As this generation of consoles comes to a close and news of the Revolution is released it may be easy to forget there are still some great games coming out for the GameCube. Sure you may have a pile of un-played games from 2004 but every gamer knows anticipating the big releases is as big a part of the hobby as playing the games. Here's a look at 10 of the biggest releases hitting the GameCube in 2005.
Resident Evil 4 - January 11th
Developer: Capcom
After prequels, remakes, spin-offs and numerous sequels the Resident Evil series continues and Resident Evil 4 may be the most anticipated title yet. Why the interest? Capcom has given new life to the series with an interesting new setting, the game takes place in a remote European Village. From what we've seen the game offers some great graphics, improved AI, a modified control scheme and an improved save feature. There's no wait for this one, it's here in January.
Star Fox: Assault - February 15th
Developer: Namco
The Star Fox series returns to its roots in a new 3-d flying/action game similar to its N64 and SNES predecessors, the only difference, this time you'll also be have the ability to leave the cockpit and control Fox on the ground. All your familiar wingmen are here including Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, Crystal (Star Fox Adventure) and the arrogant but talented Falco. The flying stuff looks great and from what we've seen the Fox stuff doesn't look to bad either. This title is long overdue.
Killer 7 - TBA
Developer: Capcom
Looks like we are finally going to see Capcom's long awaited mysterious action-thriller Killer 7. In the game you'll be controlling the seven different personalities of Harlan Smith, an experienced assassin, as you take down Kun Ran, and underworld kingpin. The game looks amazing and gains most of it's attention because of it's dark, stylish graphics. Hopefully the game plays as well as it looks.
Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat - March 14
Developer: Nintendo
Time to clean off those conga drums. Nintendo's new Donkey Kong platformer is conga dependent. Yep, that's right, the conga drums are being used to control Donkey Kong through a platformer. Moving, jumping, swinging and climbing are all accomplished with the drums. Although it might sound gimmicy, early impressions of the game are extremely positive.
StarCraft: Ghost - TBD
Developer: Swingin' Ape Studios
Based on the popular StarCraft RTS title, StarCraft Ghost let's you take control of a Terran ghost (human stealth soldier) in this 3rd person stealth/adventure game. Blizzard has already created an interesting setting now its up to Swingin' Ape to provide the game play. The game has suffered from long delays and has been in the hands of two developers now, usually something to worrby about. Fortunately, Blizzard has been overseeing the development and is holding the game to their high standards.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory - March 3
Developer: Ubi-Soft
Sam Fisher returns in the third Splinter Cell game. As tension rises in eastern Asia, Japan suffers a 'Black Gold Day' where their economy is nearly destroyed due to foul play, Sam Fisher is sent to investigate. Expect more of the same, stealthy, gadget reliant game play, which is good thing. New features include the ability to strike from the water and the addition of a multi-player cooperative mode.
Advance Wars: Under Fire - June 1st
Developer: Intelligent Systems
After two successful games on the GBA, Advance Wars is coming to the Gameube. You'll be given control, once again, of an army in which you'll have complete control over. Strategy, troop and vechichle placement are all up to you in this intuitive turn-based military game. Expect some 3-d graphics with classic Advance Wars gameplay.
Fire Emblem: Souen no Kiseki - TBD
Developer: Intelligent Systems
After numerous installments on the Gameboy, Fire Emblem is finally making its way to the GameCube and not much has changed. Part RPG, part strategy, expect the same turn-based, grid traversing gameplay, only this time with improved graphics, new features and a new skill system. Fans of the series will feel right at home.
Geist - TBD
Developer: N-Space
The long awaited and often delayed FPS is just about here. You'll play a spirit with supernatural powers looking for your lost body. Along the way you'll be scaring humans, taking over their bodies and possessing any machinery you find to accomplish your mission. What sets Geist apart from the others is its supernatural theme and unconventional game play.
The Legend of Zelda - TBA
Developer: Nintendo
Not much is known about the most anticipated release of the year. Those who were disappointed by The Wind Waker's cell shaded graphics and beachy setting will be happy with the new darker look and more 'mature' Link. No matter what the game looks like we can expect another solid dungeon exploring adventure from Miyamoto. Expect this one to get a ton of hype and coverage in the next few months as more info is made available.
What else can we look forward to in 2005:
Harvest Moon: Song of Happiness
Developer: Marvelous Interactive
Release Date: TBD
Mortal Kombat: Deception
Developer: Midway
Release Date: February 15
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon II
Developer: Red Storm Entertainment
Release: February 15
Time Splitters: Future Perfect
Developer: Freed Radical Design
Release Date: February 8
Virtua Quest
Developer: Sega-AM2
Release Date: January 11
Games we may or may not see in 2005:
Animal Crossing 2
X-Men Legends 2
Pokemon GameCube
Kirby Adventure
Mario Baseball
Resident Evil 4 - January 11th
Developer: Capcom
After prequels, remakes, spin-offs and numerous sequels the Resident Evil series continues and Resident Evil 4 may be the most anticipated title yet. Why the interest? Capcom has given new life to the series with an interesting new setting, the game takes place in a remote European Village. From what we've seen the game offers some great graphics, improved AI, a modified control scheme and an improved save feature. There's no wait for this one, it's here in January.
Star Fox: Assault - February 15th
Developer: Namco
The Star Fox series returns to its roots in a new 3-d flying/action game similar to its N64 and SNES predecessors, the only difference, this time you'll also be have the ability to leave the cockpit and control Fox on the ground. All your familiar wingmen are here including Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, Crystal (Star Fox Adventure) and the arrogant but talented Falco. The flying stuff looks great and from what we've seen the Fox stuff doesn't look to bad either. This title is long overdue.
Killer 7 - TBA
Developer: Capcom
Looks like we are finally going to see Capcom's long awaited mysterious action-thriller Killer 7. In the game you'll be controlling the seven different personalities of Harlan Smith, an experienced assassin, as you take down Kun Ran, and underworld kingpin. The game looks amazing and gains most of it's attention because of it's dark, stylish graphics. Hopefully the game plays as well as it looks.
Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat - March 14
Developer: Nintendo
Time to clean off those conga drums. Nintendo's new Donkey Kong platformer is conga dependent. Yep, that's right, the conga drums are being used to control Donkey Kong through a platformer. Moving, jumping, swinging and climbing are all accomplished with the drums. Although it might sound gimmicy, early impressions of the game are extremely positive.
StarCraft: Ghost - TBD
Developer: Swingin' Ape Studios
Based on the popular StarCraft RTS title, StarCraft Ghost let's you take control of a Terran ghost (human stealth soldier) in this 3rd person stealth/adventure game. Blizzard has already created an interesting setting now its up to Swingin' Ape to provide the game play. The game has suffered from long delays and has been in the hands of two developers now, usually something to worrby about. Fortunately, Blizzard has been overseeing the development and is holding the game to their high standards.
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory - March 3
Developer: Ubi-Soft
Sam Fisher returns in the third Splinter Cell game. As tension rises in eastern Asia, Japan suffers a 'Black Gold Day' where their economy is nearly destroyed due to foul play, Sam Fisher is sent to investigate. Expect more of the same, stealthy, gadget reliant game play, which is good thing. New features include the ability to strike from the water and the addition of a multi-player cooperative mode.
Advance Wars: Under Fire - June 1st
Developer: Intelligent Systems
After two successful games on the GBA, Advance Wars is coming to the Gameube. You'll be given control, once again, of an army in which you'll have complete control over. Strategy, troop and vechichle placement are all up to you in this intuitive turn-based military game. Expect some 3-d graphics with classic Advance Wars gameplay.
Fire Emblem: Souen no Kiseki - TBD
Developer: Intelligent Systems
After numerous installments on the Gameboy, Fire Emblem is finally making its way to the GameCube and not much has changed. Part RPG, part strategy, expect the same turn-based, grid traversing gameplay, only this time with improved graphics, new features and a new skill system. Fans of the series will feel right at home.
Geist - TBD
Developer: N-Space
The long awaited and often delayed FPS is just about here. You'll play a spirit with supernatural powers looking for your lost body. Along the way you'll be scaring humans, taking over their bodies and possessing any machinery you find to accomplish your mission. What sets Geist apart from the others is its supernatural theme and unconventional game play.
The Legend of Zelda - TBA
Developer: Nintendo
Not much is known about the most anticipated release of the year. Those who were disappointed by The Wind Waker's cell shaded graphics and beachy setting will be happy with the new darker look and more 'mature' Link. No matter what the game looks like we can expect another solid dungeon exploring adventure from Miyamoto. Expect this one to get a ton of hype and coverage in the next few months as more info is made available.
What else can we look forward to in 2005:
Harvest Moon: Song of Happiness
Developer: Marvelous Interactive
Release Date: TBD
Mortal Kombat: Deception
Developer: Midway
Release Date: February 15
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon II
Developer: Red Storm Entertainment
Release: February 15
Time Splitters: Future Perfect
Developer: Freed Radical Design
Release Date: February 8
Virtua Quest
Developer: Sega-AM2
Release Date: January 11
Games we may or may not see in 2005:
Animal Crossing 2
X-Men Legends 2
Pokemon GameCube
Kirby Adventure
Mario Baseball
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