Written by Matt Swider  on December 15, 2002

Special: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

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Coinciding with the exciting release of Sega's Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II MMORPG for the GameCube, Nintendo finally unleashed both of their online adapters: The 56k Modem and the Broadband Adapter. GameCube owners will be using either of these adapters to take their GameCubes to the next level of online gaming. Though currently only supported by PSO, it is only a matter of time before Nintendo starts unleashing their own killer line of products to support the online adapters. This holiday season is the perfect time to get a jumpstart on the action by picking up one of the two modem adaptors and Sega's Phantasy Star Online!

GameCube System Profile
This holiday season is gearing up to be great for gamers on all systems. Sure, Microsoft has it's Xbox Live and Sony has it's PS2 Online but Nintendo has the software. Great first, second and third party is making this the season to be Jolly. A lot of Nintendo franchises have made triumphant returns this year and a few major game series' have gone GC exclusive. The list of GameCube titles that you should check out is nearly limitless and includes a new Super Mario game, the first Metroid title in more than seven years and a brand new Resident Evil that you can't play anywhere else. Additionally, the GameCube seems to have the broadest appeal of the three systems. The Xbox and PS2 are geared towards the older gamer and seem to be lacking the quality family titles that the GC sports. With all of the systems pushing comparable graphics and performance, the real decision that you need to make is, "What games do you want to play?" and the GameCube has one of the strongest line-ups ever.

Continue with the Holiday Buyer's Guide 2002
Multi-Console ╖ GameCube ╖ PS2 ╖ Xbox ╖ GBA
--> Super Mario Sunshine

Super Mario has returned at last! Sequel to the universally successful Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine for the GameCube redefines how 3D platforming can and should be done. Join Mario, Peach, Yoshi, the Toads, and new friends such as FLUDD in their quest to restore Isle Delfino to its formerly bright, unpolluted glory. Super Mario Sunshine marks the welcome return of old-time friends as well as many classic Mario gameplay elements, all the while providing a brand new, challenging experience perfectly suited both for newcomers to the franchise and its longtime fans. Can you clean up the paint and pollution strangling the Pianta and Noki residents? Can you restore the Shine Sprites to their blazing natural states?
Coverage:аGameCube

Metroid Prime

The Metroid series came to a screeching halt with the release of Super Metroid, arguably the best game in the franchise. Now, a mere eight years later, the relatively new developers at Retro Studios in association with Nintendo have made an impact on the gaming world with the release of Metroid Prime, the fourth installment in the series. This pseudo first person shooter takes the player and places them in the boots of Samus Aran, intergalactic bounty hunter searching out the evil Space Pirates in hopes of wiping them clean away from the galaxy forever. Strap yourselves in and pick up one of the best GameCube games of the year.
Coverage: GameCube

Animal Crossing

Based on time, Animal Crossing utilizes the GameCube's internal clock and calendar to dictate the actions of this fully interactive town. Players can work, make new friends, and influence the town based on your behavior. Players can also build up their own houses and create an enormous abode capable of holding a number of different trinkets and furniture pieces. Not only that, but players can also play original NES games and visit other players towns by simply exchanging memory cards. Plus, players can connect the GBA and the E-reader and visit new worlds and acquire new items. Animal Crossing is by far one of the most original GameCube titles to date.
Coverage: GameCube

Star Fox Adventures: Dinosaur Planet

Star Fox Adventures marks two significant events; Rare's last game on a Nintendo console and Fox McCloud's first forays into the 3D adventure genre. Modeled much like Nintendo's own Legend of Zelda games for the Nintendo 64, Star Fox Adventures for the GameCube has you exploring Dinosaur Planet in an effort to thwart the ambitions of the tyrant, General Scales. Explore one of the most beautiful games of the current generation, all the while enjoying tried and true Nintendo gameplay with just enough of Rare's touch infused to provide a refreshing and rewarding experience. Star Fox Adventures is the perfect title to hold gamers off until the release of both the new Legend of Zelda game as well as the new Star Fox shooter, both due out later next year.
Coverage:аGameCube

Mario Party 4

In case you didn't notice last year when you picked up your GameCube, the system has four controller ports capable of supports, you guessed it, four players and the best game for all four players is Mario Party 4. It's basically a collection of varied mini games that players can compete or cooperate in and become the champion of the party. Thanks to its intuitive and simple board game like interface, players will always enjoy a great deal of variety with each play through with unique and enjoyable games for the entire family. If you crave multiplayer and want to experience the best game available for it for the family, then Mario Party 4 is a sure bet.
Coverage: GameCube

Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem

Dubbed as one of the most original and gruesome titles released on the GameCube to date, Eternal Darkness puts you in the role of Alexandra Roivas who treks to Rhode Island to uncover the truth behind her Grandfather's gory murder. As she explores the estate, she uncovers a number of hidden stories from the past speaking of an evil that is slowly beginning to restore its power. It's a tale of magic, violence and sheer horror that will drive you up the walls with its Insanity Effects. Be warned, this game is not for the faint of heart.
Coverage: GameCube

Resident Evil 0

You'll be in for a shock when you find out that for the first time ever, Capcom has went back in time to give their scary as hell Resident Evil franchise a prequel. Starting the story from the very beginning, before there ever was a reason to eat Jill in a hamburger bun, before Wesker betrayed his team, before those dogs jumped through the window, there was only but Rebecca Chambers and her newfound friend, and also a criminal on the run, Billy Coen. Scary as it's ever been, Resident Evil 0 now has dual gameplay in controlling both Billy and Rebecca. And together, they'll take down the evil of everything.
Coverage: GameCube

Super Monkey Ball 2

When the GameCube released in the US a year ago, one of the sleeper hits at the time was Super Monkey Ball. The basic premise is that you are a monkey in a clear sphere that has to move from one end of a level to another without falling to your death. This year, Sega has made an addition to the series dubbed Super Monkey Ball 2. In this game, players will explore well over 100 all new levels that build on last years game alone with at least six new multiplayer games and a slew of all new mini games that will surely appease those looking for a little puzzle action.

Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II

Sega defined what was possible with online console gaming with the original Phantasy Star Online for the Dreamcast. Now, they seek to do the same with Nintendo's GameCube by unleashing an incarnation of PSO that features triple the content of the original! With the help of Nintendo's 56k Modem or Broadband Adaptor, choose from one of twelve balanced characters and join a thriving online community currently composed of American and Japanese gamers playing together to unlock the secrets of Sega's Phantasy Star Online world. While using the Pioneer 2 spaceship as your base, set off on excursions with your friends to uncover the mysteries of the planet Ragol, to discover the fate of Pioneer 1 and its failed attempt at colonization.
Coverage:аGameCube

GameCube Modem/Broadband Adapters
Coinciding with the exciting release of Sega's Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II MMORPG for the GameCube, Nintendo finally unleashed both of their online adapters: The 56k Modem and the Broadband Adapter. GameCube owners will be using either of these adapters to take their GameCubes to the next level of online gaming. Though currently only supported by PSO, it is only a matter of time before Nintendo starts unleashing their own killer line of products to support the online adapters. This holiday season is the perfect time to get a jumpstart on the action by picking up one of the two modem adaptors and Sega's Phantasy Star Online!

GameCube System Profile
This holiday season is gearing up to be great for gamers on all systems. Sure, Microsoft has it's Xbox Live and Sony has it's PS2 Online but Nintendo has the software. Great first, second and third party is making this the season to be Jolly. A lot of Nintendo franchises have made triumphant returns this year and a few major game series' have gone GC exclusive. The list of GameCube titles that you should check out is nearly limitless and includes a new Super Mario game, the first Metroid title in more than seven years and a brand new Resident Evil that you can't play anywhere else. Additionally, the GameCube seems to have the broadest appeal of the three systems. The Xbox and PS2 are geared towards the older gamer and seem to be lacking the quality family titles that the GC sports. With all of the systems pushing comparable graphics and performance, the real decision that you need to make is, "What games do you want to play?" and the GameCube has one of the strongest line-ups ever.

Continue with the Holiday Buyer's Guide 2002
Multi-Console ╖ GameCube ╖ PS2 ╖ Xbox ╖ GBA