Taste of GameCube
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Approximately 30 widescreen (or so they seemed) TV's were lined up around the square style large room just off Fisherman's Wharf. There weren't as many people as I was expecting, but nevertheless every TV had at least one person and most had from 2 to 7 people around them. The people outside were letting anyone in, so didn't have to show the printed "admission ticket." In the back there was a DJ that was putting out a constant stream of techno-style music, so very difficult to hear the games. Also in the back were about 4 dark small rooms enshrouded in black curtains that had games where audio could be heard.
The Cube: It's tiny! It's amazing what it can do.
The Controller: I'm a huge believer now. I've played with the Xbox controller, and this just feels right. All except the little Z button on the right side in which your right finger is supposed to move up from its ergonomically designed spot.
The Games, from ho-hum to wow:
NBA Courtside 2002: Good graphics, seemed sluggish. Not the frame rate really, just the game. If it's finished, it's merely passable IMO.
Madden NFL 2002: Didn't play it but the game looked really good! Easy to see the field, quick loading, realistic, colorful.
Pikmin: Extremely good graphics and animation (though seemingly simpler), smooth, takes a bit of getting into which made for a hard-to-interpret game. Feel that the game will be very good.
Luigi's Mansion: Didn't watch much. Frankly, when the reports came out that the game was too short, I didn't much care. Not to say anything about the animation or effects... they stand on their own.
Wave Race: Blue Storm: Played it for a while. Being an expert at the N64 version helped me do the stunts right away, and they were easy to pull off. I got much more out of single player than I did multiplayer with this. It's gonna be a good one to have. Graphics great but actually slightly less so than I thought.
Eternal Darkness: Shows a lack of polish. Looks unfinished. Not as animated as I had hoped. Fairly smooth frame rate though.
Star Fox Adventures: Okay, this has potential! Graphics when flying are absolutely amazing. I doubt the Xbox could provide better visuals or smoothness. Adventure part? Totally unfinished. Walk around with staff, pick up a few things, dig, and hit a few things. Graphics on adventure part decent enough for Cube. Verdict: Much potential :)
Rogue Squadron II: Much faster and smoother animation than I thought it would have. Played first two levels, the game is going to have a learning curve for doing things quicker, scoring more kills. Later water mission I watched with snowspeeders and AT-AT's was visually very impressive but some slowdown occured. Verdict: pleasantly surprised... even with all the hype.
Super Monkey Ball: Smooth, fast, smooth, colorful, fast, smooth, simple to learn, tons of variety for a puzzle-type, etc. This game is a winner. Can't wait.
Best of Show:
Super Smash Bros. Melee: All I'm going to say is wow. This has mass-market arcade potential written all over it, if it weren't that everyone's going to own it. Smoother than a slip-n-slide, incredible effects with absolutely no slowdown, animation that is mind-blowing... they look rendered... are they? It's very hard to tell with the Princess and smaller characters. Backgrounds that range from simple to super complex. Played as Capt. Falcon and Donkey Kong... they were very different. Verdict: The ultimate party game... if you like action. Had NO chance to see single player as every TV was full at all times.
For more pics of the SF coverage and a little about it, see Cube @ Ign's recap of the event that they just posted.
