Bold Steps for Nintendo GameCube

Traditionally the second halves of console life cycles are characterized by a sort of technological malaise. Game production slows and titles become less inspired as developers turn their thoughts and energies to their next systems.

But not this time.

With a bold lineup for 2004, Nintendo GameCube demonstrates that creativity follows no timelines. With the arrival of much-anticipated games like Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, the introduction of fun accessories like the DK Bongo controller and the demonstration of hard-core games like Resident Evil 4 from Capcom for older gamers, Nintendo GameCube strides into the months ahead with continued energy.

"By any measure this is an exciting lineup, offering something for longtime fans and novices," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president, marketing and corporate communications. "As always, we aim to entertain, excite and inspire, whether by bringing a new dimension to a familiar franchise or delivering something people have never seen before."

Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, the follow-up to the exciting first-person adventure, takes Samus Aran on a wild, dangerous new mission, only this time the game offers a multiplayer mode that lets players hang out and play together. Paper Mario 2 has a two-dimensional Mario vying for audience approval while trying to navigate a 3-D landscape. The next Star Fox game will be an outstanding sequel with multiplayer options, while Pikmin 2 introduces fans to a new character and new types of Pikmin.

Leave it to Nintendo to come up with an exciting new way for people of any age to participate in and play video games. Donkey Konga uses a DK Bongo controller, a unique drumming accessory that contains sensors and microphones. Players beat the bongo and clap their hands to the music on the screen in a competition to see who has the best rhythm. Its a great party game for youngsters, college kids and adults. Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, the next great Donkey Kong adventure game, also uses the DK Bongo controller, but this time the taps and claps control Donkey Kong's movements on the screen. Donkey Konga and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat are what social, interactive game play is all about.

The next Nintendo GameCube adventure in The Legend of Zelda series will arrive in June with The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures. Link, who has been split into four copies, explores eight massive worlds while hunting for Force Gems. In 2005, Link will be let loose on a new and exciting Nintendo GameCube excursion to fight evil and seek treasure.

Because of the huge popularity of Nintendo franchise characters like Mario, Donkey Kong and Kirby, it's easy to overlook the many Teen- and Mature-rated titles made for Nintendo GameCube. Upcoming games like Resident Evil 4 and Killer 7 from Capcom, and Geist, developed by n-Space for Nintendo, deal with more mature themes, while demonstrating the overall range of titles and genres available for Nintendo GameCube.

Other upcoming third-party games made for Nintendo GameCube include Tales of Symphonia and Baten Kaitos from Namco, GoldenEye 2, NASCAR Thunder 2005 and Madden NFL 2005 from Electronic Arts, and WWE Day of Reckoning from THQ.

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