Nintendo had big hopes and dreams, and even aspirations to take over the video game industry when they introduced the Nintendo Gamecube console to the world. Skeptics predicted that system's failure, and the departure of Nintendo's long time rival Sega from the hardware industry, things weren't looking too good. This console debuted at $200 and was cheaper than the other two that shared the market. Nintendo had more than enough excellent games in the pipeline, and it really felt like they had realized and fixed all the problems with their previous console; the Nintendo 64. So what exactly happened then that would allow a newcomer to the biz; Microsoft snatch up so much market share from not so humble Nintendo? Do Nintendo's mistakes make this a console that's not even worth owning, in all it's $99 glory? Well that's exactly what I'm here to tell you, so read on.

The Events Leading Up To Today
It's no surprise that when Nintendo showed everyone that their purple little cube with Luigi running around vacuuming up ghosts that there was good reason to be skeptical. Nintendo hurt themselves further by proving that this was the generation where they would experiment. This would be all good and well, but the test subjects were none other than Mario and Zelda. The latter came out in all cel shaded glory despite fans hammering for a darker and more mature tale. Mario was introduced to this generation with a water jet pack on his back, and a more colorful and appealing to children visual style. It was clear that the madness was far from ending when they showed absolutely no support for online gaming. This was the very thing that Microsoft was boasting with their Xbox console, and I truly believe that this was exactly what put the Gamecube under.

That's not to say that Nintendo hasn't gotten their smarts back, but it's pretty late in this generation. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is a perfect example of Nintendo finally realizing what gamers want, and delivering it to them. This stands as my most anticipated game right now, and with good reason. This really is a showcase to Nintendo wising up to the changing industry, and with it comes their chance to redeem themselves to those who already own the Gamecube and to persuade any of those last minute on the fence sorta people to finally embrace the cube into their collection. There's already plenty of reason actually, especially considering the upcoming Nintendo Revolution console which will likely end Nintendo's tradition of standard console releases.

What Comes In The Box:

• Nintendo Gamecube Console

• Nintendo Gamecube Controller

• A/V And Power Cables

The System
The first thing you'll notice about the Gamecube is how small and cubicular it is. On top of the console is the disc lid which is lifted by the press of a button. Inside of this is where the small discs are placed, but the console will only load a game if this tray is closed. On front of the console are the four controller ports and two memory card slots which are pretty self explanatory, while the side of the console features the vents which should not be covered. The back of the console is where most people are instantly turned off, because of the featured handle. This has now become quite infamous and hated, but personally I think it's a decent enough feature.

The bottom of the console features both a slot for an optional modem, and a place to plug in the Gameboy Player. The modem is self explanatory, but the GB Player is something unique. Remember the Super Gameboy cartridge that you could use to play Gameboy games on your Super Nintendo? Well this is pretty much the same thing, but it allows you to play Gameboy Advance games instead. This is definitely a cool peripheral to own especially if you still don't own a Gameboy Advance, DS, or SP. It's even great if you just want to be able to play GBA games on your television with the Gamecube controller. This is one of the smart things that Nintendo has done with the console.

One of the not so smart things Nintendo did comes in the form of connectivity. The company seemingly refused to believe that it was nothing short of revolutionary, and that gamers would prefer it to an actual online experience. The connectivity is between the Gamecube and Gameboy Advance, and comes in the form of pluggin the handheld into the console and allowing the two to communicate with each other. In the beginning it sounded like a really cool idea, but it wasn't until Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles and The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures came out that it was used in a fun way.

The Gamecube's Specs
This is from the original preview that I wrote and so I decided to leave it as one of the few untouched pieces of writing in this review:

Polygon Power: 6 to 12 million polygons per second
Main Clock Speed: 485MHz
Memory: 24MB of 1T-SRAM (main), 16MB of 81MHz DRAM (main), and 3MB of embedded 1T-SRAM in the graphics chip
Memory Bus Bandwidth: 2.6 GB/s (Gigabytes per second)

I don't know if those numbers mean anything to you, but I can't explain it because I know too little about everything when it comes to the specs. These Specs, while pretty high, are about equal to the PlayStation 2, while not nearly as high as the Xbox. But developers find these numbers to be very good, as many companies have even said that there is a quite a bit of power inside this small cube.

The Controller
I'll say it right now; The Gamecube's controller is the best from this generation. The controller itself is set up most similarly to the original Playstation's, with two sides, grooved handles and four face buttons. Stepping outside of this design will reveal three shoulder buttons, a second joystick and a misplaced D-pad. Out of the current generation the Gamecube's joystick is the only one that actually feels sturdy and is not placed in an ever so slightly awkward position.

Nintendo also released a completely wireless controller for their console known as the Wavebird. This little baby has a very good range and doesn't stutter from even across the room. The only real downsize is the fact that it runs off batteries, but that's really a small price to pay to completely nix wires.

Online Gaming Or Lack Thereof
Nintendo and online gaming seem to be a perfect match, as they set to prove with their Nintendo DS handheld and upcoming Revolution console. The big problem here is the fact that it wasn't until just recently that they decided online gaming was worth it at all. I had huge hopes when I heard that Nintendo was releasing a modem for use with the Gamecube, but these were completely shot down when they went years without announcing anything. Sega took the honors and released Phantasy Star Online: Episodes I & II, along with Phantasy Star Online: Episode III C.A.R.D. Revolution for the console, but this was it as far as support. This is another area in which Nintendo is looking to improve for next generation, and I fully expect that they will rock the online world very soon. It's just too bad that Gamecube missed out on the love.

The Nintendo Gamecube's Top Ten Games
It seems very fit that in recommending a console I should list the system's top ten games. This is all a matter of opinion, but here are my picks, and be sure to click on the hyperlinked titles for full reviews of the games in question.

#10. - Soul Caliber II
Namco's star fighting series made it's way into Nintendo fanatics homes with rather warm reception. This is mainly because Namco included Nintendo's own Link as a hidden playable character in the game. As only a casual fan of fighting games I must say that this one just glimmers with quality, and the inclusion of Link makes this the best console release of the game. A must have for any fighting game fan, especially those who love Zelda.

#9. - Resident Evil 4
To be honest I was more than a little annoyed with the Resident Evil remake released for the Gamecube. It just took away a little something from the premise, but Capcom has more than made up for it with the next evolution of Resident Evil. This game takes almost all the suspense out fo the series, but replaces it with extremely fun and arcadey action segments that will have you on your toes. Although I'm hoping that Resident Evil 5 uses more horror elements, I still love 4.

#8. - The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
Remember that whole connectivity thing Nintendo kept pushing but not taking advantage of? Well the best showcase for this feature comes in the form of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures. Not only has this quickly become one of my favorite multi-player games of all time, but it shows the true potential that was behind Nintendo's brainstorming. I had always hoped for a Link to the Past-esque Zelda game that allowed for more than one player, and I feel that I finally got it with this game.

#7. - Phantasy Star Online: Episodes I & II
I was one of the few gamers that went online with the Gamecube and boy was it worth it. I don't mean that sarcastically, by the way. The original Phantasy Star Online for Dreamcast gave me one of my most memorable gaming experiences ever, and so I was more than eager to jump on board with Sonic Team's Gamecube iteration of the game which added more levels and characters to the fold in an ever changing online world. If only Nintendo had gotten with the program.

#6. - Tales of Symphonia
Being an RPG fanatic doesn't go well with owning a Nintendo console. This is why the only smart choice for this situation is to own a PS2 also. Tales of Symphonia is one of the select few RPG offerings released for the system, but it's also one of the best RPGs of this entire generation. This is easily one of the best reasons to make the $99 plunge into a brand new Gamecube.

#5. - Beyond Good and Evil
Nobody was expecting much from this title and it's a real shame that it didn't sell well. Beyond Good and Evil takes a concept similar to Zelda, but adds a more immersive setting with new play mechanics. Indeed this is one of the highlights of what this generation has to offer, and even though it's becoming hard to find in stores you should still be able to get away with spending no more than $20 on this gem. Make the plunge.

#4. - Animal Crossing
Never have I played a game quite like Animal Crossing. It certainly lives up to it's title as a communication game, and also as one of the most addictive games of all time. The name of the game here is life, as you play as a young boy or girl moving to a new town. You must make money to pay off a house debt while making friends, collecting furniture, and learning the fine art of feng shui. Get this game and just try to pry yourself away.

#3. - Baten Kaitos: Eternal Wings and the Lost Ocean
This is Gamecube's greatest original RPG, and even manages to top the legendary Tales of Symphonia. Though the prospect of a card based RPG may sound lame, Monolith Soft pulls it off with masterful finesse and a great sense of style. It's unique, fun, and will keep you busy for a while. What's not to like? Forget Final Fantasy X, RPGs are more about the Symphonia and Baten Kaitos.

#2. - The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Most were probably expecting this game to score in as the best, but again this is my opinion. 2nd place is certainly not bad, and the Wind Waker deserves every bit of positive reception that it's gotten. Not only does this unique cel shaded style work well with the Zelda universe, but it actually makes it a bit difficult to imagine going back to non-cel-shaded appeal for this series. As the second best Gamecube game thus far released (Twilight Princess may top this arrangement) you'd be stupid not to check this one out.

#1. - Skies of Arcadia Legends
What? A port of a Dreamcast game taking the top honors? It's true that I'm a bit wishy washy when it comes to Skies of Arcadia but the game totally deserves it. Not only would I say that this is the best RPG of this generation, but I'd also go so far as to say that it's one of the best of all time. Skies of Arcadia took gamers where they'd never been before; to a colorful world with carefree characters aboard ships sailing through the vast skies in search of adventure. The title still holds up surprisingly well. I can't stress to you enough how much you need to play this game.

Final Recommmendation
Only the truest of fanboys would not even consider giving the Gamecube a chance in modern times. It's got games of every genre for every kind of person, and is definitely a console worth checking out. I personally rate it as the second best console of this generation, and that's even without The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Recommended: Yes