Toy Test 2001: Hands on GameCube

Written by Kyle Williams on August 22, 2001

Toy Test 2001: Hands on GameCube: We take Nintendo's next generation console for a spin.

It is every video game player's delight to get the opportunity to play the latest and greatest video games before everyone else. This week I experienced the greatest delight of all when I got the opportunity to finally get my hands on Nintendo's new Gamecube at Today's Toy Test 2001. Let me tell you right now, I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I was treated to what has to be the greatest gaming experience this side of consciousness. Stay right where you are and I'll tell you just what it is like to get your hands on the new Gamecube controller and play two of the games slated for Gamecube's launch.

When most people first saw the Gamecube controller they thought, "Has Fisher Price climbed into the video game controller market?" The colors used just screamed kid's toy and the physical construction of the controller was just funny looking. A lot of critics were skeptical of the new design but have had their concerns laid to rest now that they have gotten their hands on it. Never have I felt a more balanced game controller. It is designed to fit your hand perfectly and employs all of the best features of the last generation of controllers from the various system manufacturers. The non-traditional button configuration works surprisingly well, as does the peculiar offset second analog stick. Speaking of analog sticks, gone are the days of being afraid of breaking your N64 control stick off. The new Gamecube analog sticks are solid and respond with incredible accuracy. The only complaint that I have with the new controller, is that the "Z" button is smaller than the "R" button that is right next to it and its placement isn't as intuitive as it could be. This new controller is set up well to handle all different types of video games, from fighting to role-playing, and will be great for several years of gaming joy.

The first Gamecube title that I laid eyes on in person was NBA Courtside 2. This game is continuing the tradition of recent sports titles for the PS2 and making the game look like you are watching the daily highlights off of Sportscenter. The game packs in some fantastic player models and facial textures and achieves a sense of realism that could only be imagined two years ago. The game takes full advantage of the new GC controller with the second analog stick being used for an excellent "quick-pass" system. Beyond that, the gameplay is nothing overly surprising, but is solid just the same. More time with the title would probably reveal more of the intricacies of the sport engine, its drawbacks and advantages, but what are you going to do with a five minute test drive?

Every game and system that were present at the Toy Test had people constantly at the controls but only one game actually had a line waiting to play it. That game was Super Smash Brothers: Melee, and playing it (even for only five minutes) was worth the wait. The game plays just like the original Super Smash Brothers with all of the same frantic action and unbridled mayhem, but does it with a magnitude of more pizzazz. The graphics are simply beautiful, with wonderfully designed characters, bold vibrant colors and eye popping visual effects. Even with everything that is going on visually, the game screams along with absolutely no sign of system slowdown. SSB:M also has more classic Nintendo characters to choose from than the original and levels inspired by games such as Pokemon and F-Zero, each with level specific obstacles and inactivity. While Super Smash Brothers: Melee may not push the system to its proverbial limits, it is a good indication of what is to come from this hardware powerhouse.

This first taste of what the Gamecube can do has been enough to sell me on the system. Nintendo's new console keeps pace with the PS2 and has demonstrated more to the masses than Microsoft's elusive X-Box has. Anybody that may have had concerns that the GC would suffer from N64's shortcomings should be ashamed of themselves for thinking that Nintendo wouldn't learn from their mistakes. The Gamecube has proven to me that it is more than capable of holding its own in the coming console war, and that there is no reason to not buy this system. You don't have to believe me though. Go ahead, wait to play the system when it comes out to see for yourself, then try and find one before Christmas.