Game Cube, worth buying?

[Franco]

Im thinking about getting a game cube as they seem very cheap now. I have never played on one though, would it be worth buying one? Are there any games I should look out for?

[SNAAKE]

just get a wii. plays wii AND gamecube games. gamecube itself is pretty good too..it has some good/exclusive games.

[somunny]

just get a wii. plays wii AND gamecube games. gamecube itself is pretty good too..it has some good/exclusive games.

Very true.  I'd get rid of my GC if I didn't love the GBA Player so much. 

[Akuma]

Even though I got a Wii, I got myself one of those pearl white special edition cubes lately. Why? Because of the Gameboy Player. As I prefer 2D over 3D, playing the GBA titles on the TV has much flair of this good old 16-Bit era. Sadly new GBA titles seem to get sold out now, but there are still some to get. My latest addition was Metroid Zero Mission (because of the Mother Brain project by Soda Popinski) and it rocks!

When looking at original Gamecube games the most prominent ones are Resident Evil (the remake) and Zero. Both are cube exclusive and even though they are some years old, the graphics are just awsome. Especially the remake of RE1. I play those on the cube and not on the Wii. Why? Because I am a bloody cheap action replay using cheater. Nintendo seems to have disabled the possibility to use the Gamecube AR on the Wii after the last firmware update - therefore I have to use the gamecube. : )

[shmokes]

If a Wii is possible, well, of course get the Wii.  And if you get a Wii, of course do not get a Gamecube.  But if you're looking at it only because it's so cheap, absolutely pick up a Gamecube.  Great system.  It's got the best gamepad ever made and some REALLY fantastic exclusive content (95% of which was published, and usually developed by Nintendo).  Zelda Windwaker is a work of utter brilliance (superior to the new Twilight Princess IMO).  Then there's Metroid Prime, Animal Crossing, Pikmin 1&2, Resident Evil 4, Ikaruga, the Donkey Kong bongo game, and quite a lot of others that I can't be bothered to think of right now.

[Franco]

Thanks alot for your help everyone.

Im going to go for a GC over a Wii I think, the cheapness factor is the main reason but I also forgot about the GBA player, that definitely settles it

I know there isant alot of GC games that can be played with arcade controls but im hopefully going to hack a GC pad to be able to play them on my cocktail once it is finished. It would also be nice to be able to play the GBA games with the arcade controls, does anyone know if is possible to hack a GBA?

EDIT: or I could just use VBA  Does anyone know if it runs pretty much all of the games perfectly? If not then I will look towards hacking a GBA.

[tommy]

Even though you already made up your mind, the GC is great and well worth the money to buy it.

Check out how great the resident evil remake looks and RE0 on the Cube. Eternal Darkness was also very good along with many other games.

[versapak]

It's got the best gamepad ever made...

 



The 360 controller definitely has that honor, aside from the crappy d-pad (GC's joke of a d-pad was even worse though).


Controller preference is obviously going to be opinion, and everyone has their own, but I personally don't rank the Gamecube controller anywhere near the top of the best controllers list.




That aside... Yeah, the GC is definitely worth owning (if the Wii is nowhere in your near future, as many others already stated).

 

[genesim]

I am a huge Sonic fan and at least with the Gamecube you can get each and every title including all gamegear games!    The sad thing is that the system never had component cables and the S-Video isn't exactly easy or cheap to find.

Not a great system, but a whole lot better then N-64 IMHO.    Though a good Mario game never really happened.    I would hold out for the Wii.    Mario Galaxy should be real treat.

[shardian]

It's got the best gamepad ever made

Whatever you are smoking, I DON"T want any.

[ChadTower]

The GameCube is about $35 right now used.  You're not going to find a better value than that.  This is the golden time to snag GameCube hardware.

[JimmyU]

I am a huge Sonic fan and at least with the Gamecube you can get each and every title including all gamegear games!    The sad thing is that the system never had component cables and the S-Video isn't exactly easy or cheap to find.

That's not exactly true.  The earlier Gamecubes had componet out, but was removed later in its lifecycle for cost reasons.

[ChadTower]

The "digital out" port is what was removed - that's what was used for Component.

[ahofle]

The GameCube is about $35 right now used.  You're not going to find a better value than that.  This is the golden time to snag GameCube hardware.

I wish it was easy to find GC Wavebird controllers for cheap.

[ChadTower]

Third party used wireless controllers are getting cheap at Gamestop... not sure how good they are and YMMV as to condition. 

[Franco]

I am a huge Sonic fan and at least with the Gamecube you can get each and every title including all gamegear games!    The sad thing is that the system never had component cables and the S-Video isn't exactly easy or cheap to find.

That's not exactly true.  The earlier Gamecubes had componet out, but was removed later in its lifecycle for cost reasons.

The PAL GameCubes have component out which can also go into a scart adapter.

[SithMaster]

The GameCube is about $35 right now used.  You're not going to find a better value than that.  This is the golden time to snag GameCube hardware.

I wish it was easy to find GC Wavebird controllers for cheap.

I see them for around 20 dollars but my idea of cheap might be different then yours.

And whats this i hear about hacking a gba for vba?

[ChadTower]

You're probably never going to see a first party Wavebird a lot lower than $20, even used.

[Franco]

And whats this i hear about hacking a gba for vba?

I was thinking about having the gamecube conencted to my cocktail im building (the GC will be on the outside of the cab but the video will be connected though a twin component video/audio in/out plate on the back of the cabinet, two control pads would also be be hacked inside the cab to the IPAC and then I would make some ports on the same audio/video I/O panel from some GC extension cables. I could then connect the GC to the cab with some hacked female>female GC extension cables. This way I would be able to play some of the GC games that dont require the analogue controls on the cabinet. The audio/video panel will also be handy as I will be able to connect my 360 to the controls (using IPAC > hacked 360 pads > female USB sockets on the I/O panel > male to male USB cable > 360)  and either view the game on the cocktail screen or on my HDTV.

I was thinking that I would have to hack a GBA to be able to play GBA games as I thought that when using the GBA add on with the GC, the GBA cart went in the GBA connected to the GC. Know I know that the GBA cart plugs into the GBA adapter on the bottom of the GC I assume that you can use the GC controllers to play the GBA games on the big screen?

If this is correct I wouldnt need to hack a GBA and just use the hacked GC controllers, once again I could display the GBA game on the cocktail screen or the main TV.

Of course I could just use a GBA emulator 

The whole I/O plate thing will also allow me to display any of the mame or other emulated games on the big screen whilst using the cocktail controls.

/\ bet that lot sounds as clear as mud! It does work in my head though, honest! 

[SithMaster]

I get you.  yeah i think you could have the gba output to composite some how if you wanted to use a tv and thats what i thought you meant.

The gc uses the controllers for gba games though for the cocktail maybe just use an emu.

hell i should get a gc too.  maybe for christmas.

ps zero mission rocks.

[Franco]

I get you.  yeah i think you could have the gba output to composite some how if you wanted to use a tv and thats what i thought you meant.

The gc uses the controllers for gba games though for the cocktail maybe just use an emu.

Yeah an emu is definitely the best bet, I was just over thinking (and complicating) things before. That way I will also be able to use the S-video out from the video card to display the GBA on the TV.

[ahofle]

I see them for around 20 dollars but my idea of cheap might be different then yours.

They were going for $70-80 new on ebay a little while back, around full retail ($40) for used.  Looks like the prices have calmed down a bit lately though.  I ended up finding the Japanese wavebirds at play-asia.com for $40.  And yes they are so much better than the 3rd party wireless controllers, I couldn't believe it.

[Franco]

Are the Wavebirds worth getting then? Are they better than the OEM pad? There seems to be quite a few going fairly cheap on (UK) ebay.

[SithMaster]

Only if you want to worry about batteries and have wireless controllers.  I prefer wired despite claims that the battery life is long on the wavebirds but thats just because eventually ill have to swap them out.

[ahofle]

If you don't need wireless then save your money.  I was comparing them to other wireless controllers.  I have kids constantly tripping on the cords and yanking the console out of the entertainment center (plus I like to sit on the couch without having to worry about the cord reaching) so it was well worth it for me.

[shmokes]

It's got the best gamepad ever made

Whatever you are smoking, I DON"T want any.

Most comfortable gamepad ever made, and in terms of being, intuitive and capable it strikes the perfect balance.  Of course the original NES was more intuitive, but we're taking into account the actual complexity/capability of the controller.  And PS2/3's controller has more buttons, but is overly complex and the buttons have possibly the worst naming scheme in the the history of anything.  Gamecube's gamepad has never been topped. 

[ChadTower]

I prefer the N64 controller but then again I also prefer games that don't need 650 control types in a 4" space.

[genesim]

So if one has one of the earlier models with digital out is it easy to make it to component??    This would be nice, except for one thing.   It still needs to be upscanned to progressive!   A complete headache currently for my PS2 to my monitor.    I should have found a LCD monitor that took component. 

Upscanners are damn expensive.

[shardian]

It's got the best gamepad ever made

Whatever you are smoking, I DON"T want any.

Most comfortable gamepad ever made, and in terms of being, intuitive and capable it strikes the perfect balance.  Of course the original NES was more intuitive, but we're taking into account the actual complexity/capability of the controller.  And PS2/3's controller has more buttons, but is overly complex and the buttons have possibly the worst naming scheme in the the history of anything.  Gamecube's gamepad has never been topped. 

There is nothing intuitive about the gamecube controller. I had to look down at the controller most of the time to even know where the buttons were. The button placement is horrible. Now the N64 controller, that one was definitely intuitive and innovative.

[ahofle]

There is nothing intuitive about the gamecube controller. I had to look down at the controller most of the time to even know where the buttons were. The button placement is horrible. Now the N64 controller, that one was definitely intuitive and innovative.

The buttons are just about perfect IMO.  Each one is slightly different in size/orientation, yet easily accessible with your thumb so you never need to look down.  The DPad is pretty crappy on it I will say that, but I have yet to play a game where I use it for main movement anyway.

[versapak]

There is nothing intuitive about the gamecube controller. I had to look down at the controller most of the time to even know where the buttons were. The button placement is horrible. Now the N64 controller, that one was definitely intuitive and innovative.

The buttons are just about perfect IMO.  Each one is slightly different in size/orientation, yet easily accessible with your thumb so you never need to look down.  The DPad is pretty crappy on it I will say that, but I have yet to play a game where I use it for main movement anyway.

That oddball layout, different sized buttons and toy like feel was horrible, and a nice symmetrical diamond patter is MUCH easier to decipher without looking.

The gamecube controller took some getting used to, and once you were, there was literally NO benefit to it, unless you count horrible 3rd party support as a benefit.

Yeah, there were some games that were better made to accommodate it, but there is not a single game that the GC control scheme  actually made better.


Again... Everyone has their own opinions, but quite frankly... You guys are wrong.

[ChadTower]

It made Luigi's Mansion better.  I think it integrates very well with all of the first party games.

[versapak]

It made Luigi's Mansion better.  I think it integrates very well with all of the first party games.

1st party games definitely utilized it best, but I don't think at all that they worked any better than they would have with the, what is now standard, diamond layout.

When all is said and done, us gamers will pretty much adapt to any control layout if we enjoy the games we are playing with them, but when picking the best gamepad ever made...

I would think that the most basic requirement would have to be a design that works well with the majority of games, not just a select few.

[shmokes]

I don't get when people say that the buttons are confusing.  They are still in the diamond shape, but the main button (almost all games use one button WAY more than any of the others) sits right under the first knuckle of your thumb, with the button directly above it under the tip of your thumb.  the other two buttons are accessible with a quick trip to the left or right.  It is so easy, and you immediately know what button your thumb is on by the shape the instant you touch it. 

I really believe that controller preference is largely a matter of opinion, but confusing is about the last criticism I can imagine leveled at Gamecube's controller.  I'll give you uncomfortable, since that's purely subjective.  I'll give you poor for fighters (though I don't think this is a fair comparison cos you're talking about fighters developed for traditional controllers, but . . . ).  But you need help if you find Gamecube controllers confusing compared to others.  Can you say R1, R2, L1, L2, X, ---smurfing--- triangle, circle, square?

[btp2k2]

  The sad thing is that the system never had component cables

au contraire mofrair!

 My GC uses component cables. The early ones had a second port in the back for component cables, and for some reason they decided to take them off in later revisions.

[danny_galaga]

i think i saw a gamecube new for $45 at target the other week.

must...resist...buying...another...console...until ...next...year...

[tommy]

The GC controller is the best ever.

[versapak]

I don't get when people say that the buttons are confusing.  They are still in the diamond shape, but the main button (almost all games use one button WAY more than any of the others) sits right under the first knuckle of your thumb, with the button directly above it under the tip of your thumb.  the other two buttons are accessible with a quick trip to the left or right.  It is so easy, and you immediately know what button your thumb is on by the shape the instant you touch it. 

I really believe that controller preference is largely a matter of opinion, but confusing is about the last criticism I can imagine leveled at Gamecube's controller.  I'll give you uncomfortable, since that's purely subjective.  I'll give you poor for fighters (though I don't think this is a fair comparison cos you're talking about fighters developed for traditional controllers, but . . . ).  But you need help if you find Gamecube controllers confusing compared to others.  Can you say R1, R2, L1, L2, X, ---smurfing--- triangle, circle, square?

You mean R1 (which stands for Right 1), R2 (Right 2), L1 (Left 1), L2 (Left 2) is confusing? They are named for their location for heavens sake.


The gamecube buttons are absolutely NOT in a diamond shape. If you think they are, then you clearly failed in geometry.

B, A, Y, X, L, R & Z, with an analog stick labeled C?

Gimmie a break. You can not complain about the names of buttons of other controllers, and then claim that gamecube's made more sense.

[ChadTower]

Somehow, having letters on them makes them far easier for me to memorize.  Even years later I still can't remember which button is the ---smurfing--- triangle.

[versapak]

Somehow, having letters on them makes them far easier for me to memorize.  Even years later I still can't remember which button is the ---smurfing--- triangle.

Actually...

That I can agree with.