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Killer 7 (GC)
by autumnleaf
Killer7 is a really novel action/puzzle game from the brain of legendary gaming icon Suda51. This is the same person that brought us the likes of No More Heroes and Lollipop chainsaw, just to give you an idea of the sort of game we have here: it is pretty bonkers.
But I wouldn't be put off by the quirks, this is a really fun ... game. You play through the game as a number of different characters, each with their own attributes that bring something different to the game. You can swap characters throughout the game, but you may only change to characters that the designers allow you to. The main game is sort of on-rails in that you hold down a button to run forwards and another button will spin you around on the spot to run in the opposite direction. Your character will run along a fixed path but there are occasional junctions that allow you to choose your route. At first this may seem a bit inhibiting, but it becomes a very satisfying way to move around the game world. At any point, you can hold down a trigger button to go into first person mode, where you can shoot any surrounding enemies. The enemies are invisible until you go into first person mode and press a 'scan' button. You can then shoot at any enemies, with extra points and quicker deaths for hitting their sweet spots which are located on their bodies.
There is so much that could be said about this game that it would simply be impossible to fit in an entire review and probably even harder to explain, you just have to play the game for yourself. I can only really liken the game to some kind of strange dream or after-life like experience such is the nature of the cell-shaded graphics, the strangeness of the characters and the craziness of the plot. It truly is a surreal experience.
With about 8-10 hours of storyline, there is plenty to get through and you will probably want to play through it all again afterwards. My only really complaint is that there are periods where I found myself left wondering what to do next, and sometimes dying and having to re-do the last section can be a little frustrating, but this are relatively minor complaints really, otherwise this is a highly recommended game.
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The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GC)
by DooYou
Looking back a long time, way before this game was released. When we all set our eyes on the graphical change of the Gamecube Zelda from realistic to cartoon, most of us were gobsmacked at this sudden change by Nintendo and we thought this might be a waste of time. But, there was always hope for us because the same magic formula from ... Ocarina of Time has been transferred to this game.
With the Wind Waker's graphics even though it's a new techinque of cel-shading used, the Gamecube's graphic engine was to the maximum nearly and it actually feels like you're part of a cartoon seeing the story progress. Even though the frame rate can drop at odd times because of too many characters on the screen at once, it certainly doesn't affect the gameplay. There is still realism in the game with water, lighting and especially the wind effects, pushing a boat in its direction and even gales blowing too strong for Link to handle.
The gameplay in Zelda games has always been a key advantage. The first few hours of the game is considered training and it allows you to get used to the actions. The in-game camera is also very responsive allowing you to see where you are going all the time. Combat is also made easy to fight but challenging in difficulty because of an excellent targeting camera, allowing you not to lose track of your enemy.
The dungeons and puzzles are also challenging.
The music in the game is of the same excellent quality as in the other Zelda games and the sound effects provide realism when certain materials collide together and the cooling sounds of wading through water.
The Wind Waker isn't better than the Ocarina Of Time, this shows that the Legend Of Zelda series is still going strong and always will, because this is one of the best adventure games on the Gamecube.
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Metroid Prime (GC)
by DooYou
A full 3D Metroid title that promises to deliver similar gaming joy to the likes of Goldeneye and Perfect Dark of the N64. We shouldn't even use Goldeneye and Metroid in the same sentence, mind, because this new gargantuan quest is a title like no other, it has no parallel, no equivalent, and nothing that even comes close to matching its ... cutting edge characteristics.
The game begins at an orbital station in which you learn the very basic controls and features of the game, all of which will feel a little sloppy to newcomers. Manoeuvring your hero is easy enough, but when it comes to locking on and aiming, before diving into the morph ball option, it all starts to become a little complicated. Fear not, it will become familiar in time.
Despite a few faults, of which I will refer to later, Metroid Prime really is an astonishing gaming experience, and probably the most startling and generic one I have come across. The first thing that will appeal to all about the game is its looks; the glorious abnormal effects that you'd expect from a space action encounter are present, and incredibly beautiful at that. The structural designs and surroundings are also highly detailed and true to the eerie atmosphere Prime creates. Nothing about Metroid's graphics disappoints in the slightest; it's flawless.
Yes, taken as a whole it does have faults though. There is an annoyance when it comes to some scanning aspects of the game play. Whilst using the scanner is a breath of fresh air at times, it can get highly repetitive and irritating when you either miss out scanning a certain boss, or enemy of which you will not come across again. Another more miserable part of Prime is the rare save points, which will often frustrate players of which fall to their death just prior to reaching the next one. Luckily, both flaws inspire a repeat of the game, in order to gain entire completion of it.
Like Super Metroid from the SNES years, Prime has all of the credentials that make a classic Nintendo game. Shamefully, there will be a fair few that will not relish the finer moments of Metroid Prime, because when it gets good, it gets really, really good. The later bosses and puzzles involve a lot of thought-provoking play, which will also push you to the boundaries of your gaming skill. Those that don't see past initial flaws ultimately won't know what they're missing out on, but they really are.
This is probably the finest 2D to 3D transition, it includes audio and visual displays that will see your mouth water with glee, and masterful game play that is so brilliantly true to its SNES predecessor. This is a staggering achievement that is a more than worthy update to its franchise. Metroid Prime truly is a Gamecube saviour.
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