The Games

May 16th is nearly upon us. We have all been waiting for a looooooong time. I myself have been waiting since March the 1st 1997. That's the day I got the N64 (on launch day). The GC is what I wanted the N64 to be. That's a long time to wait. Well its nearly here, I can almost smell the fresh plastic of the GC.

If you are reading this, then chances are you are buying a GC. Whether you own a PS2 or Crap-Box is not the issue. I forgive you. (You will be judged in the afterlife).

The question is what QUALITY games are coming out at launch. Are they worth buying? Are they just ports from the other consoles? Will I still play and enjoy the game when I finish it? Is Luigi's Mansion worth buying? Etc.

Well, here's a list of ALL 20 GC games coming out at Launch. With a quick summary of the MAJOR titles.

Enjoy!

- Luigi's Mansion	- FIFA 2002 World Cup
- Wave Race: Blue Storm	- Dave Mirra BMX 2
- Sonic Adventure	- NBA Street
- Tony Hawk 3	- Dark Summit
- Super Monkey Ball	- Universal Studios
- Batman Vengeance	- Tarzan
- Simpson's Road Rage	- Donald Duck Quack Attack
- Bloody Roar: Primal Fury	- Rogue Leader
- Crazy Taxi	- Extreme G3
- Driven	- Burnout

1) Luigi's Mansion

Nintendo's Baby - their Pride and Joy. One of those games that really shows off the machines power. Great Lighting effects - BUT that's about it. Same game-play, level after level and room after room.

Ghost scares you, shine torch in ghosts eyes, stun ghost and finally suck up the ghost. A great game for the wee little ones. BUT for those older gamers a RENT only title. BUY if you are a true collector, Aged 8 - 12 or are Mad.


2) Wave Race: Blue Storm (MUST BUY)

I really shouldn't have to say anything about this game. If you've played the original, you HAVE to get this. If you want a game that's a cross between F1 Grand-Prix and Mario Kart - BUT on WATER. GET THIS! Blue Storm is stunning.

Major improvements are - Water Effects (Duh), Constant 30 fps, Can be used on 16X9 Widescreen TV in Progressive Scan Mode, 4 Player Split Screen, Single Players race against 7 other racers (YES SEVEN), Different weather for each level from Sunny to Tsunami.

NOTE: This game has an Extremely High learning curve. Meaning that younger gamers will actually get annoyed and almost hate the game. BUT once you are able to control the vehicle you will find a fantastic game that you will come back to again and again.


3) Sonic Adventure

Not being much of a fan of Sonic (or Sega) means I don't personally know much about the game. Except that if you suffer from Epilepsy you should definitely avoid this game. All you do is RUN. From my basic understanding!

Why should I BUY it: Well If you own the Game Boy Advance equivalent you should know that the GC version and GBA game are compatible with each other. By using the GBA - GC Link Cable you can do something with a character named Chaos or Chao or Kao or something.

So, If you own the GBA game you should definitely purchase this.


4) Tony Hawk 3

This game rocks. Although I am assuming this. I love TH1. There was just something about it. I think the best word is actually FREEDOM. You could do anything and just about go anywhere. It is one of those few gems that feel like it's a new game every time. BUT the sequel was a disappointment (to some people) because it was TOO unrealistic. Meaning the Jumps were Higher which in turn allowed you to do better and longer combos.

So the question then is what has happened to the third instalment. And is it even worth getting with Tony Hawk 4 soon to be released.

If you are a Skateboarder, a Fan or Just like great Fun games THPS3 is for you. BUT if you are not sure it might be better to wait for the fourth one. Either way this is one of the few titles that can be enjoyed by everyone no matter what sex, age or skateboarding experience they have.


5) Super Monkey Ball

Monkey Ball is simple. You pick a Monkey who is inside a Clear Ball. You move joystick to move the actual ground (not the Monkey). Monkey then rolls around the stadium/arena and tries to collect uuummm Bananas or Coins etc and get to the Goal or Finish Line.

With simple Gameplay like this and an amazingly addictive Multiplayer game, Large amount of levels and very sharp cartoony graphics you have to wonder why BUY it at all. When Super Monkey Ball 2 is going to be sooooooo much better and have soooooo much more.

This game is a must buy. BUT only if you have at least 3 friends. And No Mario, Luigi and Yoshi don't count. Its still great fun to play by yourself.


6) Rogue Leader (Are you mad, Its Already Out, Go get it NOW!)

If you have not heard about Star Wars Rogue Squadron before - Tsk, Tsk, Tsk. Fast forward time and you have the sequel Rogue Leader. I'm not even going to bother describing the game. All I'm going to say is that...
1 - You can buy it NOW.
2 - You can play in 16X9 Wide-Screen and use your *Component Cable.
3 - It is presented in *Dolby Pro Logic 2.

"The Force is Strong with this one"

NOTE: *There will be an in-depth Feature next week explaining what these are, how they work, are the worth buying etc.


Please E-Mail me with any questions you have about the upcoming games. Tell us what games YOU are getting at Launch and why.

Contact me at cardsharkmark@hotmail.com for any other comments or queries.

Card Shark Mark
7/5/02