course, Pokémon. A few names that the GameCube will share with the other guys: Madden, Tony Hawk, Sonic, Batman, and Star Wars.

The system also comes with four built-in controller ports, so you can easily plug in extra controllers and let friends join in for the multiplayer games--it's even got a built-in handle so you can easily move it to a friend's house. It comes with two memory card slots for saving your progress through games, and there's the capacity for future expansion into the world of online gaming.

In short, the GameCube isn't an all-in-one entertainment system, and neither is it the most powerful of the modern video game consoles. But for video game enthusiasts who want to stick with their favorite characters, its value cannot be beat. --Porter B. Hall

Unit Specifications

• MPU (Microprocessor Unit): 485 MHz custom IBM PowerPC Gekko
• Graphics Processor: 162 MHz custom ATI/Nintendo Flipper
• Texture-Read Bandwidth: 10.4 GB per second (peak)
• Main Memory Bandwidth: 2.6 GB per second (peak)
• Pixel Depth: 24-bit color, 24-bit Z buffer
• Sound Processor: 81 MHz custom Macronix 16-bit DSP
• Sound Performance: 64 simultaneous channels, ADPCM encoding
• Polygon Performance: 6 to 12 million polygons per second (peak)
• System Memory: 40 MB
• Main Memory: 24 MB MoSys 1T-SRAM
• Disc Drive: 128 ms CAV (Constant Angular Velocity) system
• Data Transfer Speed: 16 Mbps to 25 Mbps
• Media: 3-inch, 1.5 GB capacity disc
• Controller Ports: Four
• Memory Card Slots: Two
• Audio-Video Output: Analog and digital
• Dimensions: 4.3 by 5.9 by 6.3 inches (height by width by depth)

The GameCube is the first Nintendo video game system to use a disc-based medium rather than cartridges for its games. Moving the software to disc media generally means lower development costs for the publishers, which, in turn, trickles down to the consumer not only in price, but also in availability and quality, as it's then easier to try out untested game ideas (Pikmin). While most other systems likewise have their games stored on discs, the GameCube's 3-inch format is smaller than everyone else's, and is so designed to fit in a shirt pocket as much as to deter would-be software pirates.

The Sims

The Sims Review

The Sims Feature

• Start out with just one Sim, living in a shack. Help him advance through life's important moments and make a better life for himself
• Meet and interact with neighbors, flirt with attractive members of the opposite sex, and move into bigger houses
• Explore a fully interactive 3D world as you try to get love and money
• Meet and interact with a wide variety of new characters found only on the GameCube version of the game
• Play with a friend as you play Two-player Sims -- each person controls their own Character in split-screen mode

The Sims has much in common with Tony Hawk's Pro Skater: There's a great emphasis trial and error, it encourages personalized solutions to problems, and overall success comes down to both balance and timing. Also, like the Tony Hawk games, The Sims is a very addictive game.

Players micromanage the lives of a family of virtual people and influence the outcome of their lives, be it success or something akin to a nervous breakdown. The bestselling PC version of the game has, in recent years, been upgraded with elements like parties, pets, and vacations, but this iteration is closer to the basic formula.

You start the game living with Mom in a one-story suburban house. You are immediately presented with certain life tasks, such as fixing the TV and making lunch, which are aligned with the skills you'll need for the game's main challenge--keeping your sims in balance on eight conflicting categories. For example, eating will have an impact on your sim's hunger rating, but it will also impact his bladder rating. You'll have to make sure that he keeps himself and the house clean, that he sleeps to restore his energy, and that he also has time to keep himself entertained. The free will option lets your sims coast a bit, and you can also save time by stacking tasks together. Time passes at the rate of about one minute per second in the game, but you can fast-forward sim time when you need to, such as when they're sleeping.

The controls are justifiably complex, but adjusting to them is not difficult. You see your sims from an overhead perspective that you can both rotate and zoom. You direct their actions by moving a line cursor to where you want them to go or to what object or person with which you want them to interact.

The game is surprisingly funny. Neglect your sims and they'll shout and wave their arms to get your attention. Allow one's energy to get too low and he or she will likely collapse and sleep right where they were standing. When that happens, Mom is likely to serve them dinner on the floor.

Gamers may find that it takes a while to get the hang of The Sims' style and control scheme. Stick with it and you may find real time fast-forwarding by. --Porter B. Hall --The text of this review refers to the PlayStation2 version of the game.

Pros:

• Interesting, open-ended gameplay
• Lots of quirky humor
• Two-player split-screen option

Cons:

• Can be frustrating for those unfamiliar with strategy games
• Controls take some getting used to
• Long save times

The Sims is one of the world's most popular PC games, and now it's coming to your GameCube! Customize your Sim's appearance to a new level of detail

Super Smash Bros Melee

Super Smash Bros Melee Review

Super Smash Bros Melee Feature

• It features a whole new set of characters, and some hidden ones for you to unlock
• Create your own matches in the new Tournament Mode
• New AI and smoother animation makes for a better game
• Buy trophies of classic Nintendo characters such as Pit & Mach Rider
• One to four players

Normally, Nintendo contract players such as Mario, Pikachu, Link, Donkey Kong, Bowser, and Kirby are generally happy and well-mannered, but in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the pleasantries get thrown out and the gloves (except for Mario's) come off. This update of the N64 favorite features these and other video game icons in furious, yet utterly absurd fisticuffs that usually make for a smashing good time. Just make sure you have at least one human opponent to pound on.

Starting off with 14 characters (an additional 11 are waiting to be unlocked), the game has a pretty standard premise--let Nintendo's stars beat on each other until the timer runs out. However, a lot of emphasis is put on knocking opponents off ledges while avoiding the same fate. In typical Nintendo manner, there are quite a few power-ups to assist you in the melee. The actual combat isn't as intricate as in other fighting games; however, the ultra-cartoony layout of the many, many arenas sometimes adds a strategic element not usually found in similar titles.

Super Smash Bros. Melee's strength lays in the mayhem created in four-player fights. The camera does an excellent job of positioning itself so all combatants are constantly visible. Also, Melee sports some of the best visuals seen in a Nintendo product. All the characters are highly detailed, and the movements of each are smoothly infused with personality. Donkey Kong lumbers and Princess Peach fights with grace.

As the multiplayer mode is the key reason for this game's existence, the single-player mode is decidedly weak. The game features an adventure mode that plays somewhat like an old-school, side-scrolling Mario game. Sadly, despite its good looks, its gameplay is rather uninspired. This game is clearly at its best when there are two or more players with controllers in their hands. --Mark Brooks

Pros:

• Fantastic graphics and sound keep the action upbeat
• Many new characters and other goodies to unlock

Cons:

• Single-player experience is comparatively weak
• Too cute for a few folks
• Adventure mode is boring

Super Smash Brothers Melee is a great fighting game where you put your favorite Nintendo characters against each other, to find out who's the toughest of them all!

256MB Memory Card compatible for Wii & Gamecube - SHIP INTERNATIONAL

256MB Memory Card compatible for Wii & Gamecube - SHIP INTERNATIONAL Review

256MB Memory Card compatible for Wii & Gamecube - SHIP INTERNATIONAL Feature

• 256MB Memory Card for Nintendo Wii Game System Console
• Save your Gamecube games
• Easy to use.
• Low battery consumption
• Memory: 256MB

Compatible with: NINTENDO Wii & Gamecube Package Contents: (ALL BRAND NEW) 1 x 256MB Memory Card for Nintendo Wii

Freestyle Street Soccer

Freestyle Street Soccer Review

Freestyle Street Soccer Feature

• 1- 4 Players
• First-ever arcade street soccer video game!

From the back cover Freestyle Street Soccer takes the sport back to its roots with teams competing against their rival for the right to be crowned Kings of the Streets. Build your own team amd make them a force to be reconed with, ready to annihilate all commers.

Gamecube Controller Grey (3rd Party)

Gamecube Controller Grey (3rd Party) Review

Gamecube Controller Grey (3rd Party) Feature

• Controller Compatible For Gamecube
• Analog Style C-Stick with Steel Shaft
• Eight Way Digital D-Pad
• Z" Button
• Singer Motor for Vibration Feedback

This GameCube Controller provide the crucial connection between the player and the game. Two analog Control Sticks, a built-in rumble feature and flawless ergonomic design ensure that the Controller feels and plays perfectly. Features include dual analog joysticks, fully analog pressure-sensitive action buttons and D-pad. Works exactly the same as the original Nintendo Gamecube Controller Analog Style C-Stick with Steel Shaft "Z" Button 4 Fire Buttons Eight Way Digital D-Pad Singer Motor for Vibration Feedback Rumble "On/Off" Feature Two Analog L/R Shoulder Buttons Color: Black Controllers Third party product, not made by Nintendo

Super Mario Sunshine

Super Mario Sunshine Review

Super Mario Sunshine Feature

• Play as Mario and use your water cannon to clean the graffiti and fight back against angry villagers
• Climb walls, run across rooftops, and jump like never before as you wash off the scribbles on walls, floors and even the ground
• Explore the massive island setting, completing tasks, and getting clues
• Collect the gold coins and new Sunshine Coins to finish the level and build up the points you need to unlock new levels
• Then get to the bottom of the mystery and find out who's been impersonating Mario!

Six years. Six long years we’ve had to wait for a new Mario game, and finally it’s here. And even considering the ridiculously unfair expectations, Super Mario Sunshine is almost entirely as good as you’d hope and expect.

The premise of the game is that Mario’s tropical holiday is ruined when he’s stitched up by an evil look-alike for daubing graffiti all over the island. Rather conveniently, there’s a water pump waiting for him to use, which not only washes away the mess but also doubles as a handy jet pack. The jet pack aspect means that whenever you fall off something you have the chance to immediately recover. This built-in safety net means the game can afford to be far more ambitious in its level design than ever before, with massive levels filled with trampolines, tightropes, water-powered windmills, huge coral reefs, and mountains and mountains of platforms.

The whole thing looks amazing, too, with the most realistic water ever seen in a video game, and a near-infinite draw distance. On top of all this are rideable, fruit-juice-spewing Yoshis, extra water nozzles, super-hardcore platform levels where Shadow Mario nicks your jet pack, and goop-generating bosses who seem to live to make Princess Peach’s laundry a nightmare.

After the sweet but rather short pleasures of Luigi’s Mansion and Pikmin, you need have no fear that Mario Sunshine is of a similarly brief nature. There are a total of 120 shines to collect--the same number of stars as in Super Mario 64--and the game world is at least as large and far more interactive. This is without question the best game on the GameCube yet. That may be no more than you'd expect from a Mario game, but it's certainly more than most of us mere mortals deserve. --David Jenkins Super Mario Sunshine takes Mario and Peach to beautiful Sunshine Island, for a much-needed vacation -- until a graffiti artist dressed like Mario goes around vandalizing the place!

Madcatz MCV5604 Gamecube Rf Adapter

Madcatz MCV5604 Gamecube Rf Adapter Review

Madcatz MCV5604 Gamecube Rf Adapter Feature

• Easily connect TV & GameCube
• Automatically switch between TV & game system

Easily connect TV & GameCube. Automatically switch between TV & game system